The Goodnight Nurse

Sleeping Problems

Having researched and implemented many methods, I will help you to determine, plan and implement a method that is most suited to you and your families needs. I will provide you with a written individualised plan at the conclusion of our consult and with regular phone and email support; you should be seeing results very quickly indeed.

If you are having difficulty in developing and/or implementing day and night time routines or are unsure of how much sleep your child should be getting, I can assist you in developing a routine that suits you and your child and guide you on their needs.

Sleeping problems can be caused for a number of reasons but current research shows one thing very clear. The old wives tale of “they will grow out of it” can be quite untrue. Sleeping problems that are not resolved in early childhood can result in poor sleepers for life!

Children that are poor sleepers (and this is just a few):

  • Have more difficulty focusing at School
  • Are more disruptive at school possibly affecting their education
  • Have more behavioural problems at home
  • Are clumsier therefore are more prone to accidents
  • Have less energy to play and have fun with their friends/you

Therefore it may not be just you and your relationship that are struggling with settling, night waking and catnapping etc…… your child may be suffering too! Settling and sleep workshops are starting early 2010 in the Southwest of WA. If you would like to know more about these workshops, click below to email us.

Please click here to email us for further information


FAQ's


Q: Why do some babies get into bad sleeping habbits?


A: Take the following example: Babies that have been rocked to sleep, fallen asleep while feeding, rocked in the pram or sleeping in mums’ bed and are then transferred into their cot, will wake with a fright not knowing where mum is and where the rocking has gone to. This becomes a bad habit.>

Q: Do you use the controlled crying technique?


A: No. Recent research from the Australian Infant Mental Health Association suggests that Controlled crying could lead to emotional and mental health issues later in life. This does not mean your baby will not cry in protest at the changes to their current habits however. It is important that your childs distressed cries are answered as soon as possible.

Q: Does my child have to cry to learn how to sleep?


A: Not always. Your baby cries and their body language is their way of communicating with you. Where as you toddler will be able to tell you verbally what they are feeling. However, if you have poor pre sleep routines, your baby or toddler may cry in protest at the changes to their new sleep routine. I do recommend however, that you answer your baby or toddlers cries if they need you.

Q: How long does it take to work?


A: Sometimes a child can respond immediately but consistency and persistence determines the speed of your success. A more realistic time however takes 3-9 days.

Q: How many consults do I need?


A: Only one consultation is required. I provide telephone and email support after that if required. During the consult, I will empower you with the information and the skills you need to improve your baby's sleep yourself.

Q: How long is a consult?


A: An in home consultation is two to three hours depending on the age of the baby and the problems you are having. Please refer to ‘Packages’ for more information.

A telephone Consult takes approx 1 to 1.5hours. Please read ‘Out of town Package’ for more information.

Q: At what age should I expect my baby to be sleeping through the night?’


A: Some babies will sleep right through the night from 6 weeks, and some will take longer. If your baby is 6 months or older and not yet sleeping through the night and you would like this to change, this is a great time to make some changes.

Q: What is SIDS?


A: SIDS is an abbreviation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome


SIDS recommend:


  • The ideal sleeping position for babies is on their backs.
  • Their heads should be uncovered.
  • Bedding should be tucked in with the baby’s feet positioned at the end of the cot.
  • Loose bedding, such as pillows or quilts, is not recommended as during active sleep it might move and cover the baby’s face.
  • Your baby’s environment should be smoke free at all times.

Q: Why does my baby still wakes at night?


A: Your baby probably has a few sleep associations and when waking from her ‘light sleep’ she is looking for your comfort or the comfort of her bottle or dummy.

Q: How much sleep does my baby need?


A:

0-3 Months – Approx 16-17hrs* 8 hours in the day

3-6 Months – Approx 15-16hrs* 4-5 hours in the day

6-12 Months – Approx 13-14hrs* 2.5-4 hours in the day

1-2 Years – Approx 12-14hrs* 1.5-3 hours in the day

2-5 Years – Approx 12-13hrs* Rest time or 1 sleep mid day *Over 24 hrs

Q: What are my child's tired signs:


A:

0-6 mths Jerky arms and legs Pulling away Difficulty focusing Clenched fists Grizzly cry

6-12 mths same as 0-6 months plus clumsy, fussy with food and demanding

1-2 years Clumsy demanding temper tantrums fussy with food not co-operative

2-5 years same as 1-2 years and increased frustration with play

The Goodnight Nurse offers its sleeping problem services all around Australia, including Perth WA, Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Brisbane & the Gold Coast QLD, Adelaide SA and Hobart TAS.