The Kids Sleep Show: Recent Episodes
Courtney Zentz
The Kids Sleep Show helps tired parents to understand the root of their child's' sleep challenges from birth through school-aged. Most children don't get adequate sleep and in this fun and lighthearted show, Courtney Zentz, a nationally ranked Pediatric Sleep Specialist breaks down the root of your struggles and shares steps to go from a sleepy mess to sleep success in just a few short days.
What happens when the healthcare system fails a physician? Dr. Sonal Patel, a pediatrician, neonatologist, and lactation specialist, has lived both sides of postpartum care. After personally navigating postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, pre-eclampsia, VBACs, severe tears, and breastfeeding struggles across four pregnancies, she turned her experience into action.
Dr. Patel founded NayaCare, a home health clinic reimagining postpartum support, and co-founded the Center for 4th Trimester Care, a physician-led national nonprofit challenging the status quo of maternal healthcare. She's a TEDx speaker, author of The Doctor and Her Black Bag, and a passionate advocate for paid family leave, helping pass Colorado's FAMLI legislation.
In this episode, we're talking about what the "4th trimester" really looks like, why even the most privileged mothers fall through the cracks, and what better postpartum care could mean for families and their babies' sleep.
Episode Highlights:
● Dr. Patel opens up about her own postpartum journey across four pregnancies, from postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety to pre-eclampsia and breastfeeding struggles. If a physician with every advantage still fell through the cracks, what does that mean for every other mother?
● We dig into why the postpartum window is one of the most overlooked periods in maternal healthcare, what "4th trimester care" actually looks like in practice, and how Dr. Patel built NayaCare to fill the gap that families desperately need filled.
● From her TEDx stage to the halls of Colorado's legislature, Dr. Patel has turned personal experience into policy change. We talk about her nonprofit work, paid family leave advocacy, and why fixing postpartum care isn't just a women's health issue. It's a children's health issue too.
Resources:
● Website: nayacare.org
● https://www.instagram.com/nayacare/
● https://www.facebook.com/nayacarecolorado
● https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-patel-md-12982a141/
● https://www.youtube.com/@nayacare6918
- Tiktok: @sonalpatel4tridoc
What happens when the healthcare system fails a physician? Dr. Sonal Patel, a pediatrician, neonatologist, and lactation specialist, has lived both sides of postpartum care. After personally navigating postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, pre-eclampsia, VBACs, severe tears, and breastfeeding struggles across four pregnancies, she turned her experience into action.
Dr. Patel founded NayaCare, a home health clinic reimagining postpartum support, and co-founded the Center for 4th Trimester Care, a physician-led national nonprofit challenging the status quo of maternal healthcare. She's a TEDx speaker, author of The Doctor and Her Black Bag, and a passionate advocate for paid family leave, helping pass Colorado's FAMLI legislation.
In this episode, we're talking about what the "4th trimester" really looks like, why even the most privileged mothers fall through the cracks, and what better postpartum care could mean for families and their babies' sleep.
Episode Highlights:
- Dr. Patel opens up about her own postpartum journey across four pregnancies, from postpartum depression and perinatal anxiety to pre-eclampsia and breastfeeding struggles. If a physician with every advantage still fell through the cracks, what does that mean for every other mother?
- We dig into why the postpartum window is one of the most overlooked periods in maternal healthcare, what "4th trimester care" actually looks like in practice, and how Dr. Patel built NayaCare to fill the gap that families desperately need filled.
- From her TEDx stage to the halls of Colorado's legislature, Dr. Patel has turned personal experience into policy change. We talk about her nonprofit work, paid family leave advocacy, and why fixing postpartum care isn't just a women's health issue. It's a children's health issue too.
Resources:
- Website: nayacare.org
- https://www.instagram.com/nayacare/
- https://www.facebook.com/nayacarecolorado
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-patel-md-12982a141/
- https://www.youtube.com/@nayacare6918
- Tiktok: @sonalpatel4tridoc
Sometimes the best products are born out of pure necessity. When Alaina Moulton was pregnant, on bedrest, and married to a military spouse, she knew that a traditional plug-in bottle warmer simply wasn't going to cut it. She needed something portable, something that could work anywhere. When she asked manufacturers if it was possible to warm a bottle using battery power, she was told no, repeatedly.
She asked anyway, until one manufacturer said yes.
That yes became The Baby's Brew, the first battery-powered bottle warmer on the market, created by a mom who needed it to exist. Parents describe it as an absolute gem of a baby gadget, and it's easy to see why. The Baby's Brew warms 8 oz in just 3 minutes, which is 67% faster than competing warmers, and its smart sensor technology heats milk evenly without hot spots or nutritional loss. Parents love that it can be used literally anywhere, on a plane, in a car, at the beach, camping, or at a relative's house, without ever needing to hunt for an outlet. Many families love it so much they come back for their second and third babies.
In this episode, Alaina shares the story of building a product from scratch while navigating pregnancy, bedrest, and military life, and what she's learned about feeding, sleep, and the real challenges parents face in those early months.
Episode Highlights:
- Alaina was pregnant, on bedrest, and facing the reality of life as a military spouse when she realized no product existed that could do what she needed. We talk about what it took to keep pushing when manufacturer after manufacturer turned her down, and how one "yes" changed everything.
- A warm bottle at the right moment can be the difference between a baby who settles and one who doesn't. Alaina breaks down why temperature matters, how The Baby's Brew fits into a family's nighttime routine, and why portability is a game-changer for exhausted parents, whether they are traveling, in the car, or just trying to avoid waking everyone up at 2am.
- Alaina didn't have a business background or a big team behind her. She had a problem, a pregnancy, and a refusal to accept "it can't be done." We talk about what the early days of building The Baby's Brew looked like and what she wants every parent to know about feeding and sleep in those newborn months.
Resources:
- https://www.thebabysbrew.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/thebabysbrew
- https://www.tiktok.com/@thebabysbrew
- https://www.facebook.com/TheBabysBrew/
What do you do when your newborn hates being swaddled and nothing on the market works? If you're Liz Hilton, you invent something better. A mother, designer, and entrepreneur with a background in 3D knit technology, Liz took a very real newborn sleep problem and built a solution from scratch in her garage.
That solution became Swaddelini, a swaddle designed to contain babies while still allowing natural movement. Parents rave that it gives their baby a snug and secure fit that helps their baby feel calm and sleep longer without overheating, and many describe it as the best swaddle they've ever purchased. The secret is patented Hug Technology that delivers continuous comfort reminiscent of a parent's embrace, inspired by therapeutic garments originally designed for children with special needs. Unlike traditional swaddles that lock babies in tight, the Swaddelini's seamless, 3D knit construction helps soothe the startle reflex, calms fussy babies, and encourages longer, more restful sleep while still giving babies room to move. And practically speaking, parents love that there are no Velcro, zippers, or complicated wrapping involved.
What started as a homegrown fix for her own son has grown into a 10,000-square-foot American factory with a team of 12. In this episode, Liz shares the journey from frustrated new mom to founder and CEO, and what she's learned about newborn sleep along the way.
Episode Highlights:
- Liz takes us back to August 2017, when her newborn son refused every swaddle on the market. With a background in 3D knit design, she did what any resourceful mom would do and built her own. We talk about what those early days looked like and how a garage invention turned into a full-scale American manufacturing operation.
- Not every baby wants to be wrapped up tight, but they still need the comfort and security of a swaddle. Liz breaks down the science behind her patented Hug Technology, why containment and movement don't have to be opposites, and how that insight is helping thousands of families get more sleep.
- Liz didn't just build a product. She built a workplace that her employees call the best job they've ever had. We talk about what it means to run a values-driven small business, manufacture in the US, and make the world a better place one swaddle at a time.
Resources:
- https://swaddelini.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/swaddelini/
- https://www.instagram.com/holding_mother/
The internet is loud, contradictory, and overwhelming when it comes to baby sleep, and no one knows that better than Chrissy Lawler. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, sleep specialist, and founder of The Peaceful Sleeper, Chrissy has spent over 15 years helping more than 400,000 families worldwide find their way to better rest, including celebrity and pro-athlete clients.
But this isn't just clinical expertise. As a mom of four who navigated her own postpartum depression and anxiety born from sleep deprivation and hormone disruption, Chrissy brings both the science and the lived experience to the table.
In this episode, we cut through the noise around sleep training, explore the psychology behind baby sleep, and talk about why the right approach looks different for every family. Chrissy also shares a preview of her new book, The Peaceful Sleeper: An Intuitive Approach to Baby Sleep, and why she believes getting sleep right is one of the most powerful things parents can do for their mental health, their relationships, and their child's long-term wellbeing.
Episode Highlights:
- Chrissy breaks down why the heated online debate around sleep training is missing the point entirely. Instead of taking sides, she walks us through her attachment-based, research-backed approach and why finding the right path for your family is far more effective than following anyone else's rules.
- What do you really need to know about "cry it out"? Chrissy unpacks the science and psychology of baby sleep, how to confidently read your baby's cues, and what most parents get wrong before they ever try a sleep method.
- Chrissy gets personal about her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety after sleep deprivation and hormone disruption hit harder than expected. We talk about why prioritizing sleep isn't selfish. It's one of the most important things you can do for your mental health, your relationship, and your bond with your baby.
Resources:
- Website: https://thepeacefulsleeper.com/
- Instagram: @the.peaceful.sleeper
- Threads: https://www.threads.com/@the.peaceful.sleeper
- TikTok: @the.peaceful.sleeper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.peaceful.sleeper
- YouTube: youtube.com/@the.peaceful.sleeper
If you've ever wished your postpartum snack could actually do something for your milk supply and taste amazing at the same time, this episode is for you.
I'm sitting down with Dominique "Nika" Spencer, cake artist, mom of two, and founder of A Whisk Worth Tasting, a licensed home bakery right here outside Philadelphia in Lafayette Hill, PA, to celebrate the nationwide launch of her lactation cookies. That's right, these incredible hand-crafted cookies are now shipping straight to your door, anywhere in the US.
Made in small batches with organic oats, brewer's yeast, and organic flaxseed (ingredients I talk about all the time as a certified lactation counselor), these dark chocolate chip cookies are designed to naturally support milk production while actually tasting like the treat you deserve after a sleepless night with a newborn.
We're talking about how Nika brought this product to life, what makes these ingredients so powerful for breastfeeding moms, and why having a stash in your freezer might just become your favorite postpartum ritual. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or shopping for a mama you love, you'll want to hear this one.
Episode Highlights:
- How do lactation cookies help support a breastmilk supply?
- What are the ingredients that support breastfeeding?
- How many do you need to eat to see results?
Resources:
- Website: https://www.whiskworthtasting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskworthtasting/
When Luke Mickelson set out to build a single bed for a child in need, he had no idea it would spark a nationwide movement.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Luke, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to hear how one act of kindness turned into a life-changing mission. From his small-town roots in Kimberly, Idaho, to becoming a CNN Hero and national voice for service, Luke shares how SHP has grown into over 400 chapters, delivering more than 315,000 beds to kids who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. Episode Highlights:
- The humble beginnings of SHP and its viral growth
- The real impact of "bedlessness" on families across the U.S.
- Why Luke believes in Humans Helping Humans
- How tiny moments of service can create lasting change
- What it takes to lead with heart in your home, business, and community
Featured on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, People Magazine, and more - Luke's message is clear: Every child deserves a bed. Every community has the power to help.
Tune in and discover how you can be part of the movement.
