Shows
Mum's The Word! With Georgia Jones & Kelsey ParkerWhy are Babies so ACTIVE at NIGHT? - with The Sleep Mums!Sleep is sacred for both parents and babies, but don't fear The Sleep Mum's are here! Between them they have over 30 years professional experience and hands on practice with babies and sleep. - They really are baby whisperers!We discuss the best practice for naps, why children are so active at night and whether or not we should invest in comforters...Find the Sleep Mums at https://www.sarahcarpentersleep.com/the-sleep-mums Or on Instagram @thesleepmumsAre you struggling with sleep? Get in touch with us at askmumsthewordpod@gmail.c...
2023-09-1831 min
The Hypnobirthing PodcastEpisode 73 - Baby Sleep with The Sleep MumsIn today's episode I am joined by Cat and Sarah from The Sleep Mums to talk all about baby sleep! They give their tips for surviving those first few months.Find The Sleep Mums here https://www.instagram.com/thesleepmums/Buy their book here https://www.thesleepmums.co.uk/book🌸 Resources & Links🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee h...
2023-08-0735 min
Midwife Pip PodcastE115. The Early Days and Sleep with a New BabyThe Early Days and Sleep with a New Baby with Cat Cubie & Sarah Carpenter …. And just like that you are home with your new baby and now what? All the newborn pictures seem to feature peacefully sleeping babies and yet your well-meaning relatives have all told you to sleep as much as possible in pregnancy because you’re never going to sleep well again. No wonder we enter parenthood so confused about baby sleep. This week’s guests Cat Cubie and Sarah Carpenter known as @thesleepmums a...
2023-07-0338 min
The Sleep MumsListener Questions: ComfortersComforters are an essential part of a sleep routine. We all have things we do before sleep that set us on the path to the land of nod, we know some of them are useful and some of them are not so much.
In this episode we'll explore what a comforter is and answer some of your most common questions including:
1 - Is a swaddle is comforter?
2 - How do I transition my baby out of a swaddle.
3 - How can I introduce a dummy/soother?
4 - How can I get rid...
2023-06-0722 min
The Sleep MumsFalse StartsIt’s bedtime, everyone’s calm and settled and suddenly 40 minutes later your baby is fast, fast AWAKE! In this podcast we’ll help you get to the bottom of this ready steady wake routine.
We’ll cover:
1 - What is a False Start?
2 - Why do they happen?
3 - What can I do about them?
4 - Why are they more common at night?
5 - Do False Starts just happen to babies?
Plus, we answer one of your questions about why a toddler consistently wakes after they’ve gone to sleep.
2023-05-2427 min
The Sleep MumsHourly WakingIt’s the middle of the night, you’ve just got back to sleep and suddenly you hear a whimper, then it turns into a cry. You have just got your baby to sleep, they can’t possibly be up…
The loop of exhaustion, frustration and disappointment that can come with regular night wakings is very real. We’re here to help you out of it.
1. Why does my baby wake every hour at night?
2. What can I do?
3. Are regular night wakes related to hunger, lack of activity, or illness?
4. How do I deal w...
2023-05-1728 min
The Sleep MumsMorning RoutinesPeople talk about baby and children’s bedtime routines but what about a morning routine?
At it’s simplest, a morning routine is a few steps that you take you from nighttime to daytime. But it’s not just a process, having a positive morning routine can have a biological effect and help to reset you and your child’s circadian rhythm.
1. What is a morning routine?
2. Is it something we need to do forever ?
3. What does a good one look like?
4. What are the benefits?
5. It is just a trend?
Plus...
2023-05-1026 min
The Sleep MumsContact NapsContact napping is where a baby, toddler or child spends their nap with all or part of their body in contact with their parent or caregiver. It’s lovely, its necessary, it’s part of parenthood but it can also be intense and tiring too.
In this podcast we discuss:
1 - What is contact napping?
2 - When it works
3 - Is there a point it’s not so good?
4 - How can you move away from contact napping?
5 - Is it an all or never kind of thing?
Plus, we answ...
2023-05-0326 min
The Sleep MumsGrowth Spurts
Growth Spurts are an essentially exhausting part of childhood.
There’s no set in stone way how to predict how and when your baby will grow. Sometimes a growth spurt hits overnight and a sleepsuit that fitted the day before suddenly wont snap (sometimes they last much longer).
We’re here to help you through answering all this
1 - When and What are Growth Spurts?
2 - How Do I Know it’s One?
3 - Will they Mess Up my Routine?
4 - Are they All the Same?
5 - What Can I...
2023-04-2630 min
The Sleep MumsToddler Sleep Tool KitSleep is a big topic in the baby days and then you hit the toddler years and it feels like it all goes quiet.
However, as your baby has grown into a wild and wonderfully wilful toddler they have become more keyed into the world, so things like changes to their routine, separation anxiety, illness and teething can all add up to make sleep more challenging.
That’s why you need our Toddler Sleep Tool Kit!
2023-04-1927 min
The Sleep MumsBedtime Boundaries [for Parents]Boundaries are such an important tool to help our children feel secure in their surroundings and with other people, but they’re also really important for us as parents.
If we want to show our children the importance of them, we need to model them ourselves and one place they can really come in handy is sleep.
We'll also answer our listener Laurie's question about putting boundaries back in place after the kids have been at the grandparents.
1 - What are boundaries and making a plan 2 - Discipline? 3 - Routine 4 - Goals and rewa...
