Gentle Baby & Toddler Sleep Advice, Tips and Support

Sleep support that’s as unique as your baby

Search the blog,

Gentle Sleep Support That Meets You Where You Are

Looking for trustworthy, realistic sleep advice that won’t make you feel like you’re doing it all wrong?

Here you’ll find expert-backed blog posts written with warmth, honesty, and zero sleep-training pressure.

Whether you’re deep in toddler bedtime battles or handling baby sleep hurdles, these posts are designed to help you feel calm, capable, and connected to your instincts.

If sleep feels like a constant struggle and you're not sure what’s next, here’s how I can help:

For personalised, gentle support visit my Sleep Packages page.

For practical tools to get started today check out my Free Resources page.

If you’d like a chat about the best way forward book a free call here

Tips for how to transition your baby from 2 naps to 1 nap
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Tips for how to transition your baby from 2 naps to 1 nap

Around the 15 to 18-month mark, most babies begin transitioning from two naps to one. However, every child is unique, and there may be outliers.

In this blog I offer valuable insights into recognising signs of readiness for your little one to drop to one nap, adjusting nap schedules, and establishing a new routine that works for both you and your little one.

Read More
Tips for how to transition your baby from 3 naps to 2 naps
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Tips for how to transition your baby from 3 naps to 2 naps

Moving from three naps to two, or from two naps to one, can feel like stepping into the unknown sometimes, with more questions than answers!  Which nap should we drop first? When is the right time to make the change? How do we even begin? It's a whole heap of decisions, and like pretty much everything else to do with raising babies, no one way is the answer for all. 

Here is my rough guide to the 3 to 2 naps transition (and when I say rough, I mean rough!)

Read More
Transitioning from Contact Naps to Naps in a Cot : A Gentle Approach
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Transitioning from Contact Naps to Naps in a Cot : A Gentle Approach

Engaging in a contact nap is often considered one of the most wonderful ways to connect with our little ones. This practice is entirely natural, a tradition that humans have embraced for thousands of years.

If you're contemplating a shift from contact napping to cot napping, it's crucial to assess your motivations and ensure it aligns with your and your baby's needs.

If you’ve decided that now is the perfect time to stop contact napping, then this can be done in a gentle and responsive way.

Read More
Mastering Baby and Toddler Naps : Gentle Sleep Tips
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Mastering Baby and Toddler Naps : Gentle Sleep Tips

A successful nap brings a much-needed recharge for your little one and a well-deserved break for you. However, when naps don't go as planned, frustration and stress can follow. It's not uncommon to witness concerns about the duration of a baby's nap, uncertainty about when to drop a nap, or the challenge of adhering to recommended wake windows. If this is you, you are not alone!

Discover how to help your little one get the naps they need - it’s simpler than you may think!

Read More
How do I know when my baby is tired? 
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

How do I know when my baby is tired? 

Embarking on the journey of motherhood comes with its unique set of challenges, and for me, one of the biggest was knowing when my baby was tired. Classic cues like yawning, eye rubbing, and a touch of grizzliness seemed like foolproof indicators, prompting immediate attempts to settle her for sleep. However, the inconsistency left me bewildered, unable to grasp why my efforts sometimes worked and sometimes didn't.

There are varied ways in which babies communicate their fatigue, with some giving no clear clues at all! AND these so called tired signs may not actually be tired signs at all! If you're feeling confused, read on for clarity!

Read More
Baby Sleep Guide: Understanding Your Infant's Sleep Needs
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Baby Sleep Guide: Understanding Your Infant's Sleep Needs

When pondering the amount of sleep your baby should be getting, it's worth considering the underlying motivation for the question.

Are you asking because your baby seems dysregulated, unsettled, or generally unhappy?

Is it a quest for reassurance? Or perhaps it's influenced by a perceived notion of what your baby's sleep patterns should be, even if they differ from those expectations.

Understanding the motivation behind the question can provide insights into addressing your concerns or expectations regarding your baby's sleep.

Read More
Real Sleep Facts Every Parent Should Know
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Real Sleep Facts Every Parent Should Know

Parenthood is a journey, an up and down one, filled with joy, challenges, and, for most, sleepless nights. I think it’s important to normalise the realities of infant sleep and arm you with the facts.

It's crucial to reframe expectations and recognize that waking during the night is a normal part of a baby's first two years of life.

Read More
A Blueprint for Your Baby's Perfect Sleep Environment
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

A Blueprint for Your Baby's Perfect Sleep Environment

I’d wager that at the top of most parents with young children’s wish list is the elusive gift of a good night’s sleep! Establishing a conducive environment for sleep involves more than just a safe space. As a holistic sleep consultant, I'm here to guide you through the key elements that contribute to a good sleep environment for your baby.

Read More
Creating Your Toddler’s Perfect Bedtime Routine
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Creating Your Toddler’s Perfect Bedtime Routine

Oh the bedtime struggle with a toddler is real especially when you’re tired, stressed and have nothing left in the tank. If you're wishing for a more relaxing end to the day, then maybe it’s time to strengthen the bedtime routine!

Read More
The Power of Silly Time and Calm Down Time Before Bed
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

The Power of Silly Time and Calm Down Time Before Bed

Embarking on the nightly routine with toddlers can sometimes feel like entering a confusing maze where sleep is the well hidden treasure.

However, what if I told you that introducing a playful routine before bedtime could be the key to a more restful night for your little one?

Sounds crazy?! Well, on the surface perhaps, but trust me, it might just be the bedtime magic your little one needs!

