How Long 'Til Bedtime? | Sleep and Parenting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

202. [ENCORE] The Key to Smooth Morning Routines for the School Year Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Mornings can set the tone for the entire day—especially during the school year. If you've ever felt frazzled trying to get your kids out the door, this episode is for you.

Allison shares her tried-and-true strategies for creating a smooth, stress-free morning routine, whether you're sending your child to daycare, preschool, or elementary school. From the three simple things she preps the night before, to dividing responsibilities with her spouse, to avoiding the most common morning time-waster, you'll learn practical tips you can start using tomorrow.

You'll hear:

Why a good night's sleep is the foundation for a smooth morning
The three prep steps that make the biggest difference
How to cut down on transitions (and meltdowns!)
The one change that could eliminate a major source of stress
Ways to adapt your routine when you're parenting solo in the mornings

With small adjustments and consistency, you can turn chaotic mornings into calm, productive starts.

Allison refers to Episode 91. A Simple Bedtime Routine That Takes 30 Minutes Or Less

Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Give your child the gift of better sleep. Allison's free, age-specific guides show you exactly how many hours of rest kids need to grow, learn, and thrive—no matter their age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime?

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On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review."
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Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

201. [ENCORE] What Your Child's Kindergarten Teacher Wishes You Knew with Meg Franco Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Kindergarten is a major milestone—for both kids and parents. So how can you best support your child's transition and set them up to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially?

In this encore episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi is joined by veteran kindergarten teacher Meg Franco for a warm and insightful conversation about what families can do before and during the school year to make the leap to kindergarten smoother for everyone. From managing separation anxiety to knowing what skills really matter on day one (hint: it's not reading!), this episode is full of practical advice and gentle encouragement.

Meg has been teaching kindergarten for 22 years and strives to instill in her students a love of school and learning. Throughout this episode, she offers a glimpse inside a kindergarten classroom with plenty of anecdotes and tips. Whether your child is starting kindergarten this fall or you're thinking ahead, Meg's compassionate approach and real-world experience will help you feel more prepared—and more at peace.

What You'll Learn:

What kindergarten teachers really want kids to be able to do on day one
How to foster independence and confidence at home
The truth about early academics—and what matters more than reading
How to handle drop-offs without prolonging the hard part
The role of routine, rest, and regulation during the kindergarten year
Why partnering with your child's teacher makes all the difference

Resources mentioned:

Episode 200. [ENCORE] What Your Child's Preschool Teacher Wishes You Knew with Elizabeth Lane

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

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.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime?

Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents.

On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review."
On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review.

Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date!

Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

200. [ENCORE] What Your Child's Preschool Teacher Wishes You Knew with Elizabeth Lane Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Sending your child off to preschool can be exciting—and emotional. But how can you really prepare your child (and yourself) for that big transition?

In this encore episode, Allison sits down with preschool teacher Elizabeth Lane to talk about everything she wishes parents knew before the first day of school. From fostering independence to navigating drop-off emotions to the real role parents play in early literacy, this conversation is full of practical, reassuring guidance you won't want to miss.

Whether your child is heading to preschool this fall or you're just curious about what to expect in the years ahead, this episode will leave you feeling informed and empowered.

You'll learn:

Why practicing independence at home (like putting on a coat or recognizing their name) makes a big difference
How to support your child's social-emotional development before and during the school year
The best ways to handle emotional drop-offs (without lingering or guilt!)
Why learning to read doesn't need to be rushed—and how to support a love of books
The power of teamwork between parents and teachers to help your child thrive

This episode is packed with insights to help you start the school year with confidence—and compassion for both you and your child. 💛

🎧 Listen now and share with a fellow preschool parent!

Resources mentioned:

Episode 101. The Key to Smooth Morning Routines for the School Year

Alphabreaths - the ABCs of Mindful Breathing

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—this is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, How Long 'Til Bedtime? delivers real solutions for everything 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, desperately want your evenings back, or just need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, we've got you covered.

