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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...

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...

We are now starting to understand the positive impact of quality sleep on overall health, mood, and cognitive function, not only for us as adults but even more importantly for our children.

The research also supports how important it is to Involve the entire family in establishing a consistent bedtime routine that prioritizes winding down routine and most importantly one that does not include screens.

Such research includes that of the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) whose recommendations suggest avoiding screens at least an hour before bedtime for young children and two hours if they are two years or under.

The main reason for this recommendation is due to evidence on Blue Light and how exposure to screens emits blue light which then affects melatonin production in young children, impacting their sleep, by disrupting their internal biological clock.

Living in the Digital World where trying to avoid the screen is getting harder but I would suggest, to support better sleep...

[Dubai, Thursday 23 November, 2023] In an exciting collaboration, the highly sought-after children's book of the year, "Where is Blue Bird?" by Julie Mallon and Raya Halet, has partnered with Mumz & Munchkinz to unveil an exclusive festive sensory set, creating a unique blend of literary and sensory experience for young minds.

Co-authored by Julie Mallon, the Middle East’s Leading Sleep Expert, and Parenting Coach, and Raya Halet, the visionary host of the beloved podcast "They Say it Takes a Village," this evidence-based book aims to revolutionize children's literature. With captivating illustrations by Suzanne Darkan, the book not only promotes sound sleep and cognitive development but also strengthens the parent-child bond.

Designed for babies aged 0-6 months, "Where is Blue Bird?" is now accompanied by a beautifully crafted sensory tray, courtesy of Mumz & Munchkinz. This one-of-a kind Sensory set is giving each child the opportunity to bring the book to life, as...

[Sharjah, Sunday 5 November, 2023] The 2023 Sharjah Book Fair is set to be the stage for the launch of the most sought-after children’s book of the year, "Where is Blue Bird?". Co-authored by Julie Mallon, the Middle East’s Leading Sleep Expert and Parenting Coach, founder of Nurture 2 Sleep, and Raya Halet, the visionary host of the locally beloved podcast "They Say it Takes a Village," this one-of-a-kind book is poised to make a significant impact on the world of children's literature.

"Where is Blue Bird?" is a science and evidence-based children’s book that goes beyond traditional storytelling. It is designed to promote sound sleep, nurture cognitive development, and strengthen the essential bond between parent and child. The book, beautifully illustrated by Suzanne Darkan, takes parents on a captivating journey, helping them understand how their interactions with their infants shape their little one's brain and foster secure attachment.

With babies aged 0-6...

[Dubai, Thursday 12 October, 2023] The anticipation is now over, as pre-orders are available for the highly sought after children’s book of 2023, "Where is Blue Bird?" This remarkable book will be officially launched at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) next month.

This one-of-a-kind book is co-authored by Julie Mallon, the Middle East’s leading sleep expert and founder of Nurture 2 Sleep and Raya Halet, the visionary founder and host of “They Say it Takes a Village,” a locally grown podcast providing a directory of all things parenting.

"Where is Blue Bird?" is an evidence-based children’s book that promotes sound sleep, nurtures cognitive development, and strengthens the bond between parent and child. With charming illustrations by Suzanne Darkan, this beautifully designed book takes parents on a journey to understand how their interactions with their babies shape their little one's brain and promotes secure attachment.

Co-authored...

[Dubai, Thursday 18 May, 2023]  Julie Mallon, renowned sleep expert and founder of Nurture 2 Sleep, is heading to Ireland to take part in a ground-breaking children’s mental health symposium.

Julie has dedicated her career to children’s health and teaching good sleep hygiene. As a qualified health practitioner, nurse and sleep coach, the Dubai-based sleep expert has now been offering sleep advice, techniques and tools to a wide variety of global clients for nearly a decade. And now her wisdom is being called on to share with a global audience of senior children’s mental health care practitioners.

The high-level international symposium is spearheaded by the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI’s) Global Wellness for Children Initiative in collaboration with Junior Genius.  Alongside Julie, the event features renowned speakers, surgeon, researchers and authors such as “First 1,000 Days” international advocate Sergio Pecorelli, and the...