Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does this service look like?

1. We ask questions. When we confirm that you are ready to sleep train with us, you can be booked within the week.
2. You complete a detailed evaluation of your child (an online form).
3. We complete a 1-hour (virtual or in person) consultation. This is where we’ll dive into your game plan.
4. Begin sleep training! We monitor your sleep logs and offer email and phone support as needed (3-4 weeks in length).

 

Can you stay with me?

If you are located on this map, we can stay in-home with you. If you live outside of that area, travel fees apply. We have three ways to support you: staying with you until your baby falls asleep, until midnight or all night long. This is a great option for parents who could benefit from extra support.

 

What are your qualifications?

The Better Bedtime team serves the region of Waterloo, Wellington, Norfolk, Oxford, and Haldimand-Norfolk counties. Families all over North America are served virtually. We have been providing community education since 2015 at Early Years Centres, non-profit Life-With-A-Baby, and various clinics and organizations. We work one-on-one with families all over Ontario and beyond to guide their families to better sleep. We consider the whole family’s schedule when going through sleep training.

Better Bedtime Founder, Bridget Jensen, is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. She has successfully completed several certifications/courses including Sleep Consulting Certification in Sarasota, Florida with a world-renowned sleep specialist, Infant Mental Health Course at SickKids Hospital, and Integrative Adult Sleep Certification. She has worked directly with families for over five years both in-person and remotely. She has stayed to support many families overnight. Bridget partners with local practitioners to support her clients beyond sleep, for challenges related to breastfeeding, counseling, and overall health. Bridget is a sleep advocate in organizations that are looking to make it an addition to their professional development.

Heidi Elliott, Jessica Wojtkowiak, Nicole Mitten, Carrie Prowse and Joanna Guistini each bring unique expertise to the Better Bedtime team. They each have a passion for sleep education and helping families with their little one’s sleep.

 

     

 

What strategy do you use?

We are 100% transparent in our approach to sleep training. Our strategy depends on the child. A number of factors are considered, including age, parenting style, and developmental milestones.  If you can’t stand the thought of your baby crying for a moment, this likely isn’t the solution for you. While it’s true you can stay with your baby, pick baby up, etc., it is very likely your baby will cry. We do our best to minimize crying by following babies‘ tired cues, having a strategic routine, and responding in an effective way. When you are finished sleep training, your baby should be going down to sleep without crying. Please contact us with any specific questions.

For toddlers, we build a foundation of trust and encourage a healthy relationship with sleep. Parents are asked to stay present with toddlers/preschool-aged children with a gradual shift out of the bedroom.

 

Is your service covered under benefits?

Maybe. Request our invoice and credentials to submit to your benefits provider. Inquire with your extended health benefits provider to see if sleep consulting/sleep therapy/etc. is covered. If you have a health spending account, our services are likely covered.

What happens when our time together runs out?

When your baby is sleeping well, we wont check in anymore. You will always have access to our Client Portal, which has videos and written directions on how to handle common sleep challenges like daylight savings time, travel, nap transitions, sleep regressions and much more. If you ever feel that you need extra support for a future sleep challenge, there is a nominal fee.

Does your plan include naps?

Yes. Better Bedtime uses a whole approach where we tackle daytime and nighttime sleep all at the same time. 

Can I still feed my baby at night?

Absolutely! We will include night feedings until you and your doctor are comfortable going all night without feedings. You can certainly have a baby who sleeps well while still feeding them in the night. We will teach you how to do this.

How long does it take?

You will likely notice results within a couple of days, but it typically takes a baby 10-14 days to be consistently sleeping well. Sometimes it can be much sooner. Toddlers often take 2-3 weeks to be sleeping well consistently. 

What happens if it doesn’t work?

You will have decisions to make regarding the strategy we choose. During our consultation, we will clearly outline the plan so that you know exactly what to do at all times. As long as you follow the plan and participate in our scheduled phone calls – this strategy will work. If you decide to veer away from the plan, we make no guarantees.

What ages do you work with?

14 weeks and older.

What do you think about “crying-it-out”?

We will never ask you to leave your child to cry alone or ignore their cries if that makes you uncomfortable. The reason this method is so effective is that it lets us develop a plan you feel comfortable with, based on your own child. We promote fostering a secure attachment while still encouraging independent sleep skills. Optimizing your child’s schedule, responding in a way that is helpful and much more comes into play to minimize crying as much as possible. For babies and young toddlers, crying is a way of protesting change. As we will be making changes to your child’s sleep habits, they will likely protest on at least some level.

 

 

 

Do you have more questions? Send us a message!