Moms We Love: Jenn Kelner of Baby Zzz
Let’s talk about BabyZzz. How does your company work?
We work with families that are struggling with behavioural sleep issues such as frequent night waking, poor napping, early morning wake ups, bedtime battles, and transitioning from a crib to a bed, just to name a few. We work with these families one on one to create a customized sleep plan that is designed specifically for their unique family. We review, discuss and agree on the sleep plan in a consultation and then provide 1-2 weeks of unlimited daytime support over email, text and phone. A lot of the success comes from having the confidence that their efforts are working, and many families say it’s the support that makes all the difference.
It seems like for every baby that sleeps well, there are so many (like my own 17-month-old) who don’t. What do you tell parents who think that they must be doing something wrong?
Every child is different and the amount of sleep information from books, online forums, family and friends is overwhelming. Some children just need a bit more guidance or consistency to get into good sleep habits and often it’s small changes that can make a big difference.
What can parents expect from consultations?
We don’t have a “one-size-fits-all” approach and use many different sleep training methods to help parents teach their children how to be great sleepers. We work closely with the parents to develop a method that they feel most comfortable with. By offering unlimited support, we’re able to stay on top of any issues that arise to ensure they continue to see success. Sometimes parents just need an expert to reassure them that they’re making progress and are on the right track.
Do you help families with older kids?
Yes, we work with children up to age 7. All kids can benefit from a healthy sleep routine and good sleep hygiene.
Do most children grow out of their sleep issues?
1 in 4 babies and toddlers have some sort of sleep issue and these issues do not always resolve themselves. Sometimes the issues get better but sometimes they don’t and getting help from a Certified Child Sleep Consultant will ensure these families avoid weeks, months or even years of sleep deprivation.
What other services does BabyZzz provide?
In addition to our sleep consultations and support, we offer child sleep workshops and seminars. It’s always fun getting a group of parents together to talk sleep! We also have a free monthly sleep chat on our Facebook page, where parents are able to get answers to their child sleep questions.
Is it ever too late to help your child create healthy sleeping habits?
No, its never too late. Sometimes breaking old habits and creating new healthy sleep habits is challenging, but like with any new change, consistency and patience is key. Many adults would benefit from small changes to their sleep hygiene as well!
What would you say to all the tired parents out there desperate for a good night’s sleep?
I would recommend that they seek professional help from a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, as it will get them results relatively quickly. Advice from family and friends is well-meaning, but a professional has worked with many different families and can guide them on the shortest route to success. There is help available and they don’t have to endure weeks, months or years of sleepless nights.
How do you balance your business with your family?
Working from home and having my own business gives me the flexibility and freedom to set my owns hours and work around the family needs. My husband is also an entrepreneur with some flexibility so between the two of us, we’re able to balance work and family fairly well. There are definitely some busy times, but when we can pick the kids up from school every day, or take a last minute vacation, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are.
What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneur moms who are thinking about launching their own business?
I definitely recommend they go for it. It’s not easy launching a business but if you surround yourself with people who are supportive and encouraging, its incredibly rewarding. Find what you’re passionate about and what motivates you, and if you can make a difference in someone else’s life, you can’t go wrong.