1. What are some common self-soothing behaviours?
Self-soothing can look different for every child. Common behaviours include: ● Thumb or finger sucking
● Playing with hair or ears
● Rubbing the sheets or mattress
● Making repetitive humming or singing sounds
● Body rocking
● Head turning side to side
● Banging legs up and down
These behaviours help children transition between sleep cycles and fall asleep independently.
2. Will travel ruin sleep training?
While travel can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, it won’t undo all your hard work. Your child may need a few days to readjust once you’re home, but they’ll typically return to their usual sleep habits if you resume your normal routine and sleep expectations. Try to maintain as many familiar sleep cues as possible while travelling (like white noise, sleeping bag, or bedtime routine). I’m a big believer in travelling with children, and even if sleep does fall apart whilst away, you can just get back on track when you’re home. Enjoy the trip!
3. What do I do if my child is sick?
When your child is unwell, put sleep training on hold and focus on comfort and recovery. Sick children need extra support and may require more frequent feeds and contact napping. Once they’re feeling better, you can gently return to your usual sleep practices. Most children bounce back to their previous sleep habits within a few days of recovering.
4. What is Le Pause?
Le Pause is a French parenting concept that involves briefly waiting before responding to your child’s noises or cries. It’s not about ignoring your child, but rather giving them a moment to potentially resettle themselves. This pause – even just 1-2 minutes – allows you to observe whether your child truly needs assistance or is just transitioning between sleep cycles.
5. My child struggles with reflux. Can I still sleep train?
Yes and no, but it requires some careful consideration. If your child’s reflux is well-managed medically, sleep training can be appropriate. Key adjustments include: ● Keeping feeds upright for 20-30 minutes before sleep
● Using a cot wedge (if recommended by your healthcare provider)
● Ensuring appropriate wake windows to avoid discomfort
● Working closely with your healthcare team
However, if your child’s reflux is not yet under control, I recommend waiting to sleep train.
About the author
Sally provides advice on the development of good sleep habits and healthy sleep foundations, her approach to sleep is holistic and nurturing with an emphasis on consistency and support.
