Episodi

  • 262. How to Handle the Fall Time Change With Babies, Toddlers & Kids

    262. How to Handle the Fall Time Change With Babies, Toddlers & Kids
    Oct 20 2026
    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
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    17 min
  • 261. Can't Fall Asleep Because Your Mind Is Racing? Plus 2 More Great Sleep Questions from Students and Parents

    261. Can't Fall Asleep Because Your Mind Is Racing? Plus 2 More Great Sleep Questions from Students and Parents
    Oct 13 2026
    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
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    21 min
  • 260. How to Raise a Good Sleeper: Why the Way You Talk About Sleep Matters

    260. How to Raise a Good Sleeper: Why the Way You Talk About Sleep Matters
    Oct 6 2026
    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
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    25 min
  • 259. Understanding Postpartum Psychosis with Laudy Burgos

    259. Understanding Postpartum Psychosis with Laudy Burgos
    Sep 29 2026
    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 ...
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    26 min
  • 258. What to Do When Your Baby or Toddler Skips a Nap

    258. What to Do When Your Baby or Toddler Skips a Nap
    Sep 22 2026
    What do you do when your baby or toddler skips a nap? Whether your child refuses a nap, takes a 15-minute car nap instead of their usual 90 minute nap, or simply has an unexpectedly short day of sleep, an off nap day can leave parents wondering what to do next. In this short but practical episode, Allison breaks down exactly how to handle a skipped or shortened nap without throwing off the rest of your child's sleep schedule. You'll learn: What to do when a nap is completely skipped or significantly shortened Why Allison generally recommends moving ahead to the next normal nap window rather than squeezing in a "makeup" nap What she means by a nap happening in "no man's land" and why naps outside your child's normal sleep windows can create additional sleep challenges How to use nap wake-up caps to protect bedtime and nighttime sleep When it makes sense to put your child down for the next nap slightly earlier How a rescue bedtime can help make up for missed daytime sleep Why an earlier bedtime doesn't necessarily mean an earlier morning wake-up How to reset your child's sleep schedule after an unpredictable nap day When frequent skipped naps may be a sign that your child's schedule needs to change or that they're ready for a nap transition Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Helping Kids Take Ownership of Their Sleep 02:19 – What to Do When Your Baby or Toddler Skips a Nap 03:01 – Why Skipped Naps Don't Need to Derail Your Day 04:05 – Should You Try for a Makeup Nap? 05:21 – Avoiding "No Man's Land" Naps 06:30 – Why Nap Wake-Up Caps Still Matter 07:44 – How to Handle a Completely Skipped Nap 09:00 – The Rescue Bedtime: Your Best Tool for Missed Day Sleep 10:08 – How an Earlier Bedtime Makes Up for a Skipped Nap 11:30 – Will an Earlier Bedtime Cause an Earlier Wake-Up? 12:32 – One Bad Nap Day Won't Ruin Your Child's Sleep 13:20 – How to Reset Your Child's Sleep Schedule the Next Day 14:15 – When Frequent Skipped Naps Signal a Schedule Change 14:55 – How Sleep and Wellness Coach Can Help Resources mentioned: Episode 236. The Rescue Bedtime: What It Is and How to Use It for Overtired Babies and Toddlers Reach out to Allison and her team anytime for a free 15 minute consultation for help with your child's skipped naps 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
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    16 min
  • 257. What Are Sports Really Teaching Our Daughters?

    257. What Are Sports Really Teaching Our Daughters?
    Sep 15 2026
    Sports can teach girls confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. But what else might they be learning along the way? In this thought-provoking episode of How Long 'Til Bedtime?, Allison shares an essay she originally wrote after reflecting on her own experiences as a parent on the sidelines of youth sports. She asks a bigger question: Are the sports our daughters participate in actually preparing them to become strong leaders, or are we sometimes teaching them to tolerate bad behavior from people in positions of power? Allison shares a pattern she has witnessed in youth sports: coaches behaving inappropriately toward young players or officials, parents recognizing that the behavior is unacceptable, and yet everyone continuing to participate because of the fear that speaking up could hurt a child's opportunity to advance. She reflects on her own experience navigating this dynamic with her daughter and the uncomfortable lesson her actions could have inadvertently communicated. The conversation also challenges the idea that tolerating inappropriate behavior is simply part of building resilience. Allison makes an important distinction between the difficult experiences she absolutely wants her daughters to learn to handle - competition, disappointment, hard feedback, and working toward a goal - and learning that someone in power can behave badly and that the safest response is to tolerate it. Drawing on her own experiences as a competitive soccer player, coach, parent, and woman who has worked in predominantly male professional environments, Allison explains why being demanding and being inappropriate are not the same thing. Girls don't need softer expectations; they need adults who can hold high standards while modeling self-control, respect, accountability, and good leadership. Allison also shares her experience coaching her daughter's middle school soccer team, where she held players to high expectations while emphasizing that experienced players should help newer teammates improve and feel included. For her, that combination of intensity and decency is one of the most valuable lessons sports can teach. Ultimately, this episode is about much more than soccer. It's about the messages our daughters absorb from the adults around them about leadership, power, accountability, fair treatment, and what they should, and shouldn't, have to tolerate from someone in authority. In This Episode: What sports can teach girls about confidence, resilience, and leadership The unintended lessons girls can learn from poor coaching Why tolerating inappropriate behavior isn't the same as building resilience The difficult decision parents face when speaking up could affect their child's opportunities Why being a tough coach and being an inappropriate coach are two very different things What good leadership looks like in youth sports Why intensity and decency can and should coexist How parents and coaches model leadership for young girls What youth sports can teach girls about power and accountability Why the lessons our daughters learn on the field can follow them into adulthood Chapter Markers: 00:00 The power of tidying your space and productivity 02:21 The statistic linking girls in sports to success in the C-suite 04:24 Parents' reactions to coach misconduct and the cycle of tolerance 07:20 The analogy of workplace behavior and youth sports 09:41 The importance of equal standards for coaching boys and girls 12:08 The systemic issues of gender and authority in sports and work 14:07 The risk of teaching girls to tolerate bad behavior 14:34 The importance of standing up against misconduct 15:28 The role of adults in shaping girls' understanding of leadership 15:53 Closing thoughts and the importance of advocacy in sports Join the conversation! Read Allison's essay on LinkedIn and share your thoughts. Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube 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 ...
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    16 min
  • 256. How to Handle Loveys, Stuffed Animals, and Bedtime Stalling

