Hazel Durand
Sleep Consultant – The Sleep Nanny
Hazel shares why asking for help with sleep isn't a sign of failure, how to gently move away from feeding to sleep and co-sleeping, and why responsive care is a beautiful foundation for independence—not a bad habit. She also discusses supporting older children and neurodivergent families.
What do you really wish more parents knew about your area of expertise?
That needing help with sleep does not mean they've done something wrong.
Babies don't come with a manual, and sleep isn't linear. Every family and every child is different—and that's OK.
It's not about “fixing” your child. It's about creating the right conditions for sleep and supporting them through change.
What topic or question do you get asked the most from your clients?
“How do I stop feeding to sleep?”
“How do I move away from co-sleeping… gently?”
These are big transitions, and they can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan and support, they're totally possible without harsh methods.
One of the gentle shifts I suggest is separating feeding from sleep gradually—introducing a short routine after the feed so that your baby starts to learn other ways to drift off. It's not about taking anything away abruptly; it's about building new associations alongside the existing ones, at a pace that works for your family.
Are there any common myths or misconceptions you'd love to bust?
Responsive Care Is Not a Bad Habit
“Babies should be sleeping through by a certain age” and “it's wrong to support your child to sleep”
Neither of these is true. Every child develops at their own pace, and there is no magic age by which all babies “should” be sleeping through the night.
Responsive, loving care isn't a bad habit—it's a beautiful foundation for independence later.
What's a simple tip, trick, or mindset shift that often helps your clients the most?
One Question That Changes Everything
Instead of aiming for perfection or comparing yourself to others, ask:
“What's working for us right now?”
That question alone brings so much calm and clarity to the sleep journey.
Why is your work so important to you and how do you see it making a difference in families' lives?
From Senegal to Ireland to France
I became a sleep consultant after struggling with my own children's sleep, across different cultures and continents—from Senegal to Ireland to France. I know how lonely and exhausting it can feel.
Now I help families around the world find gentle, personalised sleep solutions that feel good. No rigid methods, no guilt—just clear guidance and support.
Working With Older Children
The role of a sleep coach shifts quite a bit when working with older children. With 5-year-olds and especially 11-year-olds, there's a greater emphasis on psychology, habit-building, and communication. It can take more time and patience, yes, but in many ways it's also incredibly rewarding—because children at that age can understand and be involved in the process.
A “breakthrough” might take longer, but when it comes, it often lasts because they've been part of the journey.
With neurodivergent children, there's a growing need for more tailored approaches. It always comes back to understanding the child's unique sensory needs, regulation strategies, and rhythms.
Flexibility and compassion are key—there's no one-size-fits-all, but sleep is still possible.
70%
Baby sleep (0–18 months)
25%
Toddlers (18mo–4 years)
5%
School-aged (5+, and growing)
Gentle Sleep Support, Worldwide
Hazel works with families around the world to find gentle, personalised sleep solutions. Whether you're navigating feeding to sleep, co-sleeping transitions, or sleep challenges with older or neurodivergent children—there's no judgement, just clear guidance.
No rigid methods. No guilt. Just a plan that feels right for your family.
