Shows
Sleep and SanityWhy and How to Blackout Your Child's RoomHaving a completely dark space to sleep in is crucial to great sleep. Creating that completely blacked-out space isn’t hard, but there are a few ways to go about it! You don’t want to miss: The reason your children (and you!) need a completely dark space to sleep in A few ways (inexpensive and not-so-inexpensive ways) to blackout the bedroom How to make your blackout solution look good from the outside and the inside! PLUS… Other areas to consider in the room that brings in light. Links and resources: Free Downlo...2022-10-0517 min
Sleep and SanityReflux + Sleep: How to Ease the Reflux and Encourage SleepYou can’t make it through the newborn days without a few spit-up mishaps, but what do you do when those “mishaps” become consistent and interfere with sleep?? Today I’m sharing how to help your baby with reflux (minimal or severe) get the sleep they can despite the discomfort. You don’t want to miss: The 3 types of reflux and the one that’s most common When to see/talk to your child’s pediatrician Practical ways to help your baby get to sleep without aggravating their reflux. PLUS… The best way for YOU to get some slee...2022-09-2818 min
Sleep and SanityOvercoming Baby Bedtime BattlesBabies are not exempt from struggling with “bedtime battles”, they just present themselves differently. There are a few common causes of babies fighting their bedtime routine and this episode digs into those as well as how to overcome them. You don’t want to miss: The 2 main causes for babies struggling through their bedtime routine How to help your baby overcome their bedtime struggles Questions to ask yourself to find the root cause(s) Links and resources: Free Quick Quiz: Find your child’s ideal nap schedule Podcast episode: Importance of bedtime routines Follow me on In...2022-09-2109 min
Sleep and SanityDoes your Preschooler or Kindergartener Need a Nap?Some children hold on to their naps until age 5! Though I don’t personally know what it’s like to have a child still napping at that age… I do have some tips for those of you who do and you’re struggling with preschool or kindergarten interfering with the said nap. You don’t want to miss: Learn how much sleep your child needs 3 options to help ensure your child gets the sleep they need Find out what to do if all else fails [spoiler: EARLY BEDTIME] Links and resources: Free Download: Routine cards and...2022-09-1407 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Protect Sleep During Back to School‘Tis the season for schedules and routines to be refined! If you have a little one that’s starting back to school (or it’s their first time!), daycare, or preschool, this episode will help you keep your sanity at home and prioritize sleep! You don’t want to miss: The 2 biggest things to help your kids get the sleep they need How to encourage your children to rest Ways to help your children engage with the routines established Links and resources: Free Download: Routine cards and chart Podcast episode: Importance of bedtime routines Follow m...2022-09-0713 min
Sleep and Sanity3 Must-Haves for Newborn Sleep (+ a few other newborn favorite items)Baby showers are so fun and new parents often get TONS of things for their newest addition, but… what do you really NEED for your newborn? Today I’m sharing my 3 must-haves for newborn sleep as well as a few other favorite newborn items of mine. You don’t want to miss: Why less is more when it comes to newborn sleep The 3 things that will help your newborn sleep well (and why!) Thoughts on pricey “gizmos and gadgets” PLUS, a few of my other favorite newborn items! Links and resources: Free download...2022-07-2711 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Keep Your Big Kid in Their Bed Without Sleep TrainingIf your little one is in a “big kid bed” (toddler bed, twin bed, or larger) and they’re consistently getting up when they should be staying put, this episode is for you! You don’t want to miss: Why I don’t recommend a toddler bed. The ideal age to transition to a “big kid bed” 5 tips to helping your big kid stay in bed that doesn’t involve sleep training Links and resources: Free Download: Toddler Routine Cards + Planner Pages Episode 5: Transitioning to a Big Bed Episode 25: How to Use a Toddler Clock Episode 7...2022-07-2009 min
Sleep and SanityTraveling Solo with Two Young Children (a true story)Want to know what it’s like for a sleep consultant to travel solo with her two young children? Well, today’s episode is a recap of my short trip to visit my sister-in-law with my 5-year-old and 2-year-old sons while Daddy was out of town. You don’t want to miss: How we set up their sleep space while giving them some control How we handled the unfamiliar situation of the boys sharing a room How I handled bedtime fears from a storm [HINT: not the same way I’d handle it at home!] PLUS, ho...2022-07-1324 min
