Becoming a Self-Employed Baby Sleep Consultant: Tips to Be Your Own Boss

Making the leap from a steady paycheck as an employee to becoming an independent contractor in the baby sleep consulting space is SO worth it… but also SO intimidating. If you’ve never been your own boss before, there is a major learning curve. As you prepare to navigate this (super rewarding!) transition, here are the top five tips to help you succeed in your new role as a self-employed baby sleep consultant.

P.S. Take a deep breath… because you CAN do this. You’re on your way to controlling your time, your paycheck, and your freedom. 

1. Your Finances as a Self-Employed Baby Sleep Consultant

Transitioning to self-employment means taking full responsibility for your financial health. 

I’m sure you already know the basics of balancing and budgeting your bi-weekly checks, but it gets a little more complicated when you are your own boss. 

This includes setting your rates, budgeting for taxes (this is an important one — so many independent contractors forget this step, and end up paying for it), and managing fluctuating income. Even before you start your business, you can practice all of this. Start by researching average rates for baby sleep consultants in your area and create a budget that accounts for both your business and personal expenses. And always remember, it’s essential to set aside money for taxes each month to avoid any end-of-year surprises.

Pro Tip: Our Sleep Consultant Certification Program includes modules on pricing strategies and financial planning, ensuring you’re well-prepared to set competitive yet profitable rates.

2. Create a Structured Work Routine

Being your own boss sounds AMAZING, until you realize that your whole day can get sidetracked by everything else in life. 

Without the structure of an office, it’s easy to lose track of time or become overwhelmed by the demands of running your own business.

I found that establishing a daily routine helped me so much when I first started out. I had (and still have!) specific times for client consultations, administrative tasks, marketing efforts, and professional development.

Oh—and don’t forget to schedule in your free time! Working from home often leads to spending countless hours on your laptop. Set yourself up for success by clearly setting boundaries on working and personal hours. 

Pro Tip: Our program provides insights into effective time management techniques tailored specifically for baby sleep consultants, so you can maintain a balanced and productive work schedule.

3. Develop a Strong Online Presence

Every new business owner eventually learns the powerhouse that is the internet. Work of mouth and referrals are INCREDIBLE, but they only get you so far.

Creating a brand and an online presence is crucial for attracting clients and growing. Invest the time in creating a professional website (there are some really user-friendly options out there!), getting your social media profiles together, and generating content that showcases your expertise as a sleep consultant. 

(And, having a blog can help so much with establishing your authority in the baby sleep consulting field!)

Pro Tip: You’ll learn how to grow a swoon-worthy online presence through our course, which covers everything from website creation to social media strategies.

4. Network and Build Relationships

I know we all hate that word. 

But networking 1) IS necessary for growing your business and 2) DOESN’T have to be awkward. You can join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, and reach out to other professionals in this industry online. 

And, I recommend networking with more than other sleep consultants! Getting to know local pediatricians, lactation consultants, and other child care professionals is always a good idea for referrals. 

Pro Tip: Our certification program offers networking opportunities with other consultants and industry experts! It’s networking done for you. 

5. Invest in Continuing Education

The world of baby sleep consulting is ever-evolving. 

I say this all the time, but you HAVE to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and trends. It is essential for maintaining your credibility and effectiveness. 

There is always something else to learn in this industry, or a new niche to look into. 

Pro Tip: At the Institute of Pediatric Sleep & Parenting, we offer advanced courses and certifications, including specializations in newborn programs and special needs sleep consulting, which can really level up your services.

Ready to Be a Self Employed Baby Sleep Consultant?

Becoming a self-employed baby sleep consultant allows you to make a significant impact on families while enjoying the freedom of being your own boss. While all of these tips are highly recommended, it’s also essential to invest in comprehensive and accredited training! There are so many programs on the internet that do not offer the extensive training needed to get your sleep consultant certification. If you’d like more information about certification program and to start your journey towards becoming a self-employed sleep consultant, visit our Sleep Consultant Certification Program.