FAQs

It’s normal for babies to wake several times a night but in my experience babies can also begin sleeping longer stretches as early as 3 to 6 weeks. On The 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine, I find that  newborns can begin sleeping through the night once they are able to comfortably take their full calorie needs  in a 12 hour daytime period. Sleeping through the whole night can vary dramatically from baby to baby and is influenced by every aspect of their day from calorie intake, digestion, routine, nap schedule and parental responses.

Newborns naturally seek warmth, comfort and closeness, which is why many prefer sleeping in a parent's arms. Creating a calm sleep environment, balanced feeding patterns and positive settling habits can help your baby feel more secure in their cot. Every newborn is different and some need more support than others during the early weeks. Creating a safe but secure sleep position can help as well as a short timed return settling plan like my reverse cuddle technique.

Your newborn has spent months being held closely in the womb, so a newborn needs to feel secure to sleep and is easily coaxed to sleep when cuddled. Contact napping is a beautiful thing and often it is hard to put your new baby down when you get home in the first few weeks. This settling method can then become an association to sleep making it difficult to put your baby down or keep your baby sleeping when put down.

Supporting newborn sleep starts with balanced feeding, appropriate awake times, calm settling techniques and a consistent day and night rhythm. Creating healthy foundations early can help encourage more settled sleep as your baby grows.

Newborns sleep and nap frequently throughout the day but on the 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine there are three naps from week two to three weeks of age. Sleep patterns can vary considerably, but as babies mature, sleep gradually becomes more organised and predictable.

Healthy sleep and feeding associations can begin from birth with a routine developing as a baby grows. Newborn routines should be flexible and responsive while gradually creating predictable patterns that support sleep, feeding and development. This is exactly what The 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine does.

Natural daylight, appropriate daytime activity, regular feeding patterns and a calmer, dark nighttime environment can help babies develop a healthy body clock and clearer distinction between day and night.

No, you can’t sleep train a newborn, they are too young for formal sleep training. Instead, the focus should be on establishing healthy feeding, settling and sleep foundations that support future sleep development. Your baby’s daily routine has a direct impact on their sleep.

The total amount of sleep can vary massively from baby to baby and also changes with age. A two-week old will generally sleep more than a ten-week-old, although both babies are at the newborn stage. On The 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine, most newborns sleep around 15-18 hours across a 24 hour period.

Grunting is a common newborn  noise, they sound like little piglets! In my experience much of the apparent straining sounds parents hear at night isn't necessarily pain. Babies may be waking, stretching, trying to settle, becoming hungry or a little gassy. However, persistent distress,  feeding difficulties breathing difficulties or anything that concerns you should always be discussed with your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Trapped wind and reflux can cause similar symptoms, including crying after feeds, back arching and frequent waking. Identifying the underlying cause is key, as the right feeding techniques and routine can often make a significant difference.

Crying during feeds is likely to be hunger and crying after feeds could be caused by wind, reflux, digestive discomfort, feeding technique or milk intake and hunger. Looking at the whole picture, including feeding, digestion and sleep, helps identify what’s really going on.

Baby poo can vary considerably in colour, texture and frequency depending on age and whether a baby is breastfed or formula fed. In my experience, healthy newborn poo  ranges from mustard and seedy to more watery yellow consistency. Formula fed babies may have slightly thicker stools, while stools naturally thicken and turn brown in colour once solids are introduced.

Simple changes to feeding, winding, positioning and routine can often improve digestion and help your baby become more comfortable. Every baby is different, so advice should always be tailored to your baby’s individual needs.

Positive settling habits can begin from birth, although I don't consider this sleep training. With newborns I focus on gradually helping them feel secure and comfortable settling in their own sleep space without expecting them to manage everything independently.  As babies develop, their ability to self settle develops too. The approach I use depends on a baby's age, temperament, feeding, digestion, routine and existing sleep associations. 

Put your baby to bed drowsy but awake. This helps a baby learn to associate the cot with falling asleep, rather than in arms. Reduce and simplify your settling process gradually. There are many techniques I would use but a settling plan works best when personalised.

Transferring to the cot when a baby is already asleep can lead to false starts and waking up the moment or soon after being put down. It’s best to teach a baby to independently settle in the cot for this very reason.

A baby’s sleep cycles are roughly 30-45 minutes. In my experience, when a baby’s overall routine isn’t supporting sleep, whether that is because of calorie intake, nap schedule, wake windows, routine structure or settling associations, a baby can find it difficult to connect sleep cycles. The root cause is often not the nap itself but one or more aspects of the wider routine that needs adjusting.

