In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible pediatric occupational therapists, Bailey and Claire, for a conversation all about sensory needs, emotional regulation, and how these foundational pieces impact sleep — even if sleep isn’t their primary focus.
We dive into what sensory processing actually is, how to recognize signs of dysregulation in babies and toddlers, and why co-regulation plays such a big role in supporting both daytime and nighttime rhythms.
Bailey and Claire also share practical strategies parents can try at home, how to support children who struggle with transitions (like bedtime), and offer gentle, empowering guidance for when things feel especially hard.
Whether your child is a high-energy sensory seeker or more sensitive to their environment, this episode will help you feel more equipped and more compassionate — toward your little one and yourself.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
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**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this episode, we’re sharing our summer plans — including a few camping trips with the kids — and how we’re navigating sleep along the way. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation, a weekend in a tent, or just feeling a little nervous about sleep routines shifting during the summer, this episode is full of gentle, realistic tips to help.
We talk about how we approach travel sleep (without rigid schedules or stress), what we pack to help our kids feel secure in new environments, and why connection always matters more than perfection.
You'll also hear practical advice for handling jet lag, new sleep spaces, camping naps, and supporting sensitive sleepers while you're away. If summer has you questioning whether your child’s sleep will survive the season, this episode will remind you: it’s okay for sleep to look a little different — you can still have fun, support your little one, and get through it together.
Mentioned in this episode:
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
Contact naps are one of the most common — and misunderstood — parts of infant sleep. In this episode, we’re breaking down why contact naps are not only normal but also deeply beneficial for your baby’s development, regulation, and sense of safety.
We’ll explore why babies crave closeness during the day (even if they sleep independently at night), what’s really happening biologically during contact sleep, and how to shift away from it gently — without sleep training — when and if you’re ready.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, touched out, or simply wondering if you’re “creating a bad habit,” this episode is here to remind you: contact naps are not a step backward. They’re a sign of a securely attached baby — and there are supportive, connection-based ways to transition when it’s the right time for you.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’ve ever rocked your baby to sleep, tiptoed out of the room, and then watched the monitor light up 27 minutes later — we see you. In this episode, we’re unpacking the truth about short naps.
We’ll talk about when they’re completely normal, why they don’t automatically mean your baby is a “bad napper,” and how the popular “crib hour” method actually misses the mark when it comes to supporting healthy, responsive sleep.
You’ll also hear simple, connection-based strategies to gently support longer naps without using any form of sleep training. Whether your baby is taking 20-minute catnaps or you’re just wondering if it’s supposed to feel this hard, this episode will remind you: short naps aren’t a failure — and there is another way.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sleep Through Connection E-course
Free wake window & sleep science guide
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
We’ve been told that “healthy sleep” means 12 hours uninterrupted, in a crib, with no help, by 6 months old. But…who decided that was the goal?
In this episode, we’re breaking down what actual healthy sleep looks like — and why sleep trainers often get it so wrong. From unrealistic expectations to myths about independence, we unpack the pressure parents feel and why it’s totally okay (and developmentally normal) for your baby to need you at night.
We’ll share what healthy sleep really means from a connection-based lens: safety, responsiveness, and rhythms that support the unique needs of your baby — and you.
Whether you’re co-sleeping, contact napping, nursing to sleep, or just feeling unsure if you’re “doing it right” — this episode is for you!
Let’s take the pressure off and redefine what healthy baby sleep really looks like.
Mentioned in this episode: ACOTAR Books
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
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**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this special episode, we’re joined by our giveaway winner, Bailey—a mom to an 8.5-month-old who naps like a dream but is waking frequently at night (sometimes 8+ times 😵💫).
Together, we unpack what might be behind those restless nights and offer supportive, non-sleep-training suggestions that align with your baby’s needs and your instincts.
Bailey also brings up common mainstream sleep tips like “wait 7 minutes before responding” and “don’t always pick them up”—and we talk about why these approaches often don’t sit right for a reason.
We cover:
What’s actually normal when it comes to night wakings
Why naps and nights don’t always match
How to gently support longer stretches without leaving your baby to cry
The truth about waiting and responding overnight
And why picking up your baby is never the problem ❤️
This episode is packed with relatable experiences, validation, and practical ideas for moms who want to support their baby’s sleep without compromising connection.
Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Through Connection Course
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’re in the thick of what everyone calls the “4-month sleep regression” — or bracing yourself for it — this episode is here to support and reassure you.
