Laura Thompson | 8th December

A good night's sleep is crucial for the overall well-being of both children and parents. As a pediatric sleep consultant, I understand the challenges parents face when it comes to establishing healthy sleep routines for their little ones. In this blog, I've curated a list of thoughtful gift ideas that not only make bedtime a breeze but also contribute to better sleep for the whole family.

Laura Thompson | 24th November 2023

Parenthood is a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and occasional sleepless nights. As parents, we often find ourselves constantly on the move, be it running errands, meeting friends, or enjoying a day out. Navigating the challenge of ensuring your little one gets the rest they need while on the go can be a daunting task. Fear not! With a bit of planning and a dash of patience, achieving naps out and about with your baby can become a seamless part of your routine.

Laura Thompson | 17th November 2023

Bedtime stories have long been a cherished tradition for many families, fostering a love for literature and creating lasting memories. However, what works for one child may not necessarily work for another. In this blog post, we explore the reasons why books at bedtime don't always hit the mark and offer alternative approaches to ensure quality bonding time with your little one.

Laura Thompson | 10th November 2023

Naptime is an essential part of a toddler's daily routine, offering much-needed rest and rejuvenation. However, around the age of two, many parents find themselves faced with a common challenge – toddler nap refusal. If you've ever had a little one who struggles to settle down for their nap or outright refuses to take one, you're not alone. In this blog, we'll explore the difference between simply struggling to settle for a nap and nap refusal, and provide you with practical strategies to help your child embrace their much-needed midday rest.

Laura Thompson | 3rd November 2023

Bonfire Night is just around the corner, and you're eager to introduce your child to the magic of late-night fireworks. The challenge is finding a way to enjoy the festivities while ensuring your child's sleep routine stays on track. Fear not, as we've put together a practical guide for a memorable Bonfire Night without compromising their sleep.

-Guest Blog - Emma Theophil | Basking Babies, Hornchurch - 1st April 2022 -

In a world where parents are starting to look for more alternative ways to look after their children, baby massage is the perfect first port of call.

Massage has been used in different cultures for many years, and the benefits are vast, all of which can be started from birth. Research shows that babies who are massaged tend to be less fussy, sleep better, and have fewer postnatal complications. However, benefits of massage do not just stop at infancy-these benefits last all the way into childhood and beyond.

-Guest Blog - Natasha Davis | One Sassy Scribe - 25th March 2022 -

This weeks guest blog is from Natasha of One Sassy Scribe her mission is to ‘bridge the gap between the world of woo and a happier you’ and ‘to help people create their own mental health toolkits so that when times get tough they have something to fall back on.’

Don’t worry, this isn’t one of those “sleep when the baby sleeps” kind of advice lists. I know you’re tired. I know you’re exhausted. I know you’re trying your best. The last thing you need is unsolicited advice that only works for a few people and just annoys you. Instead, I’m just going to give you some tips on how you can introduce some simple self care in your day even when you’re a sleep deprived parent!

- Laura Thompson | 22nd March 2022 -

Clocks spring forward this weekend, once upon a time that meant losing an hour in bed but now we have children that means 6am is 7am … magical! BUT it does also mean that we will be attempting to put children to bed at what feels like an hour earlier when the sun is still shining outside!

- Laura Thompson | 25th February 2022 -

Before the pandemic I would regularly put both my children to bed solo whilst my husband was travelling for work. I have done it with a baby and toddler and as they have become older. I remember feeling pretty terrified the first time my husband went away after my youngest was born, I was out numbered and I had visions of chaos, tears and still being up late into the evening getting them both to bed. Now whilst I cannot tell you there were never tears, I can tell you that I was regularly pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the whole thing ran and I have certainly developed my own little ways when it comes to getting more than one child to bed so I’d like to share that with you today!

- Laura Thompson | 18th February 2022 -

If you are struggling with your child’s sleep you may be wondering ‘Do I really need to hire a sleep consultant?’ and honestly the answer is no, of course you don’t have to! The truth is much of the information sleep consultants have is out there somewhere, if you look for it! There are many families who will see success from buying a book or reading information online, which is amazing and the reason I share so many tips on my social media and blogs! So, what’s the point in a sleep consultant? Well obviously I think they are great ;) Let’s talk through some reasons you may consider hiring a sleep consultant to help you overcome your little one’s sleep challenges. 