Consistency and good sleep hygiene are key. I recommend a warm bath, followed by a short story or lullaby during a milk feed with low lighting and curtains drawn. These become powerful indicators and clues for sleep. A bath is an important part of The Sleeping Baby Routine because the warming and subsequent cooling of the body stimulates melatonin levels, preparing the body and mind for sleep. 

Frequent night waking can have many causes, including feeding patterns, digestive discomfort, overtiredness, routines, sleep associations, developmental changes or illness. Identifying the underlying cause is often the key to improving sleep. Sleep disruptions and sleep regression are often down to a combination of factors.

Sleeping through the night depends on a baby's age, feeding needs, development, sleep habits and overall routine. Supporting healthy sleep foundations and addressing any underlying factors can help babies gradually achieve longer stretches of sleep. A personalised approach will future proof settling and sleep patterns.

Some babies resist sleeping in their cot due to overtiredness, feeding issues, separation anxiety, sleep associations or developmental stages. Understanding the reason behind the resistance can help create a more successful plan. Changing settling and sleep associations could be the key to getting a baby down independently.

Many babies wake when transferred or put down due to sleep associations, overtiredness, false starts, difficulty transitioning between sleep cycles or feeling the sudden change from being held to lying independently. Gentle, consistent settling approaches can help babies feel more secure in their sleep space and support self settling.

Nap resistance can be linked to inappropriate awake times, the length of wake windows, overtiredness, routine issues or sleep habits. Small adjustments often make a significant difference especially with a baby’s nap schedule.

Short naps can occur due to overtiredness, undertiredness, hunger, developmental stages or difficulty linking sleep cycles. Looking at the whole routine often helps identify contributing factors. Some naps might need to be short depending on the age of the baby.

Early waking can be influenced by bedtime timing, naps, hunger, light exposure, sleep environment, routines or developmental changes. Identifying the cause helps determine the most appropriate solution and sleep management plan.

Wake windows are the periods of time a baby can comfortably stay awake between sleeps. Appropriate awake times help support better naps, easier settling and more restorative overnight sleep.

Sleep regression is a warning sign or alarm that a baby’s routine is either out of date or may simply need a few adjustments. Sleep regression happens when a baby’s needs are not being met during daylight hours to support sleep. This can typically happen around the transition from newborn to baby stage, baby to toddler stage and around weaning. Developmental milestones can temporarily affect sleep patterns.

Yes, overtiredness can impact both naps and overnight sleep, making it harder for babies to settle and stay asleep.

False starts can be linked to overtiredness, undertiredness, routine imbalances or the ability to settle independently.

Sleep needs vary massively by age and individual needs, including genetics, rate of growth. Some babies naturally need more sleep than others. Looking at overall mood, development and sleep quality is often more helpful than focusing solely on hours slept in a 24 hour period.

Improving sleep often starts with balanced feeding, age appropriate routines which structure wake windows and naps, calm settling techniques and consistency. Every baby is different, which is why support should always be tailored to the individual child.

Gentle sleep support focuses on responsive settling, positive sleep associations, routine balance and age appropriate guidance rather than rigid or distress based approaches. Gentle sleep methods are also methods that work quickly with minimal upset such as timed return.

The number of naps varies depending on your baby’s age and development. As babies grow, nap patterns naturally change and gradually reduce over time.

Sleep regression isn’t a stage or phase but a warning that one or more factors in a child’s routine may  not be meeting a child’s daily needs to sleep well. Typically happens at those key development ages of 4-6 months, 8 months and 12 months but sleep regression can happen at any age.

Yes, it is possible to co-sleep and get better sleep depending on the personal situation. It can, however make it harder to implement settling associations and resolve night waking. A sleep plan would require dedication from parents.

In my experience, no. I frequently see the opposite in terms of relationship between parent and child. When everyone is sleeping better, parents are often less exhausted and frustrated, parents' and child's moods improve, making family life calm and enjoyable. My approach is responsive and I address the child's overall routine first, using sleep training only when necessary.

No, I do not recommend a cry it out method. I use a timed return but will address a child’s overall routine to avoid sleep training if I can.

With my approach, I usually see significant improvement in 3–7 nights when working on independent settling and sleeping through the night. Every child is different and results depend on the underlying causes, the child's routine and consistency of approach.

Traditional training can start from 4-6 months of age. Before this, there are many ways to support and help your baby sleep naturally, encouraging healthy sleep habits by focusing on better sleep practices and sleep hygiene.

No. In fact, I try to avoid sleep training wherever possible. Before considering it, I look at the child’s whole routine, including calorie intake, feeding, digestion, naps, awake times, bedtime and existing sleep associations. You can’t sleep train out of a bad routine. Very often, correcting the underlying problem significantly improves sleep without formal sleep training. If a child still needs help learning to settle independently, I use a responsive sleep training approach.