Resources:
- https://www.facebook.com/SHPLuke
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shpluke/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@shpluke11
- https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/
- https://www.youtube.com/@lukemickelson5338
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show Podcast, we cover the 4-month sleep regression. It is a huge challenge for so many parents, especially as many transition back to work, and sleep struggles amplify with short daycare naps and support to sleep. Today, I dive into what causes the 4-month sleep regression and an actionable plan to get past it and move on to a balanced bedtime, the ideal 4-month-old nap structure, and the ability to maximize daytime intake for your 4-month-old to sleep through the night. Happy Listening!
Discussions on the Show Include:
- What causes the 4-month sleep regression
- Signs you are in the 4-month sleep regression
- Developmental changes at 4 months old
- How to get over the 4-month sleep regression
Resources:
- Book a Free Discovery Call with a Certified Sleep Consultant Here
- Follow on Instagram
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show I welcome the Founder of Truuce bedding, to share all about this amazing and innovative Duvet bedding system, that my son, 10 and father, 75 both love equally for the simplicity in creating a clean and polished look in the bedroom, without the fuss.
Nancy Johnston and Kerry Roberts are the visionary founders of Truuce, a company that combines design, research, and innovation to revolutionize bedding.
In 2023, Kerry, tired of with wrestling with her duvet cover, called her dear friend and college roommate Nancy to create a more user-friendly design. As Nancy worked on a solution, she realized traditional sheets had their own set of problems. This sparked a flurry of prototypes aimed at making every aspect of bedding smarter. After several months of testing, redesigning and testing again, the integrated duvet and sheet system was ready for launch. They decided to call it Truuce, with a mission to help everyone make peace with their bedding.
Today, while functionality, architecture and design are at the heart of everything we do, we are equally cozy obsessed. This patent-pending design has reshaped duvets and sheets and has brought bedding into the 21st century.
Episode Highlights
- What inspired the idea behind Truuce, and how did your own sleep experiences or family life play a role in bringing it to life?
- Truuce bedding rethinks how we make a bed - can you walk us through the design and why it matters for busy parents or children learning independence?
- How does simplifying bedtime routines through smart design influence sleep quality for families, especially in those high-stress evening hours? If a parent is looking to create a sleep-friendly bedroom but doesn't know where to start, what small changes would you suggest - Truuce or otherwise?
Links & Resources
- https://truuce.com
- https://www.instagram.com/truucebedding
- https://www.facebook.com/truucebedding
- https://www.tiktok.com/@truucebedding
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-johnston/
In today's episode, we are delighted to welcome Lindsay Hancock, the founder and CEO of My Better Batch, a remarkable brand transforming the way busy families approach baking. With a background in the food industry and a passion for family-friendly solutions, Lindsay brings both heart and expertise to our conversation.
Whether you're a first-time parent navigating the juggle of work and family, or a seasoned caregiver seeking fresh ways to connect in the kitchen, this episode offers inspiration, actionable ideas, and a warm reminder that even small shared rituals (like cookies) can build meaningful bonds.
Tune in and join us as Lindsay shares how My Better Batch is redefining convenience, quality, and connection for families.
Episode Highlights:
- Lindsay's journey from corporate CPG executive to entrepreneurial founder, and how her personal experience as a working mom sparked the idea for My Better Batch.
- The "why" behind My Better Batch: crafting premium, clean-ingredient cookie mixes that deliver homemade taste with minimal prep — just add butter and an egg.
- Real-life stories of busy families discovering the joy of baking without sacrificing quality, connection or time together
- Practical tips for parents and caregivers on how to carve out meaningful moments with kids, even in the rush of everyday life, and how simple baking rituals can be a vehicle for that.
Resources:
- Click here to Order Your Cookie Mixes Now - Use code TINYTRANSITIONS for a discount and free shipping on any order over $25
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybetterbatch/
This week, I welcome the founder of Golden on Tap, Tara Golden to the Kids Sleep Show.
Tara Golden has been an IBCLC for over six years, working in both outpatient and inpatient settings before launching my own virtual lactation consulting practice. Through her business, she offers prenatal breastfeeding basics classes, virtual consultations, and ongoing support via text messaging services. Her approach is centered on meeting families where they are in their feeding journey, without judgment and always prioritizing mental health alongside infant nutrition. I'm passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where parents feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Naomi Coe is the founder of Little Crown Interiors and author of the nursery design book, Your Perfect Nursery. She founded Little Crown Interiors in 2008, focusing her design studio on nurseries and children's spaces. Bringing together beauty, functionality, and safety, Naomi believes in creating spaces for her clients that are unique, intentional, and curated. Today on the Kids Sleep Show podcast, we are diving into the best nursery designs, how to help your baby or toddler sleep through the night in a clean and safe environment & what products she loves to work with!
Little Crown Interiors offers full nursery and kids’ interior design services for clients in Southern California, and Virtual Design services for anyone in the U.S. or Canada. Over the last 17+ years, LCI's work has been featured widely in print, web, and on television, including Domino, People Magazine, California Home & Design Magazine, and many more.
Discussions on the Show Include:
- What nursery furniture do you recommend?
- Nursery layout for a small room?
- Newborn baby room decorating ideas
Resources:
- Find More about Naomi on her website
- Follow on Instagram
When it comes to creating the best nursery and sleep environment for your little one, most parents think about blackout curtains, white noise, and cozy sleep sacks. But there’s one element of the nursery that often gets overlooked, and it can have a big impact on your baby’s health and sleep quality: the air they breathe.
In this week’s episode of The Kids Sleep Show, I sat down with Alex Melecki, Co-Founder and CEO of Sereniby, to talk about the powerful benefits of using an air purifier in your nursery. From reducing allergens and airborne irritants to supporting deeper, more restful sleep, an air purifier can be a simple yet transformative addition to your child’s sleep space.
If you’ve ever wondered whether an air purifier is worth it or how to choose the right one, this conversation will give you the answers and peace of mind you’re looking for.
About Our Guest: Alex Melecki is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sereniby, a wellness technology company dedicated to providing babies with the clean air they need for a safer, healthier start. Before founding Sereniby, Alex spent his career as a strategy consultant helping Fortune 500 companies build and launch new products. He and his wife, Lexi, a pediatric nurse, began thinking differently about the role of indoor air in health and safety as they prepared for the arrival of their first child.
With Lexi’s background in pediatric health, Alex’s expertise in product development, and their shared experience as new parents, they quickly realized how overlooked indoor air quality is in conversations about infant wellness—and how limited the available products were for helping parents create the right environment at home. That insight sparked a new path: Alex left consulting, and together they spent nearly two years building the product they wished had existed for their own nursery—a purpose-designed air purifier and monitor, built from the ground up for the needs of babies and their parents. Along the way, they welcomed their second child, a son who became the first baby to ever have a Sereniby in his nursery.
Alex and Lexi live in Philadelphia, along with their two young children and their neurotic but lovable miniature poodle.
Discussions Include:
- Do I need an air purifier for a baby?
- What features do you look for in an air purifier for a nursery?
- Are air purifiers safe for a baby's nursery?
Resources & Links:
- View Website To Learn More Use Code SLEEP for a10% discount at Checkout
- Follow Sereniby on Instagram
This week, I am welcoming Stefanie Broes, the co-founder of Moonbird, a health tech start-up active in the well-being space. Moonbird is the world's first handheld breath pacer and is all about making breathwork accessible to let people live healthier and happier lives. The product is used to decrease stress, manage anxiety, and combat sleeping problems. Stefanie has a medical background, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, and a master's in IP and data protection law. Before starting Moonbird she worked in two other start-up companies. When she discovered the effectiveness of breathing exercises to tackle her own sleeping issues, she submerged herself in the matter.
Moonbird originated in Belgium, as the brainchild of Stefanie and Michael Broes, a brother and sister duo. When Stefanie suffered from sleeping problems, she tried breathwork but struggled to keep her focus on the breath. Moonbird is based on the calming power of affective touch. This refers to the slow, soft physical contact that, as social mammals, we’re pre-wired to find soothing. This revolutionary tool guides you intuitively, helping you to breathe slowly. Simply hold moonbird in your hand, and sync your breathing to the device: inhale when it expands, exhale when it deflates.
Discussions on the Show Include:
Resources & Links:
- View Website To Learn More Use Code TINY TRANSITIONS for a discount at Checkout
- Follow Moonbird on Instagram
Join us this week as we welcome Pediatrician and Holistic Health Coach Dr. Varisa Perlman, MD to the Podcast to discuss LaPetite Cream and the results that led her to collaborate with the French founders because the results were so unbelievable. While we initially met them at PreggoExpo New York, we quickly fell in love with the results of just trying for our hands, let alone a baby's bottom & we are blessed to bring the education to the US and around the world and share how you too can say goodbye to diaper rash on baby forever!
About our Guest: Dr Varisa Perlman is a pediatrician of 25 years who is also trained as a health coach and postpartum doula. She has practiced in Michigan and Miami and is currently in NYC. Dr Perlman believes that caring for children requires empowering parents. Happy parents make healthy children.
Discussions on the Show Include:
- How to treat severe diaper rash
- How to get rid of diaper rash
- Using LaPetite Cream remedies a baby's rash on the body
- What the French do that’s different to prevent severe diaper rash
- How LaPetite cream is made & why it works
Resources:
- Varisabperlman.com
- Lapetitecreme.com
- Follow on Instagram
Could the root of your child’s sleep struggles be tied to something deeper, like oral function or how they breathe? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Dr. Leslie Pasco, founder of MyoWway Centers, to unpack the surprising connection between airway health, myofunctional therapy, and pediatric sleep.
As a seasoned dentist, entrepreneur, and airway health advocate, Dr. Pasco brings a unique, whole-child perspective to how functional oral development plays a critical role in sleep quality, behavior, and even long-term wellness. We explore what most parents (and even some providers) are missing when it comes to mouth breathing, tongue ties, and sleep-disordered breathing, and what you can do about it.
Whether you’re a parent navigating chronic sleep disruptions, an educator noticing daytime behavioral challenges, or a provider looking to better understand root-cause pediatric care, this conversation is full of insight, validation, and hope.
Episode Highlights:
- What myofunctional therapy is—and why it matters in childhood development
- The connection between oral function and sleep, mood, and attention
- Early signs of airway issues in infants and toddlers
- Why mouth breathing and tongue posture are more than cosmetic concerns
Resources:
- MyoWay Center for Kids: https://www.myowaycenters.com/
- Follow in Instagram here
This week, I’m sitting down with Ben Norment, founder of Stork Exchange, the modern marketplace giving open box, overstock, and returned baby products a new purpose.
In a world where 20% of returned baby gear ends up in landfills, most of it never even used, Stork Exchange, based in Charlotte, NC, is building a smarter, more sustainable way for families to shop. By rescuing top-brand products from the waste stream and making them available at major discounts, Stork Exchange is helping parents save money, reduce waste, and make more thoughtful choices for their families and the planet.
Episode Highlights:
- What is baby gear open box & overstock?
- How do you select merchants to work with?
- What happens to most returns & the environmental impact?
- How often are new products added?
Resources:
- Website: www.storkexchange.co
- Instagram: Follow Stork Exchange here
This week on the Kids Sleep Show, I welcomed Ellen Murphy, the founder of Sona, formerly Belly Baloo, to discuss her new product that enables you to get photos from your ultrasound right to your phone during your appointment. It’s amazing to see how far technology has come and what amazing things Sona is bringing to the space. If you are expecting your first or next, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Episode Highlights:
- How did Sona come to be?
- What did you notice during your time in the Ultrasound Tech space?
- How do you hope Sona will change the landscape of the pregnancy and postpartum period in relation to the availability of images?
- What exciting things do you have in store for the business as you scale?
