Sleep Again

Sleep Again Chloe Roche BOH | Certified Infant & Child Sleep Consultant based in Rockhampton CQ

That 40–50-minute nap wake-up can be so frustrating.You finally get your baby down, perhaps you've even managed to sit d...
30/08/2026

That 40–50-minute nap wake-up can be so frustrating.

You finally get your baby down, perhaps you've even managed to sit down with a coffee, and then suddenly… they're awake. 😅

But here's the thing:

Waking after 45 minutes doesn't necessarily mean your baby is finished sleeping. Babies naturally move through sleep cycles during both naps and nighttime sleep. Around the end of a cycle, they may briefly become more alert, roll around, make noises, open their eyes, or even cry.

This is where the skill of linking sleep cycles comes in. The goal isn't to stop your baby from naturally waking between cycles. It's to help them recognise that they're still tired and have the skills to return to sleep.

And there's an important piece that comes first: Independent settling.

If your baby needs to be fed, rocked, held or supported all the way to sleep at the beginning of a nap, they haven't had much opportunity to practise the skill they'll need when they naturally stir 45 minutes later.

Think of it as learning the first step before expecting the next:
Settle → sleep → stir → recognise → resettle.

This is why daytime naps can be such valuable opportunities for practice. And don't expect it to happen perfectly straight away. Due to lower sleep hormones, higher cortisol, light and stimulation during the day, naps often take a little longer to fall into place after night settling and sleep has improved (closer to 3-5 days if nap training, and if not ‘officially’ nap training, closer to 1-3 weeks).

Your baby is learning a new skill, and there may be plenty of short naps along the way. Those little moments when they stir, pause, roll around or try to return to sleep are all part of the learning process. So next time your baby wakes 43 minutes into their nap, don't automatically assume:

“They're done.”

Pause and look at what they're actually doing. Sometimes the most important part of the nap is what happens between the sleep cycles. 🤍

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Sometimes, parents just need someone to help them see that better sleep is possible. 🤍Meagan came to Sleep Again feeling...
29/08/2026

Sometimes, parents just need someone to help them see that better sleep is possible. 🤍

Meagan came to Sleep Again feeling like her little boy simply didn't sleep. With gentle guidance, consistency, and a plan tailored to their family, they were able to make meaningful changes to both bedtime and naps.

What makes this testimonial so special is that it wasn't just about sleep. It was about giving the whole family the opportunity to feel more rested, confident, and happy.

Every baby is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. My role is to help you understand your little one's needs and find an approach that feels right for your family.

Thank you, Meagan, for trusting me with your little boy's sleep and for sharing your experience. 🤍

If you're feeling stuck with sleep, you don't have to navigate it alone.

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That late afternoon nap can be a tricky one, especially when you’re juggling older kids, dinner, bath time and everythin...
29/08/2026

That late afternoon nap can be a tricky one, especially when you’re juggling older kids, dinner, bath time and everything else the afternoon brings! ☀️

It’s often the nap we’re ready to say goodbye to, but for younger babies, this little nap can still play an important role.

It acts as a bridge between the afternoon and bedtime, helping prevent your baby from becoming overtired and making that evening stretch a little easier.

The tricky part is that it often happens when your baby’s natural sleep drive is lower, so it may take a little more support to get them there.

Be reassured that even if you are working towards independent settling, assisting this nap is key and won’t affect your progress.

A contact nap, a walk in the pram, a drive in the car or a feed are all perfect ways to get that little sleep in.

Sometimes babies simply need a little extra help with this particular nap. We actually don’t want our babies in their cots for this one anyway, as if popped down properly, they tend to fall into a deep sleep which removes sleep pressure we need for the bedtime!

Keep it short, and try not to let it push bedtime too late. If your baby doesn’t manage the nap, an earlier bedtime may be exactly what they need that day.

And remember, this phase is temporary. Before long, you’ll likely find that your baby naturally needs less daytime sleep and this little afternoon nap disappears.

If you’re feeling stuck with your baby’s sleep or just need someone in your corner, I’m here to help. 💌

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SleepConsultant

There is no one magic trick when it comes to sleep. And our kids aren't special or different. We simply value sleep as a...
27/08/2026

There is no one magic trick when it comes to sleep. And our kids aren't special or different. We simply value sleep as a family and have built consistent habits around it. For us, sleep is non-negotiable. My husband and I have always agreed that achieving good sleep matters for both our kids and us.