Frequent waking can be down to several factors - calorie intake, digestion, routine or lack of, nap schedule, ability to self soothe and parental responses.
Understanding the cause is the first step towards improving sleep.

Thirty-minute naps are common if your baby is having too many naps or unable to self soothe to sleep. It can also be linked to sleep cycles, short wake windows, routine or how your baby falls asleep. Small adjustments can often help your baby achieve longer, more restorative naps.

Feeding to sleep is natural, but if it becomes the only way your baby can settle, it can lead to frequent waking. Gentle, responsive methods can help your baby learn other ways to settle without leaving them to cry.

Sleep should not be thought of in isolation. Working on your child's routine as a whole gets quick long-term results. In order for this to happen, a child needs to be able to self settle independently. You will need to put your child down awake and this can mean a few minutes of crying as part of a timed return method. Crying is often part of the change of approach but should only take a few settling periods to calm.

Not always. What is often called a sleep regression is actually a sign that your baby’s routine needs to develop. Keeping a baby on a newborn routine or delaying weaning when they are ready can lead to settling difficulties and disrupted sleep.

Breastfeeding is a close contact, comfortable and relaxing feeding method. Feeding is also the most activity a new baby will have, making it very difficult to stay awake. Newborns especially find feeding tiring and can slow down, unable to maintain a strong effective sucking action. Milk flow can also play a part in how wakeful a baby is while feeding. There are lots of techniques to help keep a baby active and awake while feeding.

Signs include regular wet and dirty nappies, steady weight gain and sleeping well between feeds. You can also check your supply with my express tests in The 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine.

Some babies may continue to seek comfort after feeds but if hunger cues are strong after feeds and a baby is unable to settle to play happily or settle to sleep, then this could be a sign your baby is actually still hungry. Hunger cues can sometimes be confusing as a baby will show the same cue for hunger, tiredness or gas.

Pain during breastfeeding can be down to positioning and latch, tongue tie, damaged nipples, blocked ducts or mastitis. Feeding, once established shouldn’t be painful but in the first months nipples can get sore. Breast pain and lumps need to be checked by a midwife or GP.

Milk supply and milk flow can actually change throughout the day. In my experience, many mothers have a greater supply earlier in the day and notice a reduction later in the afternoon and evening, which can contribute to a baby becoming more fractious or appearing hungry.   I assess the whole picture when supporting a mother with breastfeeding and lactation, including milk transfer, feeding behaviour, weight gain, overall supply, contentment between feeds and how well the baby settles to sleep.

Increasing milk supply works best as a comprehensive plan involving breast pumping, balanced diet, increase fluid intake, reduce stress, rest and quality sleep at night.

Cluster feeding describes a baby wanting to feed repeatedly over several hours. It is often considered a normal newborn behaviour. However, in my experience, when a baby is persistently feeding in the evening, appears unsatisfied and struggles to settle afterwards, I also look carefully at milk supply and milk transfer rather than automatically assuming frequent feeding simply needs to be accepted. As milk supply can run lower towards the end of the day, a baby can be left wanting to feed more frequently. 

The first step is understanding why the baby is cluster feeding. If I believe milk supply or milk transfer is contributing, I work on a plan to improve supply and feeding efficiency. In some circumstances, an appropriate top up after breastfeeding can also help. The solution should be based on the individual baby and mother rather than simply trying to stop the cluster feeding and stretch the time between feeds.

Breast refusal can occur for many reasons, including milk flow being too fast or too slow, changes in milk supply, appetite, distraction, developmental changes and illness.

There is no single age at which breastfeeding should stop. The decision is personal and depends on the needs and preferences of the baby and mother. 

Yes. Feeding and sleep are closely connected. Feeding frequency, calorie intake, digestive comfort and feeding habits can all influence settling and sleep quality.

Absolutely. My approach differs from some conventional breastfeeding advice because, over 30 years of working with babies, I have repeatedly found that breastfed babies can benefit from regular burping just as bottle-fed babies can. Young babies need help releasing swallowed air, particularly during the first weeks. In my experience, effective burping can reduce gas and digestive discomfort and support more comfortable awake times, settling and sleep.

Within my feeding and digestion method, I generally recommend burping a young newborn every 30ml to 60ml, depending on the baby, until around 6 to 8 weeks. As digestion develops, I gradually increase this to around 90 to 120 ml between burping breaks by week 12,  eventually progressing towards a full feed without a break as the baby becomes more able to bring up wind independently. This is always adjusted for the individual baby’s age, feeding, digestion and based on The Sleeping Baby Routine's feeding method. 

