A nanny who has worked in a number of exclusive locations, whose whole professional career has been centred around supporting families and caring for children, is now using her experience to set up a new baby and children’s sleep consultancy, with the aim of helping tired parents in Hampstead and Islington get a better night’s sleep.
Lottie Hanes is a passionate early years professional with many years of experience working with children and, through nannying, has seen firsthand the problems sleep deprivation can cause families.
Lottie’s own experience is also backed up with research from The Lullaby Trust who state more than half of parents with babies under 12 months old struggle to get their baby to sleep for more than 4 hours at a stretch.
With a zest for learning and a passion for early childhood development through helping children, Lottie sought to see how she could cross over her passion and nannying skills and create a local family-friendly sleep service.
On setting out on this sleep educational journey, Lottie‘s first thought was to create an independent sleep consultancy service, but on further research, and with her experience, she believed the best way forward would be to work with other like-minded sleep professionals who practice evidence-based techniques, and who are involved in the world of advancing research.
This led to Lottie being recommended, via a different franchisor, to Jenna Wilson and Fay Smith from the award-winning Little Dreams Franchise. She instantly knew that their child-centric, evidence-based approach matched her own ethos, and was the right fit.
With Jenna and Fay’s support, and after completing the company’s extensive training programme, Lottie is now ready to start helping families in Hampstead, Islington and the surrounding areas – and, in line with her professional background, is looking forward to helping children achieve all the benefits that come as a result of a good night’s sleep.
Lottie said: “I’ve seen firsthand the effects extreme tiredness can have on families, and with Little Dreams I’m excited, because I’ve found an award-winning, evidence-based approach that I know can help parents and children get a good night sleep.”
I have already undertaken the in depth, and Association of Professional Sleep Consultants approved, training and feel empowered to confidently guide parents, and caregivers, towards a better night’s sleep!
Top 5 Holiday Sleeping Tips
With the main holiday season approaching, a time when baby and children’s sleeping patterns can be affected, Lottie has also created her Top 5 sleeping tips:
- Be mindful of overscheduling. Packing too many activities into your day can lead to an overtired child, making it more difficult for them to settle at bedtime. Aim for a balanced itinerary that allows for rest.
- Allow for occasional flexibility. A nap on the go or a slightly later bedtime here and there is absolutely fine—but try to avoid this becoming the norm throughout your trip to preserve your child’s sleep routine.
- Expect some boundary-testing. It’s completely normal for babies and toddlers to push sleep boundaries in a new environment. Stay consistent with your usual bedtime routine, and they’ll typically adjust quickly. Don’t forget to bring familiar sleep cues such as a favourite comfort toy, blanket, or white noise machine if these are part of your regular routine.
- Create a dedicated sleep space. If you’re sharing a hotel room, try to establish a separate sleep area for your baby— placing the cot in a separate part of the room or use a curtain to provide visual separation
- Enjoy the moment. Above all, remember that holidays are a time to create lasting memories. A little flexibility and a lot of joy go a long way toward making the trip enjoyable for everyone.
For further information on Little Dreams Hampstead and Islington sleep consultancy services, which include antenatal packages and personalised sleeping plans for babies / infants up to the age of 3 years and children up to the age of 10 years, please email Lottie via lottie@hampsteadandislington.com for a free consultation, or visit Home – Little Dreams Consulting Hampstead and Islington