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Sleep deprivation isn't just a phase—it’s a reality many new parents face during the first few months of their baby’s life. If you’re waking up every 90 minutes, trying every trick in the book, or Googling “why won’t my baby sleep?” at 3 a.m., you’re not alone.


There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about what infant sleep should look like—and even more guilt when things don’t go “by the book.” But the truth is, infant sleep is complex, ever-changing, and different for every baby. Getting support with sleep isn’t a weakness—it’s a gift. For your baby. And for you.


Father joyfully lifts his baby in a softly lit nursery, illustrating bonding and emotional connection that supports healthy infant sleep.
A well-rested baby is a growing baby. Quality sleep supports brain development, mood regulation, and overall wellness.

Why Infant Sleep Is So Challenging


Infants are not born with the ability to sleep through the night. In fact, their circadian rhythms (internal clocks) are still developing. Most babies need to wake frequently for feeds, comfort, and connection—especially during the newborn stage (0–12 weeks). But that doesn’t mean you have to struggle endlessly.


Common sleep challenges include:

  • Frequent night wakings

  • Catnapping during the day

  • Difficulty settling to sleep

  • Needing to be rocked, held, or fed to sleep every time

  • Short naps and unpredictable sleep patterns

  • Day/night confusion in newborns


As babies grow, sleep patterns shift again during:

  • Growth spurts

  • Sleep regressions

  • Developmental milestones

  • Teething and illness


It’s no wonder so many parents feel like they’re failing. But you're not. You're just navigating something no one taught you how to manage—yet.



The Truth About “Sleeping Through the Night”


Let’s clear this up: “Sleeping through the night” doesn’t mean your baby never wakes up. In fact, everyone—babies, children, and adults—experiences brief wake-ups throughout the night as part of a normal sleep cycle.

The difference is that adults and older children typically know how to shift between sleep cycles without needing outside help. Babies, on the other hand, often wake and signal for support to fall back asleep—especially if they’ve learned to rely on external cues like rocking, nursing, or being held.


Sleeping through the night means your baby is able to transition between sleep cycles independently, without needing a feed, rocking, or prolonged intervention from a caregiver. This is called self-soothing, and it’s a skill that can be supported, nurtured, and strengthened over time.


Some babies begin to naturally extend their sleep stretches earlier on, while others need more structured support. Factors like temperament, developmental stage, feeding patterns, and even environment all play a role in how and when this ability develops.


If your baby needs to be fed, rocked, or held every time they wake—you're not doing anything wrong. But if it's no longer working for your family, you don’t have to wait it out or figure it out alone.


This is where professional sleep support becomes incredibly valuable. It helps you:

  • Understand your baby’s specific sleep patterns and needs

  • Identify what’s developmentally appropriate based on age

  • Gradually shift sleep associations so your baby can settle back to sleep on their own

  • Build a healthy, sustainable sleep foundation for the whole family


With a clear plan, consistent routine, and support that respects your parenting values, your baby can learn to sleep longer, deeper, and more predictably—and so can you.



Why Sleep Support Is a Gift for Your Baby


Sleep support isn’t just about longer nights—it directly benefits your baby’s development, emotional regulation, physical health, and overall well-being. During sleep, your baby’s brain is busy forming connections, storing memories, and processing everything they’ve learned throughout the day. Quality rest also supports immune function, appetite regulation, and reduces fussiness.


Helping your baby establish healthy sleep habits early on sets the foundation for long-term growth and resilience. With the right support, sleep becomes a source of strength—not stress—for both your baby and your family.


Here are just a few of the ways sleep support positively impacts your baby’s development:


  • Supports Brain Growth: Sleep is when your baby’s brain forms important connections for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

  • Boosts Immune Health: Rest helps your baby’s body repair and build immunity, reducing illness and improving recovery.

  • Regulates Mood: Well-rested babies cry less, feed better, and are more alert and engaged during the day.

  • Builds Healthy Sleep Habits: Support sets the foundation for lifelong sleep skills—without creating stress or confusion for your baby.


Better sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s part of helping your baby thrive.



Why Sleep Support Is a Gift for You


You matter, too.


Parenting from a place of exhaustion affects everything—your physical health, mental clarity, relationships, mood, and even your ability to connect with your baby. When you're chronically sleep-deprived, the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. You may become more irritable, anxious, emotional, or even start to resent your role—not because you're a bad parent, but because you're running on empty.


Getting sleep support is not about having a "perfect" baby or following rigid rules—it's about feeling empowered, informed, and rested enough to enjoy this season.


