Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from and how many little “cuddlebugs” do you have?
I’m originally from Massachusetts and moved to Michigan about 4 years ago for my husband’s job. Prior to being a sleep consultant, I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years and a nanny as well. I have a daughter who is almost 2 and we have a second little due in November! We’re so excited!
What inspired you to start Cuddlebug Sleep?
I was inspired to start Cuddlebug Sleep for two reasons: my personal newborn experience and from my nanny experience! After I had my daughter, I unfortunately struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. For me, the main thing that exacerbated my PPA & PPD was sleep. I didn’t sleep for a week straight (only 4 days short of the Guinness World Record – not fun!) and that led me to become super passionate about sleep because I truly understand how sleep and mental health go hand in hand!
During my time with my nanny family, I was with the sweetest and cutest little 2 year old boy. However, he would not nap. His parents would tell me how bedtime would take anywhere from 1-2 hours, with crib refusal and multiple night wakings. They decided to hire a sleep consultant, so I got to see first hand how sleep can literally be life changing. After two weeks of working with him on sleep training, he was now napping and sleeping in his crib through the night and his parents were getting the rest they needed!
What makes Cuddlebug Sleep different from other sleep consultants?
One thing that sets my business apart from other sleep consultants is that I create individualized sleep plans. I truly believe that every child and every parent is different, so their sleep plan should be too. I look at your child as a whole and get to know and learn about your family to decide what method is best for your family. From there, we tackle sleep together with lots of support to help your family get the sleep you not only need but deserve!
The other thing that sets me apart from other sleep consultants is that I really focus on not just getting your child sleeping while working together, but I set your family up for success in the future. My goal is to not only help your child reach their sleep goals, but to make you feel confident for the years to come. I make sure every one of my clients understand what and why things are happening with their child’s sleep. I provide them the education, resources and confidence to know how to tackle any and all bumps in the road such as nap transitions, sleep regressions, sickness, teething, travel, etc!
What age range do you typically work with—and when do you recommend parents reach out?
I am a CNSS (Newborn Sleep Specialist) and a Pediatric Sleep Consultant so I work with all different ages! I work with expecting and newborn parents, baby, toddler and preschool parents ages 0-6 years old. The most common age I typically work with is 4 months – 2.5 years, mostly because this is the age range where sleep can become tricky due to regressions!
I always like to explain to clients that even if your child is waking throughout the night multiple times or their naps are not great, if what you’re doing for your family is working, then keep doing what you’re doing! I recommend parents reach out when their lack of sleep is affecting their mental health, bedtime or nap-time is filled with lots of anxiety and if working on your child’s sleep is something that has been on your mind for awhile, but you’re hesitant and/or nervous to actually start this process. It’s so normal and that is my job, to be your biggest coach and supporter throughout this process!
What is your go-to tip for an overtired baby or toddler?
Ahh, I have so many, but I would say my main tip is to look at your child’s schedule and wake windows. Oftentimes, just tweaking their schedule by shortening or lengthening the time they go down for naps and/or bedtime can help immensely with overtiredness. I have a free Wake Window Chart here to help with that.
How do you support parents emotionally through this process? (Because we know sleep training can be a lot.)
I would say about 85% of my job is to support parents emotionally through this process and that’s why I love what I do! From a private 1-on-1 coaching consultation, to 2 weeks of text support and 2 nights of bedtime support, I am always there to answer any questions and help you stay consistent. I have been in my clients shoes, so I know what it’s like to be exhausted, to have a baby that doesn’t sleep and to have their crying pull at your heart strings. It’s SO hard! But, getting through those first few nights is a little bit more doable when you have an expert on your side that is constantly there to help, support, and encourage you!
How do you balance running your business and raising your family?
Um Lexapro (joking but kind of serious – ha!) I have lots of support from my husband Max. I also have a babysitter that now comes once a week to watch my daughter Abby since my business has been fully booked since January. I used to work during her naps and at nighttime, but now I added another day to get more work time in. I’m so grateful, but it also takes a lot to balance this and not feel overwhelmed! Since I am doing this part time, I limit my number of clients to 4 per month, which allows me to give each client my full attention. My goal is in the next few years, when my kids are older, to transition this to full time!
What’s your favorite way to wind down after a long day (besides a full night’s sleep)?
Easy – plopping myself on the couch with a Dairy Queen Blizzard, while watching reality TV, either 90 Day Fiancé, Love Island, or Real Housewives!
Summer is here, what’s your favorite summer time travel with your husband and daughter?
We love going to Cape Cod, this is where I grew up going every summer! We took my daughter to the beach for the first time and she LOVED it. We are hoping to get in some “up north” and maybe even West side of the state visits this summer to get our beach fix in! My husband and I also have a trip to Bordeaux, France planned this summer which I am really looking forward to!
For fun, coffee order of choice?
I’m actually not a huge coffee drinker. I have it once in a while, but my go to order is a tall Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew with 1 pump of Vanilla Syrup, Splash of Almond Milk and Vanilla Sweet Dream Cold Foam. I have this saved in my phone because I get nervous when I order since I don’t very often!
Katie Eppley
1551 Garrett Drive Troy, MI 48085
(508)-282-0133