Hidden Gems: Meet Aly Dabbs of Restful Baby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aly Dabbs

Aly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I decided to become a Certified Sleep Consultant, after going through my own sleep struggles, because I wanted to help new and seasoned parents take back sleep – in a period of life that can feel very challenging and often times isolating and lonely (even with all the help in the world). We’ve all been there, right? Nights can be scary for parents and especially for moms.

When my first born was a baby (luckily), he slept very well at bedtime (aside from cluster feeding every two hours!) – buttttt he absolutely refused to nap! I can very clearly remember absolutely dreading naps every day, pacing around my bedroom trying to just get him to sleep… and when that didn’t work – sitting down beside the bassinet crying along with him. Oh yea! And texting my best friend saying that this was the definition of insanity. It was wearing on me, not to mention my full time job – plus my marriage! I knew that something had to give.

I had found a sleep consultant from a podcast I had listened to while pregnant and decided to reach out and it was GAME CHANGING. The consultant had other methods besides “cry it out” which helped me feel supported, because let’s face it, my mommy heart couldn’t handle it. Working with her, I gained the skills to know how to navigate sleep and teach Joey how and when to sleep, but really – she helped me to just get out of his way a bit. Pretty soon, he was falling asleep easier and started napping for longer stretches. It seriously felt she had bottled up magic and gifted it to me!

Fast forward a little…… When I was pregnant with my second, again, I kept feeling this pull to help other moms navigate a time that feels really, really hard and often isolating (aka – motherhood!). What kept coming up was sleep consultant and helping other families the same way that the sleep consultant we had hired helped us. This sent me on a mission to soak up as much as I could about sleep for when it came to babies and toddlers so that I could help other parents in similar situations without having to “cry it out”. The more I learned, the more I fell in love. As a toddler mom, it was easy to fall in love with this age group and supporting other toddler moms!

As a mom of two boys, I understand how hard motherhood can be, especially when you are utterly and completely sleep deprived. I can vividly recall a low moment as a new mom. Sitting in the Wal-Mart parking lot just about to put the car in reverse, I realized I had bought the wrong size diapers. Who cares, right? Just pop back in and swap them out. Logically, that makes sense. Instead, I burst into tears and couldn’t stop crying. When the smallest of things feels like an iceberg in front of the Titanic, it’s really hard to function. That’s what sleep deprivation is like: chaos meets hurricane.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since starting my business, I have learned a ton about networking with local businesses, marketing myself on social media, and launched my own podcast: Aly, The Restful Mama! There was a lot that I didn’t expect in starting my own business – or the podcast for one – but I have absolutely LOVED the connections with other female, mom-preneurs, professionals in the mother-child industry, and just moms who are in the thick of it just like me.

If I’m being honest, the biggest struggle has been social media. I’ll admit I’m the not best social medial influencer and I’m not sure if I want to be – BUT I do show up for my followers and try to offer what I’ve learned as a mom, be a safe space for moms, and just…. well, be myself!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
When you think of bedtime, do moms immediately feel stress and this sense of dread? Are they envious of other families who seem to have it all figured out when it comes to tucking their kiddos in for the night – meanwhile, they’re wrestling a wild child who has spent two hours kicking, screaming, and running full speed around the house absolutely refusing to put their pajamas on? This is all so common!

On the other hand, maybe they’re the mom who has it all figured out and are able to bask in the luxury of enjoying a glass of wine, knock out a few chapters of a great book, and even have the opportunity for a bubble bath without being interrupted. Orrr (more likely), they are the mom who has heard “play with my mommy” more times than they can count and are utterly exhausted by the end of the day to where they are just hoping and praying bedtime doesn’t take two hours.

I’m the fun, quirky Toddler Sleep Coach who is there for moms and dads in Middle TN/ Nashville area (or wherever – virtual services)! I graduated from Centers of Pediatric Sleep Management in 2023 and founded my business, Restful Baby, in February 2024. I have helped over 20 families this year and I think what sets me apart is that I really connect with the toddler or child I’m working with versus just coaching the parents. One way I do this is by sending cutesy videos to the toddlers, along with an adorable care package to get the child on board with what’s to come.

It is my passion to help exhausted toddler moms work through those BIG toddler emotions to get their child to sleep through the night and in their own bed. My approach is to lead with love and take this dreaded thing (bedtime) and turn it into something fun. I always say, “bedtime is my favorite part of my day – and not just because my kids go to bed – but can truly be this special bonding moment.”

How do you think about happiness?
Oh my gosh! So. Many. Things! If I had to pick one thing, I’d absolutely have to chose my two boys. Motherhood is the wildest journey in the entire world, but the most beautiful world. I love showing up for my children, soaking up all the cuddles, seeing their smiles, and hearing their giggles.

I also am really excited about my podcast – and have truly poured SO much love into it. It means a lot to me and I am so thrilled to be able to connect with so many moms as they are driving to/ from work, doing the dishes, going for a walk, whatever! Motherhood is crazy and we’re all just doing the best we can, but at the end of the day we’re all on the same ride – and I think that’s something easy to forget so just my way of bringing us back together.

Also, some exciting news (and I can’t elaborate too much), but I am in the process of writing a children’s book and can NOT wait to share more about that (stay tuned). I will be posting some updates on Instagram along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://restfulbaby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aly_sleepconsultant/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557075407715
• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xklmAqFZ95XrRilMqsy1H
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aly-the-restful-mama/id1737279633