Can My Baby Be Sleep Trained?
An Interview with Natalie Willes
(The Baby Sleep Trainer)
by Kimberly Bepler
Photograph by Campbell Salgado Studio
Sleep trainers sound a little scary. How do you help babies sleep?
My job is to help parents find a way to get from helping their child to fall asleep with help, to having the child put herself to sleep completely on her own, and I help the parents decipher the method that will be most effective for both their child’s temperament and the parent’s comfort level. “Sleep hygiene” can also be improved: things like appropriate nap and bedtimes, nursery or bedroom set ups, pajamas, room temperature, etc. The best way to learn about a sleep consultant is to read reviews. I have several on Yelp that clients report are very helpful.
What age do you recommend getting some support?
The earliest is about 14-16 weeks of age. Although there are exceptions, it’s tricky and often unwise to attempt any type of real sleep training while still in the newborn stage. When the parents feel ready is a good time to start; some parents don’t feel comfortable considering it until their baby is closer to 1 year. It tends to be the easiest before 6 months then becomes exponentially more difficult each month through 12 mo. After that there is more “drama and trauma” so it’s best to tackle sleep issues before the toddler months, but it really never is too late.
My child is the worst sleeper ever; do you really think you can help us?
If I can’t help your child, he would be the first. Not all children are perfect sleepers, but just like with any skill, it takes consistency and practice. Barring a serious medical issue, he can become a well-rested child who falls asleep on his own, sleeps well at night, and gets on an age-appropriate daily nap schedule.
Do you come over and watch what we do? Do you stay the night?
It may seem like a good idea to hire someone for 48 hours, but sometimes when the emotional investment from parents isn’t there, it’s difficult to do what is necessary to maintain positive sleep habits. Instead, I have families fill out a questionnaire on my website, and then I meet with them in their home, or via a video conference. We spend 1-2 hours going over their child’s sleep problems, the parents’ goals, and then sleep training methods themselves. We discuss everything in explicit detail and I modify my recommendations from family to family as needed. Families get their written plan and then we work together very closely via text, email, and phone for 1-2 weeks. It is this intensive hands-on support that makes the real difference. Sleep training is sometimes more of a marathon than a sprint (or it can feel that way), so I offer plenty of emotional support to help parents be successful.
What if it doesn’t ‘stick’… what do we do?
Sleep training works as long as families are being consistent AND when they are working with a good plan (either theirs or a professional’s). If a parent is consistent and sticks with something as long as needed, they will be successful.
How much does this process cost? How long a wait is there for help?
From $299 for a video conference consultation to $349 for an in-home consultation. This includes evaluation of the questionnaire, the consultation itself, and all of the extensive follow-up support. I can generally see clients within 7 days.
