How Long 'Til Bedtime? | Sleep and Parenting Podcast

Does your baby start crying the moment you put them in the crib? Whether you're practicing putting your baby down drowsy but awake or starting sleep training, bedtime can feel stressful when your little one protests every time they touch the mattress. In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi shares three simple ways to help your baby or toddler develop more positive feelings about their crib. You'll learn why your mindset and facial expressions matter at bedtime, how a consistent bedtime song can become a comforting sleep cue, and why a joyful morning wake-up can help your child associate their crib with happy feelings. Allison also explains what to do when your baby cries as you approach the crib, why it's important to stay consistent with your bedtime routine, and how these small habits can support sleep now and make future transitions, like moving to a big kid bed, easier. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your mindset, facial expressions, and energy can influence how your baby experiences bedtime. How to stay calm and positive when your baby cries during crib practice or sleep training. Why ending your bedtime routine with the same song every night can create a familiar, comforting sleep cue. What to do when your baby starts crying as you walk toward the crib. How a fun, joyful wake-up can help your baby or toddler build positive associations with their crib. Why nighttime interactions should be calm and quiet while morning wake-ups can be playful and energetic. How these simple habits can help establish routines that support future sleep transitions. If your baby cries every time you put them in the crib, start with these three simple changes. You don't have to overhaul your entire bedtime routine to begin creating a more positive sleep experience. Resources Mentioned: Episode 91: A Simple Bedtime Routine That Takes 30 Minutes or Less Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Allison's plan to use Claude as a household manager 03:33 - Three ways to help your baby feel better about the crib 04:01 - Start bedtime with calm energy and a positive mindset 07:21 - Make a familiar song the final sleep cue 09:42 - What to do if your baby protests during the song 11:08 - Why to follow through with placing your baby in the crib 12:28 - Keep the song for the transition to a big-kid bed 13:23 - Make wake-ups joyful, even after a tearful sleep 15:45 - Keep overnight visits neutral and morning greetings upbeat 17:13 - The crib routine's bookends: calm bedtime and joyful wake-up Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

Free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet Want an easy way to map out your child's schedule for the fall time change? Allison's free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet allows you to plug in your child's current sleep schedule and see exactly how to adjust naps and bedtime on Sunday. ____________________________ This year, Halloween falls the night before the clocks fall back. Here's how to handle both. The fall time change can be tough on babies, toddlers, and kids, especially when "falling back" suddenly turns a 6:30 a.m. wakeup into 5:30 a.m. In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi walks parents through exactly how to handle the fall time change without spending a week trying to shift their child's sleep schedule. She explains why she doesn't recommend gradually adjusting your child's schedule in the days before the clocks change and shares a simple plan for getting through the transition in about 24 to 48 hours. This year, there's an added wrinkle: Halloween falls on the Saturday night before the fall time changes. Allison talks about how to handle a later Halloween bedtime, what to expect Sunday morning, and how to get your child back on track. She also shares an update on the Sunshine Protection Act, including where the legislation stands and why the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends permanent standard time rather than permanent daylight saving time. In this episode, Allison covers: Why the fall time change can lead to early morning wakeups Why babies and toddlers can be particularly sensitive to the time change Why she does not recommend gradually shifting your child's schedule before the clocks change What to do with naps on the Sunday after the time change How much to adjust bedtime on Sunday night Why you should return to your regular schedule on Monday How a rescue bedtime can help when your child is overtired How to handle the fall time change when Halloween causes a later bedtime Specific tips for newborns and children who no longer nap How morning light can help reset your child's body clock Why consistent bedtime routines are especially important during a time change What parents need to know about the Sunshine Protection Act How long it typically takes kids to adjust to the new schedule Have Questions After the Time Change? Allison will be hosting a free Fall Time Change Sleep Q&A on Friday, November 6 at 12 p.m. ET on Instagram and Facebook. Bring your questions about early wakings, messy naps, Halloween sleep, or anything else that comes up during the transition. Chapter Markers: 00:00 A Funny Mom Life Story About a Clean Office 02:28 Fall Time Change: What Parents Need to Know 03:11 The Fall Time Change and 5 AM Wakeups 04:00 Sunshine Protection Act Update 05:33 Why Permanent Standard Time May Be Better for Sleep 06:30 Why the Fall Time Change Is Hard on Kids 07:56 Why You Shouldn't Shift Your Child's Schedule Ahead of Time 08:50 What to Do on Saturday Night 09:30 The Sunday Plan: Adjusting Naps and Bedtime 10:18 Why Monday Is the Key to Getting Back on Track 11:00 Using a Rescue Bedtime After the Time Change 11:45 How to Handle Halloween and the Time Change 12:43 Tips for Newborns and Older Kids 14:00 Morning Light, Routines, and Other Sleep Tips 15:06 The Simple 24–48 Hour Fall Time Change Plan 16:00 Free Fall Time Change Cheat Sheet + Sleep Q&A Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Looking for expert guidance on your child's sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

