INTRODUCTIONS
Find out more about who is behind the Sleepy Q’s Podcast.
how to manage fears & nightmares
As children move into toddlerhood, nightmares and general bedtime fears start to come up more and more. Listen in to today's episode to hear how to address these sorts of sleep challenges that may be starting to happen as your child gets older.
interview with evelyn mendal on managing toddler behavior
Toddlers are great, right? They are learning SO much every single day, and they can really keep us on our toes. They are also learning how the world around them works and how to have control over every.little.thing. This can lead to a lot of power struggles and behavioral challenges. Tune into our interview with Evelyn Mendal to learn how to manage some of those more difficult toddler behaviors.
why your 3-year old’s bedtime has moved so late
One of the biggest struggles that we encounter with the families of toddlers who we work with is the challenges that start to arise at bedtime as your child gets older. In particular, we often hear from parents, "I can't get my 3 year old to bed before 9pm!" Listen in to today's episode to learn more about why bedtime has become so late for your 3 year old and what to do about it.
helping your child learn how to sit from standing
While it may not seem like helping your child learn how to sit is related to their sleep, it most definitely is! Just because your baby has learned how to stand themself up, doesn't mean they know how to get themself back into the seated position and then laying down for sleep. Listen in to today's episode to learn how to help your child learn this important skill and not get stick in a regression as a result.
interview with lina acosta sandaal of stop parenting alone
Parenting is HARD. This should not come as a newsflash to any listeners of our podcast. It is a journey that is often marked by many ups and downs along the way. For any parent who has struggled, even just a little bit, with this intensely hard job of being a parent, you will benefit from listening in to today's interview with parenting expert Lina Acosta Sandaal as she talks us through the ways in which we can start to gain more confidence in our parenting and learn how become the parent we want to be for our children.
how to handle your child’s sleep when a sibling arrives
The arrival of a sibling in the house is a BIG change for everyone. This sort of an adjustment can most definitely trigger a regression in your child's sleep. Tune in to learn more about how to manage this and hopefully prevent this big change from causing too many disruptions in your now bigger household.
the importance of rolling for your baby’s sleep
Helping your baby learn how to roll themselves from their back to their belly and belly to back can be incredibly important in improving your child's overall sleep. Listen in to today episode to learn why this is important. Also pick up tips and tricks to help your baby learn to be happier while practicing tummy time so that it can feel easier and therefore build core strength and lead to improved rolling.
interview with Dr. Laura Gleason, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Anyone who has been pregnant or given birth knows what a toll growing a human can take on your physical health and well being. More and more, birthing people are learning that there is help for all of the physical manifestations that follow pregnancy and childbirth. Listen to today's episode as we talk all about pelvic floor PT with Dr. Laura Gleason, who works with moms to help their bodies recover from pregnancy and childbirth. Laura works with both postpartum and regular orthopedic patients at Chicago Physical Therapists. She also provides educational guidance around postpartum physical recover through Beyond The Bump Wellness. If you remember nothing else from our conversation, know that it is NEVER TOO LATE for PT!
naps during the first 6 months
Naps in the first 6 months of your child's life can really be a struggle. You are not alone if you are feeling this way. In this episode, you will learn about what is normal for naps and overall sleep in the first 6 months of your child's life. Learn how to manage naps in the early months until it starts to become easier for your baby to nap longer, more predictably and more independently.
naps during the first 6 months
Naps in the first 6 months of your child's life can really be a struggle. You are not alone if you are feeling this way. In this episode, you will learn about what is normal for naps and overall sleep in the first 6 months of your child's life. Learn how to manage naps in the early months until it starts to become easier for your baby to nap longer, more predictably and more independently.
2-year old sleep regression
As if toddlerhood wasn't already a challenging stage, now there is a 2 year old sleep regression that can creep in. Have no fear! Today's episode will talk you through the major behaviors that can arise as part of the 2 year old sleep regression and give you tips for how to handle them. Things like nap boycotts, bedtime stalling, multiple call backs and getting stuck in the room are common issues that can arise. Listen in to learn how to navigate this stage!
Interview with Katie Holloran, behavioral analyst & special needs
Many parents of children with special needs resign themselves to thinking that their child can never be a good sleeper. Today's interview with our colleague and fellow Gentle Sleep Coach Katie Holloran will hopefully offer a ray of hope for sleep in the future for parents of children with special needs. Listen in as Katie shares her unique experience as a trained behavioral analyst who works with some of the most challenging cases. In addition to listening to this episode, be sure to check out the book that she co wrote with our mentor Kim West, the Sleep Lady: The Good Night Sleep Tight Workbook for Children with Special Needs.
