Chatting with Anna McMillan from Little Winks Sleep: A Game-Changer for Families
Sleep is a precious commodity for new parents, and understanding the nuances of baby sleep can be a game-changer. We recently had the pleasure of having Anna McMillan on the podcast – she delved into the importance of baby-centric sleep coaching and her work with Little Winks Sleep. Here’s a recap of the key insights and practical tips shared by Anna. If you haven’t listened yet – check it out wherever you get your podcasts!
Understanding Baby-Centric Sleep
The heart of the discussion was about baby-centric sleep coaching, a method that prioritizes the natural sleep patterns and needs of babies. Unlike traditional methods that often force babies to adapt to cry it out, baby-centric coaching is about observing and responding to your baby’s unique sleep cues and taking a gentle approach. This approach not only fosters better sleep habits but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Anna emphasized the importance of creating a calm, soothing sleep environment and establishing consistent bedtime routines that work for your family. She also discussed common misconceptions about baby sleep, reassuring parents that it’s normal for babies to have varied sleep patterns and that it’s never too late to start with sleep training. Click here to check out the Little Winks program – you won’t regret it!
The Magic of ‘Okay to Wake’ Clocks for Older Kids
A highlight of the episode was the discussion with Cassie about ‘Okay to Wake’ clocks for toddlers and how she is hoping to utilize this for Brooklyn. These clocks are an ingenious tool for teaching kids to stay in bed until a reasonable hour. They glow a specific color when it’s okay for the child to get up and this visual cue helps children understand when it’s time to sleep, and when it’s time to wake up, making mornings and nap times smoother for everyone.
If you’re like Cassie and no longer want to be “the keeper of sleep” as suggested by Anna, we’ve included a link to one of these clocks here. This tool is especially helpful for kids who are transitioning out of cribs and for those who are early risers.
Shifting Bedtimes When Traveling
Traveling with kids can disrupt sleep routines, but Anna shared some valuable tips for managing this. The key is to gradually shift bedtimes a few days before your trip – for all the details make sure to check out Anna’s travel guide here (p.s its only $14!)
Conclusion
This podcast episode was a treasure trove of information for parents navigating the challenging world of baby and child sleep. If those Facebook sleep groups are too overwhelming, or you can’t possibly listen to another family member or friend tell you your kiddo just needs to cry it out – check out Little Winks Sleep, you won’t regret it!
Here’s to more peaceful nights and brighter mornings! 🌙✨
–Cassie & Sacha