Resources:
- Learn More at Sonagram.com
- Follow on Instagram
It starts the moment you walk out of the room, your baby bursts into tears like you’ve just left for good. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Separation anxiety is a completely normal part of your baby’s development—but that doesn’t make it any less exhausting, especially when it starts to affect sleep.
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show, we’re digging deep into what separation anxiety is, when it typically shows up, and most importantly, how you can support your baby through it, without losing your mind or sacrificing sleep. I’ll share why this emotional milestone is a sign of healthy attachment (yay!) and offer practical, gentle strategies to help your little one feel safe, secure, and yes, ready to sleep soundly, even when you’re not in sight.
From creating consistent routines to practicing mini “goodbye” exercises during the day, you’ll walk away with actionable tools you can start using tonight. Whether you’re a first-time parent or you’ve been through this before, this episode will give you the confidence and calm to navigate separation anxiety like a pro.
Listen in and let’s help your baby (and you) get the rest you both deserve.
Episode Highlights
- What is separation anxiety?
- How do you identify if it is separation anxiety with baby?
- How old is a baby when separation anxiety begins?
- What is some advice to support and help a baby through separation anxiety?
Resources:
- Free Video Training: 5 Changes to Make Today that will Fix Sleep Tonight
- Sample Schedule Generator
- Book a Free Call about 1:1 Services
- Join the Sleep Steps Do-It-Yourself Sleep Training
- Follow us on Instagram @TinyTransitions
- Learn More about Tiny Transitions
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show Podcast, I sit down with the General Manager Charlotte Wenham of Baby Shusher, the must-have sleep tool that’s helping parents everywhere soothe their little ones to sleep. We dive into the science behind rhythmic shushing, how the Baby Shusher mimics real-life soothing techniques, and why it’s a game-changer for tired parents.
We also explore the brand’s journey, its mission to support better sleep for babies (and parents!), and what’s next for this innovative company. Whether you’re a new parent, a sleep consultant, or just fascinated by the baby product industry, this conversation is packed with insights and a look at some of their newest products that we know your baby & toddler will love to sleep through the night with!
Episode Highlights
- How did the original sound of the baby shusher start?
- Why is the sound so popular with babies?
- Can the Baby Shusher help my baby sleep through the night?
- What are some exciting new toddler products that can help older littles settle with the same comfort and sound from the Shusher?
Resources:
- Follow Baby Shusher on Instagram
- Learn More about Baby Shusher on their website
Why Your Baby is Waking Up Too Early & How to Fix It! If your baby or toddler is waking up too early, think 4:32 AM wake-ups that leave you exhausted, you’re not alone! Early morning wakings in babies are a common sleep struggle for parents, but the good news is that they can often be fixed with a few key adjustments.
This week, I’m diving into the top reasons why babies wake up too early, how to assess what’s causing those early risings, and, most importantly, how to adjust their sleep schedule, environment, and routine to encourage longer, more restful sleep.
If you’re tired of starting your day before the sun comes up, stay tuned, I’ve got expert baby sleep tips to help your little one sleep later and wake up feeling well-rested!
Episode Highlights
- Early morning waking troubleshooting
- What is considered an early morning wake up with a baby?
- How to stop early morning wakings
Resources:
- Free Video Training: 5 Changes to Make Today that will Fix Sleep Tonight
- Sample Schedule Generator
- Book a Free Call about 1:1 Services
- Join the Sleep Steps Membership Program - $10/off your first month with code “Podcast”
- Follow us on Instagram @TinyTransitions
Learn More about Tiny Transitions
This week, I am delighted to have Kim West {AKA The Sleep Lady} and Macall Gordon, a Gentle Sleep Coach and the Founder of Little Live Wires on the podcast, to discuss how to parent those non-stop, alert kiddos who tend to really fight sleep. This book offers tolerable, doable strategies and they were just a joy to speak with! Join us as we dive in and discuss our combined 3 decades of sleep experience & how to help you as a parent on your quest for rest.
Episode Highlights
- What is a FOMO Baby?
- How do I know if I am raising a live wire baby?
- What are a few signs of a “non-stop” baby or toddler?
- What inspired you to write this book?
- How does being a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach support your views in the book?
- Why did you both focus on writing this together? {Hint, they too have live wire kiddos}
Resources:
- Buy the Book on Amazon here
- Follow Macall on Instagram @Little Live Wires
- Follow Kim West on Instagram here @The Sleep Lady
- Learn more about Macall at https://www.littlelivewires.com/
- Learn More about Kim West {The Sleep Lady} at https://sleeplady.com/
Hiring a nanny can feel like a monumental task, especially when you’re trying to ensure your little one gets the sleep they need. As parents, we want to create a nurturing environment that supports healthy sleep habits and overall development. So, how do you find the right person who understands the intricacies of your child’s sleep needs? Today, we are joined by Stephanie Fornaro, the Founder & CEO of HelloNanny.com to discuss further how to hire a nanny, with their help or through their DIY Programs!
Episode Highlights
- Understanding the Importance of Hiring the Right Nanny
- Key Qualities to Look For in a Nanny
- Do I Use a Nanny Agency or Can I Hire a Nanny DIY
- Questions to Ask During the Interview
- Why a Nanny vs. Daycare
- What is Fixed Fee Nanny Placement?
Resources:
- Book a Call or Learn More at Hello Nanny
- Follow Hello Nanny on Instagram
Traveling with a baby or toddler can feel like embarking on a grand expedition, filled with excitement but also a sprinkle of anxiety. As parents, we all want to ensure our little ones are comfortable and well-rested, even when we’re away from home. So how do we navigate travel challenges while keeping the schedule intact? Let’s explore some practical tips and insights that will help you make the journey smoother for an enjoyable family getaway!
Episode Highlights
- Why Maintaining a Sleep Schedule is Crucial
- Essential Packing Tips for Traveling with Infants & Toddlers
- Don’t Get Into Activity Exhaustion
- Adapting Sleep Hygiene While Traveling
- Keep Not a Peep coming from Their Bedroom
- Our Best Blackout Blinds for Traveling + a Hack
Resources:
- OtterSpace Blackout Curtains here
- Travel Blanket Hack here
Travel Checklist for Infant & Toddler here
Baby sleep schedules are such a hot topic, and in this week's episode, I break down why you must understand the science and your little one’s signs that it might be the age to move from 3-2 naps, and protect bedtime, sleeping through the night and finally, some sense of a nap schedule with your little one.
Episode Highlights:
- What age should you switch from 3 - 2 naps with baby?
- How long can a baby stay awake between naps?
- How do I know if I need a new nap schedule?
Resources:
- Sample Schedule Generator
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
- Book a Complimentary Discovery Call
In a world where social media can portray perfect, I am keeping it real this week and sharing my experience postpartum, so that people who don’t feel like things with a newborn are perfect and also don’t feel alone. In this episode, I share my experience on maternity leave, why exactly I couldn’t wait to go back to work when I was so blessed to have a baby, and exactly how I took control of things to bounce back to a close version of my former self because having a baby does change you.
Episode Highlights:
- My struggle with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts
- Lack of sleep & lack of control
- Unrealistic expectations of new moms
- How to balance life and motherhood
Resources:
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
- Book a Complimentary Discovery Call
- For Support: Postpartum Support International
Struggling to quiet your mind and fall or stay asleep at night? In this episode, we introduce the “House Tour Hack,” a simple yet powerful mindfulness technique designed to calm racing thoughts and guide you into a peaceful slumber. Learn how to mentally walk through a familiar space—whether it’s your current home, a childhood memory, or a dream location—and focus on sensory details to ease stress and promote relaxation. Tune in to discover how this creative and soothing hack can transform your nightly routine and help you finally get the rest you deserve.
Episode Highlights: * Why do some adults wake up at 2 am and struggle to fall back asleep? * What is the “house tour” hack? * What is the best way to check your cortisol levels? * What else impacts why adults don’t sleep through the night?
Resources:
- Zenimal: Kids & Adults Device ree Meditation Device
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
- Book a Complimentary Discovery Call
In this episode, I welcome Lily Walla, founder of Auggie to the show. Auggie, is a trusted community app and marketplace for new, expecting, and seasoned parents to connect, share advice, and discover must-have products. Join Founder and CEO Lily Walla on her mission to provide support for parents who are in it from parents who have been through it in this free and supportive community.
In this episode, Episode Highlights:
- What is Auggie and why was it founded?
- What are the main reasons parents come to & trust Auggie
- How would a new parent get started with Auggie
- What practitioners and coaches are on the platform to support new & seasoned parents?
Resources:
- Click Here to Learn More and Join Auggie
- Follow Auggie on Instagram
In this weeks episode, we talk about 2 popular baby sleep training methods, the sleep wave method and the Ferber method. We dive into all things you should be considering before beginning your sleep training journey and what expectations you should have for a child settling independently, sleeping through the night and napping with consistency. Episode Highlights: • The key differences between Sleep Wave and Ferber methods. • How to decide which sleep training style aligns with your parenting goals. • Tips for navigating the challenges of sleep training with confidence. Resources: • Learn More about The Sleep Wave Method • Learn More about Dr. Ferber's Sleep Training • Book a Complimentary Call with a Certified Sleep Coach
In this episode, we get real about postpartum. I am blessed and honored to be a part of The Hole Truth - a short screenplay written by two amazing women Alison Whitney and Natasha Goss, alongside other brands who are on a mission to normalize the real and raw postpartum period many new mothers face & be the voice of change and support. It’s such an honor to be standing alongside other brands with a similar passion in supporting new mothers around the world.
Episode Highlights:
- What inspired you to write The Hole Truth?
- What common challenges you faced as mothers postpartum?
- What is your mission with this film & stigmas around maternal mental health?
- How do you want this film to change conversations?
Resources:
- Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholetruthfilm/
Join me as I welcome a friend and fellow Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant Kandra Becerra to the Kids Sleep Show. As a Sleep Coach, she saw a consistent challenge with her toddler clients around their resistance and FOMO of bedtime. She used that experience, coupled with a desire to approach the challenge in a new way, empowering young minds through story to understand that sleep is amazing to help them grow big and strong, but that it can also be a new adventure every night when they close their eyes. I am excited to speak today with her about her journey to becoming a childhood author!
This week on the Kids Sleep Show, Arin Schultz, VP of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic, joins us to discuss how Naturepedic leads the way in non-toxic, organic mattresses. He also reveals surprising, potentially harmful materials that could be hiding in your mattress — and your child’s — that you’ll want to avoid.
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show, we welcome Britney Schroeder to the show. Britney Schroeder is a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom of two with a passion for helping caregivers keep their kids safe in transit. She was not a CPST when her oldest was born, so she understands how overwhelming car seat safety can be. She provides compassionate, hands-on education to caregivers, giving them the tools and knowledge to correctly install and use their child's car seat for every ride.
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show Podcast, we are welcoming the Founder and CEO of Sleep of Mind, Alison Macklin to the show. Alison is a mama, Certified Child Sleep Expert , Certified Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor and owner of Sleep of Mind, a revolutionary infant sleepwear company. It all started when her daughter had major sleep struggles as a newborn. The lack of good information about sleep was frustrating so since 2017, her mission has been to help as many families as possible avoid the experience that she went through, and make great sleep more accessible to everyone. After seeing how anxious I and many other families are about their infants breathing well while sleeping, she set out to create a simple solution that would help give parents more peace of mind about their baby's breathing. After years of R&D, Alison and her team have come up with a patent pending design for reflective infant sleepwear which can help a parent see through their baby monitor, their child's chest rising and falling with each breath.
Episode Highlights:
- How did you come up for this swaddle design for newborns?