In my experience, babies generally  become more able to bring up wind  independently from around weeks eight to twelve, although this varies considerably between babies.

Yes. Reflux symptoms can make it harder for babies to settle comfortably and some babies experience more discomfort when lying flat. In my experience, addressing feeding, digestion and sleep together can significantly improve many of the sleep difficulties associated with reflux. Digestion is at the forefront of The 7pm to 7am Sleeping Baby Routine because I rarely look at a baby’s sleep in isolation.

There are different forms of reflux which can also vary in severity. Symtoms maybe mild and require no treatment, which include frequent possets with regurgitation or severe symptoms of acid reflux causes major discomfort mostly during and after feeds, back arching, low milk intake, fight feeds, unsettled sleep, excessive wind. Low milk intake can also lead to sleep problems.

Yes. Digestive discomfort, trapped wind and feeding difficulties can all contribute to unsettled sleep and frequent waking. In my experience, improving feeding and digestion management can have a significant effect on sleep, which is why I assess digestion as part of every baby’s overall sleep picture.

Feeding discomfort can be linked to wind, burping pattern and effectiveness, feeding technique, digestive immaturity or individual sensitivities, rarely reflux symptoms. Looking at the wider feeding picture can often help identify possible causes.

Tongue tie can have a huge effect on feeding efficiency, milk intake, digestion and settling. Assessment should always be carried out by an appropriately qualified practitioner. One of the first things I do as a sleep practitioner is assess a baby’s oral function and check for a tongue tie. Sleep issues are closely connected to feeding issues.

Signs may include appropriate weight gain, regular wet and dirty nappies, healthy development and periods of contentment between feeds, settling and sleeping well. Every baby should be assessed individually.

Some babies experience digestive symptoms, discomfort or skin irritation that can affect sleep quality. Concerns about milk allergies or intolerances should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Frequent feeding and snack feeding can have a huge impact on sleep, whereas fuller meal like feeds often support sleep. However, feeding habits, calorie intake, daily routine and sleep associations will contribute to disrupted sleep patterns.

Yes. Nutrition quality and meal timing can all influence sleep quality and settling, mostly in a positive way.

Current UK guidance generally recommends introducing complementary foods from around six months. My approach differs in that I may begin a carefully structured weaning plan from around four months when I consider it appropriate for the individual baby and they are developmentally ready. My approach is informed by my professional experience and research into early feeding and allergen introduction.

In my experience, weaning is unlikely to have a negative effect but a positive effect on sleep when foods are introduced at an appropriate pace for the individual baby. Research has also explored the relationship between earlier introduction of solids and infant sleep, with some evidence of modest improvements in sleep duration and night waking.

Charmian’s food combining method focuses on pairing foods from the start of weaning, in ways that support digestion, energy levels and sleep. Some parents find it useful when considering feeding and sleep patterns.

Some children may experience fluctuations in energy levels and behaviour following high sugar intake, although responses vary between individuals. Charmian’s weaning plans support a low GI balanced whole food diet.

Nutritional deficiencies may affect growth, development, energy levels, overall wellbeing and sleep.

Introducing solids alone won’t magically improve sleep. However, when weaning is introduced at the right time and alongside the right nap schedule,  it definitely can support healthy sleep patterns.

There are several different approaches to weaning. In my Food Combining Weaning Method, I start with whole foods and introduce combinations such as a root vegetable blend and an avocado and banana blend as a first meal. 

Food refusal can be caused by low appetite, illness or an unsuitable routine. If milk feeds are too close to meals, or meals are too close to naps, your baby may simply not be hungry enough or ready to eat well.

Some babies can experience hard stools or constipation when starting solids if food is introduced too quickly and when consistency is too thick or fluid intake is too low. Small changes to diet and feeding can often help.

My approach to allergen introduction is influenced by research showing that earlier introduction of certain allergenic foods may reduce the risk of developing food allergy in some babies. Where appropriate for the individual baby, my method introduces and tests allergenic foods during the first week of weaning rather than unnecessarily delaying them. This needs to take account of the baby’s age, developmental readiness and individual allergy risk.

Bedtime struggles can be linked to behavioural onset sleep disorder, nap schedules, inconsistent routines, separation anxiety, developmental changes or boundary testing. Understanding the cause is often the key to creating calmer bedtimes and helping your toddler settle more easily.

Toddlers may leave their bed due to habit, behavioural onset sleep disorder, developmental changes, boundaries or changes in routine. Good sleep hygiene, consistency and clear expectations often help improve sleep habits.

