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As your child grows, their sleep patterns naturally change. One significant milestone many parents encounter is the transition from two naps to one. This change can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can help your little one adjust while maintaining healthy sleep habits.

In this post, we’ll explore the signs your child is ready for this transition, how to manage it smoothly, and how to ensure your child continues to get the restorative sleep they need.

Signs Your Child is Ready to Transition to One Nap

Typically, the shift from two naps to one happens between 12 to 18 months, but every child is unique. Here are some key signs that indicate your child may be ready for this change:

• Struggling with the Second Nap: Your child might start resisting their afternoon nap, taking longer to fall asleep, or skipping it altogether.
• Longer Awake Periods: They can stay awake for extended periods without becoming overly tired or cranky.
• Shorter or Inconsistent Naps: Their naps may...

Do you ever find yourself needing to take your little one out during nap time? Whether it’s travelling, running errands, or simply being out and about, naps on the go can be a challenge. But don’t worry— with a solid routine and a few helpful tips, you can ensure your child remains well-rested and transitions smoothly, even in unfamiliar situations.

Here are four key strategies to help your child nap on the go while building a strong sleep foundation:

1. Build a Strong Sleep Foundation Before Travelling

It's important to establish a consistent sleep routine at home so that when you're out, your child has a strong foundation to rely on. Connected time is essential—spend quality time with your child to help them feel secure and ready for sleep. A well-rested child is more likely to transition smoothly into nap time, even in new or distracting environments.

2. Follow a Routine Over the Course of Seven Days

To prepare your child for naps on the go, practise a...

Event Overview

On Thursday, 26 September 2024, MGallery The Retreat Palm Dubai will host a special Rayya Talks event, celebrating themes of serenity, heritage, and mindfulness. This event, co-hosted by Julie Mallon, a leading sleep expert and founder of Nurture 2 Sleep, will take place at the Club Lounge on the 7th floor of the hotel.

A Celebration of Heritage

This Rayya Talks aligns with MGallery’s Heritage initiative, honouring four decades of Heritage Days—an internationally recognised cultural event celebrated every September. The initiative offers guests a chance to explore and appreciate the historical and artistic richness of MGallery properties around the world.

Event Highlights

The event will embrace MGallery’s theme of “serenity,” highlighting the tranquil beauty of the hotel’s natural surroundings. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in mindfulness practices and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the hotel. Additionally, an...

As parents, we're always on the lookout for ways to help our children sleep better. From cozy bedtime routines to calming sleep environments, we try it all. But did you know that something as small as a probiotic can play a big role in improving your child's sleep? Probiotics, the friendly bacteria that support gut health, can do much more than just aid digestion—they can also impact your child’s sleep in surprising ways.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good bacteria," that live in our digestive systems. Think of them as tiny helpers that are working around the clock to keep our guts healthy and balanced. The gut microbiome—home to trillions of these bacteria—affects everything from digestion to immunity and sleep.

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is crucial for overall health. In fact, the gut is often called the “second brain” because of its profound connection...

As parents, ensuring that our babies get the right amount of sleep is essential for their healthy development. However, recognising when your baby is overtired can be challenging. The signs can be subtle, and often, we miss the cues, leading to overtiredness, which can significantly affect your baby’s sleep quality and overall well-being.
I thought it would be helpful using the feedback from my parents but also include some research-backed indicators of overtiredness and how to manage it effectively.

The Science Behind Overtiredness

From birth our babies' nervous systems are still developing, making them especially susceptible to overstimulation and stress. When a baby remains awake for too long, their body releases stress hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones provide a temporary energy boost but make it significantly harder for your baby to settle down and fall asleep. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research highlights how prolonged...

Understanding the Benefits of Sleep Coaching

One of the many questions, Julie and the team at Nurture 2 Sleep are asked is “When would be the right time to start sleep coaching with my baby?”

Thankfully we are now becoming more aware of the benefits of sleep, although we still have a long way to go to truly understand the true complexities of sleep.

Sleep is a crucial part of your baby’s development, and establishing healthy sleep habits early on can make a significant difference in their overall well-being (and yours). The answer lies in understanding both the developmental milestones of your baby and the concept of "sleep shaping."

Sleep Shaping vs. Sleep Coaching

I think it is important to recognise the difference in Sleep Shaping and Sleep Coaching. Sleep coaching typically refers to methods used to help your baby learn how to sleep independently, but before moving into formal sleep coaching, I  recommend that parents can begin with "sleep shaping" from...

Research has consistently shown that high levels of screen time can lead to significant sleep disturbances in our children. According to Parenting Science, the light emitted by screens can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep. This disruption in sleep patterns can lead to a cascade of negative effects on overall health and development.

A comprehensive report from the World Economic Forum highlights how screen time, especially before bed, can reduce the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This can delay sleep onset and reduce sleep quality, resulting in shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep efficiency.

Cognitive and Emotional Impacts

Poor sleep quality and duration due to excessive screen time can adversely affect children's brain development. The Economist reports that inadequate sleep can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving...

Imagine a world where reality blurs with fantasy, emotions run deep, and the boundaries of time and space fade away. Welcome to the realm of dreams. As we sleep, our minds embark on intricate journeys that range from the mundane to the surreal. But why do we dream? What purpose do these nightly adventures serve? Let's find out!

What Are Dreams?

Ever wondered what happens in your mind while you sleep? Dreams, those mysterious sequences of thoughts, images, and sensations, unfold as we drift into the realm of sleep. Contrary to common belief, dreams aren't confined to just one stage of sleep but can occur during both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and deep sleep according to Julie Mallon. However, during REM sleep dreams often manifest most vividly, leaving us with lasting impressions upon waking.

The Role of Dreams

Dreams play a vital role in our psychological health by facilitating emotional processing while we sleep. Throughout the night, our minds sift through the complexities of daily...

Traveling with a child can feel daunting, but with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, it can also be a wonderful adventure. Gone are the days of spontaneous getaways; now, every trip requires a bit more planning. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and memorable! With your little one by your side, each journey becomes a new experience filled with joy, discovery, and precious moments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your child’s trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to create lasting memories together.

1-3 Days Before Departure

Prep Your Child’s Nose and Ears
To ease the discomfort of pressure changes during takeoff and landing, consider using a nasal decongestant or applying ear drops. This simple step can make a big difference in your child's comfort.

Familiar Scents
Pack your child’s bottom sheet from their cot. The familiar scent will help ease the transition to a new sleeping environment.

Packing...

[Dubai, Thursday 14 March, 2024] Mindful of the environmental effects of design on your child's sleep, Nurture 2 Sleep, the Dubai-based expert in healthy sleep practices, has teamed up with Dubai-based interior design professionals, Chopard Design Studio to deliver a bespoke nursery and bedroom design service.

Today, on World Sleep Day the announcement of the new collaboration, brings two companies together to combine their expertise to provide a full concept room design package, with guidance to support you on the health, safety and design aspects of the room, while ensuring optimal sleep.

Nurture 2 Sleep is a premium UAE-based parenting company, specialising in maternity, infant, toddler and child-related services.

The concept design package includes a two-hour visit from Nurture 2 Sleep founder Julie Mallon, a former UK-registered nurse and qualified gentle sleep coach, and Delphine Chopard, founder and interior designer at Chopard Design Studio. 

The duo will provide an...