- Can a baby sleep on its belly or back in the swaddle?
- How does the patent pending technology work?
Resources:
Website: https://sleepofmind.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepofmind.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556390061772
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show Podcast, we’re diving into effective strategies for keeping your toddler in bed at bedtime and overnight. Join us as we explore practical tips and proven techniques to help your little one feel secure and comfortable in their sleep environment. We’ll discuss creating a consistent bedtime routine, setting clear expectations, and using positive reinforcement to encourage your toddler to stay in bed. Plus, we’ll address common sleep disruptions and how to handle them with patience and creativity. Whether you’re dealing with bedtime resistance or overnight wake-ups, this episode provides actionable advice to ensure both you and your toddler enjoy restful nights. Tune in and transform bedtime into a calm and stress-free experience for the whole family!
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show, we’re exploring the world of baby sleep training courses to help you find the best fit for your family. We’ll break down what to look for in a sleep training program, from evidence-based methods and expert credentials to personalized support and community resources.
Join us as we evaluate popular courses, discuss the pros and cons of different approaches, and share tips for choosing a course that aligns with your parenting style and sleep goals. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking to improve your baby’s sleep habits, this episode will guide you through the essentials of selecting an effective and supportive sleep training course. Tune in to make an informed decision and set your family on the path to restful nights and rejuvenated days.
In this episode of the Kids Sleep Show, we tackle the challenges of the 7-month sleep regression that many parents face. Join us as we uncover the causes behind this regression, the signs to watch for, and practical strategies to help your baby through this tricky phase. We’ll also discuss the optimal nap schedules for a 7-month-old, ensuring they get the rest they need during the day.
Additionally, we’ll provide insights into the total sleep needs for babies at this age, helping you create a balanced sleep routine. Whether you’re struggling with frequent night wakings or unpredictable naps, this episode offers expert advice and actionable tips to help your little one—and you—achieve better sleep. Tune in for guidance, support, and a path to more restful nights and happier days.
In this episode of The Kids Sleep Show, we dive deep into the 12-month sleep regression and the often-challenging transition to one nap.
Join your host, Courtney Zentz, as we explore why this 12 month sleep regression happens and how it affects your little one’s sleep patterns. We’ll provide practical tips and strategies to help you and your baby navigate this phase smoothly, ensuring everyone gets the rest they need.
From adjusting nap schedules to maintaining bedtime routines, we’ve got you covered. Tune in for expert advice, real-life stories from parents, and actionable steps to manage this significant milestone in your child’s sleep journey. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to surviving and thriving through the 12-month sleep regression and the move to one nap!
Episode Highlights:
- 12-month sleep regression: causes and solutions
- When to move to one nap a day?
- What is the ideal nap schedule for a 12 month old
- What is the ideal bedtime for a 12 month old
Resources:
- Tiny Transitions
- Book a Free Call about 1:1 Services
- Join the Sleep Steps Program
- Follow us on Instagram @TinyTransitions
This week on the Kids Sleep Show Podcast, we dive into a 45 minute free sleep training course with Tiny Transitions founder, Courtney Zentz.
Courtney shares a comprehensive sleep training education and dives into everything you need to understand, before sleep training, because it’s all connected. In the video, she dives deep into how to understand a baby’s wake window, how to help the baby settle and take naps on a consistent schedule, how to start sleep training and when to identify if it's a sleep regression or something else.
Episode Highlights:
- When should a baby sleep through the night
- When can I sleep train a baby
- What is the best schedule for a baby in the first 12 months
- How do you teach a baby to sleep
- What is a sleep regression and how do I support baby through it
- What is the ideal wake window for my baby
Resources:
- Tiny Transitions
- Book a Free Call about 1:1 Services
- Join the Sleep Steps Program
- Follow us on Instagram @TinyTransitions
This week on the Kids Sleep Show, I am joined by Angela Turnow, a Dr. of Orthopedic and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. She is an inspiration in how she works with women in the postpartum period, to heal and feel like themselves again with confidence and the ability to lead an active lifestyle without pain and discomfort.
In this episode, I am diving into schedules, wake windows and sleep regressions at 6 months old. How much daytime sleep does a 6 month old need, what is the ideal sample schedule and how to look at what might be missing if they aren’t yet sleeping through the night at 6 months of age.
Episode Highlights:
- What is the best sleep schedule for a 6 month old
- How long should a 6 month old be awake
- What is the best bedtime for a 6 month old
- Should my 6 month old be sleeping through the night
- What is the best wake window for a baby at 6 months of age
Resources:
- Sample Newborn Sleep & Nap Schedules
- 7 Tips Freebie to Help Baby Sleep Through the Night
- Join the $47 Sleep Steps Community
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
In this episode, I am diving into the dream feed. What exactly is it, how long should you offer it and what is the best way to do it, so the baby eats well and sleeps better? We dive into this and all the details on this week's show, I’m excited to have you here.
Episode Highlights:
- What is a dream feed?
- What is the point of a dream feed?
- Do you burp after a dream feed?
- When can you start dream feeding?
- Do you offer a full feed when dream feeding?
Resources:
- Free 40+ Page Navigating a Newborn eBook Download
- Baby Poop Chart
- How Do I Dress a Newborn for Sleep?
- Sample Newborn Sleep & Nap Schedules
- Baby Stomach Size Chart
- Join the $47 Sleep Steps Community
Today, I am excited to welcome Julie Cole, the co-founder of Mabel’s Labels to the show. This company has been a staple in our home with our children for every age and stage as they grow and are one our my absolute favorite products. Julie joins us to share so much about the mission of Mabel’s Labels, the new and unique offerings and how they continue to grow their products based on client feedback and a foundation of quality. Julie is a gem and I can’t wait for you to meet her!
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show, I am diving into something that can actually unknowingly start off a future need to sleep train and that is expert sleep consultant advice to place the baby down “drowsy but awake.” There are times when you should do it, but a very specific age where I would not suggest doing it, one, because it won’t work and two, because it then becomes confusing to you on why baby still wakes after 45 minutes all night. So, join me for this week’s episode and get help taking care of this drowsy but awake situation you might have going on at home.
Episode Highlights
- Drowsy But Awake: The #1 Worst Sleep Training Tip I See
- When Does Putting Your Baby Down Drowsy but Awake Work?
- What Age Should I Stop Putting Baby Down Drowsy but Awake?
- Navigating Baby’s Sleep Transitions & Ability to Self-Settle
- Is it OK to Leave a Baby Lying Quietly But Awake?
- What to Do When Drowsy But Awake isn’t Working
Resources
- Find out more about the #1 Baby Sleep Training Course: Sleep Steps + Coaching & Community
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
- Free Baby Nap Schedule Generator
Today, I welcome Dr. Lena Shahbandar, the Founder and Creator of Nessl, the most revolutionary baby carrier on the market to share all about her motivation for Nessl, and how it can start to support parents even before your baby is born and last through the first year of life, and beyond for new parents.
With its options for facing out, facing in and back wearing, in addition to the lumbar support, this is a must have best baby registry item in our opinion. Listen now!
Episode Highlights
- How did your work as a doctor show you the gap in the market of baby carriers?
- Why did you design the Nessl Baby Carrier?
- How can this baby carrier be used BEFORE baby is born?
- What was important to ensure you had in the design of Nessl so that both men and women could enjoy the body of carrying a baby?
Resources:
Find out more about Nessl on their website.
Follow Nessl on Instagram
Join me as I welcome Meg Dahm, Director of Product Marketing for Crane and Crane Baby to the Kids Sleep Show. Meg joined the Crane Baby marketing team 2 years ago after working 12+ years in the advertising agency world and dives into the latest releases to their popular humidifier line as well as all the goodies from their new modern and simple nursery accessories that grow with your little loves.
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show, I am diving into sleep training and coaching indirectly, with an issue so many parents struggle with. The baby will only nap while being held, and immediately when put down, they wake, and cry. Today, I educate families on why this happens at bedtime and naptime plus strategies to get over it, so everyone can sleep through the night and catch a little more z’s.
Episode Highlights
- Why does baby only sleep when being held?
- How do I transfer baby to the crib without waking her?
- Why won’t baby take longer naps or sleep through the night?
- Do I have to sleep train her to sleep outside of being held?
Resources
- Find out more about the Tiny Transitions Sleep Steps Sleep Training Course
- Follow Tiny Transitions on Instagram
- Free Infant & Toddler Sleep Training Resources
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show, I welcome Linda Alunkal, the CEO and Founder of bitebrave Inc. She is a Chinese born immigrant who learned grit and the will to succeed by surviving as an immigrant family in a new country. Linda received her MBA from Temple University and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University. In her career of over 20 years, she has always sought after roles that pushed the boundaries and challenged businesses to be the better. She has served in many innovative and transformative roles within multiple Fortune 50 and startup companies. More recently, she held commercialization and regulatory roles in J&J’s accelerator organization, World Without Diseases Accelerator.
Linda’s family lives with multiple severe life-threatening food allergies, she understands deeply the intense daily burden that a food allergy diagnosis has on a family. She's also spent the last 4 years learning about the science of this disease in industry and on her own. Because of this, she believes it is her life’s work to educate and help other families in the first year of baby’s life on ways to prevent their baby from ever developing this terrible disease of food allergies. She started bitebrave knowing that Her true inspiration is helping parents and baby be able to bitebrave-ly for the rest of their lives.
In this week's episode - I am diving into false starts - AKA - Your baby wakes up every night 45 minutes after you put them to bed, and you just can’t seem to figure out why. We dive into the 3 likely things that are causing it and how to stop baby from waking.
Why does the baby wake 45 minutes after I put them to sleep at bedtime?
- How do I stop a baby from waking up crying 45 minutes after being asleep?
- The three things you need to assess in your routine to ensure that one of them isn’t the cause.
- How to help them settle and sleep through the night.
Resources
- Find out more about Tiny Transitions
- Join our Sleep Steps Membership Program for just $47/month
- Download our 7 Tips for Better Infant Sleep Guide
- Follow Us on Instagram
Book a Free Call with one of our Certified Toddler Sleep Coaches
In this week's episode - I am diving into how long a 6-month-old should be awake, the 3 or 2 nap schedule, how to structure their day, and how to know it’s time to transition naps. Plus, I dive into one more thing that you should not need to do any more at six months old for baby to sleep through the night!
Episode Highlights
- What is the Ideal 6-Month-Old Wake Window?
- What is the Ideal 6-Month-Nap Schedule?
- How many naps should a 6-month-old take to sleep through the night?
- Does a 6-Month Old Still Need to Eat Overnight?
- What is the best bedtime or a 6-month-old, in your perspective as a Baby Sleep Coach/Consultant?
Resources
- Find out more about Tiny Transitions
- Download our 7 Tips for Better Infant Sleep Guide
- Follow Us on Instagram
Book a Free Call with one of our Certified Toddler Sleep Coaches
This week, Courtney is talking all about 10 month old wake windows, a sample schedule for a 10 month old and how to best align daytime and a baby that still settles easily at bedtime and sleeps through the night.
In this week's episode - I am diving into toddler tantrums. Stopping toddler tantrums can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to help manage and prevent them, and I dive into them today.
Episode Highlights
- We discuss the triggers that can lead to tantrums.
- Coping strategies to diffuse and discuss the behavior.
- Managing timing to avoid overtired & overstimulation
- How to build consistency & why it equals less anxiety.
Resources
- Find out more about Tiny Transitions
- Download our 5 Tips to Tame Your Toddler Tornado Guide
- Follow Us on Instagram
- Book a Free Call with one of our Certified Toddler Sleep Coaches
Today we dive into the right age and stage to move to a big kid bed from a kid. Many parents are excited and eager for this transition, but be sure to catch this episode, as you don’t want to do it wrong.