What do you do when your child's brain won't shut off at bedtime? Can years of poor sleep habits be changed? And how long should you give a new sleep strategy before deciding whether it works? In this episode, pediatric sleep and wellness coach Allison Egidi answers three thoughtful questions she received from middle school students, high school students, and a parent during recent sleep presentations at a school in Washington, DC. First, Allison tackles a common challenge for tweens and teens: trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts. She explains why the brain can become especially busy once the distractions of the day disappear and shares two simple strategies to help kids settle their minds at bedtime. She also answers a question many teens may wonder about: Can a messed-up sleep schedule during the teen years affect sleep as an adult? Allison shares her own experience of struggling with sleep throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood before learning how to sleep well later in life. Her message is encouraging: it is never too late to improve your sleep, but that doesn't mean teens should wait. Sleep matters for their health, mood, learning, focus, immune system, athletic performance, and safety behind the wheel right now. Finally, Allison talks about how long to try a new strategy when you're working to improve your child's sleep. She encourages parents to think of sleep changes as an experiment. In this episode, Allison discusses: Why tweens and teens may have racing thoughts at bedtime How guided sleep meditation can help kids settle their minds Why counting backward from 100 can be an effective sleep strategy Whether poor sleep habits during adolescence can be changed later Why teen sleep matters for health, learning, mood, sports, and driving safety How to approach sleep changes as an experiment Which sleep changes may produce quick results Why other sleep changes can take a few weeks What parents should track before bedtime to identify sleep patterns Why it's never too late to learn how to sleep well How parents can keep talking to their kids about why sleep matters Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 187. Teen Sleep & Anxiety: What a 12th Grader Wants Parents to Know with Lizzie Pisani Episode 252. Middle School & High School Sleep: How to Help Your Child Succeed This School Year Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Why Kids' Sleep Questions Matter 03:24 – Can't Fall Asleep Because Your Mind Is Racing? 05:50 – How to Calm Racing Thoughts at Bedtime 08:15 – Should Phones Be Used for Sleep Meditation? 09:10 – The 100-to-Zero Sleep Trick for Kids 10:35 – Can a Teen Sleep Schedule Affect Adult Sleep? 12:59 – Why Teen Sleep Matters Right Now 14:10 – How Long Should You Try a New Sleep Strategy? 15:22 – Treating Sleep Problems Like an Experiment 16:45 – How Quickly Can Sleep Changes Work? 17:48 – Sleep Routines That Help a Racing Mind 19:05 – How to Track What's Affecting Your Child's Sleep 20:17 – Keep Talking to Your Kids About Why Sleep Matters Give your child the gift of better sleep. Allison's free, age-specific guides show you exactly how many hours of rest kids need to grow, learn, and thrive—no matter their age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