A solution would depend on a family’s parenting style and the reasons behind the behaviour. Consistent parental responses as part of a sleep plan and positive sleep habits can help toddlers feel more secure sleeping independently.

Nap transitions should be based on your child's sleep needs and readiness rather than age alone. Gradual adjustments often work best.

Developmental changes, illness, routine changes, nap transitions and family circumstances can all temporarily affect sleep.

Yes. Sleep and behaviour are closely connected. Poor sleep can affect mood, emotional regulation and behaviour, while behavioural challenges can also impact sleep quality.

Diet, meal timing and calorie intake can all influence sleep quality. Looking at nutrition alongside sleep is the first thing I do as a sleep practitioner and can provide valuable insights into ongoing sleep challenges.

Tantrums and outbursts are a normal part of development as toddlers learn to manage big emotions. Consistent boundaries, routine and understanding the trigger can make them much easier to manage.

Toddlers respond best to calm, consistent boundaries and realistic expectations. Positive communication and routine are often far more effective than repeated telling off.

Sleep can be affected by developmental changes, routine, illness, anxiety or new habits and daily sleep patterns. Identifying the cause helps restore good sleep more quickly.

Hitting and biting are usually forms of communication rather than deliberate bad behaviour. Teaching alternative ways to express emotions while remaining calm and consistent is key.

Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development. Gentle reassurance, predictable routines and building confidence gradually can help your child feel more secure.

I support families from birth newborn  through to toddlerhood and generally until the age of 5 years. I’m also a twin feeding and routine specialist. Support is tailored to each child's age, development and individual needs.

I take a truly holistic and comprehensive approach. I look at every aspect of a child, including feeding, digestion, routine, sleep habits and associations, development and family dynamics rather than focusing on sleep in isolation. The goal is to identify and address the root cause while future proofing sleep with the right routine and structure. I also work closely with families. My packages are designed to support families through the process of change for quick results.

Yes. My approach focuses on gentle, responsive and age appropriate support that helps babies and toddlers develop healthy sleep habits while supporting their emotional wellbeing.

Yes. Home visits provide hands on support within your own home environment and can be combined with remote support programmes for more comprehensive guidance. I offer a three or six-hour home visit. For the newborn stage I also offer maternity nurse style home stays.

Yes. I regularly support families throughout the UK and internationally through remote support, home visits and newborn homestays.

Yes. Many parents choose to book support during pregnancy to prepare for their baby's arrival and establish healthy sleep and feeding foundations from the very beginning. You can find more information on the pre-birth planning page or contact me directly. I will also provide you with an equipment list on booking support ahead of birth.

Every child is different, but many families begin seeing positive changes within a few days of implementing appropriate adjustments consistently.

The most suitable package depends on your child's age, the challenges you are experiencing and the level of support required.

For the newborn stage the gold standard support is a home stay when booking pre-birth, but the majority of families book a remote and home visit package.

When troubleshooting and needing immediate support from month four, the 5 or 10 day support programme is best with or without a home visit.

The most popular and successful support service for all ages is the 5 or 10 Day Remote Support Programme.

Yes. All support is tailored to your child’s age, development and individual needs while following current UK safer sleep recommendations and promoting gentle, responsive sleep practices.

Yes. Many families contact me after trying other methods without success. I take a comprehensive approach, investigating routines, feeding, digestion, sleep habits and development to identify factors that may have been overlooked.

Remote support combines detailed assessment, personalised plans, daily communication and ongoing guidance, allowing families to receive comprehensive support wherever they are based.

Some families benefit from hands-on support through a home visit, while others achieve excellent results through remote support. The right option depends on your circumstances and goals.

During a phone consultation I will take time to understand your concerns, assess contributing factors and provide practical guidance tailored to your child and family.

Yes. Many families choose follow-up consultations or support programmes for continued guidance as their child grows and develops. I often support a family through all the stages from newborn to childhood, often without ever meeting in person.

Yes. I can support families confidently facing multiple challenges involving sleep, feeding, digestion, routines and behaviour, taking a holistic approach to understanding the bigger picture.

I don’t just focus on sleep. I look at the whole picture, including feeding, digestion, routine, development and your family’s lifestyle, to create a plan that’s tailored to your baby.

Every family is different, but many begin to notice improvements within the first 24 to 72 hours. My aim is to achieve lasting results, not just quick fixes.

My approach is gentle, responsive and tailored to your baby. I do not use cry it out methods. Instead, I help parents understand why their baby is waking or struggling to settle and teach practical techniques that build healthy sleep habits while supporting your baby’s emotional wellbeing. There may need to be a timed return method to help a child settle independently, meaning a 2-5 minute period of crying might be advised.