Two years ago, Susie Parker’s youngest daughter, Mia, was born. The Glencoe mom described those first few months as difficult — Mia was unable to sleep for extended periods of time.
“She had no soothing skills,” said Parker, who with husband, Marty, also has a 4 year old. “I would spend all day trying to get her to go to sleep. I felt exhausted all the time.”
Parker not only solved her daughter’s sleep issues, but a year and a half later, she took what she learned and launched her new Glencoe-based infant and child sleep consulting business, Sleep Baby Love.
“In order to help Mia, I had to learn all about sleep and how to create healthy sleep habits and then teach her how to fall asleep independently and stay asleep,” said Parker, a Michigan State University graduate who also works in corporate sales.
Parker said she Googled the topic extensively and read dozens of books.
“I eventually came up with a plan that worked, and Mia has been a great sleeper ever since,” she said.
Sleep Baby Love is designed for parents of kids aged four months through five years old, who have trouble falling and staying asleep.
“Exhausted families come to me when they don’t know where to turn,” said Parker, who holds a certification as a Child Sleep Consultant through the Family Sleep Institute. “Most new parents read books or ask their friends what works. I’m here for those who find themselves needing extra support.”
Parker begins her service with an in-depth consultation, either in person or over the phone, where she learns about the baby’s sleep history, sleep environment, the family’s philosophy on sleep, and other family dynamics, such as if the parents work or travel, and if there is a nanny or babysitter.
With her client’s input she offers options for an approach and then creates a personalized and detailed sleep plan. For the next two weeks, she is in contact with the family daily to gauge progress and offer support and other supplemental suggestions.
“I believe that every family deserves to be well rested,” Parker said. “And for the baby or toddler, sleep is so important in emotional and physical well being.”
Parker, who estimates she has helped 20 to 30 clients since she started the business, said studies show poor sleep habits of young children are linked to behavioral issues, obesity, and ADHD in school-aged kids.
Sara and David Lapidus of Wilmette contacted Sleep Baby Love three months ago seeking help for their now 8-month-old daughter, Madison, who was a poor sleeper.
“Our 5-year-old was a fantastic sleeper, so everything was textbook,” said Sara Lapidus. “With Madison we were up constantly throughout the night. No one was getting any sleep.”
Sara said Parker helped the couple choose a soothing strategy, and suggested they keep a sleep log for two weeks so she could offer tips and suggestions.
“She was really able to understand where we were coming from,” Sara said. “She was available whenever we needed her through email or phone or text, and Madison now sleeps 12-13 hours a night without crying and without a pacifier.”
Parker charges a flat fee for a two-week commitment, and an additional fee if her clients need more time. However, she said so far, not one client has needed more than the two weeks.
“This is really about coaching the parents and giving them the support and confidence to succeed,” Parker said. “I equate what I do to being a baseball coach. I set the players up to do the best they can.”
For more details on Parker’s company, visit www.sleepbabylove.com.