What if raising a good sleeper isn't just about having the right bedtime routine or sleep schedule? What if the way you talk about sleep matters too? In this episode, pediatric sleep and wellness coach Allison Egidi explains how the words we use about sleep can shape how children think about themselves as sleepers and influence their relationship with sleep for years to come. Allison explains why parents need to first make sure their child is actually sleeping well. Once the foundation is in place, positive and intentional language can help children see themselves as someone who knows how to sleep well. She shares how to: Help your child develop a positive identity around sleep Start talking intentionally about being a "good sleeper" around 15 months Celebrate good sleep and reinforce healthy sleep habits Talk to kids about why sleep matters for their bodies, learning, energy, and well-being Model a positive attitude toward sleep through your own words and behavior Help children become curious about what affects their sleep Avoid labeling your child a "bad sleeper" or "terrible sleeper" Teach kids that a difficult night doesn't mean they are destined to struggle with sleep Allison also shares examples from her own family and explains how positive conversations about sleep helped one of her daughters develop the belief that she is a good sleeper. One important distinction: you can't simply tell a child they're a good sleeper and expect the words to make it true. If sleep isn't going well, the first step is figuring out what needs to change. Once they're actually sleeping well, positive language becomes meaningful and powerful. Ultimately, raising a good sleeper isn't just about helping your child sleep well tonight. It's about helping them grow up believing they can sleep well and can get back to good sleep when something gets in the way. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 16. Helping Your Child Identify As a Good Sleeper with Ainsley Egidi Episode 182. How To Respond When Your Child Says They Are Tired Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Why the Way You Talk About Sleep Matters 02:16 – How Your Child's Sleep Mindset Can Affect Sleep 04:41 – How to Help Your Child Become a Good Sleeper 07:08 – When to Start Calling Your Child a Good Sleeper 09:33 – Why Positive Sleep Language Has to Match Reality 12:00 – How to Talk to Kids About Why Sleep Matters 14:21 – What to Do When Your Child Says, "I'm Tired" 16:45 – How Parents Can Model Healthy Sleep Habits 19:07 – Teaching Kids to Bounce Back From a Bad Night of Sleep 21:32 – Why You Shouldn't Label Your Child a "Bad Sleeper" 23:55 – Raising a Child Who Believes They Can Sleep Well Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

Postpartum psychosis is a serious psychiatric emergency, but it's a topic that is often misunderstood, especially when news coverage focuses on the most tragic cases. In this episode, Allison Egidi talks with Laudy Burgos, a clinical social worker who specializes in perinatal mood disorders and serves in leadership roles with Postpartum Support International. Together, they take a closer look at what postpartum psychosis actually is, how it differs from postpartum depression and anxiety, and what families need to know about recognizing the signs. Laudy explains that postpartum psychosis involves a loss of connection with reality and can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, severe confusion, dramatic changes in behavior, agitation, rapid speech, and unusual or impulsive behavior. Symptoms can wax and wane, which can sometimes make the condition difficult for loved ones to recognize. The conversation also covers: How postpartum psychosis differs from postpartum depression and anxiety The signs and symptoms family members and partners should watch for Why a significant change from someone's usual behavior can be an important warning sign How sleep and insomnia can factor into postpartum psychosis The difference between being sleep-deprived because you're caring for a newborn and being unable to sleep even when you have the opportunity Risk factors, including bipolar disorder, a previous experience with postpartum psychosis, and a family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis When postpartum psychosis typically begins after childbirth Why someone experiencing psychosis may not recognize that anything is wrong What partners and loved ones should do if they are concerned Why postpartum psychosis should be treated as a psychiatric emergency What hospitalization and treatment can look like The importance of ongoing support, sleep, therapy, medication management, and family support during recovery Why the tragic cases that make the news do not represent the majority of people who experience postpartum psychosis The importance of talking about postpartum psychosis with both urgency and compassion Resources available through Postpartum Support International and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Most importantly, Laudy emphasizes that postpartum psychosis is an illness, not a choice or a reflection of someone's ability to be a good mother. With early detection and appropriate treatment, recovery is possible. Important: Postpartum psychosis is a medical and psychiatric emergency. If you believe someone may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, seek immediate professional help. In the episode, Laudy recommends contacting a psychiatrist who understands this emergency when possible, or going to the nearest emergency room/calling 911 if necessary to get someone to care safely. Resources mentioned in this episode: Postpartum Support International National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) Postpartum Support International Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 Connect with Laudy at her website or on LinkedIn Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction: Why We're Talking About Postpartum Psychosis 01:47 Meet Laudy Burgos, LCSW 02:55 What Is Postpartum Psychosis? 05:09 Signs and Symptoms to Watch For 08:26 Can Postpartum Psychosis Come and Go? 09:32 When Does Postpartum Psychosis Begin? 11:17 Who Is at Risk for Postpartum Psychosis? 13:04 How Common Is Postpartum Psychosis? 14:56 The Connection Between Sleep and Postpartum Psychosis 16:16 Does Someone Know They're Experiencing Psychosis? 17:38 What Should Loved Ones Do? 19:41 Postpartum Psychosis, News Coverage and Tragedy 22:18 What Does Treatment and Recovery Look Like? 23:46 What Expecting Parents Should Know 24:36 Postpartum Mental Health Resources Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube