Blissed Out BabiesBlissed Out Babies
You’ve just seen those two pink lines.
Excitement, joy… and then panic.
Because as much as you want to look forward to newborn snuggles, your first thought was:
“How on earth am I supposed to survive with two children not sleeping? I’m already exhausted.”
Maybe your toddler still wakes multiple times a night.
Maybe bedtime is a 90-minute battle.
Maybe you’re still lying on the floor by their bed, silently weeping into the carpet while whispering, “Please just go to sleep…”
And now, with another baby on the way, it suddenly feels urgent to “fix” sleep.
But here’s the thing…
If what worked as a baby no longer works, that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Toddler sleep is a completely different beast to baby sleep.
At this stage, they’re not soothed by shushing or sleepy cues — they’re driven by:
Connection (“Mummy, stay!”)
Autonomy (“No bed. I’M NOT TIRED!”)
Big feelings they can’t regulate yet (especially with a sibling on the way)
So of course the old tricks don’t work. You don’t need stricter rules, you need a more understanding approach.
And good news, it is possible to improve sleep without resorting to cry-it-out or forcing sudden independence.
When panic hits, many parents go into sleep bootcamp mode. But that often backfires.
Please don’t:
✖️ Suddenly force them to sleep alone overnight
✖️ Remove comfort items or routines without preparation
✖️ Start a rigid “sleep training” plan that leaves everyone crying
If you make sleep feel like disconnection or punishment, especially before a new sibling arrives, it can fuel clinginess, night-wakings, and behaviour regressions.
Not perfection, but predictability.
You don’t need a toddler who sleeps 12 hours without a peep.
You need:
✅ A bedtime routine that doesn’t drain every ounce of your patience
✅ Fewer (or calmer) night wakings
✅ A plan for nights so you’re not torn between two children
So instead of trying to overhaul everything, pick one key goal, like:
“We want bedtime to take less than 60 minutes”
“I want to stop lying on the floor in silence for an hour”
“We want to reduce night wakings from 5 to 1–2”
Start there. Small wins build confidence.
Here are realistic, pregnancy-friendly shifts that work with your toddler’s emotions, not against them:
Try a “mini-connection burst” before bed:
5 minutes of full-focus silliness / cuddles / storytelling before saying goodnight
This fills their attachment cup and reduces clingy protest
This could be:
A comfort toy “who needs putting to bed too”
A new role for Dad / Gran / partner as part of the routine
A kids’ torch or music box they control for independence
You’re gently making it less all on you, but without dropping them cold turkey.
Toddlers cope best when things feel predictable and safe. Try:
“When baby comes, Daddy or Mummy will help you to bed too. We’ll have special stories, just us!”
Don’t frame it as “you’re a big boy now” (pressure), frame it as “we’re still connected, even when things change” (security).
You don’t have to choose between:
❌ “Let them cry, they’ll get over it”
and
❌ “Just survive on two hours of sleep forever”
There’s a middle ground: connection-led sleep shaping.
It’s what I teach inside Taming Toddler Sleep Programme, for parents who want rest, not rigidity.
I can guide you step by step. My approach is:
🫶 Gentle, no harsh methods or guilt.
🎯 Practical, tailored to YOUR family setup.
💭 Emotionally aware, because sleep is never “just sleep” at this age.
Want me to help you figure out your next step?
[Link to programme / call to action here]
You’re not failing — you’re preparing. And that makes you a brilliant parent already. 💛
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many parents are going through the same thing. With the right strategies and support, you can help your little one sleep more peacefully, and you’ll both wake up feeling more rested and ready for the day ahead.
If you’re looking for more support on how to handle toddler sleep challenges, check out the Taming Toddler Sleep Programme , my signature group sleep and parenting programme. I guarantee you’ll get better sleep or I’ll work with you for free until you do!
Together, we can create a sleep routine that works for your family, helping everyone get the rest they deserve.
I have always been interested in gentle parenting techniques, and as a self confessed ‘geek’ I spent many a sleepless night reading. I became so interested in infant brain development and the science of sleep that I completed my Holistic Sleep Coaching qualification, mentored by the wonderful Lyndsey Hookway. I have been working as a toddler sleep consultant since 2018, I am based in Manchester but I can work with you from anywhere in the world online!
This coupled with my experience in settling techniques, toddler negotiation strategies and analysis of naps and sleep needs gives me a wealth of knowledge to be able help you.
If you’re looking for help with making changes to your family’s sleeping habits and would like to speak to a toddler sleep consultant who is down to earth and sympathetic and will focus on you and your family with empathy and understanding then please get in touch.
I would love to hear from you!
Jem x
Click here to book a free chat with Jem to discuss sleep packages and ensure we are a good fit. There is no obligation and I will only take clients where I genuinely feel I can change their lives.
I have three simple toddler sleep support packages, Read more about them here.
Yes! You can check out my free sleep resources here.
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