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Is Your Little One a Sleep Fighter? Discover How Temperament Holds the Key to Restful Nights!

July 14, 20254 min read

Are you a tired parent battling endless night wakings, challenging bedtimes, and a child who just won't sleep?You're not alone. Many parents feel like they've tried everything, but what if the secret to better sleep lies in understanding your child's unique personality?

At Sleep Nanny, we believe that truly effective sleep solutions start with understanding your child's temperament – their unique behavioral style and how they interact with the world. It’s a game-changer for gentle sleep training and finding sleep tips that actually work for your family.

What's Your Child's Sleep Temperament?

Children aren't one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to sleep. Here’s how different temperaments can influence their sleep journey:

  • Adaptability: Some babies adjust to change like seasoned pros. A more adaptable baby often finds it easier to transition to new routines and sleep better at night.

  • Chilled out: These little ones generally "go with the flow." They're often social, calm, and relatively easy to soothe, making baby sleep a smoother ride.

  • Tuned In: Thoughtful and cautious, these children prefer predictability and take their time to adjust. They need consistency and gentle introductions to new sleep habits.

  • Strong-willed: Stubborn, resourceful, and creative, these babies demand things their way. Their strong wills can make sleep training feel like a battle, but with the right approach, their determination can be channeled positively.

  • Alert: Intense and sensitive, these highly responsive babies are tiny energy dynamos with massive FOMO (fear of missing out). They crave constant attention and find it harder to switch off, often leading to significant toddler sleep problems.

While every child is unique, identifying where your child falls on this spectrum – from super chilled to highly alert – can unlock tailored sleep strategies.

The "Alert" Child: When Sleep Feels Like a Challenge

Many of the parents we consult with have children who are on the “Strong-will and / or alert" end of the scale. These little ones often struggle more with independent sleep because their brains find it harder to wind down.

What you may notice if you have a child who is similar:

  • Very Observant:They're like tiny Sherlock Holmes, scrutinizing every detail. Super alert kids absorb their surroundings like sponges and often hit developmental milestones ahead of schedule. Their active minds can make bedtime routines a challenge.

  • Strong-Willed and Determined: When they want something, they'll hold out until they get it. These kiddos know their preferences and aren't afraid to express them, which can manifest as resistance to sleep.

  • Emotionally Intense: Temper tantrums? Oh yes! Super alert children feel deeply, which can make winding down a challenge. Their emotions run the full range, and consistent boundaries are crucial for peaceful nights.

Real Results: From Tears to Sweet Dreams

We understand how heartbreaking it is when your child struggles. We've helped families navigate even the most challenging sleep situations, providing a life-changing approach to consistent sleep. Just like these parents shared:

"Our boy used to cry so hard that he would make himself sick... We now have a much happier and energetic 1 year old!"

This powerful transformation happened within just two weeks of gentle, personalised sleep coaching. Their son now settles without tears or a dummy and sleeps through the night, giving the entire family their evenings back and a much happier, energetic child.

Another family, with a 2-year-old, went from nights of interrupted sleep and intense crying to having a confident, secure child who now self-settles, falls asleep independently in his cot, and stays in bed until wake-up time! This was achieved through a combined approach of incentive charts, sleep clocks, new consistent techniques, routines, and weaning off the dummy. As they put it, "Emma provided us with a life-changing approach to achieving consistent sleep through the night at a time when we needed it most!!!"

Tailored Sleep Strategies for Super Alert Kids

No one-size-fits-all solution works for every child. Especially for super alert children, a tailored approach is essential:

  • Custom Plans: Combining methodologies to create a sleep plan that suits your child’s unique temperament and your family's needs.

  • Start Early: Don’t wait for them to "outgrow" sleep difficulties. Shaping healthy sleep habits from the get-go can save precious time and tears.

  • Parental Strength: Super alert children may challenge the status quo. Be firm yet gentle. Your consistent presence and confidence during sleep training matter—finding the right balance is key.

Ready to Unlock Your Child's Best Sleep?

Understanding your child's temperament is the first step towards finding the sleep solutions that truly work. If you're a tired parent seeking a breakthrough, let us help you find the right approach for your child.

Want to find out more about the right approach for your child? Take our quick 2-minute quiz now!

Take 2 minute Quiz

Alternatively, if you would like to find the right solution quickly and efficiently with step by step guidance from a trusted expert, you can book a complimentary call with me here:

Schedule a call with Emma


Infant and Child Sleep Expert, helping parents resolve their children's sleep challenges, using gentle techniques that support your child's individual learning needs.

Emma Lambert // Sleep Nanny Certificated Partner

Infant and Child Sleep Expert, helping parents resolve their children's sleep challenges, using gentle techniques that support your child's individual learning needs.

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