holistic sleep support that grows with your family
– in babyhood & beyond

1:1 support

Troubleshooting Session
support for 1-2 specific challenges
Read More
45 min
65 British pounds
Initial Consultation
includes a fully personalised plan sent within 24hrs
Read More
1 hr
110 British pounds
8 Week Flexi Plan
a fully personalised plan with 3 follow up sessions included
Read More
1 hr
220 British pounds

Call

+44 7779 390 991

Email

hannah@littlenest.uk

Follow

sleep guides

Get your guide here

my story

Hello! I'm Hannah,

I founded Little Nest in 2020 after a particularly sleep-deprived first year of motherhood. Having tried to cry-it-out and follow a strict sleep schedule, I reached breaking point. It wasn't what my family needed. It wasn't for us.

Fortunately, I discovered another path.

With a fire in my belly and hunger to help more parents like me, I left my decade-long career in PR to train in holistic sleep coaching with Lyndsey Hookway. I am also now a qualified breastfeeding peer support helper with the Breastfeeding Network.

Based in south London -where I live with my two beautiful sons- Little Nest offers holistic, responsive sleep support for babies, toddlers and their very tired parents all over the world.

Discover More

What do I mean by dysregulated?

Well, maybe they’ve not had enough sleep in the last 24hrs. Perhaps the toddler skipped a nap or the big kid woke extra early.

Or the day has just been super stimulating. It’s hot. Or too cold. Busy. Loud. Long.

Thinking about these underlying sensory needs helps to avoid or minimise sleep resistance at bedtime.

Sometimes we need to create a an exceptionally calm sensory landscape. Sometimes it’s the opposite. Think about who your kid is and what particular needs they might have that day.

#sensoryseekers #toddlersleep #bedtimeroutine #bedtimebattles #fournado #threenager #holisticsleepcoach

You’re not alone. Although sometimes it might feel like you’re the only one not sleep training.

I’m here to say: there is another way.

#babysleeptips #gentleparenting #toddlersleep #newparents #gentlesleepcoach

This may or may not be based on true events in 2021.

At what point did you realise you were out of the baby phase and out of your depth?

Poor little sausage.

#breastfeeding #cosleeping #toddlersleep #nightweaning

I had a bit of an Oprah style Aha Moment a few nights ago listening to @cathcounihan’ Grow Yourself Up podcast. She was talking about allowing yourself to meet your own needs *even if* nobody else thinks they’re valid.

Oof.

It struck a chord. I realised I spend more time trying to justify and validate my own needs, than I do meeting them.

This year is one of enormous growth for me personally and a huge part of that is looking after myself.

Not at the cost of my children’s wellbeing. Not in ways that hurt anyone. But sometimes other people are going to be mildly inconvenienced by me. And I do this for them, not in spite of them.

What am I like when I don’t exercise, see friends and have rest time?

Honestly, a total d**k.

If you’re not, I love that for you. But it doesn’t stop me needing those things.

Do you struggle with the idea of selfishness and self-care?

What does self care look like for you?

#selfcare #babysleep #newmum #exhaustedmama #maternalmentalhealth

Sometimes we just need to go back to basics!

#babysleep #holisticsleepcoach #toddlersleep #exhaustedmama

So how do we get our FOMO babies to nap?

👀 Learn YOUR baby’s cues and don’t stress about generic wake windows for their age. We want to focus on individual sleepy signs which might be hyperactivity or a glazed look in their eye.

🔭 Explore and experiment with an open mind. Are there times of day when a nap is easier? Is a nap easier before or after a feed/meal or if it’s earlier or later than usual?

🧘🏻‍♀️Consider doing nothing. Is it really a problem if your child powers on through and catches up on sleep later? Try to drown out the noise about over-tiredness and do what works for you both.

👁️ Think about sensory input. Are they seeking more movement, deep touch or noise, for example? Fill that sensory cup.

😫 But be mindful of overstimulation - you don’t have to go home to silence but if you are somewhere noisy/busy and it’s too much for your FOMO kiddo, can you reduce the external stimuli? A green space is always great for this.

🧑🏼‍🍼 Offer maximum coregulation! A good sling, lots of milky cuddles and deep breaths to balance your own nervous system = game changer.

