How to Conduct In-Person Sleep Consultations

When you first become a baby sleep consultant, you feel on top of the world. You’ve got a great education (check out IPSP’s Sleep Consultant program here), a new lease on life, and you’re excited to actually start working with clients. But then when the time actually comes around, you might find yourself wondering how to conduct in-person sleep consultations. 

Because online, Zoom, or FaceTime consultations are one thing. 

You’ve got a whole screen in between you and the client. 

But going into a client’s home? 

Entering their space?

Working hands-on with their child? 

That’s a whole new ball game – and it’s completely normal to be anxious about it. 

 

Why In-Person Consultations Are Worth It

Even though they are intimidating at first, conducting in-person consultations adds SO much to your services. It adds a personal touch that parents appreciate, you often see results faster, and you can connect with that family (and watch them grow) in a way that you just don’t get virtually. 

Being in a familiar environment can make the baby more relaxed, allowing you to observe their natural behavior and sleep patterns more accurately. You’ll be able to connect with the baby, making them feel comfortable with your presence.

I’ve ended up becoming friends with plenty of in-person clients I’ve met through my practice, and it’s an indescribable feeling seeing those kiddos you helped grow up right before your eyes. 

And, on the financial side, you can typically charge MUCH more for in-person consultations. People will pay the premium price to get professional care in the comfort of their own home. Stepping into that environment also let’s you in on what might be causing the child’s sleep pattern issues, and can help you solve them faster. 

But like I said, despite all the great things, doing in-person consultations is intimidating (and sometimes a little awkward!) at first. So, here are some of my tips for how to conduct in-person sleep consultations to your clients. 

 

Tip #1: Preparation is KEY. 

The prep work is everything when you’re starting out with an in-home consult. Start by gathering all necessary information about the baby’s sleep patterns, routines, and any issues the parents have noticed. Typically, you can collect this information from a pre-consultation questionnaire sent to the parents beforehand. Understanding the family’s specific needs will allow you to tailor your approach and provide personalized advice.

You can also offer a virtual consultation beforehand, just to get to know the family and go over your questions face-to-face. I’ve found that doing this makes the in-person introduction a lot smoother, because you’ve technically already met. 

And of course, before your visit, triple-check that you have all the necessary tools and materials. Things like sleep logs, educational handouts, and any equipment you might need to demonstrate techniques, like swaddles or white noise machines. Being well-prepared is going to set you up for success with that family. 

 

Tip #2: Build a Rapport.

A common mistake I see people making when they first come into this industry is thinking they’ll just be working with babies. 

While yes, you’ll be working with adorable babies, you’ll be working with those babies’ parents a WHOLE LOT MORE. 

So you should work to get to know them and build a rapport that is going to help them trust you. Most parents you’ll be working with haven’t done “this” before, and it’s all new. So if you think you’re nervous, I guarantee they’ll have you beat in that regard. 

First, when you arrive at the family’s home, start by introducing yourself and explaining your background and experience. Spend some time chatting with the parents to understand their concerns and goals. First impressions matter – this initial interaction is going to establish trust and make the parents feel comfortable. 

 

Tip #3: Get to Business

Being at the family’s home gives you invaluable information that you wouldn’t get otherwise. So, take advantage!

This part is why people pay a lot more for in-home consults. 

You can fully observe the baby’s sleep environment. Check factors like the room temperature, lighting, and any potential sleep disruptors. Discuss the baby’s current sleep routine with the parents and observe the baby during a typical sleep period if possible. This hands-on approach allows you to provide practical, tailored advice that will really make a difference!

Then, based on your observations, you can sit down with the parents to your provide recommendations to improve the baby’s sleep. This might include adjusting nap schedules, creating a bedtime routine, or making changes to the sleep environment. And as always, make sure that the parents understand and feel comfortable with the plan you develop together.

 

Tip #4: Provide Ongoing Support

In-person consultations don’t end when you leave the family’s home. 

Follow up with the parents to check on their progress and offer additional support as needed. This could be through phone calls, emails, or follow-up visits. Providing ongoing support helps to ensure the family successfully implements your recommendations.

 

Charging for In-Home Visits

One of the best benefits of offering in-home baby sleep consultations is the premium price point. 

In-home visits run at a premium rate due to the personalized and hands-on nature of the service. Many new consultants charge between $150 to $300 per hour for in-person consultations.

IPSP graduates, however, often charge up to $4,000 per in-person consult. This higher rate reflects the comprehensive training and expertise that IPSP-certified consultants bring to their clients. The IPSP Sleep Consultant Program provides extensive knowledge and practical skills, preparing you to offer top-tier service and justify premium rates.

Our phenomenal mini-course on conducting in-home consultations (it’s a part of the regular curriculum – extra cost!) is taught by the amazing Gloria Young, NCS, BD, PPD. Gloria specializes in in-home consults and is a pro when it comes to knowing your worth and transitioning from online to IRL. And, Gloria is available to mentor each and every student when they are ready to take that leap. While in-home consultations come with more liability, with the right training you’ll be providing incredible consults and bringing in the $$$.

 

The IPSP Sleep Consultant Program

If you’re looking to start a career in baby sleep consulting, the IPSP Sleep Consultant Program is an excellent place to begin. Our program covers everything from understanding infant sleep science to mastering consultation techniques. And, with a focus on practical, real-world applications, our training ensures that you are well-prepared to meet the needs of your clients.

Plus, you get that Conducting In-Home Consults mini-course for FREE, so you can start charging $4,000 per consult right away.

Our graduates are equipped with the skills to build successful consulting practices, with many earning substantial incomes through in-person consultations. By enrolling in our program, you’ll learn how to confidently charge and deliver high-quality service, setting you up for a rewarding and profitable career.

 

This is your push, the career is calling you!

Even if you’re nervous about becoming a baby sleep consultant, IPSP is here for every single student (as in, I’m literally a call or text away!). With training, you’ll be on your way to charging premium prices for in-home visits, and changing the lives of hundreds of families – just like so many of our graduates have. 

You can learn more about the program right here. 

Want to learn more about how to conduct in-person sleep consultations, or just curious to learn more about this incredible career? Check out our blog.