205. Baby Sleep Myths: Why Wake Windows Aren’t Evidence-Based (and What to Do Instead)
Release Date: 09/16/2025
How Long 'Til Bedtime?
Every child is born with a unique sleep puzzle—and understanding that concept can completely change how you approach sleep challenges. In this episode, Allison breaks down why some children seem to sleep effortlessly while others struggle no matter how closely parents follow the “rules.” If you’ve read the books, followed the schedules, tried multiple methods, and still feel stuck, this episode is for you. Allison explains the idea of natural sleep talent and why sensitive sleepers often need a much more precise approach. Through personal stories from her own family—and a powerful...
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Is your toddler suddenly fighting bedtime, waking overnight, or making you question whether the crib is still working? In this episode, Allison breaks down one of the most common (and stressful) questions parents of toddlers face: Is it time to move from the crib to a bed? This question often comes up during moments of panic—sleep regressions, big life changes, or developmental leaps—but the answer isn’t always what parents expect. Allison walks through the three most common reasons families consider making the switch and offers an honest, experience-based take on each one. You’ll...
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What happens when retirement plans are suddenly replaced by bedtime routines, school drop-offs, and parenting kids after trauma? In this deeply moving episode, Allison sits down with Laura Brazan, host of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren podcast, to talk about the unexpected realities of becoming a full-time caregiver later in life. Laura shares her personal journey of raising two grandchildren after a family crisis — and how sleepless nights, behavioral challenges, and profound grief ultimately led her to create the world’s leading podcast for grandparents in this role. Together,...
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Allison answers five of the most common questions she hears from parents about toddler sleep. If you’re navigating pillows and blankets, sleep regressions, toddler clocks, crib-to-bed transitions, or nightlights, this episode is packed with clear, practical guidance you can use right away. This is a quick, approachable episode designed to give you clarity, reassurance, and confidence as you support your toddler’s sleep. You’ll learn: When it’s appropriate to introduce a pillow and blanket The most common toddler sleep regression and what triggers it How toddler clocks can support...
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We’re replaying this episode because it was the most downloaded, most shared, and most talked-about episode of 2025—and for good reason. Parents consistently told us this conversation changed the way they approached feeding, eased stress at mealtimes, and helped them feel more confident introducing solid foods. In this encore episode, Kim Grenawitzke from Solid Starts joins Allison for a deep, practical discussion on starting solids and supporting kids in becoming adventurous, confident eaters. Kim is the Senior Feeding and Swallowing Specialist at Solid Starts and a mom of two, and she...
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In today’s episode of How Long ’Til Bedtime?, Allison dives into one of the trickiest screen-time boundaries parents face: screens in the bedroom. Allison has always held a strong stance—no TVs, tablets, or phones in children’s bedrooms—and she’s breaking down exactly why this boundary matters, why it’s hard, and how to make it stick, even as kids get older. Inside the episode, you’ll hear: Why screens in the bedroom can disrupt melatonin, sleep onset, and overall sleep quality How the “one more video” cycle impacts bedtime behavior and makes transitions harder The...
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In this episode of How Long ’Til Bedtime?, Allison shares the story behind a moment of holiday reflection that shifted her entire approach to the season. After attending a women’s brunch centered around intention—not perfection—she found herself wondering how she truly wants to move through December, especially in a year filled with travel, transitions, and a quieter Christmas at home. A conversation at the dinner table with her kids opened her eyes to what actually matters most to them during the holidays—and spoiler alert: it wasn’t big events, complicated outings, or long lists...
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In this episode of How Long ’Til Bedtime?, we dive into one of the most common questions parents ask: How long does sleep training actually take — and how can you tell if it’s working? Allison breaks down the realistic timeline she sees when working one-on-one with families, why the process isn’t always linear, and what improvement should look like in the first week. You’ll learn: What progress typically looks like from night one through week two Why night four is a key milestone for evaluating success The difference between night sleep improvements and nap stabilization How...
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Night wakings can be one of the most confusing parts of early parenting — especially when you’re wondering whether your baby is waking out of hunger or habit. In this episode, Allison Egidi tackles one of the most common questions she gets as a certified sleep consultant: How do I know when my baby is ready to sleep through the night without feeding? Allison shares: The difference between true hunger and habitual night wakings Her experience helping her own daughter (and thousands of client families) through the night-weaning process Typical milestones that suggest your baby may be...
info_outlineAre you stressing over getting your baby’s wake windows just right? You’re not alone. Wake window charts are everywhere—on Instagram, in parenting groups, and even recommended by some sleep consultants. But here’s the truth: wake windows aren’t evidence-based.
In this episode of How Long ‘Til Bedtime?, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi explains where wake windows came from, why they often backfire, and what research actually shows about healthy baby and toddler sleep. You’ll learn:
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Why wake windows can create more stress than solutions
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How circadian rhythm—not wake window timing—drives quality sleep
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The power of consistent nap times and bedtime anchors
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What to focus on instead if wake windows aren’t working for your baby
If you’ve ever felt like your baby is “broken” because they won’t fit into a chart, this conversation will set you free. Instead of micromanaging wake times, Allison shows you how to build sustainable sleep habits rooted in evidence and your child’s natural rhythm.
Resources mentioned:
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From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long ’Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.
Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you’re trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you’re in the right place.
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Looking for expert guidance on your child’s sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old
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