Here’s what sleep support gives you as a parent:

  • Clarity and confidence about what’s developmentally normal vs. what may need adjustment

  • A personalized plan that adapts with your baby’s growth, temperament, and needs

  • Predictable stretches of rest so you can recover, reset, and be fully present

  • Reduced stress and decision fatigue, especially around bedtime and night wakings

  • Tools to stop second-guessing yourself and the constant pressure to “figure it out” alone

  • Time and energy for bonding, instead of simply surviving the day

  • A sense of control in a stage that often feels overwhelming and unpredictable


Sleep support is not a shortcut—it’s an investment in your mental health, family dynamic, and overall quality of life.


You deserve rest. You deserve support. You deserve to feel confident in your parenting—not just exhausted by it.



Why Choose Family Tree Support Services?


At Family Tree Support Services, we provide developmentally appropriate, responsive sleep support to help your baby sleep better—without pressure, guilt, or confusion.


Led by Jacael Wallace, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, our services include:

  • Structured Sleep Training (Virtual or In-Person) with a Personalized Sleep Plan tailored to your baby’s age, needs, and temperament

  • All About Newborn Sleep (First 12 Weeks) – a foundational workshop for expectant and new parents

  • Ask Me Anything Sleep Calls – focused 30- to 60-minute sessions to answer your most pressing baby or toddler sleep questions


Whether you're struggling with night wakings, short naps, or sleep regressions, we’ll meet you where you are—and help your family rest.



What Parents Are Saying


"I cannot recommend her enough!"


"Jacael was so great—first, we had some unique and unexpected life constraints and needed immediate help, and she rearranged her schedule to get us in ASAP. Secondly, we had a baby who was waking up frequently at night. Jacael gave us a great sleep plan, did two overnight shifts, and somehow got our kids room-sharing and sleeping all night with no wakeups.


Lastly, Jacael was super kind and trustworthy, and I felt safe working with her in my home. I cannot recommend her enough!!"



Ready for Better Sleep?


Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundation for your baby’s development and your family’s well-being. Getting sleep support doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means you’re making an informed choice to show up fully for your baby, your partner, and yourself.


  • Book a consultation or sleep support session today

  • Join our next “All About Newborn Sleep” workshop

  • Learn more at www.familytreess.com


Better sleep is possible. And it starts here.

As a parent, you may have heard the term sleep regression—or you might be living through it right now. Just when your baby starts sleeping longer stretches, suddenly they’re waking up more frequently, crying at bedtime, or skipping naps entirely.


This phase can feel frustrating and exhausting—but you’re not alone. Sleep regressions are a normal part of infant and toddler development, and with the right sleep routine, schedule, and support, your little one will return to more restful nights.


In this blog, we’ll walk through:

  • What is a sleep regression?

  • When the most common regressions happen

  • Sample sleep schedules by age

  • How to help your baby through it

  • When to seek extra support from a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant


Infant sleeping peacefully in a crib during nap time, demonstrating safe sleep practices with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or toys.
Peaceful moments like these can be interrupted by sleep regressions, but with a safe sleep environment and the right support, your baby can return to restful nights.


What Is a Sleep Regression?


A sleep regression is a temporary disruption in your baby’s usual sleep habits. It often includes:

  • Frequent night wakings

  • Shortened or skipped naps

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

  • Increased clinginess or fussiness, especially at bedtime


These regressions are typically linked to major developmental milestones—such as rolling over, crawling, pulling up, talking, or walking. As your baby’s brain and body grow rapidly, sleep can temporarily take a back seat.


You may feel like all your progress with sleep has disappeared overnight, but the truth is: your baby is learning and growing—and this phase will pass.


When Do Sleep Regressions Happen?


While every child is different, sleep regressions commonly happen around certain developmental ages. Keep in mind that the timing isn’t exact—your baby may experience a regression a bit earlier or later than expected based on their individual growth and development.


4 Months

This is often the first major sleep disruption. Around this time, your baby’s sleep cycle matures, causing lighter, more fragmented sleep. They may begin waking between cycles and need help resettling.


8–10 Months

As your baby learns to crawl, pull up, and stand, sleep can take a hit. Separation anxiety also begins to emerge, making naps and bedtimes harder.


12 Months

Near their first birthday, many babies begin transitioning from two naps to one. This can lead to increased fussiness, nap refusal, and disrupted nighttime sleep.


18 Months

Toddlers are asserting their independence, and that often includes pushing back at bedtime. Teething, language development, and new fears can also contribute to sleep challenges.


2 Years

Your toddler may face new fears, molars, and major emotional development. Potty training, crib-to-bed transitions, and the desire for independence can all make sleep unpredictable.


Sample Sleep Schedules By Age


Every child’s sleep needs are different, but maintaining an age-appropriate sleep schedule during regressions can support better rest. While this blog doesn’t include full sample schedules, Family Tree Support Services offers personalized sleep plans and tools to help you get back on track.


Looking for structure or quick answers? Whether you need a full custom routine or just have a few pressing questions, our Ask Me Anything Call is a great way to get expert guidance tailored to your baby’s sleep needs and your family’s schedule.