Read More
Nurturing Connection and Quality Time: The Path to Better Sleep for Your Little One
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Nurturing Connection and Quality Time: The Path to Better Sleep for Your Little One

Parenthood is undoubtedly a whirlwind of responsibilities, especially when it comes to ensuring a good night's sleep for your little ones.

Amid the demands of daily life, finding moments for quality interactions can be challenging but if you do so your efforts will be richly rewarded.

When children feel loved, valued, and respected, they develop a sense of security that translates into better sleep patterns. In this blog I share some practical tips to enhance your connection with your little one.

Read More
The Hidden Power of a Balanced Diet for Your Baby or Toddler's Sleep
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

The Hidden Power of a Balanced Diet for Your Baby or Toddler's Sleep



Parenthood comes with a myriad of challenges, and one of the most common struggles for parents of babies and toddlers is ensuring they get a good night's sleep. While there are various factors influencing a child's sleep patterns, one of the key elements often overlooked is their diet.

We all know that a balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health. Filling our plates with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains is important in nourishing our bodies. But how often do we pause to consider the profound impact a balanced diet has on one of the most fundamental aspects of our well-being - sleep?

Read More
The Great Outdoors : A Natural Remedy for Better Sleep in Babies and Toddlers
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

The Great Outdoors : A Natural Remedy for Better Sleep in Babies and Toddlers

In today's fast-paced world, establishing healthy sleep patterns for our little ones has become a challenge for many parents. However the solution might be simpler than we think : the great outdoors!

Let's explore why daily exposure to natural daylight, and plenty of physical activity, can play a vital part in the well-being and sound sleep of babies and toddlers in our modern society.

Read More
Unveiling the Reality of Controlled Crying: A Holistic Perspective on Sleep Training
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Unveiling the Reality of Controlled Crying: A Holistic Perspective on Sleep Training



I think we can all agree that the struggle to get a good night’s sleep with a baby is a universal experience for parents!

In the quest for peaceful nights, many turn to sleep trainers and their various methods. One popular approach, controlled crying, promises quick results and minimal parental intervention. But is it really as gentle as it's portrayed by some sleep consultants?

In this article, we will delve into the world of controlled crying, exploring what it is, why it's favoured by some sleep trainers, and why I believe it falls short of being the gentle solution some claim it to be.

Read More
Understanding and Managing False Starts in Baby Sleep
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Understanding and Managing False Starts in Baby Sleep

A common frustration among parents of babies is dealing with false starts. Essentially, this is when a baby wakes up within the first hour of going to sleep at bedtime.

This blog looks at why false starts happen and will provide you with strategies to move forward.

It is a temporary phase but it can be extremely annoying and energy draining!

Read More
How to gently change the way you settle your baby or toddler to sleep
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

How to gently change the way you settle your baby or toddler to sleep

Are you a parent who has been relying on a particular method to help your baby or toddler fall asleep?

Perhaps it's rocking, feeding, or some other comforting routine that has worked well for a while, but now you're beginning to feel that it's becoming unsustainable or causing some challenges.

If so, you’ll be very glad (and probably relieved!) to learn that there is a gentle approach you can consider to transition to a new way of settling your little one to sleep.

Read More
Gentle Solutions for Nap Resistance in Babies and Toddlers
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Gentle Solutions for Nap Resistance in Babies and Toddlers

Nap resistance is a common challenge faced by parents when it comes to establishing consistent sleep routines for their little ones. It can be both frustrating and perplexing, but it's crucial to understand that nap resistance is a normal part of a child's development.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind nap resistance and provide a gentle action plan to help you effectively manage it.

Read More
What Is Holistic Sleep Coaching?
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

What Is Holistic Sleep Coaching?

In a world where sleepless nights are synonymous with parenthood, the quest for a peaceful night's sleep can often feel like an elusive dream.

Parents often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of well-intentioned advice, sleep training methods, and the ever-persistent sense of exhaustion.

In the midst of this journey, one approach stands out as a compassionate guide to resolving sleep challenges for children and caregivers alike: holistic sleep coaching.

Read More
Navigating the Newborn Phase
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Navigating the Newborn Phase

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous and transformative experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to nappy changes and everything in between, the newborn phase can feel overwhelming at times.


In this essential guide, I'll walk you through what I see as the key aspects of life with a newborn, offering practical tips and insights to help you navigate this wonderful, yet demanding chapter with confidence.

Read More
Early Morning Wakings: Practical Strategies for Babies and Toddlers
Catherine Wasley Catherine Wasley

Early Morning Wakings: Practical Strategies for Babies and Toddlers

Early risers, the bane of many parents' sleep-deprived existence. If you've found yourself struggling to keep up with your little one's crack-of-dawn wake-up calls, take heart you're not alone!

Early morning wakings can feel like a never-ending battle, but fear not! In this blog I’ll give you some practical strategies to help you reclaim those precious morning minutes and establish a more sleep-friendly routine for both you and your child.

Read More

Ready to Make Sleep Changes Right Now?

Cover of a baby sleep guide with a sleeping baby in a striped shirt, with text about gentle sleep tips and no-stress sleep advice.

This free guide shares the calm, connection-first approach I return to time and time again with the families I support.

Inside, you’ll find:
– The 7 “C’s” that gently shift sleep without sleep training
– Real-life tips you can actually use (even on no sleep!)
– A fresh perspective that helps you feel more confident, calm, and in control

Whether you're dealing with nap struggles, bedtime chaos, or hourly wake-ups, this is your invitation to step away from rigid routines and into something that actually feels good.