18-month sleep regression
You have firmly now entered into toddlerhood and WOW is it a whole new world. I always think of parenting a baby as being all about management. How do we get this baby to eat? How do we get this baby to sleep? How do we get out of the house? Now, in toddlerhood, so much more is about behavior. This is where parenting often really starts. Like the other big developmental leaps, 18 months is a big one that can bring along a range of sleep troubles. Listen in to today's episode where I will talk you through how to handle this new stage.
incorporating partners into sleep training
Parenthood is a team sport, for sure! It is extra important to work together as part of that team when it comes to making changes to your child's sleep. On today's episode, we talk about the importance of incorporating both parents into the sleep training process and why that is helpful both when your child is a baby and also as you move into toddlerhood.
interview with Jalussee miller, postpartum doula
Adequate support following the birth of a baby, whether it is your 1st or your 4th, can make an immense difference in your postpartum experience. In the absence of helping family or friends around who can provide that support, postpartum doulas can fill an essential role in supporting moms. Listen in to our interview with postpartum doula, Jalussee Miller to learn all about how the help of a postpartum doula can make a huge difference in your early weeks to months after a baby is born.
international travel & your child’s sleep
Have a big trip coming up to travel far away? Whether you are taking a big vacation or going to see family, it can feel daunting to help your child adjust to the jet lag that comes with traveling through several time zones. Have no fear! It can be done. Listen in to all the tips and tricks for making this a smooth process and helping your child's sleep stay on travel while traveling internationally.
what to do when your child climbs out of the crib
Welcome to season 3 of the Sleepy Qs podcast! Many parents have been there. You are either enjoying your evening time after your child has gone to bed in their crib or it is the middle of the night and you are sleeping when suddenly you hear the dreaded THUMP. Your child is now out of their crib. GASP! Maybe this was a thud followed by crying or maybe your child skillfully catapulted themselves out like an Olympic gymnast and came sauntering out of their room with a big satisfied smile on their face. However it happens, this newfound freedom has the potential to wreck havoc to everyone's sleep. In today's episode, you will learn tips and tricks to help you keep your child in their crib a bit longer so that when you are eventually moving them into a bed, they are at a developmental stage when they are ready for this move.
bye bye pacifier
Getting rid of the pacifier can feel daunting to many parents. In todays episode, we talk through how to get rid of the pacifier for both babies and toddlers. Learn when is a good time to make this change for children of different ages and how to implement a plan for saying bye bye to your child's pacifier for toddlers.
12-month sleep regression
In those first 2 years, our babies will go through many sleep regressions. This can be startling because our baby can be sleeping beautifully and all of a sudden hit a regression. Now suddenly sleep takes a turn for the worse. One common regression is at the 12-month mark. In today’s podcast you'll learn what a sleep regression is and signs to look out for to know your child is going through one. Learn what causes this 12-month sleep regression and how to handle it to ensure your child’s sleep doesn’t fall apart.
Dream feeds
Dream feeds are a great way to be able to maintain feeding overnight for your little one but to also remove the association between feeding and sleeping. In today's episode, you will learn what a dream feed truly is. We go over several different scenarios in which dream feeds can happen and how they can help you meet your goals of both helping your child sleep better as well as maintaining some feeding overnight.
All about swaddles & sleep sacks
This episode was a special request by one of our listeners! She asked us to talk about swaddles and sleep sacks. In this episode we talk about the benefits and differences between swaddles and sleep sacks. You'll learn the important things you need to look out for when choosing one for your baby, the different kinds and brands out there, and which to use when. You won't want to miss this episode!
Interview with Alexis Granelli, Potty training coach
One of the most common challenges that many of the toddler families that Linda and Jessica work with involve the intersection of sleep and potty training. Today episode is going to be SO helpful for any parent who is struggling with these sorts of difficulties. We had the good fortune to interview Alexis Granelli who is not only a fellow Gentle Sleep Coach, but also trained with Kim West as a Gentle Potty Coach. She is also a Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Alexis shares so many pearls of wisdom about potty training both as it relates to your child's readiness and how to handle those tricky potty requests at night. You can find out more about Alexis at www.dolcedreamers.com and can follow her on Instagram at @dolcedreamers.
understanding wake windows
You made have heard of these elusive awake windows while trying to understand when it is time for your child to sleep. This is an amount of time that your child can be awake before becoming overtired. In this episode, learn what an awake window is and how it is determined as well as when they start to stretch and also when to not pay as much attention to them.
what to expect on the first night of sleep training
Are you ready to start sleep training? Are you so tired that you want to start tonight but don't know where to begin? Before you start, you will want to listen to this podcast! In today's episode we walk you through how to create your sleep training plan that will guide you through your process and then what that first night will look like.
