Creating Healthy Sleep Habits For Your Baby: An Interview with Little Dreams Consultant Lottie Hanes

In our ongoing effort to support families in creating a restful environment for their children, we're delighted to feature an interview with Lottie Hanes, an experienced nanny and the Little Dreams consultant for Hampstead and Islington. With 14 years of diverse experience as a nanny working with children and families across the UK and beyond, Lottie has recently joined the team at Little Dreams, who provide support across London and the whole of the UK. In this interview, Lottie kindly shares her knowledge and tips on the importance of sleep for children and families.

Who is Lottie Hanes?

Lottie’s journey in childcare began early in her educational career, where she knew Early Years was her passion and something she wanted to focus on. After obtaining her Level 3 Childcare certificate, she pursued a BA Hons Early Childhood Studies in Sheffield. Initially working in nurseries, Lottie quickly discovered that her passion lay in nannying - a career she's thoroughly been enjoying for 10 years and counting!

Recently, Lottie joined Little Dreams Consulting Franchise as a Sleep Consultant choosing to provide in-person support to families whenever possible but also offering online support. Face-to-face interactions, Lottie says, allow her to gauge the family’s atmosphere, observe the children, and create a genuine connection with parents - all things she loves.

Understanding the 4-month 'sleep regression'

We asked Lottie about a topic we see many parents interested in - the so called 'sleep regression' that happens at around 4 months of age. While, as a Sleep Consultant, Lottie works with children from the age of 4 months to 10 years, the 4-month mark is actually pivotal and is when babies transition to a more mature sleep cycle.

Before this age, newborns primarily go through two sleep cycles: active (REM) and quiet (non-REM) sleep. After the age of 4 months, babies begin to develop more complex sleep cycles that resemble those of older children and adults, transitioning from the simpler two-cycle system of newborns. These mature cycles consist of several stages:

• Light sleep.

• Deep sleep.

• And REM sleep.

In light sleep, babies are easily awakened, while moderate sleep allows for relaxation and physiological stability. Deep sleep is crucial for growth and immune function, whereas REM sleep, where dreaming occurs, is vital for cognitive development and memory consolidation.

Although this maturation process means babies are capable of longer periods of wakefulness and more predictable sleep patterns, helping babies learn to self-soothe and return to sleep independently is crucial in order to enable them to learn the skill of falling asleep independently, which is why, ideally, little ones will be placed in their cot or bed still awake, so they can learn how to fall asleep and then go back to sleep at the end of a cycle, therefore consolidating their sleep.

When to ask for help and support with your child's sleep

Lottie explains that typically families ask for assistance when they find their current sleep situation unmanageable. Whether due to the demands of older siblings, returning to work, or other personal or family challenges, parents reach out for tailored guidance when they feel they don't know what to do next.

On this point, Lottie reminded us that it's perfectly okay for parents to ask for help and support around their child's sleep. The learning curve for new parents (and parents in general) is steep, and since no two babies are the same, looking for help with sleep is just as important as asking for help in other areas of child development.

Lottie also emphasised that the advice she gives to families is always tailored and bespoke, recognising that no two families are alike. She prides herself on being non-judgmental and will never come to your home telling you that you’re doing everything wrong or judging you for your situation!

In fact, Lottie stressed that if what families are doing is currently working for them and they are all getting the sleep they need, there’s no need to change a thing! On the other hand, when parents find things unsustainable, Lottie offers understanding, empathy, and expertise to help navigate the complexities of sleep challenges and make sure family's needs are addressed holistically - with the utmost respect and care.

Debunking sleep myths

Sleep training isn't crying it out!

A common misconception surrounding Sleep Consultants is that they encourage parents to leave their babies to "cry it out." This phrase has certainly built up a negative connotation over the years, and Lottie assures us that this approach is not recommended at Little Dreams.

Instead, 'sleep training' focuses on creating good habits and sleep hygiene through consistent routines that help children feel safe and secure, which, in turn also creates healthy emotional attachment and trust - key elements required for the child's exploration of the world as they grow.