How to Help Your Baby Through a Sleep Regression


Sleep regressions can be exhausting, but they’re manageable with consistency and care. Here’s how to help your baby during this transition:


Maintain a Consistent Routine

Stick to a calm and predictable sleep routine, even when things feel off. Activities like a bath, lullaby, storytime, or quiet cuddle time help signal that it’s time for sleep.


Protect Daytime Naps

Skipping naps can backfire. Overtired babies tend to wake more frequently at night. Keep offering rest opportunities, even if naps are shorter or harder to settle.


Offer Reassurance, With Boundaries

Comfort your child when they wake, but try not to introduce habits that are hard to break later (like rocking or feeding to sleep every time). Gentle patting, soothing words, and offering a favorite comfort item can help.


Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Use blackout curtains, white noise, and a consistent sleep space to reduce distractions and help your baby wind down. The right environment can support better quality sleep, even during regressions.


Give Yourself Grace

Sleep regressions can be tough on everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take breaks, and prioritize rest where you can. This phase is challenging—but it’s temporary.



When to Seek Extra Support


If your baby’s sleep doesn’t improve after a few weeks—or if the disruption is significantly impacting your family—it may be time to seek expert help.


At Family Tree Support Services, Jacael Wallace, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, specializes in helping families build healthy, sustainable sleep habits for infants and toddlers.


We offer:

  • Personalized sleep support sessions

  • Virtual workshops like “All About Newborn Sleep (First 12 Weeks)”

  • Ask Me Anything Call – a focused consultation where you can get quick answers to your baby or toddler sleep questions

  • Proven sleep strategies tailored to your child’s temperament and developmental stage


Book your session today at www.familytreess.com


Let’s help you get back to restful nights—and a happier, more rested household.

Bringing a newborn home is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it can also come with sleepless nights. Understanding how to foster healthy sleep habits for your baby, as well as knowing when to start sleep training, can help make this journey smoother for both you and your little one. Here’s a guide on the best sleep practices for newborns and the ideal age to begin sleep training.



Sleeping black baby in a swaddle
Sleeping newborn in a swaddle.

Best Sleep Practices for Newborns


  1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine

    Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down. This could include dimming the lights, playing soft music, or gently rocking your baby. Consistency helps your baby learn that it’s time for sleep.


  2. Make Sleep Safe and Sound

    Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and avoid soft bedding, toys, or pillows in the crib. Following the “ABC” rule—Alone, Back, and Crib—helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).


  3. Watch and Recognize Sleepy Cues

    Pay attention to your baby’s sleep signals, such as yawning, fussiness, or rubbing their eyes. Responding promptly to these cues can help prevent your baby from becoming overtired, making it easier for them to settle down for sleep.


  4. Help Baby Learn the Difference Between Day and Night

    Help your baby understand the difference between day and night by keeping the environment bright and stimulating during the day and dimming the lights and minimizing noise at night. This encourages a natural sleep-wake cycle.


  5. Keep Things Calm Before Sleep

    As bedtime approaches, reduce stimulation by lowering noise levels and keeping interactions calm. Gentle rocking, singing, or swaddling can help soothe your baby to sleep.


  6. Swaddle Baby for Comfort

    Swaddling can provide a sense of security for newborns. Ensure that the swaddle is snug around the arms but loose around the hips to promote healthy hip development.


  7. Be Flexible and Patient

    Every baby is different, and sleep patterns can vary widely. Be patient and flexible as you adjust to your baby’s unique sleep needs and rhythms.


Best Age to Begin Sleep Training

When it comes to sleep training, timing is crucial. Most experts recommend starting sleep training around 4 to 6 months of age. Here’s why:


  1. Developmental Readiness

    • By 4 to 6 months, many babies have developed the ability to self-soothe and can begin to sleep for longer stretches. Their sleep cycles also start to become more similar to those of adults, making it a good time to introduce sleep training.


  2. Less Frequent Night Feedings

    • By this age, most babies can go longer between feedings, reducing the need for nighttime nursing. If your baby is still waking frequently for feedings, you might want to address that first before starting sleep training.


  3. Consistency Matters

    • Sleep training requires consistency, and starting around this age allows you to establish routines that will help your baby learn to fall asleep independently.


Conclusion

Implementing good sleep practices for your newborn is essential for creating a healthy sleep environment and fostering positive sleep habits. By establishing a consistent routine, recognizing sleep cues, and prioritizing safety, you can help your baby settle into a peaceful sleep pattern. When your baby reaches 4 to 6 months, you can consider beginning sleep training to further encourage independent sleep. Remember, every baby is unique—be patient and flexible as you navigate this important journey!


If you are interested in hiring a sleep consultant to help with any sleep needs or challenges visit our website for more information.

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