Behavior modification devices
Behavior modification devices can be a great tool to help parents who are struggling with their child waking too early in the morning or just to overall create structure about when it is time to go to sleep and when it is time to wake up. When children don't know how to tell time, these concepts can be difficult to understand, which is why these devices can be very helpful. Listen in to today's episode to learn about the purpose of these devices and hear our review about some of the ones that are available and, of course, which are our favorites.
sleep training methods
The actual process of sleep training or sleep coaching is all about helping your child fall asleep independently and back to sleep independently. When your child is learning these skills, it is essential to have a way of responding consistently to him or her so that your child is learning, through your behavior, what to expect at both bedtime and for any night wakings. All sleep training is essentially behavior modification. Contrary to the many books and blog articles out in the world all about sleep training, there are really just a few ways to actually do this. Today's podcast will talk you through what this looks like, in actuality.
The intersection of temperament and children's sleep: an interview with Macall Gordon, MA
This week we bring you a long awaited interview with our Gentle Sleep Coach colleague, Macall Gordon. Macall specializes in working with "live wires:" Children with very alert temperaments. She shares with us her immense knowledge gained from working with these children as well as research insights. Macall has a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Antioch University, Seattle with a research-based specialization in infant mental health, the development of emotional regulation, and parenting psychology. She also has a B.S. in Human Biology from Stanford University. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in the graduate Counseling Psychology program at Antioch University in Seattle. She has conducted and presented research on temperament, sleep, and parenting advice at infant and child development conferences around the world including the World Association for Infant Mental Health, the International Society for Infant Studies, the Society for Research in Child Development, and the American Psychological Association. She has been a featured speaker at international sleep conferences and has led webinar-based advanced training for sleep coaches, mental health providers, and others. Macall has just finished the manuscript for a book on sleep techniques for livewires.
when you’re ready to end co-sleeping
Many families all over the world co-sleep. Co-sleeping is very normal in many different cultures. Here in the US, co-sleeping is probably more common place then most parents are willing to admit but there are often instances where we find ourselves co-sleeping and may want to discontinue that practice. Today's episode will talk you through the process of ending co-sleeping, whenever you are ready, so that this can go as smoothly as possible.
interview with a lactation consultant
In this podcast Linda & Jessica talk with Mariana Bigio, a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As nursing moms we always hear lots of different myths about breastfeeding; can I drink caffeine? Can my baby still sleep through the night while I breastfeed? Mariana, also a nursing mom of 3 boys, helps us bring answers to these questions and more! Mariana is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant and the founder of Mamalactea, an organization dedicated to supporting families along their lactation journeys that go from pregnancy all the way to weaning. Mariana is a member of the Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA). She also holds a number of accreditations that reflect her interest in tongue-tie and oral restrictions.
Nightmares & Night terrors
We've all had nightmares. Sometimes we remember them, sometimes we don't. Either way, they can be scary in the moment. Many children experience nightmares as their imaginations start to develop. Some children experience them more intensely then others and they definitely have the potential to disrupt sleep. In today's episode, learn how to handle the situations when your child has a nightmare and also the difference between a nightmare and a night terror.
nap transitions
Just when you get used to something with your children's sleep, IT CHANGES! Never is this more true then when it comes to your child's naps. In the first few years of your child's life, there are a lot of nap transitions that take place. Tune into today's episode to learn when those transitions happen and how to handle the adjustments in your child's sleep when those transitions happen.
separation anxiety peak & Sleep
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase that all children go through at various points over the first 3 years of their life. Some children deal with repeated ebbs and flows, others only experience it briefly. Regardless, it is normal although it is often challenging for parents to manage. It can also have a bit impact on your child’s sleep. Listen in learn how to handle your child’s sleep when they are experiencing separation anxiety.
when is the right time to sleep train?
Parents are always asking us "When is the right time to sleep train?" The answer, beyond some specific guidelines, is actually rather subjective. It's based on when it is right for your family. This is going to be different for everyone and and every circumstance. Listen in to today's episode all about the things to take into consideration when thinking about when the right time is or isn't to make these significant changes in your child's sleep.