We keep things simple:
🍽️ Regular meals with protein and low-GI carbohydrates, with treats generally enjoyed after meals. Like… every day.
💤 Naps when they are needed. Every child is different, and nap requirements change as they grow. Even our four-year-old still has an hour after lunch some days. We have always respected our children’s need for sleep because that means we get our own downtime (nap time).
☀️ Plenty of sunlight, movement, fresh air, outdoor play and connection throughout the day.
🤍 Clear boundaries. A predictable bedtime, a consistent wind-down routine, appropriate night weaning when needed, and a settling approach that suits each child.
🌙 A supportive sleep environment. An appropriate TOG sleeping bag, cool room, white noise and darkness. Simple, science-backed foundations that we can invest in once and benefit from every night.

These things might sound simple, but together they create the foundations that support healthy sleep. I see reactive co-sleeping every day, often because parents are simply trying to achieve any sleep possible. I am passionate about helping parents understand that you can work towards sustainable sleep without feeling like you have to keep surviving night after night.

And once you set boundaries, you don't need to constantly enforce them. You just need to hold them consistently. There is no secret trick. No perfect family. Just simple foundations, consistency, and an approach that works for your child.

If sleep is no longer sustainable for your family, you don't have to figure it out alone. I'm here to support you with science-backed, mother-backed guidance that actually fits your family. 💫

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The words “4-month sleep regression” can strike fear into the heart of any parent. But what if we looked at it different...
24/08/2026

The words “4-month sleep regression” can strike fear into the heart of any parent. But what if we looked at it differently?

Around four months, if not before, your baby's sleep architecture begins to mature. Their sleep cycles become more organised, and their circadian rhythm is becoming more established and increasingly supports nighttime sleep. This developmental shift can sometimes mean more frequent waking, which is why it gets labelled a “regression”. But biologically, your baby hasn't gone backwards. They're developing.

Here are 5 reasons I actually get excited about this stage:

1. Their sleep is progressing. 🌙
Sleep cycles are maturing, and their developing circadian rhythm is becoming more established, supporting longer stretches of nighttime sleep.
2. Daytime sleep can start to consolidate. 💤
Naps often become more predictable as your baby begins to settle into more defined biological sleep windows.
3. You can start supporting new sleep skills. 🤍
Around this stage, many families can begin working on independent settling and resettling if that's something they want to explore.
4. Healthy sleep foundations matter. 🌱
Research suggests that establishing healthy sleep habits early in infancy is associated with better sleep outcomes as children grow.
5. Longer stretches of sleep can become possible. ✨
As sleep becomes more organised, some families may be able to gradually work towards fewer overnight feeds, where developmentally appropriate.

Of course, every baby is different. Some babies sail through this stage without much disruption. Others suddenly begin waking every 1–2 hours and need more support to get back to sleep. If your baby has always fallen asleep feeding, rocking, or being held, they may start looking for those same conditions when they naturally stir between sleep cycles.

And if that is working beautifully for your family, amazing! There is no need to change something that isn't a problem. But if you're exhausted and finding yourself settling your baby repeatedly throughout the night, this developmental stage can also be an opportunity to make a change.

The four-month shift isn't something to fear. It's your baby's sleep developing. 💫

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the changes, you don't have to figure it out alone.

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Is your baby waking around 9 pm? Or even ‘false-starting’ earlier? Then becoming wakeful all night. long? 😴They may be o...
23/08/2026

Is your baby waking around 9 pm? Or even ‘false-starting’ earlier?

Then becoming wakeful all night. long? 😴

They may be overtired.

Long days of growing and learning, combined with long stretches of awake time and a later bedtime, can contribute to increased cortisol (the awake hormone which heightens to compensate for the increasing fatigue the more overtired a child becomes) and make it harder for your baby's body to settle into the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep.

So what can an early bedtime do?

It helps end the day, allowing your baby's natural circadian rhythm and sleep hormones to support nighttime sleep.

For babies from around 7 weeks, up to 5 years, bedtime most commonly falls as early as 6–7 pm.

One simple way to support this rhythm is to start your day between 6–7 am, get outside for some morning light, and begin the day.

For some toddlers and young children, bedtime will depend on their nap schedule, but around 7:30 pm-8:00 pm is usually the very latest for bedtime to complement healthy overnight sleep.

And the best part?

An earlier bedtime doesn't mean losing your evening. It might just mean getting your evening back. Settles will get easier as your child falls asleep at the optimal time for them 🤍 What would you do with all that extra me time? 💫

Note: To combat the habit of waking around 9 pm, use your settling technique consistently until they have returned to sleep.