2023-04-1244 min
The Sleep MumsBaby Sleep Tool Kit‘They don’t come with a manual’. If you're a parent it’s likely you’ve heard this more than once. The reason they don't is because there is no one right way. So, in place of a manual we have created a Baby Sleep Tool Kit.
We are your biggest sleep supporters, however, as they say ‘it takes a village’ so as well as us, here are some of the most useful things to help your baby to sleep better.
2023-04-0542 min
But Why?SLEEP WITH THE SLEEP MUMSClemmie explores all things sleep with TV Presenter Cat Cubie and baby sleep expert AND Norland Qualified Nanny Sarah Carpenter. The pair are best known as the hosts of top ten parenting podcast The Sleep Mums and authors of Sleep Better Baby which disrupts the narrative around baby sleep whilst empowering parents with skills and confidence to get a good nights sleep.Clemmie, Cat and Sarah discuss how to get a good night's sleep, how to cope if your kids aren't sleeping and why 'awake routines' are just as important as sleep routines.To find...
2023-02-221h 00
Tits, Tums and All Things Mum"Sleep has such a huge impact on how you feel about parenting" With The Sleep Mums Cat and Sarah on baby and toddler sleepWARNING! This podcast contains explicit content from graphic mum life moments to profanities, rants and a whole load of laughs. Not for tiny ears!In this episode I speak to the amazing sleep mums Cat and Sarah who talk about all things baby sleep and their amazing approach to sleep training which recognises the realities of sleep as a parent. Host- LottieInstagram-www.instagram.com/alittlebitoflottieGuest- The Sleep Mumwww.instagram.com/thesleepmumsIf you enjoyed this episode please don't forget to subscribe, download and leave a...
2023-01-2551 min
The Sleep MumsNew Year, New RoutineSleep is generally not something associated with New Year - it’s all about counting down the minutes to staying up late.
But once the holiday hangover, be that from too much mulled wine, mother in laws or mince pies, subsides everyone is all about making a fresh start.
A change in routine isn’t a resolution, though, a good routine grounds you, giving you stability to deal with the mountain of other shit we have to do on the daily as parents.
In this podcast, we’ll help you to make a plan to...
2022-12-2927 min
The Sleep MumsGuide to The HolidaysDecember can be an exciting time but it can also be really exhausting and if you’re already parent-level tired, the overwhelm of making it through can make it feel a lot less merry and bright.
In our holiday episode we talk about why and how the holidays can be tough, some tips on how to manage them and bring you a wee bit of festive cheer.
As always, we hope to give you the gift of better sleep, that’s top of our list!
1 – Pack Your Sack 2 – Home Comforts 3 – Festive Naps 4 – Selectio...
2022-12-2223 min
The Sleep MumsHow to Settle Your BabySettling is the word we use to talk about how to help your baby to sleep; all the time… but especially when it seems like they really don’t want to!
This episode will arm you with a tool belt of settling techniques you need to help your baby get to sleep, firstly with you and then ultimately by themselves.
Well also give you some coping techniques to get you through the toughest of nights as well as answer our listener Hannah's question about settling her baby without feeding her.
1 – What is settling? 2 – What is c...
2022-12-1528 min
The Sleep MumsParent GuiltIs anyone else suffering from parent guilt right now?
Parent guilt is this gross, uncomfortable ache that lodges itself in your heart and creeps into your head, often in the middle of the night. It can keep you from sleeping, almost as much as a newborn.
This episode isn’t directly about sleep, but we care about finding ways to help everyone sleep better and that includes you as well as your children.
1 – Try not to compare 2 – Ask for help 3 – Change one thing 4 – Be your own best mate 5 – Let S*it Go
2022-12-0830 min
The Sleep MumsThe First Two WeeksWhat is sleep like when you first bring your baby home?
Non-existent? Glorious? Broken or anxious?
In our very first podcast episode we look at The First Two Weeks. Share our most important guideline from our book and how, if you’re ready, to start laying the foundations for better baby sleep.
We’ll also answer a listener question from someone you might just recognise!
1 – The Most Important Thing 2 – Hormoans 3 – Sleep Foundations 4 – Feeds 5 – 4th Trimester
2022-12-0117 min
The Sleep MumsThe Sleep Mums’ Golden RuleThe most important piece of baby sleep help you’ll ever hear?
This week’s episode is all about The Sleep Mums Golden Rule. We know some of you don’t like rules when it comes to parenting but this one will give you more freedom, not less.
We’ll answer our listener Kerry’s request for help on moving her 4.5 month old baby from her Moses basket to a cot.
This whole episode is a gold mine of baby sleep chat!
1 – Sarah’s Favourite Word 2 – The Sleep Mums Golden Rule 3 – Coping with Changes ...
2022-11-2425 min
The Sleep MumsSleep Myths PT. 3One of the hardest things about baby sleep is that there is so much information out there. It can feel like everyone reckons they are a baby sleep expert and it doesn’t help that not all of the information they’re sharing is true!
Our myth busting episodes are some of our most popular so it’s time to put some more of these sleep untruths to bed - forever - in our brand new Sleep Myths Part 3!
1 – Total Quiet Please 2 – Just a Bad Sleeper 3 – I’m Just Not Meant to Sleep 4 – Solid Food Solid Sleep 5...
2022-11-1723 min
The Sleep MumsComing Back from a Bad DayAll of us have bad days. Every single one of us: parents, babies, children… even that lassie on socials.
So, it’s not the having the bad days, it’s how you cope with them and in the midst of having one it can feel impossible to do so. We’re here to help you through, give you support and ideas for managing them.
We’ll also answer one of your questions about what happens if you need to put your baby to bed early after a bad day and be there in solidarity with you if you...
2022-11-1027 min
The Sleep MumsParent PreferenceHas your child pleaded for you over the other parent? Or begged for them instead of you? Then you may have experienced parent preference.
At first, being the favoured parent might feel flattering but it can quickly stop feeling like a win. And, whilst not being the preferred parent can be hurtful, what does it actually mean?
In this podcast, we’ll explore parent preference, what it looks like at different ages and how to cope – and manage - being the chosen and the not so chosen one.
We’ll also answer...
2022-11-0338 min
The Sleep MumsClock Changes and SleepClock changes can give parents the fear, you feel you have everything in a delicate balance, you’re getting some sleep, they nap and then the time bandits come along! You find yourself doing mental leaps, counting on fingers and trying to work out when on earth they ‘should’ go to bed.
In this podcast we’ll share what will really help, give you some practical tips and, hopefully, stop any alarm bells ringing about the clock change.
1 – Before 2 – After 3 – Doing Nothing 4 – Practical Tips
2022-10-2721 min
The Sleep MumsSleep with Baby and ToddlerJuggling sleep with a baby and a toddler can be difficult.
You might be pro at coping with a poonami, be able to butter toast one-handed and manage a meltdown but working out nap and bedtime with two (or more) can floor even the most experienced parent. Meeting the needs of two - sometimes screaming – children who have very different demands is challenging and, particularly where sleep is concerned, exhausting.
In this episode we look at ways to help you through, what to do at naptime, bedtime and night wakings and how to find rest fo...
2022-10-2046 min
The Sleep MumsMoving to a Big BedIs it time for a big kid bed? Most toddlers transition to a big kid bed somewhere between the ages of 2 -3 ½. That wide age-range can mean that parents spend a lot of time trying to work out when is the right time.
It can be abig change for little ones, one that results in night wandering, fears, and worries… and that’s just the parents! In this episode we’ll look at making a plan for the move, how to be consistent, what you might need in your toolkit and how to make it work for the who...
2022-10-1333 min
The Sleep MumsListener Questions: Feeding‘Fed is best’ is so reductive (like any parent doesn’t know that!). We believe informed and supported are best, in whatever way that might be for you, and why we are passionate about sharing your questions, particularly when it comes to feeding.
All of parenting is individual but perhaps nothing more so than our feeding journeys – even within a family each baby is different. We can share our expertise and our experience but it’s much more important to hear what you have to say and help you with advice that makes sense in your lives.
2022-10-0620 min
The Sleep MumsSplit Nights
Split Nights are when your baby or toddler suddenly starts waking for an extended period of time during the night. It can feel like they have forgotten how to sleep, and no amount of persuading will get them back there.
Split Nights can be one of the most challenging things to deal with in terms of baby and toddler sleep, particularly for the adult who doesn’t get to nap during the day.
But what are they? Why do they happen and what is the best way to deal with them? Plus, we’ll an...
2022-09-2928 min
The Sleep MumsConfused About Nipple Confusion?Are you struggling to get your baby to take a bottle? Or have they taken a bottle and are now fussy breastfeeding? If so, you may have heard or Googled the term Nipple Confusion. And possibly panicked. I did.
Can too many teats spoil the baby?
In this episode, we’ll look at whether nipple confusion is real, and if there's anything you can do about it.
Plus, we’ll answer one of your questions about how to help your baby take a bottle.
1 - What is Nipple Confusion 2 - Is it real...
2022-09-2230 min
The Sleep MumsCo-SleepingThere are a lot of opinions about Co-Sleeping from those who swore they’d never do it to those that question those who don’t.
We're judgement-free here on The Sleep Mums so we wanted to chat through the reasons to do it and those not to, how to do it safely and what to do if you’re ready to switch it up.
We'll also answer our Listener's Question about how to continue co-sleeping safely with her 6 year old once a new baby arrives.
1 - What is Co-Sleeping? 2 - To Co-Slee...
2022-09-1545 min
The Sleep MumsSeason 5: Trailer⚡️🎙We’re BACK!🎙⚡️
The Sleep Mums podcast returns THIS Thursday!
It’s a jam-packed, SLEEP-full season with of all your favourites! From Co-Sleeping to Nipple Confusion, we’ll leave no pillow unturned!
Listen on wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.
2022-09-1400 min
The Sleep MumsChristmas Baby Sleep Guide ‘21In this festive episode we’ll share 5 tips to get you through the holidays. At least where baby sleep is concerned!
December can be an exciting time but it can also be really exhausting and, if you’re already parent-level tired, the overwhelm of making it through can make it all feel a lot less merry and bright.
In this bonus episode we’ll talk about why and how the holidays can be tough, share some tips on how to manage it all with both little and bigger kids and as well as all that we hop...
2021-12-1523 min
The Sleep MumsListener Questions: RoutinesYou and your questions are at the heart of everything we do. We want our advice to be accessible, real and always practical.
In our Sleep Mums podcasts we have always included your Listener Questions, relating in some way to the topic we’re discussing. We believe (and you’ve told us!) it really helps to put whatever tips and ideas we’ve given to practice in real life. In your lives.
You asked and we listened… literally! So, we’ve created a series of episodes that just focus on your questions and a sleep topic. This...
2021-12-0822 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: U for UnmumsyDo you feel unmumsy or undadsy or unparenty? Or maybe you did when you first became a parent?
We’re often sold an idea of being an adult with small people that looks quite different from the reality. This can mean that when we have a baby we end up feeling like we’re massively failing. You’re not alone, though. And that is exactly why Sarah Turner, aka The Unmumsy Mum, started her unbelievably successful blog.
In this brand new A to Zzz episode we chat to the award-winning blogger and multi Sunday-Times best-seller who's re...
2021-12-0158 min
The Sleep MumsMoving Baby into Their Own RoomYour baby has likely been next to you since they were born, moving them into their own room might only be next door but it can feel like a big step. It’s understandable to worry about this change but it’s also understandable to feel ready to reclaim your bedroom (and not to feel guilty about it).
In this episode we go through all the feelings, when the right time is and when best to go about it. As ever, some of what we talk about it practical but there’s also a big emotional element to it...
2021-11-2432 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: H for HypnobirthingHypnobirthing, will it make me run around like a chicken or moo like a cow during birth? Probably not…
In this episode, we talk to midwife, Doula and Hypnobirthing practitioner Lynsey McGillivray about misconceptions, how it works and why it’s not just for people who want incense and whale sounds at their birth.
More and more parents are coming to Hypnobirthing but there are still a lot that feel unsure about (the mooing, for example!). Lynsey is pretty unique in her wide range of experience and expertise on hypnobirthing, for all kids of birth - in...
2021-11-1741 min
The Sleep MumsHow to Drop a NapWhen people talk about babies and toddlers dropping a nap it sounds as though you simply chuck it on the floor and shove it under the bed with the long forgotten toys. It rarely feels that simple though. Do they need a nap? Don’t they? Is it making overnight sleep worse? Or Better? What if I take the nap away and it changes everything? What if I take the nap away and it changes nothing!
In this brand new episode we’re here to answer all these questions and help you drop a nap without losing slee...
2021-11-1037 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: E for EmotionsParenting is a massively emotional experience, you can go from feeling endless love to boundless frustration in an instant. It's daunting and exhausting because the feelings can be so powerful. There are no right or wrong emotions though: there's just a lot of them!
In this episode we talk to psychotherapist Sarah Wheatly from Birth and Beyond who launched Parent Kind after experiencing PND after the birth of her son. We chat through the rainbow of feelings you can have as a parent, how to cope, when to seek help and how it can impact partners.
2021-11-0347 min
The Sleep MumsPreparing For a New BabyThis is the chapter that I wish had been in my baby books, the realness, the rawness and the practical stuff we so often don’t think about preparing for a new baby.
Each week in pregnancy you focus on your growing bump and developing baby but what about what comes next? What is the stuff they don't tell you in the baby classes or the things you can't just buy with one click in the middle of the night?
What do you really need to know?
1 - What to buy? 2 - Bi...
2021-10-2738 min
The Sleep MumsThe Witching Hour(s) ‘21There isn’t a magic spell that can help your baby sleep - although this podcast comes pretty close! – but whilst there might not be magic, there IS witching…
The 'so-called' witching hours, when your lovely baby suddenly becomes more than a little bit spirited. So as we’re getting close to Halloween we thought we’d re-share this fantastic episode when we go through some of the things that can help you through your baby’s unmagical witching hour… or two (without casting a spell on them!)
2021-10-2025 min
The Sleep MumsBaby Sleep Hacks ‘21There have been a lot of bizarre baby sleep hacks doing the rounds recently, because when you’re looking at the clock… or Tik Tok, you’ll try anything once!
However, if you’re looking for some baby sleep hacks with proper staying power have a listen to this reep of our really popular episode Baby Sleep Hacks.
We cover some tried and tested methods to help baby sleep better, for longer. They're not all quick fixes... but they really can work.
2021-10-1325 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: F for FertilityFertility: why is it still so hard to talk about?
The process of conception isn’t always as fun or easy as we’re lead to believe. It can be long and heartbreaking, full of fear (and monthly disappointment) that parenthood may never happen. From peeing on sticks, to taking temps, the anger and frustration when you see blood, miscarriage and the agony of ttc afterwards. It’s all so much and, often, all so silent.
This week, The Sleep Mums: A to Zzz is Paul and Louise’s story. It’s a reminder that the path to...
2021-10-0650 min
The Sleep MumsGetting Your Evening BackIn this episode we are going to help you get your evenings back. We often focus on night-time sleep or when we’ve focused on night-time sleep, daytime sleep… but evenings and having some ‘grown up time’ is important too.
Strangely, it’s not a topic that’s often approached by sleep experts or books …. But that is why we are here: to go where others won’t!
We’ll also answer our listener Scott’s question about whether they can get their evening back with a 10 week old.
1 – Why is it important 2 – How ear...
2021-09-2934 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: W for WeaningThis week's guest on The Sleep Mums A to Zzz is Charlotte Stirling Reed to take us through W for Weaning.
Charlotte has made a huge impact on parents food journeys, helping to take it from food fight to food fun. She is a baby and child nutritionist, an author and an expert. She’s worked with Joe Wicks on Wean in 15 and has her own excellent weaning book too.
In this episode we cover when and how to wean, the guidelines (and how much you should stick to them!), allergies and Charlottes do's, don'ts and...
2021-09-2248 min
The Sleep MumsThe Dream FeedIn today’s podcast we’re going to be talking Dream Feeds; are they the dream or can they sometimes be the opposite? We’ll start with the meaning of the dream feed - FYI it’s not where you dream that you have fed or are feeding your baby, only to wake up on the loo!
We’ll also cover where it can really help, where it can’t and, something that is often missed from conversations about dream feeds… how to stop, when you and baby are ready.
Plus, we’ll answer our listener Katy’s q...
2021-09-1534 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: T for Tongue TieWhy are people still tongue tied about tongue tie?
In this brand new episode we meet midwife, infant feeding specialist and tongue tie expert Samantha Tanak. We discuss what it is, how to recognise the signs, how to deal with the tongue tie journey and what solutions there are, plus so much more.
The lack of understanding when it comes to tongue tie could be impacting many parents experiences of feeding. We hope to shed some light and give some support.
2021-09-0851 min
The Sleep MumsTeething & SleepWe’re kicking off this new season with something that can disrupt sleep for years: teething.
Teething can start any time in baby’s first few months and, usually, goes on until they are nearly 3 years! However, one of the hardest things about teething is that you often can’t tell why your baby is so sad and grumpy until the tooth finally pops out.
In the first episode of our new season we tackle teething and the impact it can have on sleep. We’ll talk making it through the teething years, the best r...
2021-09-0131 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: M for MotherhoodWe kick off this brand new series of The Sleep Mums A to Zzz with M for Motherhood.
From surviving on 45 minutes sleep to being ok with not ever being 'good enough', in this new episode we cover ALL the shades of motherhood: from the privilege to the pains in the ass!
Therapist and author Anna Mathur also shares some fantastic tips on how to cope and brilliant advice for us all to stop living like we're being chased.
2021-08-2549 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: Series 2 [trailer]⚡️NEW SERIES ⚡️STARTS TOMORROW ⚡️
Tune in tomorrow 25th August wherever you get your pods and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode.
In our first episode of the new series we talk M for Motherhood with Anna Mathur: what it’s like to survive on 45 minutes sleep and why it’s ok to not be good enough.
2021-08-2401 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: T for TravelAre we nearly there yet...? Travelling is exciting and going places an adventure, but sometimes the journey, especially with kids, isn’t always so thrilling.
Our letter this week in our bonus Sleep Mums A to Zzz is T for Travel. We talk to Carly and Dan from kids travel company @keepemquiet, their genius kids activity packs have won awards, are loved by celebrities, The Royal Family and us!
They really know travelling with little people and share some excellent tips and tricks. Plus they have the down-low on the best gizmos and gadgets to hel...
2021-07-1433 min
The Sleep MumsTravelIn this episode we’ll cover the best baby travel hacks for any trips you might take with your little one.
We’re a wee bit out of practise of going… well, anywhere right now, so these travel hacks and tips should help you feel more comfortable and confident: whether it’s a staycation, a trip to see family or you’re managing to go further afield, then this podcast is for you.
Plus, we’ll answer our listener Amanda's question about babies and jet lag.
1 – Sheets 2 – Hack the Routine 3 – Packing 4 – Climate and Environment 5 – Local Cuisi
2021-06-3033 min
The Sleep MumsThings People Say When You Have a BabyThere are a lot of wild things that happen when you have a baby, but along with giant paper pants and after pains another big surprise is how the entire world seems to completely lose its decency filter.
In this episode we chat through the most annoying, the funniest, and rude stuff people say when you have a baby because whilst they might not directly affect sleep… it can keep you up at night. We’ll break them down, chat through why they’re so unuseful… before putting them all in the bin!
1 – Sleep 2 – Pe...
2021-06-0226 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: R for RefluxAround 40% of our babies suffer from Reflux but parents can still face an up hill battle to be listened to and their baby diagnosed.
So, in our brand new episode of The Sleep Mums A to Zzz we talk to @the_gp_mum Dr Stephanie Ooi to get the lowdown on reflux, what it is, how the guidelines have changed, what help is available and how it can impact sleep.
Reflux matters because often both the baby’s and parent's health is at its heart.
2021-05-2635 min
The Sleep MumsCan Babies Have Bad Habits?This podcast is about something that is a little controversial, particularly when it comes to sleep: we’re going to talk habits in babies. There is a lot of pressure from society and those around us to do ‘parenting right’ and this idea of creating or continuing bad habits in our babies and children can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong. So in this episode we get to the bottom of bad habits; do they exist; what are they and can you change a habit of a little one’s lifetime?
Plus we’ll answe...
2021-05-1932 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: L for LaughterOur next guest on The Sleep Mums A to Azz is Sam Avery, dad joke provocateur, award-winning blogger and author of parenting guide The Learner Parent.
In this brand new episode we chat about why laughter is so important, what it means to be a Learner Parent - we’re all just learning this gig – and… poo.
We’ve had lots of amazing guests on the show but chatting with Sam, Sarah and I were literally, rolling on the floor. But, as we talk about, that doesn’t mean laughter is a joke: in fact, as a paren...
2021-05-1244 min
The Sleep MumsFeeding: Breast milkWe want to talk about feeding, the different ways of feeding and how that can impact sleep. As we always say, we’re all different. Our babies are different and our families are all different; that should always be celebrated, which is why The Sleep Mums is zero judgement. You might choose to listen to all three of our feeding episodes that we’re but we wanted to give you the chance to listen to what you need, whether that’s one, two or all three.
In this episode we’re going to talk about breastfeeding, some hot tips...
2021-05-0537 min
The Sleep MumsFeeding: CombinationWe want to talk about feeding, the different ways of feeding and how that can impact sleep. As we always say, we’re all different. Our babies are different and our families are all different; that should always be celebrated, which is why The Sleep Mums is zero judgement. You might choose to listen to all three of our feeding episodes that we’re but we wanted to give you the chance to listen to what you need, whether that’s one, two or all three.
In this episode we’re going to talk about breast and bottle fe...
2021-05-0523 min
The Sleep MumsFeeding: Formula milkWe want to talk about feeding, the different ways of feeding and how that can impact sleep. As we always say, we’re all different. Our babies are different and our families are all different; that should always be celebrated, which is why The Sleep Mums is zero judgement. You might choose to listen to all three of our feeding episodes that we’re but we wanted to give you the chance to listen to what you need, whether that’s one, two or all three.
In this episode we’re going to talk about bottle feeding, some usef...
2021-05-0523 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: A for AllergiesBeing a parent is hard enough, then you put allergies or suspected allergies in the mix. It can be scary, disorientating and exhausting with a poorly or unhappy baby. Allergies are also becoming more and more common in babies and young children, which is why it felt really important for us to talk to an expert about it.
It can be a long road for parents to find out what the problem is - from reflux and digestive issues to intolerances and allergies - in this brand new episode of The Sleep Mums A to Zzz we...
2021-04-2843 minThe Sleep MumsThe Witching Hour (s)There isn’t a magic spell that can help your baby sleep but whilst there might not be magic, there is witchcraft – the so called witching hours, when your lovely baby can suddenly become more than a little bit spirited.
This time of day (usually between 5pm and 11pm) babies can be tired but awake, fractious but needing near constant attention. It can be really hard to know how to deal with this unmagical witching hour (or two), in this Sleep Mums episode we’ll look at a few ways to help you and baby through...
2021-04-2125 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: D for DevelopmentAfter your baby is born their mind grows almost as much as your laundry pile. The first year of their life can feel a blur of counting weeks not months, healthcare visits and developmental milestones. But those milestones can feel pretty scary for parents. What are they? Do they really matter? And, what should I do if my baby isn’t meeting them?
In this episode, paediatric neurologist Dr Niamh Lynch talks us through all that, and much more (in her gorgeous Irish tones!). D is for development and developmental milestones.
2021-04-1438 minThe Sleep MumsEarly WakingWhen you become a parent, you look back on before children lie ins with a mixture of admiration and horror. I mean, how was it even possible to sleep until 11am? That’s lunchtime! These days even 6.30am can feel like a bit of a luxury. However, you don’t have to just accept that early waking is what you do now.
In this episode we’ll show you some of the ways and little tweaks you can use that can help you to gradually increase babies wake up time; to one that (hopefully) doesn’t hurt quite so...
2021-04-0737 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: T for TwinsToday’s letter on The Sleep Mums a to Zzz is T for Twins. We talk through the emotional rollercoaster of finding out you’re having two babies at once with award-winning blogger, twin mama and author of new parenting guide, OMG It’s Twins, Alison Perry.
As a first time mum Alison launched her Not Another Mummy Blog in 2011, talking the hits, misses and maybes of motherhood. In 2018, after five years of fertility treatment, Alison gave birth to twins and she has just written her first book OMG It’s Twins, a comprehensive guide to making it through...
2021-03-3139 min
The Sleep MumsDummy DetoxDummy, Soother, Pacifier; whatever name you choose these little suckers can be both a big help when it comes to baby sleep and a struggle. Millions are sold each year – they are not a bad thing by any means - and there are loads of reasons why they are a brilliant addition to the parenting toolbox.
However, there are also several reasons why you might be thinking about getting rid of one, from having to be up multiple times a night replacing it to hoping that your child won’t go to school with one! So, in this...
2021-03-2430 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: E for Expectant DadThere are lots of books, references and social media accounts for mums but not nearly so many for Dads and, even then, they can be a bit mum-sided. It often leaves Dads feeling like they shouldn’t be the one to ask the questions, either because it’s not their’ job’ or because, like lots of parenthood stuff, they feel like they should know it all naturally. But we're not born parents, we learn how to be them.
So, this week, expectant Dad, Ed turned the table on us and asked us five questions; from sleep to mental he...
2021-03-1738 minThe Sleep MumsLeaps and RegressionsIn their first few years of life, babies grow almost as quickly as your laundry pile. These huge developmental changes are often called leaps or are connected to sleep 'regressions'. But what are these things that have a whopping 200 million hits on Google, are they real? In this episode, we’ll talk you through what leaps and regressions are and share some tips to help you and your baby through the major milestones of their early years.
We’ll also answer our listener Craig's question about managing expectations about 'leaps'.
1 – What is a 'Regression'? 2 – What is a 'Le...
2021-03-1035 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: N for NannyOur letter this week is N, which is not for nappies, nursery or nipples, it’s for Nanny and the nanny of the moment, Nanny Louenna. Like Sarah, Louenna is a Norland Nanny, (the nannies the royal family use) and she has developed a brilliant app, nicknamed Nanny in My Pocket, that has been a lifesaver for many parents, particularly in the last year.
She is really passionate about supporting parents to enjoy their parenting journey, sharing all that she knows and helping babies and children to thrive. She also has the most wonderful laugh!
In this brand-new epi...
2021-03-0320 minThe Sleep MumsPregnancy SleepPregnancy Insomnia is, unfortunately, really common. At a time when you want to be banking more sleep than ever, it’s a nightmare that kip seems to be so elusive. We care about ALL parents getting better sleep and that includes mamas-to-be.
In this episode we’ll chat through the main reasons you can’t sleep and share the things that will hopefully help you get a few more Zzz before baby arrives.
We’ll also answer a question from our listener Ava about pregnancy bedtime routines.
1 – Why Can’t I S...
2021-02-2426 min
The Sleep MumsA to Zzz: G for GPThe doctor will see you now!
Our brand new series The Sleep Mums: A to Zzz is everything you ever wanted to know about parenthood, from allergies to getting more Zzz. In our first episode we talk to NHS GP Dr Punam Krishan, she talks candidly about life postpartum, her highs, her lows, and the many reasons she sees new parents in her practise.
We know that the alphabet doesn’t begin with G but like parenting in general, things don’t always happen in the order you expect them to!
2021-02-1736 min
The Sleep MumsThe Sleep Mums: A to ZzzEverything you ever wanted to know about parenthood, from allergies to getting more Zzz, via deja poos, niplash and Velcro babies. Funny, irreverent and always useful. Cat and Sarah from The Sleep Mums podcast and a range of experts and people talk everything and anything that will help you get through the long nights and short years.
Each episode will focus on five tips from a different professional, sharing their own experience and expertise.
2021-02-1701 minThe Sleep MumsSleep Myths (Part 2)If you’ve already listened to Baby Sleep Myths (Pt1) you probably thought there couldn’t possibly be any more sleep myths. There was no way there was that much whack info floating about the parent-sphere. Well, the bad news is, there is… the good, we’re going to bust it for you.
In this episode we’ll dispel some madness about five bits of regularly heard sleep advice, that may have been keeping you up at night. It’s not going to be pretty but it will be really satisfying and hopefully by the end of it you...
2021-01-2728 minThe Sleep MumsWeaning from Night FeedsYou’ve been up with your baby through the night since they were born but now they’re getting (a wee bit) bigger are they ready to start weaning off night feeds?
It’s totally normal for babies to start to no longer need the midnight (and 3 and 4 am) snacks as they get bigger and their tummies hold more. Does it happen on it’s own? Sometimes.
More often, though, they need a little help. In this episode we’ll talk about when and how to wean your baby from night feeds and some tips to help you...
2021-01-2038 minThe Sleep MumsHow to Ditch Parent GuiltParent guilt is this gross, uncomfortable ache that lodges itself in your heart and creeps into your head, often in the middle of the night. It can keep you from sleeping, almost as much as a newborn, and that’s why we think it’s really important to talk about it.
This episode is five ways to help try to lessen that horrible feeling of parent guilt. We care about finding ways to help everyone sleep better and that includes parents as well as babies.
1 – Try not to compare 2 – Ask for help 3 – Cha...
2021-01-1330 minThe Sleep MumsChristmas Baby Sleep GuideIn our bonus Christmas episode we’ll share 5 tips to get you through the holidays, well, at least where baby sleep is concerned. A wee sherry and mince pie might need to do the rest!
December can be an exciting time but it can also be really exhausting and if you’re already parent-level tired, the overwhelm of making it through can make it feel a lot less merry and bright.
We’ll talk about why and how the holidays can be tough, with some tips on how to manage them and, at...
2020-12-1623 minThe Sleep MumsSolids & SleepThis episode shares how to make sure that once you start feeding your baby solid food you still get some solid sleep. Around six months, breast or formula milk alone no longer supplies enough nutrients for baby’s growth and development.
Proper food is an exciting milestone for baby but it can feel daunting as a parent. And there’s just no getting away from the fact it’s messy!
We’ll share tips to help you start baby with solid food, talk through how the food they eat can affect their sleep and why weaning a...
2020-12-0929 minThe Sleep MumsBaby Sleep HacksThis episode might be the only Sleep Mums you ever have to listen to… kidding, listen to them all, they’re awesome. But this is your cheat sheet. The fast track baby hacks to better sleep.
Parenthood has required way more in the way of fast and creative thinking than we ever imagined - fashioning a baby grow out of a scarf after a poonami, not a problem! However, as well as these naturally acquired skills it’s also good to fill your bag with some decent baby hacks too, just leave room for the wet wip...
2020-12-0225 minThe Sleep MumsPlay & SleepIn this episode we’ll look at how much playtime and sleep are linked. And, what can be a tough gig for some parents - how to play through baby’s first year (and beyond) - without being Mr Tumble!
Finding ways to keep your baby awake is just as important as helping them learn how to sleep. Your baby needs sleep to process the world and milk to fuel them but they learn language, creativity and intellectual skills through play. So, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
We'll also ans...
2020-11-2526 minThe Sleep MumsThe Golden RuleThis week, we’ll share with you the most important piece of baby sleep advice you’ll ever hear. It’s The Sleep Mums' Golden Rule. A lot of parents don’t like rules when it comes to parenting advice but this rule will give you more freedom, not less. Plus it will help you and your family get more sleep. In fact, this episode is a total gold mine of baby sleep chat!
We’ll also answer our listener Kerry’s request for help on moving her 4.5 month old baby from her Moses basket to a cot.
...
2020-11-1824 minThe Sleep MumsComforters Vs PropsThere’s a big difference between sleep associations, comforters and sleep props. One can be a useful tool that helps direct baby towards sleep the other is something that can be exhausting for a parent or care giver. But which is which? This week’s episode it's the battle of the bedtime buddies!
We’ll look at different sleep associations, how to ensure they are a positive part of your baby’s bedtime routine and how to make Mr Monkey work for you!
We’ll also answer our listener Laura’s question about how she can help get...
2020-11-1727 minThe Sleep MumsLockdown Sleep Guide for ParentsMy daughter said to me recently ‘I’m so tired of this virus’. I think that’s how we’re all feeling. Everything is more exhausting because we’re having to rethink everything we do, let alone the stresses that so many of us are under. Sleep is often the first thing to go when life’s unsettled and that’s true if you’re a baby, child or a (semi) grown up.
In this episode, we’ll look at five simple things that will help you* and your family get better sleep in these weird times
*lave...
2020-10-0724 minThe Sleep MumsBaby Sleep Myths (Part 1)This week, we’re busting SLEEP MYTHS. When you have a baby people are always telling you to do this or never EVER do that it can be hard to know who to listen to. Bob at playgroup seems like he knows what he’s talking about, but does he?
In each Sleep Mums episode we usually share five simple things that will help your baby sleep better. This week, we’re giving you five bits of sleep advice you can absolutely IGNORE!
By knowing these myths are as fictional as your babies bedtime story it wil...
2020-09-3027 minThe Sleep MumsHow to Settle BabySettling is the word that Sarah and I use to talk about how to help your baby to sleep; all the time… but especially when it seems like they really don’t want to!
This episode will arm you with a tool belt of settling techniques that will help you help your baby get off to sleep. We'll also share some coping techniques to get you through the toughest of nights.
Plus, we'll answer this week's listener question - how can I settle my baby without feeding?
Five Thi...
2020-09-2328 minThe Sleep MumsRoutinesRoutines and schedules: these are words that can, as a parent, either fill you with joy or absolute horror. However you feel about routines, though, this episode will give you guidance and tips (that definitely won’t fill you with horror!). We'll also give you a crib sheet on what many of the other baby sleep books miss out – how to hack a routine.
We’ll answer our listener Laura's question about routines and putting baby to sleep... awake!
Five Things About Routines: 1 – What is a routine? 2 – What is not a routine? 3 – Wha...
2020-09-1629 minThe Sleep MumsThe Bedtime RoutineThe Bedtime Routine is like a big neon sign telling baby it’s time for the BIG sleep. In the early days it can feel like they’re just going down for another nap – I mean you’re definitely going to see them before morning! - but setting the foundations of a routine that will grow with you and baby AND help them sleep is totally worth it.
In this episode we’ll look at what a bedtime routine really is and how you can create one that works for you and your family.
...
2020-09-0928 minThe Sleep MumsNaps: not the unicorns of baby sleepWe often focus on night-time sleep as that’s the time everyone in the house would like to get some shut eye. However, one of the keys to good sleep at night is great naps. Sometimes, it can feel like we have to work really hard for these magical beasts of baby sleep but in this episode Sarah and I will share how to make naps work for you, giving you both better sleep during the day but also at night. Win-win.
We’ll also answer one of your questions about naps, putting our advice to pr...
2020-09-0224 minThe Sleep MumsMilk and SleepFeeds and Sleep: how to milk sleep
Milk feeds and sleep are so closely linked that if they could spoon each other they would. This episode of The Sleep Mums will look at the relationship between feeding and sleep and how to make the most of that relationship. The Sleep Mums is a non-judgemental and supportive community – we are breast, bottle and combination feeders. It’s about what works for you and your family.
This week, listener Emma asks ‘How do I get my baby to take a bottle?’ and ‘How do I stop her snacking so...
2020-08-2630 minThe Sleep MumsWhat is Baby Sleep?02: Baby Sleep: what it is and how to get it
Baby sleep is not as simple as the clichés make it sound. So, if sleeping like a baby isn’t easy: what is it, why is it different and how can I get more of it?
This episode will answer all of these questions and more, so you’ll come away with a better understanding of baby sleep and how to help you and your baby get more.
Plus we’ll find out THE most annoyingly important...
2020-08-1327 minThe Sleep MumsThe First Two WeeksThe first two weeks of baby sleep; when you’ve just brought your baby home.
We look at the most important ‘rule’ for those first few weeks and how (if you’re ready) to start laying the foundations for better sleep.
As it’s the first episode, our listener question comes from Cat, who takes a look back at the messages she sent Sarah in the middle of the night when her son was born and asks ‘How (the hell) do I keep my baby awake through his feeds?’
2020-08-1217 minThe Sleep MumsThe Sleep Mums TrailerThis is a baby sleep podcast for parents; (mostly) functioning humans who want sensible, non judgmental, funny and easy to follow advice.
Hosted by BBC broadcaster Cat Cubie and child and baby sleep expert Sarah Carpenter.
Each episode shares five simple tips that will help your baby sleep as well as a listener's question, that puts Cat and Sarah's advice to practise in the real world.
2020-07-1602 min
The Sleep MumsMeet Cat and SarahFind out who The Sleep Mums are, how comfortable they are in spandex and, more importantly, how the best baby sleep podcast on the internet came to be.
2020-07-1612 min