10 common sleep mistakes
It is SO hard to know what is right or wrong when it comes to pretty much ANYTHING related to parenting, especially in the beginning. It's a huge learning curve with a lot of trial and error learning. As you already know, there is a vast amount of information available about children's sleep. Today's episode will go over all of the most common mistakes and missteps that we often make as parents, as it relates to our children's sleep so now you will know what to look out for! Think of this as your instruction manual of what not to do.
maintaining your child’s good sleep while traveling
When you've put in all of the hard work to help your child become a great sleeper, the prospect of traveling can feel rather daunting. This episode will share all sorts of tips and tricks to ensure that your child continues to sleep well while away from home. Also, listen in for tips on how to manage travel to different time zones, both within the US and also internationally.
sleep training myths
With the vast amount of information that parents are constantly bombarded with, nearly every parent has come across much conflicting information when it comes to your child's sleep. There can also be intense debate on various parenting forums about the merits of sleep training. Some of that information may be true but there are many myths (possibly more myths then truths) as well. Check out today's episode all about those sleep training myths.
your child’s sleep at daycare
New parents often worry about how their child will sleep when starting daycare. The start of daycare can be daunting for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is how your baby will ever be able to sleep in such a stimulating environment. Listen in to today's episode to learn what questions to discuss with your child's daycare as it relates to their sleep, what to know about baby sleep at daycare and how to handle toddler and big kid sleep at daycare.
toddler bedtime struggles
Bedtime stalling is one of the most frustrating behaviors that parents of toddlers deal with. Why is it that the end of the day, when we are at the end of our energy reserves, often feels like the hardest part of the day? Toddlers love to squeeze every last moment out of the day and this often leads to prolonged power struggles and excessively drawn out bedtime routines. Listen in for our tips on how to manage those toddler bedtime shenanigans.
transitioning out of the swaddle
The transition out of the swaddle can feel daunting for many parents of young babies. Some babies really love their swaddle so figuring out how to move out of it when the time comes, can be tricky. Check out today's episode to learn how to make this transition as easy as possible for everyone.
hiring a sleep coach
Anyone who has been a parent for even a short period of time has figured out that there is a TON of information available about children's sleep. While it may seem helpful to have access to information, it can also become very overwhelming and a lot of that information can also start to contract all the other information you are reading. There are also a lot of different scenarios that can come up when you are trying to help your child become a better sleeper. Here is where a sleep coach comes in. Listen in to learn all about the value that comes from working with a sleep coach.
moving from the bassinet to the crib
The bassinet is often the first place where your baby has slept. The move from the bassinet to the crib can feel daunting for some parents and this change also may determine where your baby is going to be sleeping. These days, many babies are also sleeping in the SNOO smart bassinet and parents often have concerns about the move from sleeping in the SNOO to sleeping in the crib. Learn all about how to make this transition easy for both you and your baby in today's episode.
8 things that can affect sleep
We all want our children sleeping through the night, but we have to understand that they're humans, right? They're not robots. There will be a couple of nights here and there that your child will not sleep through the night, especially those first couple of years. They're babies, they're infants, they're toddlers. They're going through a lot of changes that can affect their sleep. Learn all about the 8 things that can affect your child's sleep.
spring forward time change
Parents often worry about time changes disrupting their children's sleep schedule. This is understandable since many have worked hard to establish predictable patterns that work! Even an hour time difference can strike panic in the hears of parents. No need to stress though! Listen to this episode of the Sleep Qs podcast to learn how to handle the upcoming start of Daylight Savings so that you are prepared for this schedule adjustment.
pandemic related sleep challenges
The COVID 19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone across the world. Parents have been put in very difficult positions, being forced to provide childcare while simultaneously working. Children have been removed from familiar environments and are struggling to figure out how to adjust to regularly changing circumstances. On top of it, families are coping with tremendous life stressors. All of this has had an impact on children's sleep. Listen in to today's episode to hear about how the pandemic is affecting children's sleep.
Dropping the nap
The end of the nap can be both challenging and sad. It is really mostly sad for parents when they realize that the midday break is no more but it can be difficult to know when your child is really ready to be done napping. On today’s episode, you’ll learn about how to know when it is time to drop the nap, how to get rid of it and then what to do once the nap is gone.
sleep myths
There is SOOO much information out there in the interweb about sleep and then there is SO much that new parents hear about what they should or shouldn't be doing about their children's sleep. Check out today's episode where we dispel many of the myths out there about children and sleep. We hope this information will put your mind at ease!
