SLEEP PACKAGES
We offer a range of 1:1 support options which take account of your varying needs and requirements. We offer support for children aged 4 months to 18 months. For issues for children who can already self settle to sleep then a quick fix call will more than likely suit. If you require more in depth support, including a sleep plan, then the sleep package may be more suitable. With the sleep package you have the option of adding on additional ongoing support to help you while you work through your sleep plan, for however long you wish. We also offer a sleep schedule plan for those just looking to optimise their child’s sleep without making any drastic changes. You can read more about each plan below. If you are not sure what may suit your needs best then book a free discovery call where we can discuss each option more in depth.
The Quick Fix Call - £45
This is a 30 minute phone call/zoom meeting, for children who are already able to self settle and sleep independently. The purpose of this call is to address specific issues such as early waking, split nights, bedtime resistance, nap transitions, routine issues etc. These calls do not teach sleep training methods nor is a sleep plan provided. However, a follow up email is included to summarise what we have discussed and includes personalised recommendations.
The Full Sleep Plan Package - £145
This package is suitable for children aged 4 months to 18months who are unable to sleep independently. You will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire and log sleep for between 5 and 7 days. We will then have a 60 minute online consultation to discuss your child’s sleep in-depth and how to fix it. Following this you will be provided with a personalised plan for your child. This package includes 7 days of follow up support via WhatsApp. You are able to purchase additional support, up to 3 weeks, if you feel you will need it.
The Sleep Schedule Plan - £70
This is a 30 minute phone call to discuss a specific issue such as taking a long time to fall asleep, false starts, split nights, early wakes. You will then be required to log your child’s sleep for 5-7 days. I will then analyse this data and create a personalised, flexible schedule for your child to address these issues. This plan is suitable for children who can already self settle. However, if your child cant sleep independently and you do not wish to sleep train you may still use this option to optimise their sleep, just be mindful that they will still wake between sleep cycles.
How The Process Works
Free 15 Min Chat
Book a free discovery call to have a quick chat about any issues you are having and find out if we can help. This is not a sales call and there is no obligation to purchase a service after this call.
Book a Sleep Package
If you feel we can help then simply book a package online with your chosen time and date.
Telephone Call or Online Consultation
Depending on your chosen package you will either receive a telephone call or join an online meeting where your issues and a plan to address these can be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my baby need to be over 4 months old to sleep train?
Many parents ask, When is it safe to sleep train my baby? or Why can’t I sleep train a newborn? As an OCN Level 6 Sleep Consultant, I recommend waiting until at least four months of age. Here is the science behind why babies aren’t developmentally ready for sleep training until that milestone.
The Science of Newborn Sleep Cycles
Newborn sleep is inherently unpredictable. During the first few months, babies require frequent feeding and have not yet developed a circadian rhythm.
Because they aren’t producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) in the same way adults do, they cannot yet distinguish between day and night. Furthermore, newborn sleep cycles consist of only two stages: REM and non-REM sleep. This makes their cycles much shorter, roughly 40 to 50 minutes, meaning they drift into active sleep and wake much more easily.
The 4-Month Sleep Regression: A Physiological Milestone
At around four months, your baby undergoes a significant physiological change. This is often called the 4-month sleep regression, but it is actually a sign of maturation. During this time:
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Sleep cycles mature: They transition from two stages of sleep to four, becoming more like adult sleep patterns.
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Increased wakefulness: You may notice your baby waking more frequently, taking shorter naps, or becoming fussier at bedtime.
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Developmental readiness: It is only after this transition that a baby becomes biologically capable of learning to link their sleep cycles.
Can You Prepare for Sleep Training Early?
While you cannot sleep train a newborn, you can lay the groundwork for healthy habits.
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Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Ensure the sleep environment is dark, between 16 and 20 degrees, and quiet.
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Establish a Bedtime Routine: Simple, repetitive cues like a bath and a book help signal to the brain that sleep is coming.
- Practice putting baby down for some naps tired but awake. This gives them the opportunity to settle themselves to sleep.
Do you use cry it out method?
At The Sleep Architects, we do not use or recommend the Cry It Out method, also known as Full Extinction.
What is the Cry It Out Method?
The Cry It Out (CIO) approach typically involves placing a child in their crib, leaving the room, and not returning until the next morning (unless there is a sign of illness or physical danger).
The Science vs. The Reality
Research into infant sleep suggests that:
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Attachment: Studies indicate that CIO does not cause long-term harm to a child or damage the secure attachment between parent and child.
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Speed: It is often cited as one of the fastest ways to achieve consolidated sleep.
However, science isn’t the only factor. Research also highlights that many parents find this method incredibly stressful and difficult to maintain. If a sleep method negatively impacts the parents’ mental health or leads to inconsistency, it is not a sustainable solution.
Why I Choose a Different Path
As an OCN Level 6 Sleep Consultant, I believe that successful sleep training must be sustainable for the whole family. Because many parents find the closed door approach emotionally draining, I focus on methods that allow for:
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Responsive Comfort: Offering reassurance to your child while they learn to settle.
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Parental Confidence: Choosing a method you can actually stick to without feeling overwhelmed.
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Individual Needs: Aligning the strategy with your child’s individual 24-hour sleep needs.
Sleep training isn’t about ignoring your child; it’s about supporting them through a change. I recommend approaches that balance your child’s need for sleep with your need to feel like a responsive, present parent.
