Herbie Murray
Sleep consultants, also known as sleep coaches, are unlicensed providers that offer education, advice, and support services to help improve a child's sleep and their parents' sleep. They are not medical providers and may not have a healthcare background. Sleep consultants are not required to be certified, and the industry is not highly regulated. However, some consultants have degrees in nursing, infant and child development, or child psychology. Sleep consultants typically charge a few hundred dollars for a couple of weeks of support. They may provide in-person or virtual consultations and create a personalized plan for the parents to follow. While some parents find them effective, others may not see the desired results. Before hiring a sleep consultant, parents should consider their qualifications, experience, methods, and whether their pediatrician recommends it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Credentials | Sleep consultants are not required to be certified, but some are trained or have degrees in nursing, infant and childhood development, or child psychology. |
| Cost | Sleep consultants can cost hundreds of dollars for a few weeks of support. |
| Services | Sleep consultants provide education, advice, and support services to help improve a child's sleep and that of their parents. They do not train babies but train parents. |
| Effectiveness | The effectiveness of sleep consultants varies depending on the family and the consultant's approach. Some parents find them life-changing, while others may not see results. |
| When to Hire | There is no specific age to work with a sleep consultant, but it is recommended to wait until the baby is at least 4-6 months old. Sleep consultants can be helpful for newborns, toddlers, and older children with unhealthy sleep patterns. |
| How to Choose | It is important to research the consultant's training, experience, and reviews. It is also essential to ensure their approach aligns with your parenting style and sleep goals. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep consultant qualifications and training
Sleep consulting is an unregulated industry, so there are no set requirements or qualifications needed to become a sleep consultant. However, aspiring sleep consultants are encouraged to seek out formal training to ensure they can provide high-quality, evidence-based support to their clients.
Several organizations offer mentorship programs and training courses to become a certified sleep consultant. These programs often combine sleep consulting knowledge with business training to help individuals set up their own successful and flexible businesses. The Sleep Consultant Academy, for example, offers a Sleep and Business Start-up Mentorship Programme that provides the qualification needed to start practising as a sleep consultant. The program is accredited by the Open College Network (OCN) and requires around 60 to 90 hours of online learning.
The Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting (IPSP) also offers a comprehensive training course that includes an 8-module training program with a final exam, followed by a 6-month consulting and business mentorship. The IPSP course provides access to a private Facebook group for graduates, an easy-access library of research resources, and eligibility for board certification as a holistic health practitioner.
Other organizations, such as the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management (CPSM), offer online sleep training certification courses that provide the tools, skills, and insights needed to help individuals start and grow a profitable business. CPSM's course covers topics such as the science of sleep and entrepreneurship.
In addition to these programs, aspiring sleep consultants can explore various other training programs, each with its own unique approach and philosophy. Some courses focus on traditional sleep training methods, while others promote a gentler, more responsive approach. It is important for individuals to research and choose a program that aligns with their values and the type of support they want to offer their clients.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep consulting, most programs cover a range of topics, including the science of sleep, common sleep challenges, breastfeeding, nutrition, environment, behaviour, emotional well-being, postpartum depression, and sleep safety.
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Sleep consultant cost
The cost of hiring a sleep consultant can vary depending on various factors, including the level of involvement, the age of the child, the specific sleep problem, and the consultant's qualifications and experience.
Sleep consultants typically offer different packages to cater to the diverse needs of their clients. Some common options include one-time consultations, follow-up support packages, in-person or virtual support, and customized sleep plans. The cost of these services can range from $100 to $150 per hour for one-on-one consultations, with follow-up support packages starting at around $250. In-home support is usually more expensive and can start at $200 per hour, although some consultants offer discounted rates for overnight or weekend packages.
It is worth noting that the sleep industry is unregulated, and anyone can call themselves a sleep consultant without specific requirements or criteria. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and choose a consultant with the appropriate qualifications, training, and experience. Some consultants may have specialized training or be part of reputable organizations, such as The Family Sleep Institute or The Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting.
The cost of hiring a sleep consultant can also depend on your family's unique circumstances and goals. For example, you may want to establish a bedtime routine, address sleep regressions, or tackle unhealthy sleep patterns in older children. The consultant's methods should align with your family's values and comfort level, as some popular approaches, like the "'cry it out' method", may not work for every household.
Before hiring a sleep consultant, it is recommended to discuss your sleep concerns with your child's pediatrician to rule out any medical conditions or address specific issues, such as prematurity or sleep apnea. Additionally, checking with your health insurance provider to see if a sleep consultant is covered under your plan is a good idea.
While the cost of a sleep consultant can vary, the benefits of improved sleep for both children and parents can be life-changing. Ultimately, the decision to hire a sleep consultant should be based on your family's needs, preferences, and budget.
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Sleep consultant methods
Sleep consultants, or sleep coaches, are unlicensed providers that offer education, advice, and support services to help improve a child's sleep and their parents' sleep. They are professionals who help teach babies to sleep better. They are particularly useful for exhausted parents who are struggling to function without enough sleep.
Sleep consultants offer a variety of techniques and services, and it is important to find one that suits your family's needs. Some common methods used by sleep consultants include:
- The Ferber method, which involves letting the baby cry alone for a short, predetermined period before briefly comforting them.