It's not about blue lights - it's about overstimulation

Another frequent myth is that blue light from screens interferes with melatonin production. Lottie clarifies that it's not actually the blue light itself but rather the overstimulation from screen movement that disrupts sleep. She recommends avoiding screens for 1-2 hours before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.

Some facts about healthy sleep in babies and children

Safe sleep is paramount

Following guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, a leading resource for safe sleep, Lottie highlights the importance of adhering to key principles: babies should always sleep on their backs, in a safe sleeping environment free from loose bedding, pillows, and toys. Establishing these practices significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensures a safer sleep environment that can positively impact the quality of your child's sleep.

Children need sleep to develop and grow

Sleep is critical for babies’ physical and emotional development. During sleep, particularly deep sleep stages, essential processes that support growth happen in the body. Growth hormone, which is fundamental for physical development, is primarily released during sleep. It helps with tissue growth, muscle development, and overall physical maturation.

Plus, sleep plays a vital role in brain development. Adequate sleep helps in forming and strengthening synapses (i.e. connections between neurons) that are essential for cognitive growth. This process happens primarily during sleep, allowing the brain to develop efficiently and effectively. Children who receive sufficient sleep, explains Lottie, demonstrate improved memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving abilities. And this is critical, as it lays those important foundations for academic success and social interactions.

Daily routines are key for naps and night-time sleep too

Establishing daily routines not only helps improve the quality of night-time sleep but also creates a sense of structure. Consistent bedtime and nap routines signal to a child’s internal biological clock when it's time for sleep, leading to smoother transitions into and out of sleep.

Over time and with consistency and repetition, babies learn to associate specific locations (such as their cot) with sleep. This also removes the confusion that comes from changing sleep environments. For example, if your baby falls asleep in a car seat or a pushchair and wakes up in their cot, they might find themselves slightly disorientated and not be able to put themselves back to sleep at the end of a sleep cycle.

In Lottie's experience both as a nanny and as a Sleep Consultant, children who follow structured daily routines often show better sleep quality and longer sleep durations. For example, children may fall asleep faster and have reduced night-time awakenings compared to those without established routines.

A structured approach sleep (including naps) helps children develop secure sleep patterns, which is great for a restorative night's sleep and is key to their growth and emotional regulation.

Practical suggestions for sleep routines

Lottie's tips for creating effective sleep routines are both straightforward and effective:

• Keep it simple. A routine should be brief (20-30 minutes) to prevent overstimulation.

• Dim the lights. Lowering light levels encourages melatonin production, promoting sleepiness.

• Incorporate relaxing activities. These can include a bath, reading a story, or enjoying quality time together.

• Empower your child with a Sleep Box. Filling a ‘Sleep Box’ with favourites like books or toys gives children ownership of their sleep routine, creating a sense of control and comfort.

• Practice independent sleep. Place your baby in their cot or bed while awake, guiding them to learn how to self-soothe and drift off to sleep.

  
  

Lottie also advises minimising screen time throughout the day. Instead, she advocates for engaging with books or favourite toys and allowing the time for valuable communication and exploration opportunities that stimulate development.

Would you like some support with your baby's sleep?

Lottie’s experience and insights reflect the mission of Little Dreams (founded by Jenna Wilson) , to empower families through the transformative power of sleep. With her evidence-based approach and emphasis on creating personalised strategies, Lottie is dedicated to supporting families in establishing healthy sleep habits, stronger connections, and nurturing overall well-being.

If you’re navigating sleep challenges with your little ones or looking for guidance in creating a more harmonious sleep environment, reaching out to Lottie and the team at Little Dreams could be your next step towards restful nights. Just as Homebodies strives to do, Lottie believes in the importance of working collaboratively with parents to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere for children, making the journey to restful sleep a collective effort.

If you’re ready to transform your child’s sleep patterns or want to discuss approaches that work for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lottie at Little Dreams for dedicated support. And if you need our help in finding a fabulous, experienced nanny just like Lottie who will support you in your parenting journey, get in touch for an informal chat.