As a studio newborn photographer serving families from Toms River to the Jersey Shore, I spend a lot of time talking with new parents — and one of the most common struggles I hear about is sleep. Those early weeks and months with a newborn are beautiful, yes, but they’re also exhausting. Between middle-of-the-night feeds, short naps, and unpredictable sleep patterns, many parents find themselves desperate for rest and routine.

That’s where newborn sleep consultants come in. If you're located in or around Toms River, NJ, there are several experienced sleep consultants who specialize in helping families develop healthy sleep habits for their babies — while keeping your parenting style and baby’s unique needs in mind.

If you’re expecting or currently in the newborn phase, here’s everything you need to know about working with a sleep consultant, plus local recommendations that can make a big difference for your family’s rest and well-being.

What Does a Newborn Sleep Consultant Do?

A newborn sleep consultant is a trained professional who supports families in creating gentle, age-appropriate sleep routines. For newborns, the focus is often on setting a foundation: understanding sleep cues, developing healthy sleep associations, and guiding babies toward better naps and nighttime stretches.

Sleep consultants provide one-on-one coaching, personalized plans, and follow-up support — whether virtually or in person. The goal isn’t to “sleep train” a newborn, but rather to guide parents with evidence-based strategies that promote restful sleep for the whole family.

Why Toms River Parents Love Working with Sleep Consultants

Many parents near Toms River love the peace of mind that comes with professional support. Whether it’s a first baby or the third, every child is different — and so are the sleep challenges. A good sleep consultant can help you:

• Create a flexible but effective nap and bedtime routine
• Understand why your baby is waking frequently at night
• Improve sleep quality for both baby and parents
• Build healthy sleep habits without stress or harsh methods

As a photographer who sees babies of all temperaments, I know that good sleep makes a huge difference in how babies (and parents!) feel and function — and it often shows in your photos, too.

1. Your Zen Baby Sleep – Sarah Bossio

Sarah Bossio is a certified pediatric sleep expert based in New Jersey. She offers science-backed sleep solutions tailored to your child's unique needs. Her services include newborn sleep training, baby sleep training, and in-home consultations. Sarah's approach is flexible and personalized, aiming to help families achieve restful nights.

2. Gift of Sleep Consulting – Jennifer Schindele

Jennifer Schindele, the owner of Gift of Sleep Consulting, is a certified sleep consultant who has helped numerous New Jersey parents. She offers personalized sleep plans through the Sleep Sense Program, focusing on helping newborns, infants, and young children sleep through the night. Services include private consultations and overnight evaluations. 

3. Sleepy Mama – Nicole Cannon

Nicole Cannon, known as Sleepy Mama, is a certified infant and child sleep consultant and postpartum doula. She provides in-home and overnight support throughout Northern and Central New Jersey. Nicole offers compassionate guidance, educating parents on healthy sleep habits and tailoring recommendations based on each family's needs. 

4. Coastal Sleep Services – Nicole Cannon

Nicole Cannon also operates Coastal Sleep Services, offering certified infant and child sleep consulting. She provides support for families in Ocean County, including Toms River, focusing on creating personalized sleep plans to address various sleep challenges.

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help your newborn sleep better, you’re not alone. Getting support from a local sleep consultant can be a game-changer — helping you feel more confident, calm, and rested.

As your Manasquan-based newborn photographer, I love connecting families with resources that make early parenthood smoother. And when you’re ready to capture those dreamy newborn moments (yes, even if baby hasn’t slept!), I’m here to create a calm, comfortable photo experience you’ll treasure forever.

Kristin Baker is a photographer serving Bayhead, Seaside Heights, Brick, and Toms River, NJ. Kristin specializes in fine-art newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. Kristin's style is a mix of organic and contemporary, she focuses on muted and neutral tones to create timeless photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

To check out Kristin's newborn portfolio and collections, click here. Booking for newborns is currently open through November 2025 with limited spots available. For more information or to book a session, contact Kristin today!