Episode Highlights
- What age should you move to a big kid bed from a crib
- How to best handle the big kid bed transition
- What tricks are there to keep a baby in their crib when they jump out
- Signs they are ready for a big kid bed
Resources
- Find out more about Tiny Transitions
- Download our 5 Tips to Tame Your Toddler Tornado Guide
- Follow Us on Instagram
- Book a Free Call with one of our Certified Baby & Toddler Sleep Coaches
Welcome Lisa Myers to the Show. Lisa Myers is the inventor and founding mama of Ceres Chill, a breastmilk storage company that replaces the 1970’s bulky cooler technology that have been holding women back for decades.
Today we dive into why Lisa was determined to find a solutions for breastfeeding mommas replaced outdated, bulky and icky solutions. Lisa has been an amazing advocate for pumping moms, breaking down barriers for breastfeeding families across the globe and we are excited to have her on the show!
Episode Highlights
- What led Lisa, as a new mother to design the Ceres Chill product?
- How has the product solved a key struggle for breastfeeding moms?
- What makes the Ceres Chill cooler different?
- How as a femal founder, does Lisa balance the load of work and home life?
- What’s next for Ceres Chill?
Resources
- Find out more about the amazing products at cereschill.com
- Follow Them on Instagram and Ceres Chill Español
- Follow Them on TikTok and Ceres Chill Espanol
- Breastfeeding & Sleep Questions? Book a Free Call with our resident CLC and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach Erin Forish
In this episode, we cover the ideal wake windows, sleep schedules and developmental ability for your 10 month old to sleep through the night. Naps and overnight sleep are connected, so you don't want to miss this one!
Join me today for an inspiring conversation with Author Debbie Marini, who is on a mission to help children understand they are never alone. After her son lost his best friend to suicide and her own house burned to the ground twice, she has learned to lean in and trust a higher power, helping children through her new series of books, which I am excited to speak about today. Our conversation I found to be so inspiring and I am thankful to have met Debbie and you will be too!
Debbie has combined her background as a mental health advocate with her training and experience connected to Spirituality to reinforce to youth the belief they are never alone. She holds a Masters's Degree in Human Behavioral Psychology, a Reiki Level 2 Certification, NLP Practitioner Certification, and has successfully completed the Mental Health First Aid Trainer Certification for Adults and Youth as well as the Resilience Certification at UPenn. The collaboration of her experience in the mental health arena with her journey surrounding spirituality has culminated in a children’s book series dedicated to her granddaughter that introduces God and spirituality in a relatable way. Debbie’s mission is to bring to light the awareness that we are all a part of something bigger and never alone.
Join me this week as I welcome Erin Forish, a CPST {Child Passenger Safety Technician} and baby sleep coach here on the Tiny Transitions team, as we dive into all the things that many parents don't always consider concerning safety in a car seat.
As a new parent, despite my due-dilligence there were things I misunderstood that we discussed, so you don't want to miss this! Listen now and schedule a complimentary call with Erin Forish, to discuss your sleep, car seat, or Lactation needs.
Join me as I welcome to the Kids Sleep Show, Elina Furman, Founder, Kahlmi, where we dive into the world of massage and the amazing benefits it can have for babies, child and for parents, as a new way to connect with our littles.
Elina Furman is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with over 15 years in the baby products industry. She is deeply passionate about spreading awareness of the many science-backed benefits of infant/child massage and earned her infant massage certification after talking to many parents who were confused and bewildered about how to perform baby massage.
As a baby massage expert, she has conducted education for such brands as Lovevery, Legendairy Milk, Mama Glow, Finn & Emma among many others and has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Byrdie, Pop Sugar and many popular maternity podcasts. Her social media community is growing every day with 480K followers on TikTok and 330K on Instagram, and her book 101 Natural Baby Hacks is slated for release by BenBella Books in 2024.
As the founder of Kahlmi, the 1st baby massage brand, she launched the first bonding and massage tool for babies/children called the “Theragun for Babies” featuring Acu-touch technology and vibration to help families connect, calm and comfort.
Meet Nora and Ani, two best friends who share an extraordinary journey. Years of fertility treatments led them to the joy of motherhood, but parenthood brought the challenge of sleepless nights and restless babies. Determined to help babies sleep better, they created a groundbreaking swaddle, the Norani Snugababe™ Swaddle Pod.
Their swaddle, endorsed by both parents and healthcare professionals, gently secures a baby's arms within specially designed armholes, mimicking the womb's comfort for peaceful sleep.
Through their YouTube channel and Instagram presence, they share their experiences and offer practical tips for parents navigating the unpredictable world of baby sleep. Nora and Ani's mission is simple: to make motherhood easier and more enjoyable for parents everywhere. With their innovative swaddle, they provide a solution that allows parents to rest easier and babies to sleep better, all while understanding the challenges of parenthood.
Today, we're going to tackle a topic that every parent dreads – the notorious 10-month sleep regression. If you've ever experienced those seemingly endless nights with your restless little one or if you're gearing up for that stage, this episode is tailored just for you.
If you have short naps, frequent wakings overnight, or are trying to Google how long 10-month sleep regression lasts or how you can get over it, we have you covered.
Episode Highlights
Is there a sleep regression at 10 months?
- How long does 10-month-old sleep regression last?
- Why is my 10-month-old suddenly not sleeping?
- Why has my 10-month-old started waking up at night again?
In this episode, Courtney explores the reasons why babies often fall asleep while nursing or on a bottle and offers practical solutions for managing this situation. Listeners will gain insights into the sleep patterns and needs of infants and will learn strategies for gently adjusting their baby's sleep routine to help ensure they are getting enough to eat while still enjoying quality rest
Anna Fuller is the Founder and CEO of Halo, a social shopping website for new moms. Sign up for texts from Halo to get access to exclusive weekly deals on the most sought-after baby products. Sign up here: shoponhalo.com.
Anna started Halo after having a baby and discovering how overwhelming and expensive it is to buy all the products you need. Given her 10+ year background in e-commerce, she knew that she could create something better for moms like her.
Anna previously led product teams at Google Shopping and top mobile commerce platform Branding Brand. Her work has been featured in TechCrunch, the New York Times, The Verge, on Good Morning America, and at the top of the Apple App Store. She received an MBA from Carnegie Mellon and currently lives in Seattle, where she loves exploring the outdoors with her partner and 1-year-old daughter.
Join me as I welcome Jennifer Saxton, the Founder & CEO of Tot Squad, as we share a Huge Announcement that will support parents nationwide with access to their most desired services, coaching, and support.
Jennifer started Tot Squad in 2011 during her time at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She began in Los Angeles, CA, serving local families with car seat installation, safety checks, and baby gear cleaning. Today, she is thrilled to share and grow the new Tot Squad, where we offer every service a parent, caregiver, or parent-to-be needs via our team of trained and caring parenting experts across some of the largest retailers nationwide.
In this episode, Courtney dives into the topic of breastfeeding, pumping, and how to integrate pumping into your unique journey with your baby.
We cover five main frequently asked questions from new moms that we see here at Tiny Transitions in our sleep coaching agency.
Give Your Kids the Emotional Tools They Need to Navigate Life Well, Even if you have Limited Time and Knowledge.
Join me this week on the Kids Sleep Show as I am joined by Todd Marchant, Founder of Be Whole Do Good, as he shares an amazing new course, created by himself and his wife Ashley, around navigating emotions and how to help kids healthily process them. This course is geared to help kids of all ages feel confident and prepared to handle the emotional outcome of whatever they face in life.
I am blessed to have him on the show to talk more about it, the realities of parenting, and the joy and heartbreak we all experience in this game. This is a don't-miss episode.
Ready to relax and reset with your family, build memories, and explore new things? On today’s episode, we highlight the five tips you need to consider before & during your vacation to ensure everyone gets maximum enjoyment from the trip.
Join Slumber Pod Co-Founder Katy Mallory as she joins us on the Kids Sleep Show to discuss all the places and spaces where you can use your SlumberPod for many years with your infant & toddler. This is by far one of our favorite products and we are blessed to share this episode with you all - because you NEED to have this one on your registry checklist!
Katy Mallory is the co-founder and CEO of SlumberPod. Katy and her mother (Lou Childs) were inspired to invent SlumberPod and start the company following a few sleepless nights on a family trip. SlumberPod is a quick assembly privacy pod that covers a playard, mini crib or toddler mattress -- giving baby their own dark and private place to sleep while sharing a room with family. Since launching SlumberPod in 2016, the company has helped more than 200,000 families with small children sleep better while traveling or at home. Prior to co-founding SlumberPod, Katy worked in corporate America in Marketing/Internal Communications.
SlumberPod is launching additional products in the coming months and looks forward to further helping families rest well and enjoy more of what life has to offer.
Episode Highlights: Katy and Courtney chat about the idea behind SlumberPod, it’s many unique places and spaces it can go, and the longevity you can get from a single product. We all know sleep, especially when traveling is important, and this product is a slam dunk.
Join us today as I welcome one of our own, Sr. Sleep Consultant, Postpartum Educator, and CLC {pending}, Ms. Erin Forish, our resident Expecting Parent and Newborn Coach, as we lay it all out on the table about the realities of a newborn babies sleep, schedules and navigating the first 12 weeks.
Join us today as I welcome Laura Berens, the Founder & CEO of Love & Fit, an amazing company, focusing on comfortable athletic wear for postpartum and nursing moms that we are in LOVE with here at Tiny Transitions. We get candid on running a big business as a mom, the idea behind Love & Fit, plus what makes their product line so unique for new & seasoned moms!
Laura is amazing, so I hope you tune in!
Join us today as we sit down with Anna Macsaulka, the founder of Zenimals, as we discuss the benefits of meditation in children, her story and struggle with anxiety as a child, and the power & impact this product can have for our youth.
Zenimal was founded in 2017 by Anna Peterson Macsalka, an entrepreneur who wanted to help people lead healthier, more joyful lives through meditation. She believed that meditation could help everyone, both adults and children, to navigate our endlessly connected, fast-paced world.
Join us today as we discuss sensory integration, all those sensory systems we DON’T know about, and how they impact both children diagnosed with ADHD/autism and neuro-typical little ones.
Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L joined Harkla in early 2021 as the team’s in-house experts and are our guests on the Podcast today.
They are both Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who specialize in Sensory Integration and Primitive Reflex Integration. Their goal at Harkla is to empower and educate families, caregivers, therapists, and educators and ultimately create strong, confident children!
This week, I got the chance to sit down with Jen Acuna, the Founder of Bessie’s Best, and her head of Marketing, Brittany on their 10-year anniversary of Bessie’s Best! We chat about why lactation cookies work, the HUGE difference in their cookie vs. others on the market, and how this amazing business has seen so much success, helping thousands of mothers successfully breastfeed their little one’s. They were my favorite to interview, and so down to earth, I hope you tune in!
Join Courtney Zentz, a Sleep Coach for Toddlers & the Founder of Tiny Transitions, as she dives into the world of sleep and behavior in your children. Toddler bedtime battles and overnight asks can be intrusive to their sleep and yours, and on today’s show, Courtney teaches us a valuable princile to change that and where to begin BEFORE you call Tiny Transitions Sleep Consulting.
Join Courtney as she welcomes the Founder of M.O.A.B.S.- Amy Lundy. Forget everything you know about baby showers, because this event is unlike anything you have ever experienced. The Mother of All Baby Showers® (MOABS) is an adults-only night full of resources, support and education from experts, peers and hand-picked local and national brands. New and expectant parents who attend are showered, educated and entertained all under one roof. On the show, we discuss the cities, the expectations and what new fun things are in the mix this year!