Does sleep training involve my child crying?
The short answer is more than likely, yes. Whether you choose a gentle sleep training approach or a more structured method like timed intervals, crying is a natural part of the process.
Understanding Protest Crying vs. Pain
It is important to remember that crying is your child’s primary form of communication.
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The Comfort of the Status Quo: If your baby is used to being rocked or fed to sleep, they will naturally protest when those “sleep associations” change.
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Learning a New Skill: Think of it like a toddler frustrated that they can’t quite fit a puzzle piece. That frustration (and the resulting cry) is often a necessary part of the learning process.
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Communication, Not Distress: As an OCN Level 6 Sleep Consultant, I help parents distinguish between a cry of “I’m tired and this is different” and a cry that signals a genuine need.
Why “No-Cry” Methods Can Be Misleading
Many gentle or no-cry coaches suggest that sleep training can be tear-free. In reality, even the gentlest methods usually involve some level of protest because we are asking the child to do something difficult, settle independently. At The Sleep Architects, our focus isn’t on a “no-cry” guarantee, but on:
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Minimizing Distress: Ensuring your child is biologically ready for sleep by calculating their individual 24-hour sleep needs.
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Parental Support: Giving you the tools to remain consistent and calm, which in turn helps your child feel secure during the transition.
Crying is a temporary part of a transition that leads to a improvement in your child’s sleep and in turn yours.
What sleep methods do you use?
At The Sleep Architects, I believe that the best sleep method is the one you can stick to with confidence. Because every family and every child is different, I offer a range of evidence-based sleep training techniques tailored to your child’s age, temperament, and your parenting style.
1. Responsive Timed Intervals
Many parents find success with a responsive interval method. This involves placing your child in their bed and leaving the room for short, structured periods, returning regularly to offer physical and verbal comfort.
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Why it works: It provides a clear boundary for the child while ensuring they feel supported.
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The Benefit: Compared to some very gradual methods, this often leads to faster results. By seeing progress quickly, parents find it much easier to remain consistent.
2. Gentle & Gradual Sleep Coaching
I recognize that many parents prefer a more gradual sleep training approach. I offer gentle sleep methods for parents who wish to remain in the room or move away more slowly.
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The Process: We use fading techniques that slowly reduce your level of intervention, peeling back support, as your child builds their self-settling skills.
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Things to consider: While these methods are often preferred by parents who are hesitant about any separation, they do take longer to implement. Patience and high levels of consistency are key to their success.
Do I need to sleep train my child?
The simple answer is no. You do not need to sleep train your child unless you want to.
It’s Only an Issue if It’s an Issue for You
At The Sleep Architects, I believe that if your current sleep situation is working for your family, even if it involves rocking to sleep, co-sleeping, or multiple night feedings—then there is no reason to change it. Every family has different goals and lifestyles.
However, if the current situation is no longer sustainable, it is okay to ask for help. It might be time to consider professional sleep support if:
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Mental Health: You are struggling with exhaustion or post-natal anxiety.
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Safety & Function: You feel you cannot safely care for your child or perform at work due to sleep deprivation.
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Family Balance: You have no time for yourself, your partner, or other children.
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Child’s Well-being: Your child seems chronically tired or restless.
A Personal, Judgment-Free Choice
Sleep training is a personal choice, and there is absolutely no shame in seeking a better night’s rest. Deciding to improve your child’s sleep can be an act of care for the entire household.
My role as an OCN Level 6 Sleep Consultant isn’t to tell you that you must change things; it is to provide you with the evidence-based tools and support to make those changes when you are ready. Whether you choose a gentle sleep method or a more structured approach, the goal is always the same, a happier, more rested family.
The Sleep Architects’ Philosophy: You need to do what is best for your unique family unit. There are no prizes for being the most sleep-deprived parent.
Will sleep training harm my child?
The short answer is no. There is no scientific research to suggest that sleep training, when done correctly and responsively, harms a child or damages the bond with their primary caregiver.
What the Research Actually Says
Despite the noise and misinformation found online, several long-term studies have examined the effects of sleep training on children. The evidence consistently shows:
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No Impact on Attachment: Research measuring the bond between parent and child found no difference in attachment styles between children who were sleep trained and those who were not.
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No Emotional Harm: Studies following children for years after sleep training found no evidence of increased anxiety, stress, or behavioral issues.
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Improved Parental Wellbeing: Research does show that when sleep training is successful, maternal mental health often improves, which leads to more positive and responsive parenting during the day.
Addressing the Misconceptions
You may see claims that sleep training causes toxic stress or leads to an insecure attachment. It is important to know that these claims are not backed by evidence.
Attachment is built through thousands of daily interactions, feeding, playing, comforting, and responding to your child’s needs. Helping your child learn the skill of independent sleep in a supportive environment does not erase the secure foundation you have built.
The Benefits of Restorative Sleep
As an OCN Level 6 Sleep Consultant, I view sleep as an essential biological necessity, much like nutrition. Restorative sleep is vital for:
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Brain Development: Sleep is when the brain processes information and grows.
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Emotional Regulation: A well-rested child is often happier and more settled during their waking hours.
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Physical Health: Sleep supports a healthy immune system and physical growth.
Providing your child with the opportunity to get the sleep they need is an act of care. By calculating their individual 24-hour sleep needs, we ensure they are getting the right amount of rest to thrive, without compromising the bond they have with you.
Contact Me
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