The 5 Essential Skills to Become a Baby Sleep Consultant
I absolutely LOVE my career as a baby sleep consultant. What I love more? Helping other women find this amazing industry! But, it might not be for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about becoming a baby sleep consultant, you need to know more than just the science behind baby sleep. While education is #1 always, it takes more than that to find success in this industry. Here are the 5 essential skills to become a baby sleep consultant.
1. Communication Skills
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Newborn babies don’t exactly know anything about communication skills. And while you might be working directly with the child, the majority of your time is going to be dealing with parents!
Oftentimes, our clients have been suffering for a while with lack of sleep and frustration around not knowing what issues their child is experiencing. So, being able to effectively communicate is CRUCIAL to understand the concerns of parents and to convey sleep strategies to them. As a consultant, you’ll need to listen carefully to the parents to identify underlying issues, and then explain solutions in a way that is easy for parents to implement.
2. Empathy and Compassion
This one should be a no brainer, but can be easier said that done when the chaos and distraction of a sleep-deprived baby comes in the picture. It’s important to remember that parents often seek sleep consultants when they are stressed and exhausted. Some of them are really struggling. Demonstrating empathy and compassion is going to help you build trust and rapport with the family, which makes them more likely to follow your advice and feel supported throughout the process.
And, when you’re the voice of reason and the source of peaceful sleep, that family is more likely to refer you to other potential clients. So keeping a cool head really pays off down the line. If parents love you, your consultancy is set for success.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities
During your education, you’ll learn everything under the sun about what could be causing sleep issues. But when you’re in the real world with clients, you’ll have to identify exactly what is going on with each family on your own.
Every family is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Having strong problem-solving skills is going to help you to tailor sleep plans to the individual needs of that client, and adapt your strategies when situations change. You’ll be surprised how much this job can keep you on your feet, and you’ve got to be ready for whatever is thrown at you!
(P.S. We incorporate problem-solving case studies into our sleep consultant certification course, preparing our students for the quick thinking they’ll need with clients.)
4. Knowledge of Sleep Science
As with any profession, you need to know the science to back up your claims. A deep understanding of sleep biology and development is fundamental. With that education under your belt, you can create effective, evidence-based sleep plans and educate parents on the importance of healthy sleep habits for their kiddos.
Naturally, our curriculum covers all of these areas. If you’d like to see the full curriculum, check it out here!
5. Business Management Skills
Sadly, sleep consulting is not ALL about helping families get a good night’s rest. You’ll be starting your own business here, which means you’ll have to understand more than sleep science. You’ll need to brush up on marketing, client management, financial planning, and more to ensure that your business is sustainable and can grow over time.
If you’d like tips on marketing your sleep consulting business, or want to know more about the business finances behind the job, check out my blogs— I’ve got plenty on those topics!
Ready for the Next Step?
If you’re passionate about helping families achieve better sleep and believe you possess (or can learn!) these essential skills, the next step is to get certified.
Certification not only enhances your credibility but also equips you with the structured knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive in this field.
IPSP Teaches All of the Skills to Become a Baby Sleep Consultant
The Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting (IPSP) offers a comprehensive Sleep Consultant Program designed to cover all aspects of becoming a successful baby sleep consultant. Here’s what you can expect from the course:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes in-depth modules on sleep science, infant and toddler sleep, sleep disorders, and sleep coaching techniques.
- Practical Training: Gain hands-on experience through practical training sessions, where you apply your learning to real-life scenarios.
- Business Management: Learn essential business skills such as marketing, client acquisition, and financial planning to help you run a successful practice.
- Ongoing Support: Benefit from ongoing support and resources even after certification to stay updated with the latest research and best practices in sleep consulting.
By enrolling in the IPSP Sleep Consultant Program, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge and skills to become a baby sleep consultant. Take the first step towards a fulfilling career that makes such an incredible impact on families’ lives.