A big milestone for any family - sending the little one off to daycare or pre-K for the first time! It can be an exciting yet challenging time, but with a good routine and plenty of patience, you’ll be helping your toddler take their first steps into independence. In today’s episode, we cover how to make the transition a smooth one.
I am so blessed to welcome Dr. Taylor Day to the show this week. "Dr. Tay" is a licensed clinical psychologist. She specializes in the diagnosis and intervention of autism.
She also feels passionate about supporting parents as they navigate the autism journey. Dr. Tay developed The Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ, which is a comprehensive model including evidence-based interventions for autistic children and their siblings and coaching parents to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings.
Her methods focus on promoting neurodiversity and listening to autistic voices. Dr. Tay provides high-touch, concierge clinical services in 30+ states and coaching services worldwide.
Let's jump into the episode and meet Dr. Tay!
Parents, it's normal to feel both excited and a little apprehensive when your baby is starting daycare for the first time. It can be a big transition for both you and your baby, but with some preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In today’s episode, I share tips to help make the transition easier for you both.
As tired parents look to troubleshoot their baby's sleep challenges, they often go down a checklist of potential problems. Is the baby teething? Are they hungry? Did they poop? Could this be a sleep regression? Why are naps so short? Will they ever sleep through the night?
Parents have no shortage of questions, but today, we are diving into the answers for you so you, too, can bring rest back into your home.
This week, on the Kids Sleep Show, I am joined by Prince Lionheart CEO, Kelly McConnell, as we chat about the history of this now 50-year-old company and what makes them the GO-TO company for all the products parents need to make parenting a touch easier.
In the show, we cover:
- The best selling products they have & why you need them.
- The quality promise & commitment
- What makes their diaper bin a MUST HAVE
- The real reason you need a Wipe Warmer
- and SOO much more!
Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her new company, Bubl & the exciting innovation coming this spring!
In today's episode, I cover some of the most frequently asked questions about an 8 month old's sleep, such as:
- What are 8 month old wake windows?
- What causes the 8 month old sleep regression?
- how much daytime sleep for 8 month old is right?
- 8-month-old sleep schedule?
- What is the 'ideal' 2 nap schedule for 8 month old?
- What is the 8-month-old sleep schedule for waking at 6 am?
- How do you manage daycare nap schedules with an 8 month old?
For more on this topic, view our resources at tinytransitions.com
On today's show, I am honored to speak with Sandy J. Green, a CLC and breast pumping expert. She joins be today to help new mothers navigate the world of pumping, including how to start pumping, when you should start pumping, what a schedule for pumping should look like and things to be aware of that could impact your milk supply.
At 18 months, a shift happens in children that can last for many years to come. That shift is independence, curiosity, and learning of boundaries. As parents, we can sometimes find we are caught in limbo when we get here, and suddenly, sleep is the first thing to derail. This episode is for you if your child won't stay in their bed, won't sleep through the night, takes short naps, or is waking up before the roosters come in and find you.
In this episode, I share why kids get out of bed and what you can do to keep them there effectively.
This week, I welcome Allie Ticktin, the Founder of Play 2 Progress, a fantastic organization dedicated to helping kids build critical developmental skills through play. They educate, empower, and guide families on their journey through childhood.
Based in California but educating families throughout the world with her book, Allie and her team are changing the way we engage with our youth.
On the show today, we dive into sensory play, the importance of understanding what our children are seeking, and why it's crucial that even from birth we are playing with our children. Allie is AMAZING and I am excited to share this episode with you.
When babies come out of the womb, they are exposed to a whole new world, and for several weeks, wish they were still tucked up cozy in your belly.
In today's episode, I share some tips for using the 5 S's to calm and sooth an upset baby.
Join me as I welcome Michelle Mintz, M.S., CCC-SLP, The Early Development Expert, & the creator of Baby Blooming Moments™, a unique, one-on-one parent coaching experience, virtually or in person, empowering parents, siblings, grandparents, and nannies to enrich the way they interact with their babies and toddlers. Michelle develops personalized, proactive strategies to help families transform everyday in-the-moment interactions into valuable, teachable opportunities. Implementing her strategies and hands-on activities throughout the day helps increase communication, brain connections, learning, and social development during those crucial early formative years when the most impactful brain development occurs – which helps all babies and toddlers bloom! Michelle, who earned her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from U.C. Santa Barbara and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University before establishing her private practice in Santa Monica, CA in 1995, has decades of experience working with families. She is also the author of All Done Binky!, a book to help support families with babies and toddlers weaning off pacifiers.
You finally got your cute and chunky little one to sleep through the night, then, just a few weeks later, all of a sudden, your 18-month-old freaks out when you leave the room. Ugh, separation anxiety? Afraid of the dark? Now… you find yourself sitting with your new toddler until they fall asleep and eventually co-sleeping with them overnight because you don’t know what else to do- if you don’t, they lose their mind. Join me today on this episode as I break this sleep regression down and discuss the major shift that happens at this age.
October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month and Pregnancy & Infant Loss Month. In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Alison Jacobson, the CEO of First Candle, an organization whose mission is to educate about safe sleep and also support those who have lost a child.
Alison Jacobson has been involved with First Candle for over 20 years following the loss of her first son to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death in 1997. For six years she served on the Board of Directors and continued to play a role as spokesperson and consultant.
Ms. Jacobson assumed the role of Executive Director/ CEO in 2016 and has since guided the organization through a rebranding and renewed focus on addressing the racial disparities in the rates of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths and how implicit bias and social determinants of health factor into these deaths. This led to the development of First Candle’s safe sleep and implicit bias training program for care providers, Straight Talk for Infant Safe Sleep and their community-based parent education program Let’s Talk Chats for safe sleep and breastfeeding. Her collaborative work with organizations and agencies including the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, the March of Dimes, the NICHD, HRSA, CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics has helped her forward the organization’s mission to get every baby to their first birthday.
As a SIDS mom herself, providing bereavement support services to families who have experienced a loss is also a top priority for her. She personally works with families and oversees First Candle’s online support groups.
Prior to her role in the child safety area, Ms. Jacobson was SVP at Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s largest PR firms, where she led business development initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and developed rebranding campaigns and launch programs for numerous consumer brands.
Ms. Jacobson is the mom of four children, stepmom to another two and care giver for her husband with Multiple Sclerosis and son with intellectual disabilities. She also serves on the Board of STAR Inc., a not–for-profit organization serving individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities.
https://firstcandle.org/
Happy 1st Birthday!..... Now, another sleep regression. What happens at the pivotal birthday and what can you do as parents to keep your infant sleeping well and you sleeping well during so many developmental and physical changes?
Don't worry - we dive into that in today's episode, to ensure you keep that amazing sleep you all need to be your best.
If you are a family member is struggling with sleep, check out TinyTransitions.com for amazing sleep coaching, support, and resources to solve your sleep struggle.
Baby eczema is a common skin condition that affects infants. Baby eczema affects an estimated 15% to 20% of infants under age 2 here in the US.
Symptoms of baby eczema usually begin during the first six months and include dry skin, itchy skin, a bumpy rash, and skin discoloration.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors causes baby eczema and we dive deeper into that today with Dr. Katie Sherer, Founders of the BioID Clinic and Sherer Chiropractic, located in Godfrey, IL.
Early morning wakings are such a systematic {& complicated} challenge for many parents. In this episode, I share with you more details about ensuring you set your child up for the right alignment in the day, to yield a "normal" wake-up after 6:00 am. Plus, I discuss sleep cycle counting, and exactly how to fix what might have turned into a habit of waking to see you.
Is it OK to co-sleep? How does the APP weigh in, and what does safe sleep look like - perspectives from a Baby Sleep Coach.
Sleep regressions are hard, but they don't have to derail your sleep or sleep success. Whether it's the 7-month, 8-month, or 9-month sleep regression, in this episode, I explain why sleep regressions happen and how to fix them.
The toddler tornado - we know that all too well here at Tiny Transitions Sleep Coaching. So many of our clients struggle with a toddler's bedtime, and I am here to help. In this episode, I share the five essential parts crucial to building a bond, balancing behavior, and helping your child drift peacefully to bed for the night.
A common question from many new families is when should a child sleep through the night. The answer, well. It depends - some babies do it between 8-12 weeks and for others, it can take months. Listen and learn how to identify the main inhibitors to your baby getting that solid 11-12 hours of rested sleep.
Every child is unique and we help you feel confident that you are providing for your baby right now when they need you the most.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Mark and Hannah, the founders of Sleep Out Curtains, a revolutionary and ‘green’ curtain that can take your sleep to the next level, at home or on the go. Join me as we journey with them and how Sleepout came to be, plus the other exciting things they are working on to make your sleep successful.
In this episode, I am joined by Angela Stuart, a Sleep Consultant on my Slumber Squad from Austin, TX, and our resident Toddler Expert to discuss some tools and strategies parents should have to reset their little ones’ sleep at bedtime and through the night.
In this episode, I dive into the weird time between 3 months old and 4 months old, when things “should” be stabilizing but seem to get a mess again. What’s happening?? Listen to this episode and you will answer that question.
In this episode, I dive into the topic of solids, when to pull back on them if baby isn’t sleeping well, what type of solids are nutritionally awesome. I discuss how solids impact a child sleeping well and how you help my baby to sleep through the night and know they are not hungry and don’t need to eat.
In this episode, I dive into a conversation on Melatonin, how it’s used, how it works in the body, what foods contain melatonin, and what you should understand about this hormone.
Many times, there is ‘something’ a toddler seeks that leads you into their bedroom multiple times a night, causing them to no longer sleep through the night and causing a sleep regression for weeks and sometimes months. In this episode, I explain a situation with a recent client about the lost lovie overnight and how we changed his behavior and stopped the overnight wakings
In this episode, we discuss what might cause a 5-month sleep regression and how to ensure you don’t get stuck in it. This is also a common time for a nap transition, so we share the sample schedule of that transition and what the timing should look like.
In this episode, we cover all about how to help a baby take the full feedings they need to grow, but without creating the habit of eating “to sleep” that many new parents struggle with.
There are many swaddle transition products on the market, but in honor of safe sleep month, I am discussing today the Baby Merlin Magic Sleep Suit and the main reasons we love it for infants from 3 - 9 months old to support healthy and safe sleep.
In this episode, we steer away from sleep and focus more on resetting yourself as a busy mom, to ensure you are caring for yourself, because let’s face it, you are no good to your family when you have nothing left to give. This exercise, which takes just a handful of minutes to complete, can help you bring attention to and reboot the balance you feel in your daily life. Identify gaps and understand how to reintroduce them in the day through aligned action.
As promised, here is a link to my exercise!
https://tinytransitions.com/episode-92-present-over-perfect-how-to-reboot-your-balance-as-a-busy-mom/
How do you balance naps that are not in a crib or bed, but can still be restorative in nature? In this episode, we cover the right way to manage the realities and demands of being parents but still having a life out and about and a child who sleeps well. As a sleep consultants, we coach parents on achieving their sleep goals, based on their normal.
- Free Sleep Community: Slumber Made Simple
- Free Discovery Call with a Sleep Coach on my team.
- A blog where I further dive into this with 2 child sleep coaches, Chris & Lauren Nosal, the “sleep forward family” out of St. Louis, MO, who manage 4 kids under 6 as busy working parents!
In this episode, we review the main times that parents are ready to hire a sleep consultant for their baby or toddler?
- Are you a new mom with a newborn who doesn’t sleep?
