Sleep Coaching FAQs

What is sleep training?

Sleep training is about helping your little one learn to fall asleep on their own, without relying on things like rocking, nursing, or bouncing to drift off. It’s a gradual process that gives your little one the chance to develop new skills and become more independent when it comes to sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training, and that’s where a sleep coach like me comes in—to help you figure out the best methods and strategies that honor your child and your family’s unique needs.

Why do families decide to sleep train?

Families choose sleep training for many reasons. For some, frequent night wakings or long, tiring bedtimes have become a challenge. Others find that ongoing sleep disruptions are making it harder to care for themselves or their family. What once felt sweet and enjoyable, like rocking your baby to sleep, might now feel overwhelming or unsustainable, especially if it’s no longer working the way it used to. Families might choose to sleep train in preparation for big transitions, like returning to work or welcoming a new baby, when helping older siblings settle into a better sleep routine becomes a priority.

When is the right time to sleep train?

The right time is whenever you and your family are ready to make a change. I work with babies as young as newborns (0–4 months) to help establish healthy sleep habits and routines, focusing on gentle sleep-shaping techniques. For more formal sleep training, I work with ages 4 months and up, through early childhood age.

It’s up to you when you choose to sleep train. Some families might be ready to start at 4 months, and some might wait until toddlerhood or beyond. Some families might decide not to sleep train and that’s totally ok as well! There’s no rulebook to parenting, do what works best for you.

How long does it take?

If you stay consistent and committed to the process, with all caregivers in the household on the same page, you’ll likely notice improvements in your little one’s sleep within a few days to a week. Most families reach their sleep goals by the end of two weeks, but every child and baby is different, so it might take a little extra time for some. For instance, young children who are no longer in a crib may need a bit longer to adjust. The sleep plans I make aren’t rigid and able to be discussed and adjusted as we go. We’ll meet your child where they’re at.

Do you sleep train my child for me?

No my services are virtual. Most sleep coaches, including me, work closely with parents rather than directly with your child or baby—and there’s a good reason for that! You’re the constant in your child’s life, and by learning these tools yourself, you can guide them through the process in a way that is consistent and builds long-term success.

Through our communication and in-depth intake, I create a personalized sleep plan tailored to your child, your parenting style, and your family’s goals. The plan takes all the guesswork out of the process, giving you clear and actionable steps. You have a full two weeks of my support as you implement the plan, and I’m there for you every step of the way.

If you’re worried about being tired during the sleep training process, keep in mind that this is a short-term process for a long-term benefit. If you’re in a two-partner household, make sure they’re available so you can tackle this as a team. While it’s natural to feel apprehensive, if you’re already struggling with sleep, sleep training might actually feel easier than you expect.

If you’re in my service area and would like in-person support for a bedtime or nap, that’s definitely something we can discuss.

What kind of sleep trainer are you?

I’m a certified pediatric sleep consultant. My approach is gentle, responsive, and holistic, tailored to each family’s unique needs. I look beyond sleep itself, considering factors like daily routines, family dynamics, parenting style, child temperament, feeding, and activity levels to create a full picture of your situation. My training includes a wide variety of methods—I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach or that there’s only one “best” way to sleep train. Instead, I’m here to help you find what works for your family. My goal is to ensure you feel confident, supported, and fully equipped to make positive changes for your child’s sleep.

Can I continue to breastfeed while sleep training?

Absolutely! Wherever you are in your feeding journey, you’ll be fully supported, and your little one can still learn independent sleep skills. This includes continuing night feeds if that’s what works best for you. Establishing independent sleep skills and night weaning are separate processes that don’t have to happen at the same time.

That said, if your child is waking frequently at night, sleep training can help them connect their sleep cycles, leading to fewer wake-ups. Unless there’s a nutritional need, frequent night feeds can often be more about comfort than hunger. These wake-ups typically happen because your child doesn’t yet know how to fall back asleep on their own and they need your assistance to do so. Sleep training helps address this, giving you both more the gift of more connected sleep.

Will there be crying?

Change can be tough for little ones, and some crying is a natural part of learning something new—whether it’s transitioning from breastfeeding to a bottle, starting daycare, or adjusting to a new sleep routine. Even with the gentlest approaches, tears may happen—or they may not.

Crying is how babies communicate their preferences and emotions. It’s natural to want to stop or avoid it, but shifting our focus to understanding why they’re crying can make the process much less stressful. Sleep training can actually help with this by tuning us into their cues and deepening our understanding of what they’re communicating.

When we stop trying to avoid big emotions and instead respond with loving support, we create space for growth. By meeting their needs, setting boundaries, and modeling how to handle challenges, we help our little ones build resilience and confidence. Parenting becomes less overwhelming, and we show them they’re capable of so much. This approach goes far beyond sleep—it’s part of navigating the emotions, boundaries, and challenges that come with parenting, helping both children and caregivers grow together.

Will sleep training harm my child?

No, sleep training won’t harm your child when done in a caring and supportive way. If you’re worried about this, it’s a sign that you’re a loving, attentive parent who wants the best for your baby. Research shows that short periods of crying during sleep training don’t cause harm or long-term effects. In fact, studies show that cortisol levels (the stress hormone) often decrease after sleep training because consolidated sleep helps lower overall stress.

Sleep training also doesn’t affect the parent-child bond—in fact, many parents feel more connected and present after getting better rest. Lack of sleep can contribute to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), such as postpartum depression or anxiety, which can affect both the birthing parent and non-birthing partner’s ability to care for their child. Supporting your baby’s sleep not only helps them develop an important skill, but also supports your mental health and well-being.

Do I have to follow a super rigid schedule when sleep training?

Life happens, and we can’t always revolve everything around our baby’s sleep schedule. While I encourage keeping a somewhat structured flow throughout the day based on wake windows that work for your child, setting a consistent bedtime, and paying attention to overall sleep needs, I also believe in balance. Parenting can feel isolating at times, so it’s important to get out—meet a friend for a walk or take your baby to that music class, even if it doesn’t perfectly align with nap time. However, for toddlers on a single nap schedule, it is important to prioritize being home for that nap at a consistent time daily.