📋 I’m never going to advise a strict, generic schedule. But you might find that a consistent rhythm to your day (including a consistent wake up time) helps anchor things. Sleep can become more predictable with a bit of a pattern - but if it’s not for you, then don’t worry. Take your time (especially if your baby is on 3 or more naps a day still).

Do you have a FOMO baby?

#babysleep #newmum #babymemes #naptimeisthebesttime #fomobaby #firsttimeparents

What does your normal look like right now?

#toddlersleep #threenager #fournado #exhaustedmama #twoundertwo #holisticsleepcoaching

See also, your first week back and you don’t understand why your debit card isn’t opening the door.

#babysleep #workingmumlife #maternityleave #newmum #toddlersleep

Let me know if these tips help you!

#toddlerbedtime #toddlerbehaviour #toddlermomlife #toddlersleep

It sounds simple but I find myself often tipping into “don’t…” and “stop…” communication.

It’s totally healthy and normal behaviour for toddlers to test our boundaries. Bedtime is the perfect time for this, but it can be intense as we have big emotions, connection-needs and tiredness in the mix.

When we are clear communicators, we can set clearer boundaries and therefore reduce power struggles.

It also enables better connection - which is a key ingredient for a great bedtime! - because the communication feels more collaborative and positive!

So tell me, what battle are you having at bedtime right now?

#toddlermomlife #toddlertime #toddlerbedtime #bedtimebattles #toddlerlife #secondbaby

IYKYK

This is a boundary I have to be pretty consistent with for my own sanity.

I love cosleeping. I want to breastfeed. And yet… the latched sleep… no. A hard no over here.

If you struggle with setting these kinds of limits and worry about not being responsive, please remember that NOBODY can meet 100% of a child’s needs 100% of the time.

The best possible mother is the one who is Good Enough. Not perfect.

You are in a two way relationship with your baby or toddler and it’s ok to end the feed if you need it to.

(And if you’re concerned about milk transfer or your latch, please seek 1:1 support!)

But if it’s that 4.30am light sleep latched vibe… and I know my child has had a decent feed, is comfortable and in a lovely sleep environment. I am going to lovingly but firmly set that boundary.

If you want more help with this, I’ve got you. My new Night Weaning Masterclass is live now. It comes in video, pdf and audio-only format.

Have you dealt with this? How did it work out for you?

Tbh I still look like that happy cat most days and the “baby” is one and a half.

Wouldn’t have it any other way.

#pregnancy #babysleep #newparents #firsttimemama

Tell us about your kiddo’s temperament and how it affects sleep!

It’s been a while so let’s play Rod or Not!

#babysleep #toddlersleep #gentleparenting #cosleeping #breastfeeding #newmama #sleepdeprivedmama

Sometimes I get caught up in my own echo chamber and forget that there is still so much nonsense out there.

Just look at the number of likes that clip got. It’s terrifying.

Was that you? Or did the pressure to have a good sleeper come later?

I’m so jealous if this stuff was never on your radar!

#newmum #firsttimemum #maternalmentalhealth #postnatalanxiety #newbornlife #babysleep

We need to be careful with which studies we listen to. Because if you have a one year old who wakes more than once a night, you might have seen the original post and panicked.

In reality, the range of normal is huge.

Why are realistic expectations so important? Well, in parenthood there is always going to be a sense of comparison and worry. The weight of feeling like you’re failing is going to make it all so much harder than it needs to be.

@mandyruggeri’s post brilliantly explains why night waking is normal and the problem with parent-reported data.

The study I reference is Paavonen et al, 2020.

#toddlersleep #normalbabysleep #cosleeping #holisticsleepcoaching

Does your kid need a pitch black room for naps?

Another thing I want to add is that our circadian rhythm is still developing in the first few months of life. So by keeping all daytime sleep in the light it really helps set our internal clock to day and night.

My youngest is in the baby room at nursery and I’m always blown away by how they do naps for so many at a time: floor mats, bright room, background noise happening. The babies nap beautifully.

My oldest needed more darkness for sleep as he got older. He had permanent fomo and needed extra soothing BUT I was also heavily influenced by all the sleep trainers I followed then. It was lockdown and I could do his naps in the dark.

But luckily once we got some freedom back I was able to reintroduce sleep on the go and he ended up being a toddler who’d nap anywhere.