- Are you transitioning back to work and need a baby on a schedule?
- Do you have a new arrival coming?
- Is baby not yet sleeping through the night?
- Are naps short and do you lack a schedule?
- Is your toddler’s behavior getting worse and they won’t stay in their bed or sleep well through the night?
Resources: The Blog - search for the sleep struggle you have and build back healthy sleeping into your home.
Free Sleep Community: Slumber Made Simple Facebook Sleep Community
Free Discovery Call with a Sleep Coach on my team
Courtney discusses ways to help baby transition from breast to bottle.
- Start before baby is ravenous
- Have a relative give the bottle
- Quiet / Calm place.
- Change the Position/ Forward Facing
- Different Bottles
- Different Nipple Flow / Design
- Medicine Pacifier
- Top off with the bottle after 1 breast offered
In this episode, Courtney talks all about when supported sleep in your newborn infant and toddler becomes a problem and the key ways to balance supported and independent sleep.
In this episode, Courtney speaks about pacifiers and their use in newborns, infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. She addresses first, how to identify if you even have an issue with it, then what are the ways to get rid of it for good if necessary and how long does that transformation take?
In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing a prior sleep client of Tiny Transitions, who went on to have twins and develop her own amazing sleep swaddle that is unique and oh-so-amazing. Double the swaddle does = double the sleep and in this episode, we get right down to how this product can work for your newborn too!
With supported sleep, i.e. anything you do to ‘help’ baby settle, there is a balance to ensure they are learning the skill of sleep and to self-settle, with the reality that cuddle naps, car-rides and a walk in the stroller is a nice way to break up the day. I explain how to live that 80/20 balance the right way, and still good longer naps and keep the baby sleeping through the night.
Resources:
Slumber Made Simple Facebook Sleep Community
In this episode, I discuss how to know the pacifier is the trouble behind your child’s sleep struggles and sleeping through the night. Many sleep consultants will tell you straight away to get rid of it, but I don’t look at it so black and white and explain when it can stay and when it needs to go.
Resources:
Slumber Made Simple Facebook Sleep Community
Join me as I interview the founder of Dreamland Baby Co, Tara Williams as we explore her journey to launching a weighted swaddle and blanket for children.
Resources:
Dreamland Baby Co
Facebook Group Slumber Made Simple
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links and I only recommend products I personally use / recommend to my clients and trust.*
When should you supplement melatonin for children and what advice I would give parents thinking of doing so to try first, before getting to this point.
Resources: Facebook Group Slumber Made Simple
In this podcast, Courtney dives deep in detail as to what is causing your baby a little to struggle with early morning wakings, no longer sleeping through the night, short naps, and how to fix the root cause of the early wakings before having to result in hiring a sleep consultant or sleep training.
Links:
- Black Out Blinds
- Black Out Liner from Hobby Lobby
- Sleep Resources
- Baby Dressing Guide
- Free Sleep Coaching Group
In this podcast, I discuss when the right age is to drop a nap, how to tell it’s time, and when you might need to keep or re-add that nap in, to maintain balance in your toddlers day.
Join Courtney as she interview Dr. Katie Sherer as we discuss the importance of nutrition postpartum, the microbiome and the impact a diet can have on your hormones, mental clarity, sleep and digestive balance as adults and in our children.
As adults, we sleep with pillows and blankets, but for children, the guidelines are different, as are their sleep preferences. In today’s episode, we discuss when it makes sense to introduce them and also, hacks for babies under 12 months, who can’t use them from a safe sleep standpoint, but still may love the comfort of soft sheets or a wearable blanket.
Sleep regressions alone can be a challenge, then add teething into the mix and many parents can feel unsure as to the real reason their kid is not sleeping through the night. Today, we review how to assess if the wakings are teething related or perhaps, your little one has built up a small habit that you need to address.
Can you Co-Sleep and Sleep Train? On this episode, Courtney talks all about that for infants and toddlers, what that means for your family sleep dynamic and the steps to take if you are ready to reclaim your bed sans kid.
Link to this free guide
Title: The 5 Tips for More Sleep Tonight for your Kid https://tinytransitionsdownloadables.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Get+Your+Sleep+Back.pdf
Newborns at 3 months shift and leap dramatically at 3 months, and their sleep can sometimes derail, causing that dreaded 4 month sleep regression. In this episode, I discuss why it’s happening, now to balance their day to set them up for overnight success and a sample schedule for a 3 or 4 month old baby to follow!!
Balance life as a busy mother, balancing the mountain of responsibilities and still finding time to be preset for your family are what we are digging into today with Dana Stone, founder of LiveandRest.com {https://liveandrest.com/}
IG https://www.instagram.com/thedanastone/
As a parent, sleep is the holy grail. When you go into each bedtime wondering just how it's going to go, that can be very stressful. Today, Courtney Zentz, Pediatric Sleep Coach & Founder of Tiny Transitions, breaks down what the main causes of overnight sleep struggles are and how to identify and change what you are doing, to give your child the gift of sleep.
As we prepare to spring forward this episode will teach you how to keep your kids sleep well!
In this episode, Courtney discusses how to effectively manage the skipping time zones when traveling with a child and what it should look like for you to balance sleep. She also further dives into traveling with a child and nap management on long car rides / overnight trips.
In this episode, Courtney dives into the root cause of separation anxiety in children and the 5 things you can do to build a healthy relationship with your child and minimize the severity of separation anxiety in infants and toddlers.
In this episode, Courtney speaks with Sarina Weaver, a School Psychologist in the Philadelphia area, working specifically with children who have special needs. We discuss the diagnosis of autism, sensory processing, and working to support healthy sleep in children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
In this episode, Courtney dives more into the world of Pediatric Sleep Coaching and Consulting. In this space, it’s important to understand a few key things as you assess the person you want to entrust in supporting your family's journey to sleep.
In this episode, Courtney chats all about the dreading sleep regressions that happen, mainly in our first year. She uncovers the cognitive, physical and developmental leaps that can cause them and how to ensure you don’t backslide on the sleep progress that you have made on your journey with your baby.
In this episode, Courtney reviews the common mistakes parents make when they are “DIY” sleep training. She discussed the methods to sleep training and what key things ensure you reach sleep success in your home.
In this episode, Courtney discusses the ideal bedtime routine duration, environment and order of ‘events,’ to ensure your child’s body has the ability to calm and settle before rest, at the optimal time. Consistency in this routine helps the body to know sleep is coming and prepare itself for rest.
In this episode, Courtney discusses the #1 thing that parents overlook, which leads to hours of tears, trouble settling, kids not sleeping through the night and early morning waking. With some adjustments and better alignment, everyone will wake up feeling more refreshed.
In this episode, Courtney discusses the 3 easy changes that parents can make immediately, to help ensure you are setting you and your child up for sleep success tonight. When parents miss these 3 key things, it can cause more tears, more trouble going to sleep and more trouble staying asleep.
There are 3 changes you can make today in your child's room to get more sleep tonight. First, we discuss the use of night lights in a child's room, something I see frequently as a sleep consultant. Next, we discuss ambient lighting from the gadgets, timers, monitors, etc that are emitted from devices. Finally, we discuss body clock management to avoid overtired and ensure your infant or toddler has the right bedtime.
1:06 - Lighting in the bedroom
3:30 - Darkness and their circadian rhythm
8:00 - Are newborns & infants afraid of the dark?
9:00 - Ambient light in the room
11:00 - Devices in the Bedroom - Yay or Nay?
14:47 - Balance in the Day
If you want to know all about doulas, this is the podcast episode for you. Courtney is joined by Ava Ellis of Womb and Wellness to discuss the role that a doula plays in your pregnancy and birth journey.
All too often we forget to make time for ourselves, especially when we have a little one to look after. Courtney is joined by Julia Hickman, @thepetitefastinista, to discuss the ways you can take care of yourself as a mother.
If your child is sleeping with you or in your room, you might be missing a piece of your independence. Courtney discusses when it might be time to help your child move into their own room.
Courtney is joined by Miss Leslie, a virtual nanny. They discuss the role of childcare during COVID-19 and what options you can consider for your child during these times.
During these times, many children are suffering from anxiety and too much stress. Courtney is joined by reiki master teacher and author Sophie Shaw to discuss how reiki and meditation can be beneficial for children, especially those with anxiety.
With the more recent trend of weighted blankets, you may be wondering if adding one to your baby's sleep routine is a good idea. Courtney has all the answers for you in this episode.
One of the most difficult parts of divorce is approaching the subject with your children. Courtney is joined by Dr. Tara Egan, a therapist, parent coach, and author to discuss the ways divorce effects children and how you can handle the subject smoothly.
An easy-to-understand look at how your child's body produces hormones to regulate their sleep so you can better understand how to help them be well-rested and of sound mind.
Courtney is joined by Malva Gasowski, parenting coach and couples counselor, to talk all about what Positive Parenting is and how you can implement it into your life to be the best parent you can be.
Divorce is a difficult situation for an entire family. Stress and separated homes can impact sleep for everyone involved, including your children. Courtney discusses some ways to navigate sleep through divorce and separation.
Joined by Kristina Campos, founder of The Impactful Parent, to discuss how children handle anger, and how you can help them process these sensitive feelings.
Is your child ready to make the transition from two naps a day to one? Courtney has all the advice you're looking for in today's podcast so you can make the transition smoothly and comfortably.
So many moms struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety, many without even realizing that is what they are experiencing. Courtney is joined by Gunjani Patel, a licensed therapist, to discuss ways to handle PPD and PPA so that you can enjoy your new life to the fullest.
One of the most useful tools for helping your children sleep is the OK to Wake Up clock. Courtney discusses their benefits and how you can implement them into your family's routine to make the mornings run a little smoother.
Courtney is joined by Wendy Valente, interior designer and mother of an autistic child, discuss together how you can design your home to the needs of your child.
You've just figured out your child's sleep schedule, and then daylight savings comes and throws everything off. Courtney is here to help you and your little one figure out the best way to fall back.
Courtney is joined by lactation expert Jada Glover. They discuss the common difficulties that come with breastfeeding, and how to provide you and your baby with the proper nutrition during this precious time.
Many parents dread sleep regressions with moving because they know it could mean tears, frustration, and a lack of sleep for you too. What if you didn't have to worry at all?
Courtney is joined by Christine Robenalt, a physical therapist who specializes in sensory regulation for children. They discuss how to recognize and adapt to the ways we all process our senses differently, especially in our little ones.
If you're concerned about the sleep your child is (or isn't) getting at daycare, this episode is for you. Courtney discusses 5 things to keep in mind concerning the sleep kids get in daycare.
Courtney breaks down the things that happen to your baby's sleep at around 8 months of age. Tips, tricks, and managing the stress that might come along with your little one reaching another milestone.
Courtney is joined by Mary Kerwin, founder of Confident Parenting. It's a challenging time for parents! They discuss how to stay confident in your parenting so your children can stay confident as well, even when the world seems an uncertain place.
Amidst all of the excitement of being a new mom, your baby is learning how to sleep. Courtney breaks down the sleep needs of a newborn.
Courtney is joined by Aparna Venkataraman, founder of Beauty in Parenting. They discuss the ways to help you and your child stay present during times like these that are filled with anxiety.
We're all feeling overwhelmed with the return to school, especially during a pandemic. This episode discusses the switch from summer break into the school year, and how to get your bedtime routine back on track.
Making the transition from 2 naps a day to 1 might seem daunting, but Courtney is here to walk you through it. Use these tips to help your little one grow into a great sleeper with just one nap a day.
This episode breaks down the use of pacifiers for sleep, when they are acceptable, and how you can make the transition away from them when it's right for your child.