- Laura Thompson | 11th February 2022 -

Toddler clocks are sometimes called ‘OK to wake’ clocks or ‘sleep trainer’ clocks. The idea behind them is that the clock displays a certain colour or image when it is sleep time and a different colour or image when it is wake time. This therefore helps teach toddlers and older children when they should be in bed sleeping and when it is OK to wake up and maybe come out of bed.

- Laura Thompson | 3rd February 2022 -

Deciphering whether your child is over or under tired can become a bit of a minefield! With all the information out there it is easy to panic over hitting that sweet spot for your child’s naps and bedtime and when it doesn’t go to plan find yourself analysing every little thing to work out why.

But was your child over or under tired? They look so similar … let’s delve a little deeper.

- Laura Thompson | 21st January 2022 -

What is Quiet Time?

Quiet time is a period of time your child spends independently engaging in calm and relaxing play and activities. Often this is introduced when children stop napping but you can absolutely start practicing this before then!

- Guest Blog | Emily Jupp @themumpractioner | 14th January 2022 -

Starting nursery is daunting for all involved but a question I find that gets parents the most worried is how their child will sleep once they are at the setting.

Often, we get asked “how can they sleep when so many are in the room?”, “is it not too noisy?”, “I’m not sure they can sleep on a mat on the floor - don’t they move off?” so I’m here to hopefully give you some reassurance and some top tips for the transition from home sleeping to nursery sleep times.

- Laura Thompson | 7th January 2022 -

 At the time of writing this we are just getting back into routine after some really lovely chilled time off for the Christmas holidays. You might be too and that might mean routines have fallen by the wayside and sleep is suffering. Or maybe sleep has gone off track for another reason … it happens, life happens!

Here are my tips for getting sleep back on track …

- Laura Thompson | 22nd December 2021 -

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house … no one could sleep because they were just FAR TOO EXCITED!

I would say that at around age 3-4 my children really started to get what was going on at Christmas time, the magic was well and truly alive and it’s such a beautiful and special thing to see as parents. That is until 9pm on Christmas Eve when your child is still full of energy and you actually need to go and peel some spuds and maybe drink a Baileys!?

So get ready for my top tips to help excited little one’s sleep on Christmas Eve!

- Laura Thompson | 10th December 2021 -

The festive season is upon us, last year we couldn’t do much at all but we all have our fingers crossed that this year will be much better and we will be able to spend time with our loved ones!

What happens when your friends and family (probably the ones without kids of their own if we’re honest!) make plans that fall smack bang over naptime or bedtime? Don’t worry I have some tips for you so that you can still enjoy some festive events!

- Laura Thompson | 18th November 2021 -

11pm, I should have gone to bed earlier … I am going to regret this!

But by the time I got downstairs after putting you both to bed and cleared the kitchen up and got the bags ready for tomorrow and fed myself, I just wanted to stop and switch off … and watch trash TV and scroll my phone mindlessly for far too long!

- Laura Thompson | 8th November 2021 -

Separation anxiety, a parenting term you have probably become quite accustomed to hearing? One that is a thrown away in response to any challenges you may be having with your baby or toddler, because it’s normal and we’ve all been there! And it is normal and most parents probably have been there but that doesn’t make it any less emotionally and physically exhausting, right!?Separation anxiety, a parenting term you have probably become quite accustomed to hearing? One that is a thrown away in response to any challenges you may be having with your baby or toddler, because it’s normal and we’ve all been there! And it is normal and most parents probably have been there but that doesn’t make it any less emotionally and physically exhausting, right!?

Laura Thompson | 15th October 2021

Remember before you had children and the clocks going back in autumn meant an extra hour in bed!? Yeah … now we are parents sadly it’s not quite the same. Clocks go back an hour at the end of the month, if you’re lucky that means your 7am riser will wake up when the clock shows 6am on Sunday morning, we can deal with that! If you are not quite as lucky your 6am riser will wake when the clock says 5am and if you are really unlucky and already have an early riser your 5am wake will now read 4am … yuck!

Not to panic, I have some tips to help you get prepared!