Which was significantly better for everyone’s happiness levels!

#babysleep #newmum #firsttimemama #newborn #postpartumjourney

Never going to stop banging my drum about this one.

Do what works for your family, for as long as it works.

Fear based parenting can get in the bin imo.

Do you worry about feeding to sleep? Or are you on the other side and wish they’d still settle with a feed?

#babysleep #breastfeeding #gentlesleepcoach #positiveparenting #naturaltermbreastfeeding

How do I get through the morning or evening routine without losing it? (Well obvs, sometimes I do 😅)

This is the only strategy that has helped me manage my own big feelings. Especially when I feel like neither kid is hearing me and I’m cranky.

Are you a fellow singer?

Let me know if you have any questions about my day!

#babysleep #toddlersleep #gentlesleepcoach #singlemumlife #ditl

Meanwhile at home you’ve got an intricate 15 step pre-sleep routine that ends with you having literally zero personal space or the will to go on.

Love that for me.

Don’t get me wrong, some days I’m just knackered and grumpy and I can’t pull myself out of the trench.

BUT as a busy, working, single mum of a 5 and 1 year old I’ve made surviving when tired my whole personality.

I’ve just released a FREE guide to improving parental sleep (comment HELP and I’ll send it to you). I was going to charge for it and then decided no, this info needs to be for everyone.

Some easy wins include:

1. Dress to impress. Pick a cute outfit. Do a little grooming (might be lipstick or just brushing your hair!) - this is called “enclothed cognition” which basically means that clothes impact our psychological processes. Colour, style and feeling a bit more put together will help you feel less frazzled. It’s not going to fix everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.

2. Get outside, no matter what. Ideally several times a day, before your energy takes a big dip.

3. Have some fancy breakfast food stashed away. A frozen pastry can get me out of bed faster after those particularly hard nights with a baby.

4. Instead of eating 3 big meals, have 5-6 smaller ones. This keeps your blood sugar topped up and avoids that sluggish post-meal slump from big portions of food. You need more energy when you’re tired, so little and often often feels better.

5. Make sure you’re not deficient of any key nutrients or minerals. Iron, magnesium and vitamin D are all very important for sleep quality and energy levels.

6. Dance. Get the endorphins flowing. Moving your body in a joyful way can significantly improve your mood.

7. Let’s be honest, you’re more likely to yell at your kids when sleep deprived. If you feel anger brewing, instead of shouting “I’ve asked you 5000 times to put your shoes on FFS” try singing the request instead. It’s stops the shout AND makes your kid more likely to listen.

8. Drink water. Patronising, but I need the reminder!

9. Break the day up into chapters with anchor points. Don’t think about how much time you still have before bedtime. Take it hour by hour instead.

#gentlesleepcoach #babysleep #firsttimemama #holisticsleepcoaching

I feel like IGT doesn’t get a lot of air time so it’s important to me to share my story.

I felt like I failed at something for so long. I thought I’d let my baby down. It breaks my heart to think of that version of me.

I know I’m not the only one.

But regardless of why you found feeding your baby emotionally (and physically!) hard, here are some extra resources:

Two books helped me loads:

📖 “Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter” by Amy Brown (@prof_amybrown)
📖 “Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production” (Second Edition) by Lisa Marasco and Diana West

🫂 You can attend free peer support breastfeeding sessions locally, usually run by your local council, @thebreastfeedingnetworkuk or @la.leche.league as well as other charities and individuals.

📞 There is also the @nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.

Some of my favourite accounts that talk about BF grief/trauma include @breastfeedingpsychology, @lowsupplymom, @latch.ie and @olivia_lactation_consultant.

And of course a shout out to @imogenibclc and @thetonguetiecentre who gave the best support imaginable.

#breastfeeding #insufficientglandulartissue #lowmilksupply #postnatalsupport #maternalmentalhealth #breastfeedingjourney

New guide, and it’s FREE!

There are soooo many valid reasons why you’re knackered right now.

Whether it’s a temporary blip or you’re right in the thick of it, here’s a wee booklet from me to you: full of practical advice about feeling more human when you’re tired.

I talk about maternal rage, nervous system hacks, setting boundaries, working with your circadian rhythm, improving sleep hygiene and changing your whole sleep philosophy.

It’s live now. Comment “help” and I’ll DM you a link.

And if this is your vibe, don’t forget to check out all my other guides and webinars.

Do you beat yourself up? Do you blame yourself for how your child sleeps?

We’d be horrified if anyone else said these things to a parent and yet often our inner critic gets so loud in early parenthood that we internally normalise + accept this kind of thinking.

You’re honestly doing an incredible job and this season can be really tough.

If you’ve worked on your inner voice, what helped?

Some of my favourite mental health accounts are @cathcounihan @looking_after_mum and @_drboyd

Four months is savage and it’s not because of the so-called “regression”

If I only ever achieve one thing via this account I hope it’s making parents feel less alone.

It’s normal for a little human to have needs at night. You’re doing an amazing job.

Where my “can’t get any worse” girlies at?

Is a floor bed the solution for your toddler’s sleep challenges?

If the cot has always been a battle, this might be the smartest sleep choice you ever make. But of course as with all strategies, nothing works for everyone.

Pros:
- Encourages independence
- Easier to comfort your little one during the night
- No more dramatic cot escapes 😬

Cons:
- Midnight wanderings are now more possible (although many kids never think to roam beyond their bed)
- It involves lots more safety proofing
- Some toddlers prefer a small, enclosed space for sleep

How do we keep floor beds safe?

- Keep the bed low and firm
- Use a fitted sheet and sleeping bag (ideally with legs!) only—no pillows or duvets under age 2
- Baby-proof the entire room - anchor furniture and keep loose wires away from little hands. Motion sensor lights can help kids avoid banging into things!
- Use a baby gate at the door if needed for safe containment

Have you trialled a floor bed? Tell me—did you love it or regret it?

#montessoribed #gentlesleep #toddlersleep #montessoritoddler #sleepcoach #holisticsleepcoach #respectfulparenting

The captions are weird in this.

A quick summary: nobody talks about this. Some kids hate cosleeping. And you might have planned to do it. Or maybe people keep telling you it will “fix” your sleep issues.

On both sides of the sleep support spectrum we need to accept that a one-size-fits-all mentality isn’t ok.

We can’t say “just sleep train” and neither should we always say “just co-sleep!”

But seriously if you are thinking of making some changes to your night time soothing strategies… I’ve just launched a new Night Weaning Masterclass for older nurslings (12m+ to preschool age).

It may not reduce the number of wakes but having multiple resettling strategies can actually be beneficial for breastfeeding. Or maybe you’re ready to fully wean but have no idea where to start.

I’ve got you.

Luckily I can now sleep through anything 😅

Ok so obviously it’s false but many people think the boob is a bedtime-blocker. It’s not..

Your child’s other caregivers can find their own way to settle and it will most likely be totally different to what you do.

Babies are smart and more adaptable than we might think.

Yes, they have preferences. Some stronger than others! And they are allowed to express those feelings, especially if there is change.

At certain developmental stages you might choose not to fight it, and just offer support from the preferred caregiver where you can. If not possible, the other person can support the emotion and respond to the child’s needs.

My best advice for introducing new caregivers is to start small, go gradually and pick the path of least resistance where you can.

That might look like a grandparent doing a pram nap every now and then. Over time it might be cuddling to sleep at home and finally they can take over and do the bedtime routine when the bond has been strengthened. At first it’s ok to focus on non-sleep related caregiving tasks if the child is slow to bond with others.

It can be scary to bring new people into bedtime if you and your little one have always had milk cuddles but you don’t have to end that if you’re not ready to.

Dads and other adults in the child’s life are just as capable of finding ways to soothe and connect. Let’s be patient with the process though and give everyone some grace to get it wrong and keep trying until it’s figured out.

Tbh who doesn’t love an 11pm bedtime after a long day with your kids.

At least half of your favourite “gentle” people have tried sleep training.

Did you know this?

The scientific reminder we all need from time to time.

It might sound obvious but by picking your battles, listening to the behaviour and incorporating play into bedtime - we can make things run A LOT more smoothly.

No but tonight is the night I’m going to bed at 9pm I mean it.

(Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s pretty obvious. We need more time for ourselves as mothers.)

Why does this kind of content do well?

It taps into a mother’s deepest worries. That we’re not good enough. That we’re the problem.

