Googling “sleep consultant near me” and feeling overwhelmed?
It’s a big thing to trust someone with the most precious thing in the world — your baby. And if you’re already running on empty, the search can feel impossible.
Unfortunately, the sleep consulting industry is unregulated. Anyone can call themselves a “sleep consultant,” which makes it even more important to know what to look for.
This guide will help you find a consultant who’s both qualified and a good fit for your family’s values.
Here are the key questions every parent should be asking:
How can I tell if a sleep consultant is properly qualified and insured?
How do I find a sleep consultant who supports my parenting style? How can I tell if a consultant really uses gentle methods? Do they use “cry it out,” gradual, or faster methods?
What else should I look for?
Do they screen for medical issues first?
How do they communicate during the support period?
How do I know if a sleep consultants reviews are genuine?
1. How do I know if a 'sleep consultant' is qualified?
Before you book, ask: Where did they study?
Was it an accredited course, or just a weekend workshop? Accredited programs teach evidence-based sleep science, child development, and safe practice.
👉 A practical tip: ask who they’re insured by. In Australia, only consultants who have completed an accredited sleep consulting course can get professional liability insurance. It’s a quick way to spot whether someone has done proper training.
✨ Added bonus: what’s their background? Do they bring other relevant skills to the table — health care, lactation, child development?
I’m a paediatric clinical nurse specialist with a Bachelor of Nursing, a postgraduate certificate in paediatric nursing, and over 10 years’ experience in a tertiary paediatric hospital. I’ve also completed further training in infant & toddler sleep (at BSC), and I’m fully insured as both a sleep consultant and a registered nurse (through the ANMF).
2. How do I find a sleep consultant who supports my parenting style?
Trust your gut. Look at their social media, listen to them speak — do their values line up with yours?
A lot of consultants call themselves “gentle,” but that label means different things to different people. Some simply re-brand the same method with a softer name.
Most consultants offer discovery calls, but you can save time by asking the right questions up-front:
“What approaches do you use for settling?”
“How do you decide which method fits each baby?”
“What happens if my baby cries?”
“Can we go more gradually if that’s important to me?”
I chose my course because it covers the full spectrum of sleep approaches — from very gentle to faster methods. That means I can tailor a plan to your baby’s temperament and your parenting style, and adjust as we go. Babies aren’t robots, and neither are you. Sometimes you start with a faster method but decide it’s too much and need to slow down. Or you begin gently and later feel ready to speed things up. I’m transparent about what each method looks like and give you realistic expectations.
3. Does a good sleep consultant screen for health and feeding issues first?
A quality sleep consultant screens for medical red flags before starting any training. Skipping this step is one of the biggest reasons families feel let down; a plan won't work if an underlying health issue is missed. Issues like reflux, allergies, low weight gain or sleep-disordered breathing can all affect sleep.
Every client I work with starts with a Sleep & Health Assessment. If I see a possible medical contributor, I refer you to your GP or MCHN first. Sorting out those factors early gives your baby the best chance for success with sleep.
4. Look at Communication & Follow-Up
Support isn’t just about the plan — it’s about how you’re guided through it. Ask how often you’ll be in touch, and how (calls, text, email).
5. Check Transparency Around Philosophy & Methods
Words like “gentle” or “responsive” are often used in marketing, but not always reflected in practice. A reputable consultant will:
Explain what each method involves
Be honest about expectations around crying
Offer options that align with your comfort level
6. Look for Evidence-Based Practice
Conflicting advice online can leave parents anxious about whether sleep training is safe. The algorithm preys on fears, so always look for someone who:
Refers to research from recognised paediatric bodies
Explains what’s well-established vs still debated
Uses an attachment-aware, responsive approach
Knows when to refer for medical input
7. How can I tell if a sleep consultant’s reviews are genuine?
It’s normal to wonder if the glowing testimonials you see are the full story. Look at a trusted external source like google or facebook.
I encourage families to leave feedback on Google, so you can read genuine reviews.
✅ Quick Checklist for Choosing a Sleep Consultant
Are they properly trained and insured?
Do they screen for health & feeding issues first?
Do they offer more than one method and explain each clearly?
Are they transparent about expectations, support and costs?
Do they make you feel heard and supported — not judged?
Final Thoughts
The right sleep consultant isn’t about promises of instant fixes. It’s about finding someone you can trust, to (figuratively) hold your hand whilst supporting your little ones sleep, someone qualified, and transparent.
You deserve sleep, and you deserve to feel confident in the guidance you’re getting.
If you’re wondering whether sleep support is right for your family — or you’re simply looking for a qualified, insured sleep consultant in Melbourne or online — you can book a free call with Dani. It’s the first step to uncovering what’s really behind your little one’s sleep challenges.
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