I really struggled with weaning my son and so when it came to building my own business, I wanted to focus on an area of motherhood and babyhood where I felt I could provide support based on my own experiences. That's how Chomp was born. I've been thinking about how to continue supporting other mums, parents, and carers through babyhood.
I thought it would be a great idea to start doing live sessions on our Instagram @chompbabyofficial with baby health experts from across the industry to discuss hot topics, answer questions, and provide general support for parenthood. This blog is an excerpt from a recent live Q&A with Nina from Sleepy Bambinos. She is a specialist in infant sleep. I was stressed out about weaning, but sleep is one of the top areas parents worry about. Lack of sleep for both parent and child can affect everything. I hope you enjoy it- Amber
Nina (Sleep Consultant, Sleepy Bambinos):
I'm Nina, founder of Sleepy Bambinos. I have a little boy who is almost 14 months old. I started thinking about Sleepy Bambinos when he was around six months old because we struggled with sleep. He kept me up every hour, and I tried everything from feeding to sleep to using a bottle and breastfeeding. Eventually, I trained to become a sleep consultant and sleep-trained my son. It was the best decision I ever made, and now I'm here to help other parents.
Amber (Founder Chomp):
The first question is about the connection between food and sleep. We know that for adults, what and when we eat can affect our sleep quality. Does this also apply to children? Is there a connection between food and sleep, and what can we do to improve sleep in relation to diet?
Nina:
Yes, there is definitely a connection. For newborns, hunger or discomfort from needing to burp can affect their sleep. As they grow, the types of food they eat, such as those high in sugar or caffeine, can also impact their sleep. Sugary foods, especially toward the end of the day, can spike their energy and cause difficulty falling asleep or frequent overnight wakes.
Amber:
Here's a question from one of our followers. Her nine-and-a-half-month-old has just learned to sit and stand in the crib, which is becoming a distraction. What can she do to support him during this phase?
Nina:
The sit and stand phase can be challenging because it's a new skill they want to practice constantly. It's important to remain consistent with your routine. Try not to introduce new sleep associations, such as rocking them to sleep if you haven't been doing that before. If it becomes a game, sit beside the crib at their level to encourage them to lie back down. Making the room as dark as possible can also help reduce distractions.
Amber:
Another question we have is about a common myth: switching to formula feeding at will help a baby sleep longer because it is heavier or thicker. Is this true?
Nina:
That's a myth. Your baby will sleep whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed. The only advantage of bottle feeding is that you can measure exactly how much they are consuming, whereas breastfeeding is more of a guesswork. The important thing is to do what suits you and your baby best.
Amber:
What is the usual daily sleep routine for a six-month-old in line with their weaning milestone?
Nina:
Sleep routines can vary greatly. Some babies may sleep for longer stretches and have two or three naps a day, while others may take shorter, more frequent naps. Follow your baby's wake windows, which are typically around two hours, and look for sleep cues like rubbing their eyes or zoning out. Avoid comparing your baby's sleep to others. We have a cheat sheet that outlines wake windows and nap durations, which can be helpful.
Amber:
Another question from our audience: is it okay if babies nap in the car a lot?
Nina:
Yes, it's fine. Using travel time for naps can be less stressful. The first nap of the day is usually the easiest because sleep pressure is highest. It's not a bad habit to let them sleep in the car, and it can provide consistency with bedtime.
Amber:
Great advice. Let's talk about sleep training. Can every child be sleep trained, and what does sleep training involve?
Nina:
Sleep training involves helping your child sleep independently using gentle methods. You're there to comfort them, gradually reducing your presence until they can sleep on their own. Every child can be sleep trained, but parents need to be ready and committed to the process. The first few days can be challenging, but you usually see progress around day three or four. If what you're doing is working, there's no need to change it.
Amber:
Thank you, Nina. Another hot topic is safe sleep, especially for those who want to co-sleep. What advice do you have for safe sleep?
Nina:
The safest place for a baby is on a firm, clear mattress, either in their own space or in your bed if co-sleeping. Avoid toys, bumpers, and pillows. Make sure the baby can't overheat and avoid co-sleeping if you've had alcohol or medication. Always have a safe alternative sleep space available.
Amber:
As we approach summer, what should parents be aware of regarding nursery temperatures and sleep suits?
Nina:
The ideal sleep temperature is around 16-19 degrees Celsius, but this can be hard to maintain in summer. Use lower tog sleep bags, like 0.5 or 1 tog, and dress your baby in lighter layers. Check their chest or back to gauge their temperature. Avoid blackout blinds that trap heat and keep the room ventilated.
Amber:
Thanks, Nina. Let's address a topic that causes a lot of anxiety: babies sleeping through the night. Is there an age when this should happen, or does it vary?
Nina:
It varies greatly. Some babies sleep through the night early on, while others take longer. Factors like overtiredness, under-tiredness, regressions, and changes like starting nursery can all affect sleep. Sleep patterns are not linear and can change over time. The key is not to compare and understand that every child is different.
Amber:
That's really helpful. Lastly, there's a myth that keeping a baby awake longer during the day will help them sleep better at night. Is there any truth to this?
Nina:
There is some truth to keeping them stimulated during the day, but overstimulation can backfire. Keeping them awake longer than their wake window can lead to overtiredness and poorer sleep. The last wake window before bedtime should be optimal or slightly shorter to help them catch up on rest. An earlier bedtime won't make them wake up earlier; it can actually help them sleep better.
Amber:
Thank you so much, Nina. Your advice has been incredibly valuable.
Nina:
Thank you for having me, Amber. It was a pleasure discussing these important topics with you and your audience.