Katie Impeduglia, owner of Be Well Bebe, is a certified baby led sleep and well being specialist and Mama of two beautiful girls. Katie works personally with families to empower children to sleep through keeping the focus on connection, a child's deepest need; as well as taking an integrative approach to helping a family improve their child's sleep. Her intuitive, educational, and personalized approach supports the whole child and feels good for everyone. 

If the children aren't sleeping, most likely, neither are the parent(s). We decided to catch up with Katie to provide a few tips on helping everyone get some zzzz's. Take it away Katie!

Hello Columbia Inspired! One of the first things expectant parents hear is how they will never sleep again. I am a mother of two children under three, and I can personally attest that comments like this can cause a lot of anxiety. As a certified baby-led sleep and well-being specialist, I believe we need to change that narrative. I help families empower their children to sleep by focusing on connection. 

Why connection? Nights can be difficult for children because they are separated from their caregivers at bedtime. Children are not wired for separation. Focusing on connection can ease separation anxiety.

Here are four simple strategies parents can use to improve their baby’s sleep.

1. Connection: Aim for 15-20 minutes minimum of intentional connection time with your child daily. For little ones, an example is getting on the floor with them to play and be engaged. For older ones, an example is playing a game they want to play with you and being engaged. Put your phone and other distractions away.  

2. Bridge Separation: Give your child a way to hold onto you when you are apart. If you are away from your child for extended periods in the daytime, give them a small item that smells like you (for example: a lovey) or record your voice for them to hear. Have a word or gesture you use as part of your goodbye ritual. Bridging separation and adding connecting routines can help ease separation anxiety. 

3. Routines and Rhythms: Notice which activities calm your child and which ones overstimulate them. Leave space for calming activities prior to naps and bedtime. You do not need to put your child on a strict schedule for naps and bedtime. Instead, focus on learning their sleepy cues (i.e. rubbing eyes, averting attention, getting fussy) instead of watching the clock to determine their sleeping, eating, and playing rhythms. As they grow, continue to adjust daily routines to meet your little one’s needs. 

4. Sunshine and Movement: Spend time in natural sunlight within 15-30 minutes of waking up. Exposure to sunlight supports circadian rhythms (including newborns whose rhythms aren't developed yet). Make sure to get outside for a minimum of 30 minutes every day and allow time for children (all ages) to move their bodies and explore their environment.