- The "cry-it-out" self-soothing method, which may not be suitable for all families.
- Taking Cara Babies, which focuses on creating a healthy sleep foundation using developmentally appropriate strategies. This method may involve swaddling and sound machines for younger babies, while older babies will learn to self-soothe.
- The use of children's clocks that give time cues, such as the Ok to Wake! clock, which glows green at the programmed morning hour when toddlers are allowed to leave their beds.
It is important to note that sleep consultants do not train babies; they train parents. They provide guidance, support, and a behavioural plan to help parents address their child's sleep issues. This may include in-home consultations, phone consultations, or virtual support through text, email, or video calls. The cost of sleep consultants can vary, ranging from a few hundred dollars for a short period of support to more expensive long-term programs.
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Sleep consultant effectiveness
Sleep consultants, or sleep coaches, are unlicensed providers that offer education, advice, and support services to help improve a child's sleep and their parents' sleep. They can cost hundreds of dollars, and not all of them have specialized training.
Sleep consultants can provide a roadmap and help implement training techniques. They offer expert advice, consistent support, and teach parents what they need to know and do to optimize their child's sleep. They can also provide a solution that is customized to the parents and the baby. They can offer a personalized approach to sleep training, which might be the key to getting the parents and the baby some much-needed sleep.
The effectiveness of a sleep consultant depends on various factors, including the consultant's qualifications, experience, and approach. It is important to evaluate a sleep consultant's certifications and training, although it is not a highly regulated profession, and there are no universal requirements. Some consultants may have degrees in nursing, infant and childhood development, or child psychology. It is beneficial to find a consultant with multiple relevant certifications or degrees relating to children and families. Reputable organizations such as The Family Sleep Institute and The Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting can be good places to find specific consultants.
Before hiring a sleep consultant, parents should ask themselves several questions to ensure they find the right person for the job. These questions include whether the consultant has experience with the child's age group and particular sleep problem, how the consultant adjusts their approach if the child is not sleeping after following their initial guidance, and whether the consultant has good reviews. It is also important to discuss any sleep concerns with a pediatrician before seeking out a sleep consultant, as sleep problems that appear behavioral may have underlying medical concerns.
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Sleep consultant alternatives
Sleep consultants are unlicensed providers who offer education, advice, and support services to improve a child's sleep and that of their parents. They are not medical providers and may not have a healthcare background. The field is not regulated, and anyone can call themselves a sleep coach or consultant.
Sleep consultants can be expensive, and they may not have specialized training. Before hiring a sleep consultant, it is important to do your research and ensure that they are reputable and qualified.
Holistic Sleep Coaching
Holistic sleep coaching is an alternative to traditional sleep training. It is rooted in biologically normal sleep, responsive parenting, and gentle, family-centered methods. This approach emphasizes the importance of treating your child with the same kindness and respect you would show to another adult. It recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep issues and encourages parents to trust their intuition and make choices that align with their parenting values.
Pediatric Sleep Centers
Pediatric sleep centers accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine exist, but they are mostly located in large metropolitan areas and may require a specialty referral. These centers can provide specialized care and resources for children with sleep issues.
Telemedicine
Many non-clinical sleep consultants provide their services remotely, offering behavioral plans and scheduled phone check-ins. This can be a convenient and accessible option for parents who may not have the time or energy to meet with a consultant in person.
Children's Clocks
Products like the Ok to Wake! clock can help toddlers understand when it is time to get out of bed in the morning. Parents can program the clock to glow green at a certain hour, creating a visual cue for pre-literate children.
Support Groups and Online Communities
Online support groups and communities, such as local mom groups on Facebook, can be a great way to connect with other parents who are experiencing similar sleep challenges. These groups can provide a sense of community and offer advice and support.
Pediatricians and Primary Care Providers
Before seeking the help of a sleep consultant, it is important to discuss any sleep concerns with your child's pediatrician or primary care provider. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to sleep problems and provide initial advice and support.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep consultants, or sleep coaches, are an unlicensed provider group that offers education, advice and support services to help improve a child’s sleep and the parents’. They are not medical providers and may not have a healthcare background.
If your baby is 6 months or older and is waking every two to three hours, is not napping well, and the sleep struggle is negatively impacting your ability to function, these are some signs that hiring a sleep consultant is a good idea.
It is important to do your due diligence to vet a sleep trainer's experience as the industry is not highly regulated. You can ask for recommendations from your pediatrician, friends, and family members, including local mom groups on Facebook. You can also ask the sleep consultant questions about their training, certifications, experience, and methods to ensure they are a good fit for your family.
Sleep consultants can provide in-home or online consultations. They will learn about the baby and parents, the sleep issues, and get a feel for the situation. They will then work with the family on a custom care plan for the parents to follow and then will provide follow-ups via check-in calls and texts, allowing everyone to troubleshoot as they go.
While sleep consultants can be effective and life-saving for some parents, they may not work for everyone. It is important to consider the pros and cons before hiring a sleep consultant and to recognize that baby sleep tendencies such as waking during the night or wanting comfort are normal.