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You really don't need to spend a fortune to create a sleep environment that supports your little one. 🤍Keep things simpl...
22/08/2026

You really don't need to spend a fortune to create a sleep environment that supports your little one. 🤍

Keep things simple. Safety comes first. And that includes your mental safety too, because getting enough sleep helps you be the best version of yourself and the parent you want to be.

The baby sleep environment rule book is actually quite simple. There aren't really any "rules", but why ignore recommendations when they're science and evidence-backed and so darn simple?

🌟 Keep the room dark and cool
🌟 Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature
🌟 Keep cords away from your baby's cot
🌟 Cover small lights that may stimulate your baby between sleep cycles
🌟 Save your money and skip direct-to-consumer "sleep safety" products
🌟 Basic baby monitors can do the job
🌟 Sleeping bags are everything! There are affordable options available
🌟 Going away? Alfoil on the windows can be a simple temporary blackout solution for travel

And remember, you don't need to buy every sleep product on the market to optimise your child's sleep environment.

Some things are worth investing in, especially those one-off purchases that can be used for subsequent babies and for years to come.

But creating a supportive sleep environment doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Sometimes, it's simply about working with what you already have and making small, practical changes that support better sleep.

Swipe through for some of my Sleep on a Shoestring ideas. 💫

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Sometimes, all a family needs is the right support, reassurance, and a plan that actually feels achievable. 🤍Amy reached...
21/08/2026

Sometimes, all a family needs is the right support, reassurance, and a plan that actually feels achievable. 🤍

Amy reached out just before returning to work, with her 5-month-old waking every 1.5 hours after midnight and bed-sharing.

Understandably, she wasn't sure how her baby would respond to the changes.

But within just a few nights, everything started to shift.

What I love most about this testimonial isn't simply the improvement in sleep. It's that Amy and her family finished their time working together with Sleep Again feeling confident, reassured, and equipped with the tools to keep going.

Sleep support isn't about forcing a child to sleep.

It's about understanding your child's needs, creating healthy foundations, and finding an approach that works for your family.

Thank you, Amy, for trusting me with your little one's sleep and for sharing your experience. 🤍

If you're feeling stuck with your child's sleep, you don't have to figure it all out alone.

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Nap transitions can feel confusing, especially when your little one suddenly starts resisting naps, taking shorter naps,...
19/08/2026

Nap transitions can feel confusing, especially when your little one suddenly starts resisting naps, taking shorter naps, or struggling with bedtime.

But these changes are often a sign that their sleep needs are evolving. As babies and toddlers grow, their need for daytime sleep gradually decreases, and knowing when and how to transition can make the process much smoother.

The goal isn't to rush your child into dropping a nap. It's about recognising their developmental cues, protecting the sleep they still need, and gradually adjusting their routine when the time is right.

Swipe through for guidance on the 3–2, 2–1 and 1–0 nap transitions, including typical ages and daytime sleep requirements. 🤍

If you're unsure whether your little one is ready to transition, you're not alone. Sometimes a little guidance is all you need to make sense of the changes.

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Teething gets blamed for a lot of disrupted sleep.And while a new tooth can absolutely cause some temporary discomfort, ...
17/08/2026

Teething gets blamed for a lot of disrupted sleep.

And while a new tooth can absolutely cause some temporary discomfort, the evidence suggests that teething is generally associated with mild symptoms, rather than significant illness or severe discomfort.

The tricky part is that teething often happens alongside a whole host of other developmental changes.

Your baby is chewing everything.
Drooling more.
Exploring their environment.
Learning new skills.
And their sleep needs are changing too.

So when sleep suddenly becomes unsettled, it's worth looking at the whole picture, rather than automatically assuming it's the tooth.

And importantly, if your little one has a fever, significant pain, persistent crying or seems unwell, don't simply write it off as teething. Those symptoms can have another cause.

Before becoming a paediatric sleep consultant, I was an Oral Health Therapist, and children's dentistry was my speciality and passion.

So yes, I am slightly obsessed with the connection between little teeth and little sleepers. 😂🤍

Teething is natural.
Sleep is vital.

P.S. Support your child to independently sleep confidently and happily, and teething won’t even be a ‘thing’. Remember, your child will be teething for the next 2.5 years, and then the 6-year-old molars will rear their pearly little heads…oh, this parenting thing never ends!

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Rockhampton, QLD

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