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Please consider rating and reviewing the show. This helps Allison support more parents. Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the podcast, and select "Write a Review." And if you're a Spotify listener, you can now leave reviews on Spotify by clicking here. Also, if you subscribe to the show, you won't miss any episodes!

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199. [ENCORE] Back to School Sleep Tips: Elementary Schoolers Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

As the new school year approaches, it's time to bring structure back to our children's sleep schedules. In this second installment of Allison's back-to-school sleep series, we focus on elementary-aged children—a group especially impacted by the transition from summer to school routines.

Pediatric sleep coach, Allison Egidi shares practical tips to help parents reset their kids' internal clocks, plan for early wake-up times, and ensure they're getting the ideal amount of sleep for learning, behavior, and emotional regulation.

You'll hear:

Why sleep matters just as much as school supplies
The surprising impact of sleep on classroom behavior and academic performance
Allison's breakdown of realistic sleep needs by age (5–10 years old)
How to identify signs your child is sleep-deprived
Why a rescue bedtime might save your school week
How puberty starts to shift sleep rhythms (and what to do about it)

If your mornings are chaotic or your child struggles with focus or behavior during the school year, this episode offers clear guidance to help your whole family start strong.

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

Connect with Allison:

198. [ENCORE] Back to School Sleep Tips: Preschoolers and Daycare Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

It's that time of year again—school is starting, and for many families, that means earlier mornings, new routines, and some big adjustments in the sleep department.

In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi is sharing exactly how to help your toddler or preschooler ease into the school year with a healthy, sustainable sleep schedule. Whether your child is starting preschool, heading to daycare for the first time, or just coming off a relaxed summer schedule, these tips will help your entire household make the transition more smoothly—and with a lot less stress.

What You'll Learn:

How to determine your child's optimal amount of sleep
Why preschoolers and toddlers benefit from more sleep than you think
How to shift your schedule gradually before school starts
When to use "rescue bedtimes" and how they help
Why waking up naturally is the gold standard for kids
How to handle early risers while still maximizing sleep
What to expect (and not stress about!) with daycare naps and preschool cot sleeping
Strategies for navigating tricky half-day preschool schedules

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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197. Drowsy But Awake: Your Key to Avoiding the 4-Month Sleep Regression Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Is the 4-month sleep regression inevitable? Not necessarily. In this episode of How Long 'Til Bedtime?, pediatric sleep specialist Allison Egidi explains how practicing "drowsy but awake" before 4 months can help your baby sleep longer stretches and avoid the most disruptive parts of this sleep shift. Learn what "drowsy but awake" really means, how to start practicing it, and what to do if it's not going smoothly.

Whether you're a brand-new parent or you've got a 3-month-old who's suddenly waking every 45 minutes, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away.

What you'll learn:

What the 4-month sleep regression really is—and why I call it a progression
Why sleep starts to fall apart around this age (and what to do about it)
What "drowsy but awake" actually looks like in real life
A simple, gentle approach to helping your baby fall asleep in the crib
How to build the skill gradually—starting with just one nap a day
What to try if your baby wakes the second they hit the crib mattress
How to troubleshoot naps and wake windows to make sleep easier

Resources mentioned in the episode:

🎯 Have Baby, Need Sleep Program: Get week-by-week personalized guidance from birth through 20 weeks
📋 Listener Survey + Free 15-Minute Call: Tell me what you love, what you want more of, and get a free consult
🍼 Want help teaching independent sleep? Book a private consultation with Allison or a member of her team here

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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196. Daycare Naps vs. Bedtime Battles: What Parents Need to Know Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Struggling with bedtime battles that seem worse after daycare days? You're not alone—and today's episode of How Long 'Til Bedtime? is here to help you understand what's really going on.