Interview with Kim West, The sleep lady
Listen in today as we interview Kim West about how she became The Sleep Lady, her years of experience and expertise that led her to develop the most comprehensive and successful sleep consultant training program around the world. Hear all about the beginning of the field of sleep coaching, her own struggles with being judged as a parent, her thoughts on the vast amounts of information that parents have to wade through these days and so much more! You won't want to miss this episode!
security objects
Security objects are a great way to help your child transition from being held by a caregiver and then being transferred into a sleeping space. Learn all about what security objects are, how to introduce them and when you might need to say good-bye to certain security objects.
medical issues that interfere with your child’s sleep
Sleep can be an extra big challenge for a child who doesn't feel well. In today's episode, we explore the medical issues that can make sleep and changing sleep behavior particularly difficult for children and parents. We will also discuss how to handle your child's sleep when they have previously been sleeping well but then become ill.
setting up your child’s sleep space
Parents often get super excited about setting up the baby’s nursery. Picking out colors and themes and furniture. This is definitely the fun part! Check out today’s episode of the Sleepy Qs podcast to learn all the ins and outs of setting up your baby’s sleep space for safety, to help with promoting positive sleep associations and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
what is intermittent reinforcement?
While intermittent reinforcement may not be a concept that you are familiar with, it is the heart of why many children wake up throughout the night. Early parenting, in the newborn months, is all about survival. When you move past those early months and that survival mode, that is when changing your child's sleep behavior requires consistency. Listen in to learn one of the primary causes for your child's night wakings and what it takes to improve your circumstances.
Newborn sleep
Those newborn months of sleepless nights can be hard! Right from the beginning, parents are getting so much information about what to do and what not to do with their newborn's sleep. Much of that information often feels very contradictory and confusing. This can feel very overwhelming for new parents. There is much about newborn sleep that is very arbitrary and erratic. This is because their brains aren't developed to a place where sleep is able to take on any established patterns. This will come! We promise. Listen in for how to survive those first few months with your newborn and some tips to make things a bit easier.
how to improve short naps
Short naps can be frustrating for everyone! Children wake from short naps still tired and often struggle to make it to the next nap or bedtime without being cranky and irritable and parents needs those breaks during the day to recharge and actually try to accomplish things! Learn all about why children take short naps and how to improve them!
dropping night feeds
Newborns are born with an intense need for feeding. It is often shocking how much babies need to eat in the first few months. As they grow and develop, their need for feeding at night decreases. It is often hard to figure out how to know when to stop feeding your baby in the middle of the night and how to go about dropping those feedings. Check out today's Sleepy Qs episode to learn all about how to drop night feedings.
the 9 month sleep regression
All sleep regressions can be challenging but the 9 month sleep regression can feel particularly difficult and frustrating if your baby has previously be sleeping well and now seems significantly more distressed when you leave the room. This episode will talk you through the things that cause the 9 month sleep regression and how to manage the challenges that can come up during this time so that your child can go back to being a great sleeper!
the importance of sleep routines
Routines prior to naps and bedtimes are a great way for children to make the transition from playing to sleeping. These routines help to cue your child's brain that sleep is going to be coming. Learn all about how to create routines that your lead to better sleep for your child.
Early rising
Is your child an early bird? In this episode, we are going to talk about what early rising is, why it happens (specifically the factors that cause it) and how to help your child learn to get a few more Z’s in the early morning hours.
sibling room sharing
Many parents worry that putting their children in a room together will lead to no one sleeping. This podcast is all about how to help your children successfully share a room.
the 4-month sleep regression
In this episode, we will explain all about this regression: what it is, why it happens, why it isn't really a regression at all but a progression, how to avoid it and how to get out of it if it strikes your little sleeper.
Transition from the crib to the bed
For children who have always slept in a crib, the move into a bed is a BIG change. Knowing how to make a smooth move from the crib to a bed is essential to avoid the ever challenging toddler bedtime shenanigans! Listen in to learn how to set your child up for success for this big change.
Transition from 2 naps to 1
The 2 nap to 1 transition can be difficult for many children. This episode will talk you through all the different scenarios that happen when transitioning from 2 naps to 1 and help your child make a smooth move into this next stage!
End Of Daylight Savings
With the end of daylight savings coming up, you’ll want to know how to handle this! Make sure to listen to our latest podcast on how to address your child’s sleep schedule and time change.