Drowsy but awake is a key piece to the puzzle when you are trying to teach your new baby to sleep for longer stretches at night or working on lengthening naps. But this is easier said than done, right? What does "drowsy but awake" even mean? Many parents tell Allison that they aren't sure what it actually means, when to start, or how to make it work in real life.
In this episode of How Long 'Til Bedtime?, Allison breaks down the concept of drowsy but awake in a simple, practical way so parents can start building healthy sleep habits from the very beginning.
She explains why learning to fall asleep independently is such an important skill for babies, how sleep associations develop, and why the early weeks are the perfect time to start practicing. Most importantly, Allison walks parents through exactly how to introduce drowsy but awake step by step, without pressure, perfection, or tears.
If your baby currently feeds or rocks to sleep, or you're hoping to encourage longer stretches of nighttime sleep and more predictable naps, this episode will help you understand how to start building those skills gently and confidently.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What "drowsy but awake" actually means
Why falling asleep in the crib matters for longer sleep stretches
When to start practicing drowsy but awake (and when not to stress yet)
The ideal window for building healthy sleep associations
How to introduce drowsy but awake gradually
What to do if your baby cries when placed in the crib
Why consistency matters more than perfection
How independent sleep skills develop over time
Learn more about Allison's Have Baby Need Sleep program
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.
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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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
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