FAQs about Sleep Consultants & Children’s Sleep

Most parents who come to us at Millpond tell us they have already “tried everything,” read every book, and asked everyone they know for advice.

What makes our approach different is that all of our sleep consultants are trained health professionals and parents themselves. With over 30 years of experience supporting families with children’s sleep problems, both at Millpond and within the NHS, we bring empathy, expertise, and an evidence-based perspective to every family we work with.

Because we are health professionals, we take a truly holistic approach to your child’s sleep. Sleep challenges are rarely isolated. They are often linked to other factors such as developmental changes, behaviour, feeding, or emotional well-being.

As health visitors, we have an in-depth understanding of child development and we remain up to date with the latest research through our work training NHS professionals. We also consider the role of sleep genetics and how parental sleep patterns can influence a child’s sleep.

We support families with babies right through to teenagers, tailoring our approach to your child’s age and stage. We always take time to understand the full picture before creating a personalised sleep plan that suits your family. If needed, we may suggest speaking to your GP to explore medical issues such as reflux or eczema before starting the plan.

Our clients often tell us that the most valuable part of working with Millpond is having someone who understands, listens, and guides them through each step. With professional knowledge and genuine care, we give you the confidence to make lasting changes.

We don’t usually need to see your child in person. As your personal sleep coach, we work closely with you as parents, supporting and guiding you remotely until you reach your goals for your child’s sleep.

For school-aged children, we often recommend including your child in a call once you’ve started their sleep programme. Many children enjoy talking about their sleep and hearing advice directly from their own sleep consultant, which can help them feel more involved and motivated.

We’ve been offering virtual consultations since 2000, and both families and our sleep consultants have found them to be highly effective and convenient.

Virtual consultations mean parents can have their session in the comfort of their own home at a time that suits them. They also make it much easier to manage childcare during the call.

Most of our consultations are done via Teams video call, which allows us to meet face-to-face online while keeping the flexibility and convenience that families appreciate.

For your convenience, some of our sleep consultants offer consultations in the evening to fit around busy family schedules.

Our approach is designed to give you the skills and confidence to manage your child’s sleep plan yourself. This not only builds your confidence but also helps improve your child’s behaviour during the day, as they see you calmly and consistently taking control of the situation.

We believe it’s important for your child to see their parents confidently guiding them through these changes. After all, who better to teach them such an essential life skill than you?

If sleep problems arise again in the future, for example, after an illness or holiday, the knowledge and strategies you gain while working with us will help you quickly get back on track.

At Millpond we aim to match your parenting styles with our sleep strategies.

We only ever use gentle child-focused sleep techniques and would NEVER ask you to leave your child to cry-it-out.

Most sleep problems are resolved within the support included in our sleep packages, so it’s not common to need extra help.

However, if you feel you’d benefit from more guidance, we do offer additional top-up consultations that you can book as needed. We’re here to support you until you feel confident and your child’s sleep is back on track.

A sleep consultant, or sleep coach, is someone who specialises in resolving baby and children’s sleep problems.

Sleep issues can feel overwhelming and complicated, and it’s often hard to know where to start. A sleep consultant helps you understand why your child is struggling with sleep, creates a personalised plan, and guides you step by step so your whole family can get the rest you need.

Our team of sleep consultants

While there is no official sleep consultant qualification, our team are all compassionate, fully qualified health professionals with years of experience working in the NHS. Each of our consultants has worked at Millpond for many years, supporting thousands of families. We are also parents ourselves, so we know firsthand what sleep deprivation feels like.

We understand that sleep issues can be complex, which is why our approach is always holistic and empathetic, drawing on the knowledge, skills, and experience we have built over decades.

Our approach

We use only gentle, evidence-based strategies tailored to your child and your family. Just as every child has their own unique personality, their sleep patterns and solutions are also unique to them.

We assess your child’s sleep using a detailed questionnaire and diary, then work with you to design a bespoke plan that fits your child’s needs and your parenting style. Throughout the process, we are here to support and guide you, empowering you with the skills and confidence to manage your child’s sleep now and in the future.

If you are struggling with your child’s sleep, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to listen, understand, and help your family get the sleep you deserve.

The cost of a sleep consultant depends on the level of support you need and the type of package you choose.

At Millpond, we offer a range of flexible sleep packages designed to suit different families and situations. Each package includes a detailed assessment of your child’s sleep, a personalised plan tailored to your family, and ongoing one-to-one support as you put the plan into action.

Many families tell us that the investment is more than worthwhile. Not only does it help improve their child’s sleep, but it also gives them the skills and confidence to manage sleep now and in the future, even if challenges arise again due to illness, travel, or changes in routine.

For many families, working with a sleep consultant is genuinely life-changing. It can restore sleep to the whole household, reduce stress, and support your child’s wellbeing and development.

At Millpond, we bring over 30 years of specialist experience in children’s sleep and a strong medical background. Because we are trained health professionals, we take an objective view of your child’s sleep and can often identify issues that are influencing sleep but aren’t just about sleep itself — such as feeding, development, health conditions, or emotional needs.

A sleep consultant offers you clarity, a personalised plan, and the confidence to follow through. With our expert guidance and support, sleep problems are often resolved much more quickly and calmly than when trying to manage them alone.

You can read more in our case studies and get to know our team on the about us page.

If your baby’s sleep is causing you concern, such as frequent night waking, difficulty settling, short naps, or needing to be held to sleep, we can help from around six months of age onwards. At this point, babies are developmentally ready to learn independent sleep skills, and gentle changes can make a lasting difference.

But it is not only about solving problems. Many parents come to us simply because they want to understand more about how their infant sleeps and what realistic expectations might look like, especially during the early months when advice can feel confusing and overwhelming.

In the first few months of life, babies have developing and often unpredictable sleep patterns. Our consultants help you make sense of this stage — offering reassurance, clarity, and simple steps to support your baby’s natural rhythms. We can help you build good habits early on and feel more confident in your decisions as a parent.

Whenever you feel ready, we are here to guide and support you.
Learn more about our sleep help for babies