And surely an expert wouldn’t say this unless it’s true, right?

Honestly I’m so DONE with this narrative.

The mental and emotional load is heavy enough already, let’s put this extra layer of guilt down.

You’re not holding anyone back from anything, I promise. It’s normal if “independent” isn’t your baby’s default setting.

#sleeptraining #babysleep #motherhood

I should probably just start that substack 😂

Will you ever make it for that night out? Or just have an evening off at home?

Sometimes it feels impossible and really intense when your toddler is going through a period of parental preference.

In my Toddler Guide I have a bumper section all about bedtime and the psychology of kid behaviour around it, but to sum up…

1. Make sure they’re tired enough. Higher sleep pressure than normal can help some kids accept change (but for some it leads to more dysregulation so explore what works)
2. Give them the heads up about who will be doing bedtime in advance (visual aids can help!)
3. Small kids do well when they feel they have some control over a situation so how can you meet them in the middle with this? Let them pick certain things and direct parts of the routine.
4. If they aren’t used to a different bedtime caregiver then start small (focus on naptime or other acts of caregiving that aren’t sleep related) and then build up to shadowing before the other person takes over entirely.
5. Think about sensory needs to help them process these big emotions: massage, firm touch, tickling, jumping, swinging, etc etc
6. If they are old enough, talk to them about what you’ll do when you are reunited (ie a special breakfast)
7. Fill their sleep space with pictures of their favourite people.
8. Let the new person find their own way rather than try to recreate exactly what you usually do.
9. Focus on the connection and the calm, rather than the sleep.
10. Lower your expectations. It’s a process. You’ll get there but it might be a long and winding road.

Tbf you only learn this the hard way.

The babies are listening, guys. And they have the weirdest senses of humour.

This is just your reminder that your child’s sleep will continue to evolve and you can make whatever changes you fancy at your own pace.

These changes might be tiny, as simple as you following your kid’s lead. Or maybe you’re working towards a bigger shift for a specific reason.

So if you’re in the thick of it right now, please know you’re not stuck here.

If thinking about sleep changes is too much right now, that’s ok.

If you want to make a few shifts, start small. For example if your baby is a total koala but you’d like a tiny bit more physical space around sleep - what if you coslept for naps but started to move just a little bit further away once they’re in a deep sleep. Or could you focus on one nap being consistently in a pram or sling with another caregiver?

I’ve had two gorgeously tactile babies and there’s no rush to independence here. Cosleeping, contact naps and wearing a carrier for most of the day has been my normal and that’s not an unusual scenario.

I’ve loved that closeness and also, I’ve needed a bit of space at times.

We’re now in a good place where my 17mo will be fed to sleep at bedtime, transferred to his cot (in his room!) and sleep there for a few hours before a night of bed-sharing.

I know one day I’ll say goodnight and not see him again until morning. But for now, it’s little changes as we both feel ready for more separation.

(It might also look like 100% cosleeping again at some point too - sleep stories are rarely linear!)

None of us are perfect but all of us are f***ed.

How do you feel about triggering content?

I was thinking about my previous post today and decided it needed this addition.

Some thoughts as I support my own two to sleep tonight…

We’ve all been there. The long slog to bedtime.

You’re frazzled.

The kids are wired.

It’s a lot.

This is what restores the peace in my home.

A bubble wand.

My kids literally never get tired of it. But it’s not really for them.

What it does is it MAKES me breathe. Slowly. Deeply. And it’s mindfulness in action. I’m so focused on blowing enough bubbles for my tiny masters that I’m not thinking about anything else.

The breathing regulates me and their giggles give me some perspective. And is there anything more bonding than laughing together? It’s the ultimate reconnection hack before sleep.

The kids shaking out their silliness before we begin our bedtime routine is just an added bonus tbh.

#babysleep #toddlersleep #gentleparenting #babysleeptips #threenager #gentlesleepcoach

So random but these have all been 3am purchases that I’ve loved and used so much.

What’s your most random parenting product?

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow me on Instagram

@littlenestsleep

Podcast

Sleep Like A Baby?

Join the global community of SLAB? listeners and download the latest episode wherever you usually get your podcasts.

Explore four series of interviews with experts in psychology, child development, lactation, sleep and midwifery.

Listen Now

Get in Touch