About | The Nap Nurse - Shelby Oliver baby sleep specialist

Hi, I’m Shelby — the face behind The Nap Nurse 🤍

If you’re here, chances are you’re tired.
Really tired.
And maybe a little overwhelmed by all the advice, opinions, and “must‑dos” around baby sleep.

You’re not doing anything wrong — and you’re definitely not alone.

I’m Shelby, a certified Infant and Child Sleep Specialist, an Enrolled Nurse and I’m also a mum of two who’s lived through the fog of sleep deprivation firsthand. I live in Southern Tasmania with my husband, our two daughters, and our mischievous dog Murphy.

As a nurse, I understand what lack of sleep does to your body and mind. As a mum, I know how it feels to be running on empty while still trying to be everything for your baby.

Sleep matters — for you and for your little one. Babies grow and develop at an incredible rate, especially in the first year of life, and quality sleep plays a huge role in that. But here’s the thing: every baby is different, and there is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution.

That’s where I’m different.

At The Nap Nurse, I take the time to understand your baby, your family, and your parenting values, and then create a personalised sleep plan that actually feels doable.

I use evidence‑based, scientifically researched best practice, and I’m trained in all methods of sleep training. I don’t believe in forcing families into a method that doesn’t align with their philosophy — and I don’t believe that your only options are endless rocking or leaving your baby to cry alone.

If what you’re doing isn’t working, something needs to change — but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

The term “sleep training” can feel uncomfortable. For some, it brings up images of rigid routines or teaching a baby to “self‑soothe” before they’re ready. I see it differently. Sleep training is about giving parents the tools, confidence, and support to help their babies learn how to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling rested — in a way that feels right for you.

I don’t make guarantees.
But I do make promises.

I promise to support you, to educate you, and to walk alongside you every step of the way. And I promise this: there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

You don’t have to do this alone — I’m right here with you.

"We first engaged Shelby when our son was four weeks old with the intention of implementing a routine and encouraging longer sleeps of a night. Shelby was able to provide us with a bespoke plan to assist us in implementing a feed / play / sleep routine for our son throughout the day, with a separate bedtime routine. Shelby provided resources that educated us on infant sleep and soothing techniques; this helped us to build a knowledge foundation we could adapt as required. Our son is now seven weeks old, and sleeping for approximately six hours a night. I would happily recommend Shelby to any prospective new clients, and am very happy with the services we received"

"Shelby, you have been absolutely amazing!!! Thank you so so so much! We are so grateful for all the help you have given us to assist with Maya and Zara’s sleep. The new routine you prepared for the girls is going really well. We can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for us. We were just so lost and exhausted and had no idea what to do anymore – your suggestions, patience, expertise and understanding has just been the best! Your check-in texts, emails and phone calls were always positive and upbeat, and we loved your supportive and encouraging communication with us. We highly recommend you"

"It has been so nice to work with you over the last few weeks to get Kiyana into a better sleep routine. Your initial plan for us was good, thorough and achievable. Your 48 hours check-ins gave us time to find out if things were working for us and you were always close by with suggestions when things didn't go to plan - as we know babies have their own ideas sometimes! You were able to adapt your plan for us on the fly as she was going through leaps and difficult moments and that was really appreciated. It really felt like we were working together and understood each other despite not being able to meet you. All in all, I enjoyed working with The Nap Nurse and would have no hesitation in recommending you to my sleep struggling mummy friends."

Shelby, the nap nurse, the sleep queen. I could give you so many titles but one keeps springing to mind and that is ‘my saviour!’. After 2 short weeks, your constant check ins and words of encouragement our lives have changed. We would highly recommend you to any parents who might be struggling with sleep deprivation like we were. After 3 years here with us, Stella can now sleep through the night with no wake ups! I am truly amazed. You saved our sleep! Stella even said thank you for her special clock, because it helps her know when she can get out of bed or if she needs to go back to sleep! Thank you thank you!

We had been struggling for a while, after already having a sleep consultant with someone else in the early days and following countless instagram sleep accounts which all had varied advice and left us feeling really confused and at a loss with what we should be doing. You came at just the right time for us, getting our baby into a good sleep routine. He has always been tricky with his day sleep, but we have a more consistent 2 nap approach now and most of the time, he can link sleep cycles for that second nap, which he struggled with previously for a long time. We know what his awake windows are now which is a huge relief for us. We also no longer have to pat him to sleep, which is a huge time saver for us. We have also implemented a comforter for him upon your suggestion and it seems to be working well. Last night he actually did not cry at all (which is rare). rather, he played with his comforter for a few minutes before calming going to sleep If this continues, it will be life changing for us and we have you to thank. So, thank you, thank you, thank you, you lovely sleep fairy.