    256. How to Handle Loveys, Stuffed Animals, and Bedtime Stalling
    Sep 8 2026
    Is your child's crib or bed overflowing with loveys, stuffed animals, and comfort items? Or maybe you're wondering when it's okay to introduce a lovey, or whether your big kid is too old to still sleep with one. In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi answers your most common questions about loveys and toddler sleep. She explains how many loveys she recommends keeping in your child's crib or bed, why too many can become a bedtime distraction, how to stop the "lovey fetch" game, and why soft comfort items should stay in the sleep space. Allison also shares practical tips for choosing a lovey, keeping a backup, traveling with a lovey, and preventing that beloved comfort item from getting lost. And if your eight-, ten-, or even older child still sleeps with a lovey? Allison explains why she's firmly Team Lovey and sees no reason to rush them out of something that brings comfort at bedtime. If your child has a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other special sleep companion, this episode will help you keep the lovey situation simple, and prevent it from becoming another source of bedtime battles. In This Episode: How many loveys should your child have? When is it safe to introduce a lovey? Why Allison recommends one to three loveys Why too many stuffed animals can create bedtime distractions How to stop the "lovey fetch" game What makes a good lovey Should you have a backup lovey? Tips for traveling with your child's lovey What to do if your child's favorite lovey gets lost How long should a child sleep with a lovey? Why there's no need to rush your child out of their comfort item Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Life update: A microburst, two totaled cars & car shopping 02:48 – Today's topic: All things loveys 04:11 – What is a lovey? 04:51 – When can you introduce a lovey? 06:43 – Can your child have too many loveys? 07:17 – Why Allison recommends 1–3 loveys 09:01 – Soft items only: Why hard toys don't belong in bed 10:14 – Why the lovey should ideally stay in the bed 12:40 – How to stop the "Lovey Fetch" game 13:59 – How to choose a good lovey 15:42 – Should you have a backup lovey? 16:00 – Traveling with a lovey 17:00 – What happens when the beloved lovey gets lost? 19:07 – Making sure the lovey comes home from vacation 19:50 – Is your child too old for a lovey? 22:14 – Why Allison is Team Lovey for as long as they want it 22:55 – The lovey rules to remember 23:40 – This is one parenting problem you don't need to solve 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
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    22 min
  • 255. When Your Child Only Wants Mom (or Dad) at Bedtime: What to Do

    255. When Your Child Only Wants Mom (or Dad) at Bedtime: What to Do
    Sep 1 2026
    Does your child insist that only Mom can do bedtime? And they refuse to let Dad put them to bed? Parent preference at bedtime is incredibly common, especially during the toddler and preschool years. But while it's normal, that doesn't mean you have to accept a situation where only one parent can handle bedtime every night. In this episode, Allison explains why children develop a strong preference for one parent at bedtime and, more importantly, exactly how to help your child become comfortable with both parents doing bedtime. Allison shares a simple approach that she has seen work repeatedly with families, and says that many children begin to adjust within about a week when parents consistently follow the plan. In this episode, you'll learn: Why a child may strongly prefer one parent at bedtime Why parent preference does not mean your child loves the other parent less Why solving this issue can benefit the entire family How to establish a simple alternating bedtime schedule Why the parent whose turn it is should handle the entire bedtime routine from start to finish Why having both parents participate in bedtime can sometimes make the struggle worse What to say when your child protests or has a meltdown Why the preferred parent should not rescue the other parent during a difficult bedtime How to respond calmly while allowing your child to have big feelings Why the first few bedtimes may be rough, and why consistency matters How keeping the bedtime routine consistent between parents can help What to do if the bedtime struggle seems to involve more than just parent preference Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Allison's Maine & Acadia trip update 02:36 – When your child only wants one parent at bedtime 03:20 – Why parent preference at bedtime is completely normal 04:45 – Why it's worth helping your child accept both parents 06:05 – The key strategy: Take turns doing bedtime 07:25 – Why one parent should do the entire bedtime routine 08:35 – How to introduce the new bedtime plan 09:30 – What to say when your child protests 10:25 – Let the big feelings happen and keep moving 11:05 – Why the other parent shouldn't "rescue" bedtime 12:30 – How to handle a major bedtime meltdown 14:00 – Expect a few bumpy nights 15:15 – How quickly children usually adjust 16:10 – Keep the bedtime routine consistent between parents 17:00 – The one-week plan for ending parent preference 18:05 – When to seek additional help with bedtime struggles 18:40 – Final thoughts on parent preference at bedtime If you're in the middle of the "ONLY MOM!" or "ONLY DAD!" bedtime trenches, this episode will give you a practical plan for getting out of them. And if you want a sleep coach to guide you as you make the change, schedule a free 15 minute Get Acquainted call with our team 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
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    16 min