Sleep and Sanity5 Causes of Early Morning Wake-Ups (and how to correct them!)Early morning wake-ups happen even among the best of sleepers. But, when they’re happening consistently, it’s time to do some investigating! This episode gives you 5 things to consider when trying to solve your child’s early morning wakings. You don’t want to miss: Learn when early is too early The common causes and fixes to early wakings Ways to promote long, restful nights of sleep Links and resources: Free Download: The Perfect Sleep Environment Checklist Episode 4: Bedtime Routine Episode 25: How to Use a Toddler Clock Follow me on Instagram: @goodnightfamilies For more abo...2022-07-0616 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Enjoy Fireworks with Your Children this 4th of July!Here in the States, we’re soon to celebrate our independence, and often that celebration comes with late-night fireworks. Today's episode shares a few tips for how to handle bedtime if you’d like to enjoy that later night of celebration with your little one(s) this 4th of July. You don’t want to miss: How to handle bedtime according to your child’s age Ways to make up for the lost sleep How to arrange your day and prep your little ones for a late night PLUS, a little story about our first time tak...2022-06-2912 min
Sleep and SanityRoom-Sharing Guide: 5 Tips for Room-Sharing ChildrenSometimes it just makes sense to have your children share a room. Other times, it’s the only option. Either way, it can be a little nerve-wracking moving your great sleepers into the same room! But, room-sharing doesn’t have to be at the expense of your children’s sleep - or yours! This episode shares the 5 biggest tips I have for your children to share a room and sleep well! You don’t want to miss: The biggest thing to ensure great sleep for room-sharing kids! How to handle bedtime. Ways to handle talking, night-wakings, and morn...2022-06-2214 min
Sleep and Sanity3 Tips for Having Naps Outside!As we spend more time outside in these warmer months, you may be wondering how to get your little one to take their nap outside while you’re at the beach, pool, or park. It may be possible!! Here are 3 tips on how to best manage naps on days you'd like to spend the day outside. You don’t want to miss: What to expect/what ages are most likely to sleep while you’re out. How to set up a napping space If a nap won’t happen outside, how to adjust the schedule to keep ove...2022-06-1511 min
Sleep and Sanity5 Ways to Improve Your Toddler's SleepToddlerhood comes with many struggles, but sleep doesn’t have to be one of them! Today I’m sharing my top 5 tips for helping toddlers get the sleep they need with minimal fuss! You don’t want to miss: Ways to promote great sleep throughout the day How to make bedtime go smoother Links and resources: Download the free Toddler Routine Cards + Planner Pages Episode 7: How to Prevent + Stop Crib Climbing Episode 25: Why You “Need” a Toddler Clock + How to Use It Follow me on Instagram: @goodnightfamilies For more about me, what I do, what I offe...2022-06-0812 min
Sleep and SanityWhy You "Need" a Toddler ClockThere aren’t many products I encourage parents to buy to help their children sleep (most are just gimmicks and really expensive!), but one of the few products I recommend for every toddler and preschool family is a TODDLER CLOCK! You don’t want to miss: What makes a clock a “toddler” clock Why you’d want a toddler clock How we use our toddler clocks for our 5- and 2-year-olds PLUS, how to choose the right toddler clock for your family! Links and resources: Download the free Toddler Routine Cards + Planner Pages Vide...2022-06-0117 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Adjust Sleep Schedules on Off DaysLife isn’t always predictable nor does it always go as planned. When your child is on a predictable schedule, having a day that doesn’t go according to plan (an “off day”) can be a little triggering (I’ve found for Mom mostly). This episode gives you a framework on how to work around plans that interfere with sleep times and how to make up for any lost sleep. You don’t want to miss: How to prepare for planned off days (doctor’s appointments, for example) What to do when the day spontaneously derails How to handle...2022-05-2512 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Sleep Well While Traveling with ChildrenIf you love to travel, it doesn’t need to stop once you have children for fear of poor sleep! If you have a great sleeper at home, it’s possible to have a good one while away! With these tips and expectations, your trip can be a wonderful experience (though, maybe not necessarily deemed a “vacation”) You don’t want to miss: How to prepare for travels with children What to take with you to ensure the best sleep possible How to handle sleep disturbances PLUS, what “rules” to stick to and the ones you can be fle...2022-05-1817 min
Sleep and Sanity5 Causes and Fixes for Short NapsThe struggle of chronic short naps can be quite frustrating, but they don’t have to be forever! This episode shares how to lengthen those naps! You don’t want to miss: What’s considered a short nap 5 causes of short naps and how to correct them What to expect when it comes to naps in general. PLUS, when short naps are OK! Links and resources: Download the free Perfect Sleep Environment Checklist here Free Nap Scheduler here Free Nap Transitions and Sleep Regressions Guide Free Toddler Routine Cards Podcast Episode: Sleep Regress...2022-05-1114 min
Sleep and Sanity5 Ways to Encourage Crib Naps with Your Baby or ToddlerIdeally, we’d love to be able to lay our children down for their nap in their crib and they fall asleep. Buuuut, that’s not always the case, especially if the little one isn’t used to sleeping in their crib. In today’s episode, I’m sharing some easy-to-follow tips to help encourage your baby or toddler to nap well in their crib. You don’t want to miss: A few reasons crib naps are encouraged. 5 tips to encourage your baby to nap in their crib. What to expect when it comes to naps in general...2022-05-0413 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Practice Naps in the Crib with Your NewbornIt’s never too early to establish great sleep habits and since newborns need a lot of sleep, there are lots of opportunities to implement and practice those habits. In this episode, I’m teaching you how to get your newborn to sleep in their own crib or bassinet. You don’t want to miss: What you really need to be focusing on during the newborn days (HINT: it’s NOT sleep 🤭) The only WRONG way to get your baby to sleep What to expect when it comes to newborn sleep PLUS, how to tell when it’s n...2022-04-2715 min
Sleep and SanityWhen and How to Use Sleep Cues, Wake Windows, and a Set Nap ScheduleGetting your newborn, baby, or toddler to nap can be hard enough, but knowing WHEN to get them down for their nap can be just as confusing! Do you follow their sleep cues, wake windows, or do you just make a schedule and stick to it?! In today’s episode, I’m sharing the role of each approach and when it’s ideal to use each! You don’t want to miss: The most common sleep cues and why they’re NOT always the most reliable The reason we use wake windows and HOW to make them work...2022-04-2010 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Settle a Fussy Newborn: The Prevention and CureNewborns do a lot of eating, sleeping, and pooping, but occasionally (or more than occasionally), there’s fussing, crying, and general crankiness that happens. It can be hard as Mom or Dad trying to soothe them when you’re not sure what’s actually wrong - if anything. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing a few ways to help prevent fussiness and then things to do when it happens (because there’s no getting around the occasional fussiness). You don’t want to miss: 3 simple ways to PREVENT fussiness in newborns What to assess when fussiness...2022-04-1312 min
Sleep and SanityTroubleshooting Night-WakingsNight-wakings are the most common sleep struggle parents face with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Often, the advice given by pediatricians is to “cry it out”, but is that going to solve the root problem? In today’s episode, I’m sharing common root causes of children waking in the night and what to do about them (besides just letting them cry)! You don’t want to miss: The TRUTH about night-wakings What you can expect from your child at night, depending on their age How to set your child up for a successful, full night of sleep ...2022-04-0615 min
Sleep and Sanity5 Things I've Learned in 5 Years as MomToday is my oldest’s 5th birthday! FIVE!! I’m sharing 5 (random) things these 5 years have taught me both as a mother and as a person. (I’ll give you one guess on what the first thing is related to 😉) Links and resources: Download my free guide: Your Nap Transition and Sleep Regression Survival Guide The Newborn Sleep Guide or Newborn Sleep Support Packages Schedule your free 15-minute Discovery Call HERE Follow me on Instagram: @goodnightfamilies For more about me, what I do, what I offer, and more free resources check out my website. Make sure you h...2022-03-3011 min
Sleep and SanityWhen and How to Drop the Nap (and what to do instead!)Around 3 years old, your toddler/pre-schooler will be showing signs that they’re ready to drop their nap or at least reduce its length significantly. Many parents dread this transition the most, not wanting to lose that 1.5-2 hour break midday. Allow me to introduce to you “Quiet Time”. This time will replace their once needed nap time, giving them the rest and independence they need as well as for you. You don’t want to miss: When this transition typically happens The best way to be SURE it’s time to transition - the signs...2022-03-2319 min
Sleep and SanityWHEN and HOW to Transition to ONE NapBy 18-months-old, your toddler will be ready to transition from 2 naps to 1 nap. The signs for this transition can start to show as early as 12 months, but before you take the leap, listen to this episode! You don’t want to miss: When this transition typically happens The best way to be SURE it’s time to transition How to make this transition as smooth as possible PLUS, a heads up about what this nap will look like until it’s time to drop it completely! Links and resources: Download my free guide...2022-03-1608 min
Sleep and Sanity3 Signs it's Time to Transition from 3 to 2 Naps (and how to do it!)Within the first year of life, babies transition from roughly 6 naps a day down to 2, and the majority of those nap transitions happen within the first 6 to 8 months! Talk about a whirlwind! Today I’m talking specifically about the transition from 3 naps to 2 naps. You don’t want to miss: When the 3 to 2 nap transition happens The signs that it’s time to transition How to make this transition as smooth as possible! Links and resources: Download my free guide: Your Nap Transition and Sleep Regression Survival Guide Take the quiz: Find your ideal nap schedule! Follow...2022-03-0911 min
Sleep and SanityHow to Adjust to Daylight Saving Time: Spring Edition!I know no parent that loves Daylight Saving Time, but the springtime one can help those of you that want a later bedtime and morning wake up! For those of you who want to adjust your child’s schedule with the time change, today I’m sharing a few ways you can go about it! You don’t want to miss: How to get ahead of the game with Daylight Saving Time The gradual way to adjust your child’s schedule with the time change When it’d be appropriate to do a partial adjustment PLUS, find...2022-03-0208 min
Sleep and SanityWhat is Sleep Training and is it Right for You?If your little one isn’t sleeping well, sleep training may be something you’re considering. But, what exactly is sleep training? How do you choose the right sleep training method? How many methods are there?? These questions and more are answered in this episode! You don’t want to miss: What sleep training really is. Whether sleep training is right for your family. How to choose the best plan for you! PLUS, ways OTHER THAN SLEEP TRAINING to help your child sleep well! Links and resources: Free Discovery Call if you’re lookin...2022-02-2317 min
Sleep and SanityIs your child TOO tired to sleep?Sometimes overtiredness hits - no matter how much you try to prevent it. Today I’m sharing what exactly overtiredness is, the signs, how to overcome it, and ways to prevent it. You don’t want to miss: The #1 way to overcome overtiredness What to do if you can’t do that number one thing The 3 best ways to prevent overtiredness I think you’ll be surprised by some of the signs! Links and resources: Take the quiz: Find your ideal nap schedule! Follow me on Instagram: @goodnightfamilies For more about me, what I do, what...2022-02-1615 min
Sleep and SanityHow To Prepare Your Child and Sitter for Your Night OutWhether you’re planning a night out for Valentine’s Day, a day date, or just a solo evening out, when you have little ones there’s a little more planning involved. Today I’m sharing how to prep your children and your sitter for your absence. I’ll help you get your thoughts organized so you don’t miss a detail and hopefully ease any anxiety about your child’s sleep while you’re out. [SPOILER: It’s ok if the sitter does things differently] You don’t want to miss: 4 ways to ease your child’s anxiety about you leaving. How to pr...2022-02-0911 min
Sleep and SanityTraveling with Children using the SlumberPodTraveling with children can bring enough anxiety on its own, worrying about how well your child will sleep doesn’t need to be a part of it. Today I’m all about the SlumberPod: the best portable blackout solution for your little one that sleeps in a pack-and-play or toddler cot! It’s a total game-changer for traveling with babies and toddlers! You don’t want to miss: What a SlumberPod is Why it’s safe and effective How to introduce it to your child PLUS, get $20 off your purchase of a SlumberPod with code GOODNIGHTFAMILIES20 at slumberpod...2022-02-0214 minSleep and SanityHow to Stop Crib ClimbingCrib climbing is so common and a common reason for moving babies from the crib to a big bed too soon! Today I’m sharing ways to prevent and deter your little climber from scaling the crib. I’ll be focusing on ways to keep your little one in their crib until at least age three, but I know there are times that even with the best efforts, it’s not possible. So, we’ll chat about how to handle an earlier-than-ideal move from the crib to a big bed, as well! You don’t want to miss: 2022-01-2611 minSleep and SanityIs Melatonin Supplementation Safe for Children?Sometimes you just want your child to sleep and to sleep now! Today I’m sharing a common remedy, melatonin. I’m sharing what naturally occurring melatonin is and how it affects our bodies along with what studies show about the effects, benefits, and potential side effects of synthetic melatonin when used as a sleep aid for children. You don’t want to miss: The natural way to boost melatonin production The common indications and contraindications for melatonin use What studies have to say about the effects of melatonin in children PLUS, find out the possib...2022-01-1911 minSleep and SanityMaking the Transition to a Big BedAs soon as you think you’re done with all the transitions, it’s time to move your no-longer-a-baby baby from their crib to a big bed. Today I’m sharing all the ways to make this transition as smooth as possible. You don’t want to miss: The recommended age to transition to a big bed (AND how to keep them in their crib until it's time to transition). The 3 steps to make the transition as smooth as possible. Ways to prevent your child from getting out of their now easy-to-get-out-of-bed. (HINT: It’s not telling th...2022-01-1219 minSleep and SanityThe Importance of Routines and How to Create ThemMany people, especially children, thrive on routines! Routines bring comfort because there’s a sense of knowing what’s ahead instead of a lingering fear of the unknown future. Today I’m sharing the many benefits of having routines in place and how to create and start implementing them! I’ll share an example of a bedtime routine and how to adapt that for nap time as well. You don’t want to miss: The 7 benefits of routines for young children What research has shown about the link between good sleep and routines How to build the ideal...2022-01-0510 minSleep and SanityAll About the 4-Month Sleep RegressionThe four-month sleep regression. It likes to sneak up on unsuspecting mothers, sometimes as early as 3 months or as late as 5 months old. It’s a significant sleep regression because of it permanence. Today I’m sharing what makes the 4-month sleep regression different, what about it is permanent, and how to get through it and sleep again. You don’t want to miss: What this regression looks like. The number 1 reason the 4-month sleep regression is different than the rest. Ways to help get you through it and onto better sleep. PLUS, ways to encour...2022-01-0510 minSleep and SanitySleep Regressions: Tips on handling themSleep regressions are inevitable - no matter how great of a sleeper you have, but you don’t have to just suffer through them! Today I’m sharing how to handle a sleep regression and when you’ll know if it’s more than just a regression. You don’t want to miss: The 3 top ways to get you through any sleep regression. How to build an age-appropriate schedule. How to potentially shorten a regression. PLUS, how to tell whether you’re facing a sleep regression or a sleep problem! Links and resources: Download...2022-01-0514 minSleep and SanitySleep Regressions: What they are and when they happen.Sleep regressions are inevitable - no matter how great of a sleeper you have! Today I’m sharing what exactly a sleep regression is and when they typically occur. I’ll be focusing on sleep regressions that happen due to rapid developmental growth, but sleep regressions can also occur because of sickness, travel, teething, or any other disrupter to your child’s normal schedule and routine. You don’t want to miss: The common ages sleep regressions occur. How long each sleep regression can last. The differences between each regression. PLUS, how to tell whether you’re f...2022-01-0509 minSleep and SanityWelcome to the Sleep and Sanity podcast!Welcome to The Sleep and Sanity Podcast! I’m so glad you’re here!! I’m Michele DiSpirito, your host, pediatric sleep consultant, and owner of Good Night Families Sleep Consulting. On this podcast, you’ll find encouragement and practical, ready-to-use sleep tips that will save your sanity and improve your family’s sleep. Today I’m sharing a little about who I am and what brought me to you as your sleep consultant. I’m a former massage therapist turned stay-at-home mom turned work-from-home mom. My two boys under age 5 have given me a lot of “on-the-job traini...2022-01-0106 min
Confident Homeschooling Homemakers | Mom Life, Balance, Schedules, Routines, Planning, Nontoxic37| Sleep Training Routine with Michele DiSpirito of Goodnight Families Sleep ConsultingToday i'm sharing with y'all a chat all about sleep training schedules, routines, and mom life hacks with my friends Michele DiSpirito of Goodnight Families Sleep Consulting. She is a much needed wealth of knowledge for families going through sleep training or what we like to call sleep shaping!
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-Misinformation / Sleep Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21945361/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22966034/
-Michele’s blog post on Sleep Crutches: https://www.goodnightfamilies.com/post/sleep-props-sleep-associations -Get your child out of your bed blog post: https://www.goodnightfamilies.com/post/get-your-child-out-of-your-bed -
-Find Michele on FB & IG...2021-10-1252 min
Milestone Mama3. The Truth About Sleep TrainingIt's no secret that sleep becomes one of the biggest struggles when having a baby. This can be such a frustrating topic because there is SO much information out there. But sleep is so incredibly important for both parents AND baby. Today's guest is Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Michele DiSpirito! She will teach you how to set foundations for good sleep starting at the newborn stage through the appropriate time to "sleep train." Michele also breaks down the facts vs myths when it comes to sleep training -- and how you can make it work however feels best for...2021-05-2445 min
The Mack TalksChopping it up with celebrity chefs Rocco DiSpirito, Ben Robinson, and Michele Ragussis | Ep. 52In this episode of The Mack Talks, we had the pleasure of covering the Mohegan Sun Food & Wine Festival and interviewing celebrity chefs. We also got down to the bottom of the question, are chefs entrepreneurs? Our guests in this episode are Chef Rocco DiSpirito, Chef Ben Robinson, and Chef Michele Ragussis.
About the Mack Talks:
The Mack Talks is a sit-down discussion with business owners, entrepreneurs, and impactful leaders hosted by Scott Johnson.2020-02-2800 min
Coastal ChurchFlood Over MeMichele Dispirito shares about what God is doing in the midst of her story and how He is always faithful.2016-04-0330 minCoastal ChurchAnxietyGuest speaker Michele Dispirito speaks on the topic of anxiety.2015-04-1241 min