The Difference Between a Sleep Course and 1-on-1 Support
With almost every answer at our fingertips, it’s hard to know what the real difference is between having 1-on-1 support while sleep training, or just doing a sleep course. There are a few big differences that I’ll cover, but one thing I want you to know right off that bat is…they’re both super successful. If you can only afford an entry to a sleep course, your baby will still learn how to sleep through the night.
Let’s chat about the differences first:
Support. With an online platform that hosts a sleep course, there is generally no sleep support included in the purchase price. However with Sleep Coaching, you are basically paying for the support from a sleep coach. The devote their time to you to answer questions, coach you through challenges, and cheer you on through your successes. With my sleep coaching clients, they have access to me through instant messaging and email, along with scheduled phone calls. As things change and your child grows and develops, their sleep patterns can shift. A Sleep Coach will generally be available to answer follow-up questions for you or troubleshoot further through phone calls.
Customization. With a sleep course, things aren’t customized to your family, your baby, or even your baby’s gender. The sleep plan included with a sleep course is very generalized, but specific to your baby’s age. This means that if you follow the sleep plan outlined in the course, you’re likely to see awesome success if your child is within the designated age range. With a Sleep Coach, your sleep plan is completely customized. You’ll be given a daily schedule that suits your family, your plan will include answers to information outlined in your preliminary questionnaire, and you’ll be coached through the sleep plan during a designated phone/virtual call to see if you have any questions about it beforehand.
Age. A Sleep Course isn’t applicable for every age range. In fact, my sleep course is only applicable for babies in the 6-17 month age range. The reason why it’s this age range is because we are eliminating nighttime feedings. I don’t generally recommend getting rid of night feedings unless a baby is over 6 months old or you have approval from your child’s doctor or Paediatrician. It’s also not helpful for children over 18 months because they have different sleep needs than a baby, so their schedule would be ineffective. Working with a sleep coach gives you the opportunity to work with any age range that the sleep coach offers. Currently I work with children in the 0-5 age range, but previously I’ve worked with children up to age 15. This gives parents assurance that their child will learn how to sleep no matter what range they fall into.
Accountability. If you opt to take the sleep course route over working with a sleep consultant, then you will have to be the one to hold yourself accountable to following the sleep plan and being as consistent as possible. You still have to be consistent when working with a sleep consultant, but they will be the ones checking in with you to make sure you’re following the plan accordingly.
Price. Working with a sleep consultant can be very pricey. It’s an experience that is tailored to your family. Truly, I’ve never helped a family who said “now that I know how well this works, that was way too expensive.” Instead they say, “Wow. If only I had known how well this worked, I would have paid triple.” A sleep course is a one-time fee that gives you lifetime access to the course. It’s much more affordable for families who are on a budget or who don’t have extra money to spend on a sleep consultant.
There are some similarities with a sleep course and customized sleep support, so let’s outline them here:
Outcome. The outcome of both a sleep course and customized coaching can be the exact same. When we think about our sleep goals (sleeping 11-12 hours through the night, taking great naps, etc.) you can absolutely achieve sleep goals by working with a consultant directly, or just taking an online sleep course.
Time. Working with a consultant won’t make your baby sleep through the night faster or more efficiently. It will generally still take the same amount of time to get your child to sleep though the night - the sleep consultant will just be answering your questions and coaching you through those first few days/weeks rather than you doing it alone.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the similarities and differences between a sleep course and hiring sleep consultant, I hope you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your family when the time comes.
To see my sleep course option for babies in the 6-18 month age range, click here.
To see my sleep coaching options for children in the 0-5 year range, click here.
Bailey