In this episode, pediatric sleep specialist Allison Egidi breaks down the connection between daytime naps in daycare or preschool and the bedtime resistance you may be facing at home. If your 2.5 to 5-year-old naps at school and bedtime has become your least favorite time of day, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

Why most kids under 3.5 still need a daily nap or structured rest time
How naps improve emotional regulation, impulse control, and memory
What signs to look for to know if your child still needs a nap
Why capping naps—not cutting them—might be your secret weapon
How to set up a weekend reset plan to reclaim peaceful bedtimes
What to do when your child's daycare "won't wake a sleeping child"
When to consider a full bedtime reset (and how Allison can help)

👉 Resources mentioned in this episode:

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

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BONUS EPISODE: Allison Needs Your Help! Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

After 3.5 years and nearly 200 episodes, Allison is asking for a small but meaningful favor: would you take a few minutes to fill out a short listener survey? It'll help us shape future episodes to better meet your needs, and as a thank-you, you'll get a free 15-minute sleep coaching call with Allison—no strings attached.

Plus, complete the survey by July 31st and you'll be entered to win a WHOOP 4.0 strap with two months of service.

Your feedback means the world to us and truly helps keep this show growing and thriving.

👉 Take the survey now

Thanks for being here... and thank you for sharing your feedback with us!

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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195. Toddler & Baby Summer Sleep Regressions: Causes, Signs, and Quick Fixes Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Longer days and spontaneous summer fun often lead to later bedtimes, skipped naps, and disrupted routines. For some toddlers and babies, this isn't a big deal. But for others—especially children with more sensitive sleep needs—even a few "off" days can trigger a summer sleep regression.

In this episode, pediatric sleep specialist Allison Egidi explains how summer sleep schedules can either support your child's rest or lead to overtired toddlers, bedtime battles, night wakings, and early morning wakeups.

You'll learn how to spot the signs of a sleep regression caused by summer schedule changes, how sleep debt builds over time, and what to do when your toddler or baby's sleep gets off track. Allison also shares personal stories from her own family—highlighting just how different two children can be when it comes to summer sleep flexibility.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

Why it's normal to want more flexibility in the summer
Which babies and toddlers thrive with a relaxed sleep schedule—and which don't
How "sleep debt" builds and triggers toddler and baby sleep regressions
Signs your summer schedule may be causing sleep struggles
Real-life examples of two kids with totally different sleep needs
How to reset your child's sleep routine—without giving up summer fun

Whether you're managing nap schedule chaos, late-night pool parties, or early-morning wakeups, this episode will help you find your child's tipping point and create a summer rhythm that works for your whole family.

🎁 Bonus: Fill out the quick listener survey before July 31st for a free 15-minute coaching call and a chance to win a Whoop Strap 4.0! 👉 sleepandwellnesscoach.com/survey

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

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194. Fireworks & Bedtime: Helping Kids Sleep Through July 4th with Ellen Hayden Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Fireworks are fun—until they wake your toddler at 10 PM. In this episode, Allison Egidi is joined by fellow pediatric sleep coach and returning guest Ellen Hayden to talk all things July 4th, bedtime anxiety, and how to prep kids for loud nighttime celebrations. They cover real-life examples from Ellen's son, who's three and full of questions, and offer evidence-based tips for parents trying to keep bedtime intact during a noisy holiday weekend.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to frame fireworks in a positive light (without planting fear)
Factors to consider when deciding whether to keep your child up for fireworks
Why white noise can be your secret weapon
How to prep for sleep disruptions without feeding anxiety
What to do if your child wakes up during fireworks
Allison's go-to solution to recover from a night of firework-disrupted sleep

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 37: July 4th Fireworks and Sleep
Episode 185: How To Help Your Child Sleep Without Extra Tuck-Ins – Allison and Ellen discuss how to help your child sleep through storms in the Before We Dive In segment at the beginning of episode 185

🎁 Bonus: Fill out the quick listener survey before July 31st for a free 15-minute coaching call and a chance to win a Whoop Strap 4.0! 👉 sleepandwellnesscoach.com/survey

Click here to watch or listen on YouTube

Want to hear more from Allison? Provide your email address here to receive Allison's weekly email about the podcast and other fun topics.

Connect with Allison: