Is Sleep Training the Right Choice for my Family ?

lbenjell • January 12, 2021

Signs of Readiness for Sleep Training

Written by Lamis Benjelloun

I am a sleep consultant, which means that I do believe that you can change your baby’s sleep behavior to improve both their sleep and yours.  Yes, the ability to fall asleep is innate, but somewhere along the line, for some babies, our interference as parents leads them to come to rely on us to fall asleep.  That is not to say that assisting children to sleep is wrong.  It is only something that needs to be adjusted IF and only IF it is neither working for the baby nor the parents.

What is considered an issue when it comes to sleep?

Say your baby wakes up multiple times at night and is difficult to settle. Or you have to rock them to sleep for hours before they go to bed.  Or you need to lay down with them and pretend to sleep until they fall asleep.  Now in some cases, this may not be a big deal.  If you don’t mind doing these things for your kiddo, then no need to read on.  But in some cases, this goes on for so long and becomes so difficult that parents become sleep deprived.  And sleep deprivation jeopardises our ability to properly care for our children:  after all, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

What is sleep training?

Enter Sleep Training.   Sleep training is shaping or changing our children’s sleep habits.  We pick a method to replace what is currently happening (rocking, bouncing, patting), with what we would like to see happen (i.e. more independent sleep).

What does it involve?

As we work to allow our children to acquire more independent sleep habits and learn to sleep without our assistance, we can make this process easier for them by meeting their sleep needs and installing a healthy foundation for sleep.  This can be done by:

a) Providing them with an environment that is conducive to sleep
b) Aligning their sleep schedule with their developmental needs
c) Creating a consistent sleep routine that they can rely on
d) Choosing a sleep training method and consistently applying it

What do I mean by choosing a sleep training method though?  It’s actually not as scary as it sounds.  It just means that instead of bouncing baby to sleep, how will you put them to bed?  Often, children that rely on their parents to sleep end up in the crib already asleep so our new objective becomes to put them in the crib awake, at the moment at which they are most ready for sleep.  Ever heard of drowsy but awake?  That’s what I’m talking about here.

I’ll be honest, this will not be easy.  And while the choice of method is important, what is even more important is our ability as parents to apply that method consistently, even at 4 am.  Because let’s be fair to our children, if we keep changing the way we respond to them, it will take them that much longer to understand and adapt to the new habits we are trying to set up.

But it is also important to keep in mind that our children’s temperament matters.  There are so many sleep training methods out there, from the “cold turkey” style ones to ones that are so gradual it could take months before you see any significant changes.  But your baby may not be a “cold turkey” kind of personality and may need more gentle nudging.  Or the opposite, all your efforts to be gradual may just be getting in their way of learning to sleep.

Does my family need to do sleep training ?

Now that you know what sleep training is, should you do it?  Will it solve your sleep woes?  Only you can answer that question.  Always remember that sleep training is a CHOICE, not an obligation.  No family absolutely has to sleep train.  And no family has to feel bad about sleep training their children.  The most common sleep issues that I help families work through is eliminating sleep crutches.  Some of the most common ones include: rocking to sleep, feeding to sleep, continually replacing the pacifier, bouncing or holding to sleep and co-sleeping.   However, you may be doing any or all of the above and not have a problem with it.  For you, my friend, sleep training is not necessary.

What should I do prior to sleep training?

So say you have made up your mind: you will sleep train your little one. Can you do anything to prepare before night 1?  Well yes, there is! For you as a parent, make sure you have a solid plan that you understand and feel comfortable with.  I would also encourage you to be on the same page as your spouse or other caregivers and have their support.  Because these are all things that will help you stay consistent throughout the process, during the wins and the difficult times.

For the sake of stability and consistency, make sure that during your sleep training efforts, you have no plans that would cause you to change your child’s sleep environment.  I encourage you to choose a 2-4 week period in which there is little or no traveling, and minimal changes to routine.  Meaning don’t start sleep training if you are planning to move houses in a week!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, a well rested child is more adaptable so make sure you offer extra sleep to your kiddo prior to sleep training.  Not only will your baby learn to self settle much quicker, their resistance will also be much less aggressive.  Also, if you suspect any teething or illness, it is better to put your sleep training plans on hold.

What are the benefits?

What’s my favorite thing about having sleep trained my kids?  Besides the fact that we are all well rested and sleep well at night, if they are ever up at night and call out for me, I know that they need something from me and I can respond accordingly.  It removes all the guesswork of: are they just trying to fall back asleep or are they in pain/scared and really need my assistance?

Besides that, I can’t begin to tell you how many benefits I have reaped from sleep training.  In fact, I made a career out of it because I just wanted to shout those benefits out from the rooftop and tell everyone.  My kids have a predictable routine and go to bed early.  Which means that my husband and I have plenty of time to watch movies, discuss family matters without constant interruption and even go out to dinner knowing that our kids will sleep soundly in the care of the sitter.  My kids are happier, well rested and more adaptable to changes that we bring their way, whether that’s during a trip or after moving houses.  And I can respond better to my children’s needs because my sleep needs are met.  And these are just the most obvious reasons. There are so many more!

By Sophie Huang September 29, 2025
Choosing a car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving your child the best protection on every journey . In the UAE, where we drive long distances, face busy roads, and deal with extreme heat, the right car seat matters more than ever. But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Here are our top 4 tips to make car seat shopping easier — and safer. 1. PRIORITIZE SEATS THAT UNDERGO THE TOUGHEST CRASH TESTING Not all car seats are created equal. Many parents think if a seat is “legal,” it must be safe — but that’s not always true. ECE R44 : The most basic standard, now phased out in Europe. ECE R129 (i-Size) : Stricter testing with better head, neck, and side-impact protection. The Swedish Plus Test : The toughest crash test in the world — and the gold standard. What makes the Swedish Plus Test so important? It’s the only test that measures neck forces on a child’s body in a crash. Seats that pass prove they can keep neck loads below dangerous limits — a key factor in preventing serious injury. Many car seats fail completely under this extreme test, which shows just how high the bar is. 👉 If a car seat has passed the Swedish Plus Test , you can be confident it offers the highest level of safety for your child. 💡 Remember: Legal does not always mean safe . Go beyond the minimum. 2. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND AGE — EVEN THE SMALLEST ONES Every child grows differently, and size matters when it comes to safety. Preemies and smaller babies : Standard carriers often don’t provide the right fit. They need extra support for the head, neck, and body, plus proper harness positioning. Twins or multiples : Planning seating for two (or more) at once requires careful choice so every child gets the safest setup. As children grow, their height and weight percentiles determine how long a seat will last. We recommend car seats with at least a 25kg weight limit and 125cm height limit , which allow for extended rear-facing travel . Why rear-facing ? Research shows it is up to 5 times safer than forward-facing for children up to 6–7 years old. Better crash force distribution across the strongest part of the body. Superior head and neck protection , preventing the whip-forward motion that can cause spinal injury. Cocoon-like shell protection against front and side impacts. 💡 Bonus for UAE parents: The BeSafe Go Beyond with Preemie Inlay was designed with neonatal nurses to support even the tiniest babies. It features a removable wedge for better harness fit and breathable mesh fabric — keeping your baby safe and cool in our hot weather. 3. MATCH THE CAR SEAT TO YOUR CAR AND LIFESTYLE Your car seat needs to fit not just your car — but your daily routine . Multiple cars? Choose a seat that’s easy to install/uninstall. Growing family? Invest in a seat with a long lifespan that can be passed down. Seat placement? Consider if it will go behind the passenger, in the middle, or side by side with another child seat. Bigger families? Narrow but safe seats can fit 3-across or work well in 7-seaters, without compromising protection. Example from our family setup: Mummy’s car : BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia (8y) + BeSafe Stretch for Leo (5y). Daddy’s car: Axkid One3 for Leo + BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia. The Axkid One3 was chosen because Daddy often removes the seat, and installation takes under 30 seconds . 👉 Key takeaway: The “best seat” isn’t the one your friend uses — it’s the one that fits your child, your car, and your lifestyle . 4. DON'T COMPROMISE — BUY FROM A CHILD CAR SEAT SPECIALIST Buying from a specialized retailer ensures peace of mind: They recommend a seat that fits your child, car, and routine . They install it correctly and show you how. If the seat doesn’t fit, they won’t install it — and they’ll help you find one that does. They’ll reinstall it whenever you need , for example when changing cars, at no extra cost. At Safety On Board , we offer 1-1 car seat consultation and hands-on support to make sure your child rides safely every time. FINAL THOUGHTS A car seat isn’t just another baby item — it’s life-saving equipment. Whether you’re bringing home a preemie, juggling twins, or moving a big kid into a booster, the right seat + the right suppor t makes all the difference. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us and book a consultation with us. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your child, your car, and your family. Because every child in the UAE deserves the safest ride 💛 Sophie Huang is the founder of Safety on Board , the UAE’s first child car seat specialist. She is also a mom of 2 and an internationally certified car seat expert . With a passion for keeping children as safe as possbile on UAE road, she guides parents in choosing and installing the safest car seats. Sophie believes safety can be simple, stress-free, and empowering for every parent.
By lbenjell June 10, 2025
There’s something magical about a beach holiday — the sound of waves, salty air, and the promise of slow days in the sun. But let’s be honest: traveling to the beach with a baby isn’t exactly a vacation unless sleep is part of the equation. Whether you're heading to a resort, renting a seaside villa, or visiting family by the coast, here’s how to set your baby up for restful sleep — so everyone gets to enjoy that ocean breeze. Step 1: Know That Sleep Needs Don’t Take a Holiday Babies are creatures of habit. Their little bodies thrive on rhythm and predictability — even on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or go with the flow! It just means that your baby’s sleep needs are still there, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep things (mostly) on track. Step 2: Your Beach Baby Sleep Packing List Here’s your ultimate baby sleep packing list for a beach trip, broken down by category: Sleep Environment Essentials : Portable travel crib or bassinet – Choose one your baby is already familiar with if possible. Fitted sheets – Bring 2-3 just in case of sand, spills or spit-up. Also bring a gently used one to remind baby of home as he/she adjusts to the new sleep environment. Portable blackout blinds – Beach homes and rentals often have light, sheer curtains. White noise machine or app – Helps block out unfamiliar sounds like waves (yes, they can be loud!) or street noise. Baby monitor (if you’ll be in a larger space or stepping outside during naps). For more on the ideal sleep environment, have a read here . Comfort + Routine : Lovey or comfort object (if age-appropriate and safe for sleep). Sleep sack – Choose a breathable, summer-weight one. Favorite bedtime book – Familiarity brings comfort. Pacifiers – Always bring extras! Nightlight – A soft, warm one if needed for feeds or changes during the night. Weather + Climate Considerations : Lightweight, breathable pajamas – Think cotton or bamboo Fan – If your rental lacks good airflow or AC Bonus Tip: Have a “Nap-on-the-Go” Kit **For beach days that cut into nap time: Clip-on stroller fan Stroller or baby carrier your baby can sleep in Portable white noise machine Extra sun hats + baby-safe sunscreen (for after 6 months old) Step 3: Keep the Routine (Even on the Coast) Try to mirror your bedtime routine as closely as you can. If you usually do bath → PJs → book → feed → sleep, stick with it — even if it’s a quick version. Babies love the predictability, and it helps signal that it’s time to wind down, even in a new environment. Also, aim for naps in a darkened room when possible, especially after a stimulating beach outing. And if one nap has to happen in the stroller under a palm tree? That’s totally okay. Just go back to the routine as soon as you can. Getting There: Travel Day Tips Time your departure around naps if possible Use familiar sleep items (like the sleep sack or pacifier) during flights or drives Offer extra feeds — travel is dehydrating, especially in hot weather Keep expectations flexible – sleep may not be perfect, and that’s fine Beach trips with a baby can be full of joyful memories and restful nights — as long as you plan for sleep. With the right gear and mindset, your little one can stay well-rested and content, giving you more time to soak up the sun (or at least drink your coffee while it’s still warm!). And remember: sleep doesn’t have to fall apart just because you’re away from home. If you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to adjust things before, during, or after a trip, I’m here to help you build a personalized plan that fits your family’s travel style. Book your discovery call here .
By Guest author: Belinda Kirk October 7, 2024
October is SIDS Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a time to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk and help protect our little ones.. At Hushabye, safety is at the heart of our brand. Our focus is on providing parents with safe and high-quality baby sleepwear, such as sleep bags, that offer a safer alternative to traditional blankets. What is a baby sleep bag? A baby sleep bag, also known as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a specially designed garment for infants and young children to wear during sleep. The primary purpose of a sleep bag is to keep the baby warm and comfortable, but it also serves as a safe and convenient alternative to traditional blankets and quilts in a crib or cot.