Iain's story

• Iain’s 5-year-old daughter Isla lived with her mum during the week and came to stay with Iain and his new partner at weekends and holidays
• Isla had always come through to her parents’ bed as a baby and co-slept for at least part of every night she was with Iain and his new partner Caitlin. She also co-slept at home with her mum
• Caitlin was now expecting a baby so both Iain and Caitlin wanted to change Isla’s sleep patterns before the new baby arrived
• Iain’s ex-partner, Mhairi, asked to hear about any help Iain receives

The Sleep Advisor made a detailed assessment call with Iain and Caitlin to understand Isla’s patterns and behaviour on the nights she was with them.

Together, they recognised that Isla spent hardly any time in her bedroom at Iain’s house. Iain and Caitlin removed junk and stored items from the room, added pictures and items which belonged to Isla (including photos of her Mum Mhairi) and spent time playing with her and reading together in the room when she visited.

Because Isla’s visits were usually weekends and holidays, Iain and Caitlin had not focused on a consistent bedtime or routine. Working with the Sleep Advisor, they agreed to a new wind-down hour and a pattern of actions to take when Isla woke in the night. They made a poster for the kitchen with the timetable of ‘Bedtimes at Daddy’s House’.

Finally, the Advisor gave some suggestions about storybooks and activities that could help Isla feel secure and comfortable about the new baby’s arrival.

The Sleep Advisor provided an outline sleep plan to share with Mum Mhairi.