By a Mom of Two Navigating the Nighttime Chaos with Harbor

If you told me a year ago I’d be thinking about sleep coaching again, I would’ve laughed you right out of my sleep-deprived kitchen. My first round with “cry it out” was enough to land me squarely in the No More Sleep Training camp. Harsh, stressful, and frankly traumatic(for both me and my oldest).

It broke me. Listening to my toddler cry alone in the dark just felt wrong. We got a few extra hours of sleep, sure, but at what cost?

So with baby number two, I promised myself we’d do things differently: co-sleeping, no schedule stress, no sleep “training.” We followed her natural rhythms. We let naps happen whenever, wherever. But now, at six months old, my baby takes catnaps, wakes every couple of hours, and co-sleeps all night long.

I was exhausted. And was not looking for another extreme. I just wanted gentle help, someone to hold our hand through the next phase.

A Gentle Nudge from a Surprising Source

We already use the Harbor monitor for our older child. Even though she’s almost four and doesn’t nap anymore, we still use it during quiet time. It gives me peace of mind. No subscription fees. No constant false alarms.

So when I learned about Harbor’s Remote Night Nanny, I was intrigued... but also hesitant. The idea of someone watching through the camera made me nervous. What if there’s some kind of backdoor access? What if I lose control over who sees what?

But after reading more (and asking a few too many security questions), I realized Harbor’s service is different. Their night nannies don’t take over your monitor, they support you through it, using secure, encrypted access and working with your family on your terms.

I still control the camera. They don’t see anything I don’t allow. That gave me a lot of comfort.

It’s Not What I Thought Sleep Support Looked Like

Another surprise? The price. I assumed it would cost hundreds—like a traditional in-home night nanny.

When I first heard about it, I thought, ‘We can’t afford that.’ But it’s actually $25 to $40 a night. That’s less than I spend on coffee some weeks.

But what really sold me wasn’t the affordability. It was how tailored and respectful the support is. No rigid methods. No pushing crying or “independence.” Just skilled, educated guidance—based on our baby’s developmental stage and our parenting values.

It’s not about sleep training. It’s about gently helping your baby develop better sleep pattern, with someone who watches the real-time data and knows what’s normal.

And they get it. They get what it’s like to have a baby who naps in the carrier, who sleeps best beside you, who hasn’t fit into a textbook since day one. They understand the need for transitions that feel safe and kind.

Looking Ahead (When I’m Ready)

Right now, I’m still in the thick of baby-led everything. But I can already tell I’ll want help when we start the next transition. when she moves to her own sleep space and when we try for more consistent naps. I don’t want to go back to the old way. But I do want a new kind of support, one that doesn’t force us to choose between sleep and sanity.

When the time comes, I plan to reach out to Harbor’s Director of Nursing for a consultation. I love that it’s an option, not a hard sell. No pressure, just thoughtful next steps.

Final Thoughts: Support Without Sacrifice

For the first time in a long time, I feel like there's a real middle ground. Not “sleep train or suffer.” Not “let them cry or never sleep again.” Just... support. Gentle, informed, reassuring support.

I’m not giving up my parenting values. I’m just asking for help in a way that feels right.

So no, I haven’t gone back on my “no more sleep training” stance. But I have learned that not all sleep support is the same. And with Harbor, I’m starting to believe that peaceful nights and respectful parenting might actually go hand in hand.

Ready to Meet Your Remote Night Nanny?

Whether you’re co-sleeping, contact napping, or just trying to survive the 4 a.m. chaos—we’re here for you. Book a consultation and get a free week of restful nights.