In this episode, Courtney explains the dreaded 8, 9, and 10 month sleep regression, what that means for your little one, and how you can approach it in a way that leads to sleep success.
In this episode, Courtney sits down with the founder of Wholeheartedly Danielle Betteman, also the host of Podcast Failing Motherhood and talks about the balance of managing motherhood, a pandemic and how to keep your child's cup half full, even when you feel yours is half empty.
Courtney is joined by Jariell Campbell, founder of Your Birth Network. They chat about navigating mental health as a new mom, finding your support system, and the option to invest in a Digital Doula during these challenging times.
If you missed day five of my Save Your Sanity boot camp, here is the recap of the information given!
If you missed day four of my Save Your Sanity Bootcamp, here is the recap of the information I covered!
If you missed day three of my Save Your Sanity Bootcamp, here is a recap of day three's information!
If you missed day two of my Save Your Sanity Bootcamp, here is a recap of the information!
If you missed my Save Your Sanity Bootcamp, here is Day One so you can still gather the information!
It's tough to decide when it's the appropriate time to night wean. In this episode, I discuss when it's time, tips on how to night wean, and some common mistakes parents make when night weaning.
During these challenging times, balancing giving your child attention and handling everyday struggles is difficult. In this episode, I talk about how to create a special one on one time and its importance for your children.
Rolling from back to belly is an important milestone for your child. In this episode, I discuss its importance, safety, and development of the skill.
"Why won't my little one take longer naps?", this is a question I often get asked by parents. In this episode, I share the five most common reasons short naps are happening.
Summer's finally here and you know what that means, family vacation! In this episode, Courtney offers tips and tricks to keep your little one on a sleep schedule.
In this episode, Courtney guides you through knowing when it's time to wean overnight feedings and how to compensate with daytime feedings. She wraps up the conversation with the steps you can take to start the weaning process.
Ever wondered why your little ones wake from sleep crying? In this episode, Courtney dives into the science behind waking up crying and reasons why it may be happening. She wraps up the discussion by offering helpful tips to stop crying from wake-ups.
In this episode, Courtney covers an important topic parents often forget: mindset and self-care. She dives into the importance of mindset and self-care, especially during this time. She discusses the benefits of self-care and how it can help you parent.
In this episode, Courtney is joined by Zenimal founder, Anna MacSalka to discuss her new product. They talk about mindfulness mediation and its benefits, including better sleep!
Overview: Naps can be a difficult beast. In this episode, Courtney covers the awake windows for the first year of life. She then tackles when to transition naps throughout the first few months and when to go from two to one nap. Finally, she dives into creative ways to get your little one down for a nap.
What To Expect:
- The first four months and nap transitions (1:30)
- Four and six month transitions (3:00)
- When to go from two to one nap (6:00)
- What age should you drop naps (9:15)
- Creative ways to get your little one to nap (11:00)
Overview: In this episode, Courtney talks all about swaddles. She talks about the different kinds, her favorite products, and their benefits. Finally, she discusses when to know it’s time to transition and her recommended products.
What to expect:
- How position in utero affects swaddle type (2:00)
- Different swaddle products and their benefits (4:11)
- How to know when to change swaddles (6:00)
- What is a swaddle transition product and when to use it (9:05)
- Courtney’s favorite swaddle transition products (9:50)
Overview: In this episode, Courtney talks about the twelve reasons behind early morning wakings. She discusses the external factors like lighting and noise. Then, she dives into the internal factors for your little ones waking like motivation and overtiredness. Finally, she wraps it up with nap adjustments and bedtime.
What To Expect
- Importance of naptime to bedtime ratio (1:47)
- The reason overtiredness and drowsiness causes early morning wakings (3:09)
- Habit vs Hunger and early morning wakings ( 4: 54)
- External lighting and noise and early morning wakings ( 6:20)
- Temperature, sickness, and motivation (9:19)
- Nap adjustments and bedtime (13:00)
- Waking to sleep (18:30)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleep in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
In this episode, Courtney talks about backtalk at bedtime. She talks about the science behind behavioral problems at bedtime and dives into disruptions during the bedtime routine. She goes into creating boundaries and consequences and giving your child choices at bedtime. Finally, she wraps up the podcast with the difference between consequence vs. shame, blame and pain method of discipline.
In this episode, Courtney talks about short naps and how to handle them. She discusses the reasons why short naps happen and how to lengthen them. Finally, she reviews ways to keep your child awake to avoid the dreaded “five-minute” nap.
What To Expect:
- Nap changes for 3 and 4 months old (1:31)
- Drowsiness and feedings (2:28)
- Making sure the baby is tired (5:00)
- Exercise and naps (7:27)
- Overstimulation and naps (8:20)
- The dreaded five-minute nap (10:00)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleeping in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
In this episode, Courtney talks about what a false start is, why they happen and how you can prevent them. She discusses ways children fall asleep which can cause false starts. Then, she goes over bedtime routines and how they can cause false starts. Finally, she examines the reasons for early wakings and how small adjustments can help end them.
What To Expect:
- What is a false start and what causes them (1:02)
- How motion can impact false starts at bedtime (3:28)
- Bedtime routines and false starts (4:47)
- Early wakings and false starts (9:47)
- Ways to end early wakings (11:00)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleeping in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
In this episode, Courtney discusses how the recent adjustments in schedules for your children with the COVID-19 pandemic may cause fear or anxiety, especially at bedtime. Courtney suggests ways to have discussions about eliminating fear and anxiety with your child. Finally, she offers helpful relaxation techniques you can use with your little one during these uncertain times.
What To Expect:
- What you can do to eliminate fear and anxiety at bedtime (1:00)
- Using journals to ease anxiety and fear (4:40)
- How to turn fears into a fun discussion (7:00)
- Other techniques: breathing, meditation, and consistency (8:09)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleeping in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
Resources
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don’t forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I discuss the most common culprit around your youngster's sleep, the dreaded sleep regression. I explain the causes, how you can get through them and how to stop them from ever impacting your child’s sleep success.
What To Expect:
- What is a Sleep Regression (1:00)
- The main causes of sleep regressions (1:50)
- The Want vs. Need dilemma (5:00)
- Teething & Sleep Regressions (8:27 )
- Setting boundaries around sleep (13:20)
- Environmental barriers to sleep (16:36)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleeping in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
Resources
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don’t forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I discuss all things naps! I talk about when to drop the nap, fussing over naptime, how you can make naptime fun and much more! Look out for the five minute nap, changing the sleep space and enticing your child to take a nap.
What To Expect
- When you should drop a nap( 1:36)
- Sleep Recommendations for ages 3-5 (2:15)
- The importance of quiet time (3:43)
- How to make a naptime sleep space fun (4:30)
- The “five minute” nap (6:38)
- Changing the sleep space (7:20)
Tune in on Apple or Android today!
Sleep can be a challenge and we are always here to help with great free training, downloads, and resources. Join my free Slumber Made Simple Facebook Group, I host monthly free training on Newborn Sleep and for children aged 4 months through 5 years in my Save Your Sanity Sleep Bootcamp, and share my secrets to sleep in my 7 Tips for Restful Sleep Guide, which you can access here and start changing your sleep today! Also, check out my Instagram for more tips and tricks to successful sleep!
In this episode, I discuss how to handle “springing” forward when it comes to sleep. I talk about sleep strategies to use to make the transition easier in all ages.
What To Expect:
- Why you shouldn’t panic when it comes to daylight savings and sleep (1:16)
- Bedtime adjustments for children 7 to 12 months (2:26)
- Bedtime adjustments for one-year-old and over (3:03)
- Body clock adjustments during this period (4:40)
- Why you need to invest in blackout blinds (5:23)
Resources
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don’t forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I discuss how caregivers and daycare can affect sleeping practices. I give ways to maximize your child’s day and the importance of awake windows. Finally, I talk all about balance and adjustments for kids in daycare or who are being left with a caregiver.
What To Expect:
- Understanding awake windows for children (1:25)
- Using sleep schedules with daycare and caregiver (3:30)
- Intake and food for children under one (5:50)
- Where naps should be happening (7:15)
- Balance and adjustments with children in daycare (9:17)
Resources
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don’t forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I discuss anxiety at bedtime. I talk about daytime schedules and how they lead to a good night routine. I offer tools & solutions to getting your little one down without upset or tears. Finally, I finish by discussing creating a sleep sanctuary for your child.
What To Expect:
Daytime schedules for school-aged children (3:00)
Anxiety solutions for bedtime (7:02)
How a kids sleep sanctuary can help with easing anxiety (10:42)
Resources
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don’t forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I talk about newborn sleep needs and sleep schedules. I discuss awake windows and how many hours of sleep a newborn needs. Finally, I talk about feedings, gas, reflux and managing wake-ups in the night.
What To Expect:
- Foundations of newborn sleep (00:56)
- What happens when newborns are overtired (2:45)
- Feeding schedules and nap times (3:45)
- Where naps should take place (6:00)
- Weighted feeds and healthy weight gain (10:30)
Resources:
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don't forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I talk about what sleep training looks like and why we need to remove that term from our vocabulary! I talk about the differences between identifying a want and a need at bedtime and overnight. Finally, I talk about tears and how our approach is gentle but effective, not letting children simply cry-it-out.
What to Expect:
- Why you need to stop using the phrase “sleep training” (1:07)
- The difference between a “want” and a “need” for bedtime (4:28)
- Why I use different approaches for every family (7:00)
- Tears at bedtime and why they aren’t always bad (10:19)
Resources:
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don't forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I talk about how much sleep kids need based on age. I give symptoms of when a child is overtired and how lack of sleep education leads to sleep deprivation. Finally, I give a sample sleep schedule and why it’s important to create a steady bedtime schedule.
What to expect:
- How much sleep kids need, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (00:38)
- How lack of sleep education leads to sleep deprivation (1:11)
- Sample sleep schedule with explanations (2:20)
- What happens when your child is overtired (3:28)
- When should you take away technology (8:30)
- Why you should create a bedtime schedule
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don't forget to subscribe!
In this episode, I review what a pediatric sleep consultant does when working with families like yours to help your children sleep well. I discuss different approaches to sleep consulting and how the program runs. Finally, I will dive into other options to help your family through various workshops, and training events.
What to expect:
- What does a sleep consultant do? (1:02)
- My Interactive approach to helping you and your family get the sleep you need (1:40)
- How do you know if you need a sleep consultant (4:20)
- What questions to ask when you hire a sleep consultant (6:40)
- What other resources do I offer (9:00)
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don't forget to subscribe!
In this episode, Courtney Zentz, founder of Tiny Transitions will introduce you to her new podcast, The Kids Sleep Show. She will discuss what you should expect with this podcast and how she ended up here.
What to expect:
- This show is not just about sleep for little ones but also for the parents as well (2:35)
- The podcast will not only feature Courtney but doctors, lactation counselors, doulas, and CEOs of companies devoted to children (3:30)
- Courtney offers online classes, free consultations and has written and contributed to articles around sleep (4:00)
- Courtney will be using social media to engage with you and to request feedback or ideas for new topics (6:00)
- What is Courtney’s WHY? How becoming a new mother moved her passion from her former career to sleep and helping families (7:22)
- Courtney’s credentials and how her certifications and start brought her to being a nationally ranked sleep consultant (9:24)
- Teaching sessions on select topics using guests or her own expertise (10:00)
- The show will be on a weekly basis and include actionable strategies (11:00)
Slumber Made Simple Sleep Group
www.tinytransitions.com/community
https://www.instagram.com/tinytransitions_sleep_coach/
Don't forget to subscribe to the show!