PHOTOGRAPHY

Heather Nicole

Why Routines (and Sleep) Matter for Babies – And Your Photo Session In Southern California

Advice, Newborn

Baby Boy sleeping soundly with angel wings on back and wrapped in a sift off-white blanket.

Sleep, Snuggles, and Sweet Moments: Why Your Baby’s Routine Matters More Than You Think

Establishing a consistent sleep routine for your baby isn’t just about getting a few extra hours of rest (although that’s definitely a bonus!) — it’s about supporting their development, emotional regulation, and overall sense of security.

As any new parent knows, life with a baby is full of change — but one thing that remains consistent is just how much babies thrive on routine. From feeding to playtime to sleep, predictable patterns help little ones feel secure, calm, and ready to take on the world (or at least the next nap!).

Sleep, in particular, plays a huge role in a baby’s development — not just for their mood, but for their growth, memory, and overall wellbeing. That’s why I recently engaged with a certified baby sleep coach to dive into the importance of routines and how parents can gently guide their babies toward better sleep habits. Whether you’re in the early newborn days or navigating sleep regressions, there are some amazing insights you’ll want to hear.

Olivia Rose, a registered nurse and certified baby sleep coach, answered some very important questions that I had about how a sleep coach works and I am going to share insights from the recent interview.  Olivia can be followed on Instagram here:  https://www.instagram.com/rosebudsleep?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

So, let’s dive in:

What is a sleep coach and what type of support do you provide?

A sleep coach is someone who guides families though teaching their child healthy sleep habits in a supportive and evidence-based way. I work with children from 4 months to 7 years old, helping families understand their child’s sleep needs, set up the right environment and routines, and introduce gentle strategies that build independent sleep skills.
All of my support is virtual and designed to be hands-on and collaborative. My goal is to take the guesswork out of it for you and give you clear direction and reassurance so you never feel like you’re navigating it alone.

Describe your program?

I offer 7-day and 14-day support packages. Each package includes a detailed intake form, a customized sleep plan tailored to your family’s goals, and an in-depth training call to review the plan step by step, After that, you’ll receive daily check-ins, troubleshooting help, and mid-plans calls as needed to keep you supported and on track. The longer package simply allows for more ongoing guidance as we work through transitions and your child adjusts to their new sleep skills.
My role is to guide families toward more predictable days and restful nights while teaching their child independent sleep skills in a gentle, supportive way so everyone in the home can get the sleep they need.

How do you support the parents? How do you support the baby?

I support parents by giving them step-by-step guidance, answering questions as they come up, and offering reassurance during the process. I support the baby by creating an age-appropriate, consistent routine that aligns with their biological needs and by helping parents respond in ways that are nurturing yet encourage independent sleep.


What is the link between feeding and sleeping?

Nutrition is key! An age-appropriate feeding schedule is directly tied to sleep quality because a hungry baby won’t settle well. We make sure your baby gets enough at each feed and in the 24-hour period so that hunger isn’t waking them unnecessarily or making it harder to get them down to sleep. Once we have a solid feeding routine in place, it’s much easier for your child’s sleep to become more predictable, and we often see longer stretches at night (they might even self-wean!)

When should a baby be able to sleep through the night without waking to feed?

Every baby and family is different! Some parents choose to keep a night feed for comfort, milk supply reasons, or if their baby still needs the extra nutrients, while others are eager to drop it as soon as their baby is ready.
In general, pediatricians often give the green light to begin dropping night feeds around 4 months if the baby is gaining weight well. At that age, babies also become more biologically capable of consolidating sleep. My plans are tailored to your goals, so if you’d like to keep a feed, we’ll make a plan for that; if you want to wean, I’ll guide you through ways to do that as well!

Why is it important for a baby to be on a schedule?

Babies thrive on rhythm and predictability! A consistent schedule helps regulate their internal body clock so they start to anticipate sleep times. This typically leads to easier settling, longer stretches of sleep, and more harmonious days for the whole family.

What recommendations do you have for parent(s) who might not be 100% committed to ask for help?

You don’t have to be all-in to start making positive changes. Even small steps, like waking your baby at the same time every day, making the sleep space darker, or tweaking the bedtime routine can make a difference. I always meet parents where they are and create a plan that feels manageable for them. My goal is to build their confidence and show them that progress is possible without feeling overwhelmed.

What are some success stories?

4 month old: Was only napping 20-30 minutes, waking frequently at night, snacking during feeds, and had early morning wakings. After two weeks on a consistent feeding and nap routine plus gentle sleep strategies, naps extended to 1-1.5 hours and the baby slept 12-12.5 hours at night with only one night waking for a scheduled feed.
14 month old: Previously had irregular naps and only in the stroller, needed to be rocked to sleep, woke multiple times at night and was brought into the parents room to co-sleep during the night. We implemented an age-appropriate schedule, used a responsive approach to help him fall asleep independently in his crib, and within days he was taking two solid naps and sleeping through the night in his crib. He even self-weaned his night feedings!
3 year old: Had bedtime battles lasting over an hour, and often left their room during the night and snuck into the parents room. Over the course of two weeks, we implemented a consistent bedtime routine with boundary-setting strategies. By the end of the second week, bedtime was down to 15 minutes, and the child stayed in bed through the night.

What are some common myths?

Myth: Breast fed babies can’t sleep through the night. Truth: With an appropriate feeding plan and when developmentally ready, breastfed babies can absolutely sleep through the night.
Myth: You can’t teach sleep skills past a certain age. Truth: Healthy sleep habits can be taught well into toddlerhood and early childhood. Whether it’s moving on from co-sleeping, transitioning from a crib to a bed, or helping a child who’s resisting bedtime or waking throughout the night, the same principles of consistency and gentle guidance still apply.
Myth: Sleep training harms attachment. Truth: Secure attachment comes from consistently meeting your child’s needs, which is always our priority. We make sure babies are fed, comfortable, and supported before working on sleep skills. Gentle, responsive sleep training actually helps them feel safe because they learn that sleep is predictable and their caregivers are still there for them.
Myth: Sleep training means letting your baby cry for hours. Truth: Responsive methods prioritize the baby’s needs and aim to reduce crying, not increase it. I also give parents different methods to choose from so we can find the approach that fits you and your baby best.
Myth: If my baby naps too long during the day, they won’t sleep at night. Truth: Age-appropriate daytime sleep actually helps babies sleep better at night because it prevents overtiredness.

Baby Boy sleeping soundly with angel wings on back and wrapped in a sift off-white blanket.

As a newborn photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a baby’s routine — especially their sleep schedule — can impact a photo session. A well-rested (but just a little sleepy) baby makes all the difference when it comes to capturing those soft, dreamy portraits we all love. If you’re preparing for an upcoming session, one tip I always share with families is this: try to keep baby awake for about 60–90 minutes before arriving. This gentle stretch of awake time can help your little one feel naturally ready to drift off once we start the session — leading to those cozy, snuggled-up shots that melt hearts.

At Heather Nicole Photography, I specialize in creating a calm, baby-friendly environment where your little one can feel safe and comfortable, and you can feel relaxed knowing you’re in good hands. Every session is thoughtfully planned to work with your baby’s natural rhythm — not against it. Whether you’re booking a newborn shoot or documenting baby’s first year, I’m here to help you capture these fleeting moments beautifully.

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