All things sleep with baby and toddler sleep consultant, Susan Briggs
Today I sat down with the lovely Susan Briggs from Tiny Dreamers Sleep. Susan is a Baby and toddler sleep consultant based here on the Northern Beaches. She is warm and gentle and if you meet her you will agree with me in saying that I can definitely see how she would be such a wonderful support to many tired and overwhelmed parents in need of some advice and TLC.
So tell us about your service and how you can help?
I’m a holistic baby and toddler sleep coach, and I work with families to achieve better sleep by looking at the whole picture of their little one’s sleep. I focus on finding the root cause of any sleep struggles and addressing it with a responsive and bespoke ( no cry it out) approach. Since no two children are the same, every family requires a tailored plan to reach their sleep goals.
I also aim to normalise sleep by cutting through the overwhelming misinformation out there, which often leads to unnecessary anxiety. By giving parents clear, evidence-based facts about baby and toddler sleep, I help shift their mindset and build confidence—making all the difference in their sleep journey.
What are your top tips for creating an optimal sleep environment?
Here are my tips:
Keep the Room Dark ( bedtime) not always necessary for naps: Use blackout curtains or blinds to block out light, as a dark space encourages the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Maintain a Comfortable Temperature: Aim for a room temperature between 68–72°F (20–22°C) to ensure it’s neither too hot nor too cold. - Dress your baby in 100% breathable cotton layers at bedtime
White Noise/Pink noise ( for babies over 6 months): A white noise machine can help mask outside noises and create a consistent, soothing sound environment for better sleep.
Create a Calming Atmosphere: Create a Calming Atmosphere: Use soft, neutral tones in the room and limit stimulating activities or bright lights before bedtime to signal it’s time to wind down. Avoid using nightlights or cameras with blue light, as these can suppress melatonin production, which in turn can affect your little one’s sleep.
Any tips for first time mums navigating the newborn phase?
The newborn phase can feel overwhelming, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference. First, focus on light exposure. Your baby’s circadian rhythm starts developing around 12 weeks, but before then, they don’t know the difference between day and night. During the day, keep things bright and expose your baby to natural light and normal household noises. At night, dim the lights and create a quieter, calmer environment to help signal the difference and encourage healthy sleep habits.
Second, try not to compare. Every baby is unique, with their own needs and temperament. While you might hear stories of babies sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, the reality is that most babies between 6-12 months still wake 1-3 times for feeds, and that’s perfectly normal.
Finally, prioritise self-care. Even small acts—grabbing a coffee, calling a friend, or taking a shower —can make a big difference in how you feel. Remember, taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of your baby.
Leading on from this, would I refer a mum struggling at the 6 week mark and if so what can they expect?
At the 6-week mark, support would typically focus on reassurance and normalising what sleep looks like for babies at this age. Many parents find comfort in understanding what’s considered ‘normal’ sleep-wise for their newborns, as it helps alleviate anxiety. At this stage, it’s important to note that seeking support isn’t about solving everything immediately but about laying the groundwork for healthier sleep habits as the baby grows. Every family’s journey is different, and we take it step by step.
A lot of the families I work with are around 4 +months and older, but some have been following me on Instagram since their babies were newborns. They’ve been getting free advice through my posts, and when they’re ready, they reach out for 1:1 support. It’s such a lovely process, as many families tell me they feel like they know me even before our first conversation, which helps put them at ease.
And we can't forget about the mums/parents! Any self care tips on how to survive and navigate a difficult sleep period?
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re breastfeeding. When you’re tired, you might not feel like drinking water, but staying hydrated is crucial. Coffee can help in moderation, but too much can leave you feeling jittery. In the long run, water will keep you feeling better overall.
Get Outside
Spend some time outdoors each day, even if it’s just a short walk. Fresh air and natural light are great mood and energy boosters, helping you reset and recharge.
Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. Family, friends, or your partner can pitch in with household tasks, cooking, or holding the baby so you can rest or take a break.
Rest When You Can
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Even just lying down and watching Netflix can help recharge your energy and give your mind a break.
Connect with Other Mums
Join baby groups, baby sensory classes, or mum-and-bub gyms. Meeting other mums going through similar challenges can provide comfort, advice, and a sense of community. Leaning on each other can make a world of difference.
Accept Imperfection
Not every day will be perfect. It’s okay to have days when the dishes aren’t done or you haven’t had a shower. Give yourself grace—those days happen, and it’s perfectly fine.
Prioritise Yourself
Make time for YOU, even if it’s something small like enjoying a hot coffee or taking five minutes to breathe. Celebrate the small wins along the way—they matter and add up over time.
Now a non work related question... your go to favourite local coffee spots or dinner spots on the Northern Beaches?
Good question, my favourite coffee shops are Girdlers in Dee Why,Barrel One Brookvale - dinner spots, - I love St Alma Freshwater, Barrenjoey House, Palm Beach & Hugo’s in Manly.
To find out more or get in contact with the lovely Susan reach out to her using the below details:
W: www.tinydreamerssleepcoach.com
I: @tiny_dreamerssleep