The truth? It’s not a regression at all. It’s actually a normal, healthy developmental progression, and it’s the only one that directly impacts your baby’s sleep architecture.
In this episode, we break down:
What’s really happening during the 4-month sleep shift
Why more night wakings and short naps are common (and normal!)
How to support your baby without resorting to sleep training
What role awake windows and sleep environment play
Why “bad habits” aren’t a thing — and what to focus on instead
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, or second-guessing everything — take a deep breath. You’re not alone. You’re not doing anything wrong. And you can support your baby through this stage without compromising connection or your instincts.
This one’s for every exhausted parent wondering: “Is this normal?”
(Spoiler: yes. Yes, it is.)
CAD link for Aleni’s bedtime book
US link for Aleni’s bedtime book
Sleep Through Connection Course
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this heartfelt episode, We're joined once again by chiropractor and fellow mama, Dr. Sarah Shepherd, to talk about her journey navigating early motherhood with her little one — including the unexpected challenges that came with a tongue tie diagnosis.
She opens up about the emotional toll of those early weeks, how it impacted feeding and sleep, and what ultimately helped her find clarity and support. As both a mother and a practitioner, she shares her unique perspective on how body tension and oral ties can influence a baby’s ability to feed and settle — and how chiropractic care can play a gentle, supportive role.
Whether you're currently in the thick of it or just want to feel seen and supported, this conversation is a validating reminder that you're not alone — and that it's okay to follow your instincts, ask questions, and seek care that aligns with your values.
If you’re local (Vancouver Island) book an appointment with Sarah here.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
This week, we're slowing things down and catching up—just the two of us. It's been a while since we’ve had a chance to chat about real-life motherhood stuff, and in true mom fashion, there's a lot going on.
Aleni shares how she’s preparing for her upcoming 3-night trip away from Nora (and all the feels that come with it), plus details about her new workshop for families transitioning away from bed sharing. We also get honest about screen time—what it looks like in our homes right now and one of our favorite screen-free swaps that actually works.
Sign up for Aleni’s Workshop here
And because we love this community so much, we’ve got a Mother’s Day Giveaway to share! One lucky Mama will join us on the podcast to chat about their child’s sleep struggles, and we’ll offer gentle, supportive guidance—no sleep training required.
Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway here
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’ve ever stressed about milk supply, doubted your body, or felt totally overwhelmed by the world of pumping—this episode is for you. 💛
We sat down with Katie, a Mom & Certified IBCLC, to talk everything milk supply and pumping. From what truly regulates milk supply (hint: it’s not how full your boobs feel) to how to build a freezer stash without going into oversupply panic-mode, Katie breaks it all down in a way that feels doable and grounded in what really matters—connection and confidence.
In this conversation, we talk about what “normal” milk supply actually looks like, how to know if your baby is getting enough, and when and how to start pumping (without losing your mind). Katie also shares her go-to advice for troubleshooting supply dips, pump struggles, and returning to work—plus why common myths like “fussy baby = low supply” need to go. She brings her holistic, baby-and-mama-centered approach to every part of this chat, and we left feeling so much more empowered—and we know you will too.
You deserve support, not pressure. Let this be your permission slip to let go of the guilt and lean into what feels right for you and your baby. 💕
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In today’s episode, we are joined by Rebeka—former client, mental health counselor, and mom to a spirited two-year-old—for a truly heartfelt conversation about navigating baby sleep without sleep training.
Rebeka shares her personal journey with her daughter's sleep, what those early sleepless months looked like, and how she made the choice to parent through connection even when things felt incredibly hard. We talk about what surprised her most about doing this work without sleep training, what she’s carried with her into other parts of parenting, and the emotional shifts that happened along the way.
As a counselor who supports individuals in the perinatal period, Rebeka also brings in her professional lens to talk about the mental load so many parents carry—especially when it comes to sleep. She reflects on how her own work impacted her parenting journey, and how her understanding of attachment and co-regulation deepened through lived experience.
If you’re in a tough season right now, or feeling like you're the only one still supporting your child to sleep—this episode is the reminder you need that you're not alone. There is another way, and it doesn’t mean going against your instincts.
Grab a cozy drink, take a deep breath, and come join us in this honest and encouraging chat. ❤️
Resources Shared By Rebeka:
Blog Post written by Rebeka on Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Podcast Episode: Protecting Maternal Sleep
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
Let’s be real—navigating baby sleep as a couple can feel really complicated when you’re not on the same page. In this episode, we brought on our husbands for a candid conversation about what happens when one parent wants to sleep train… and the other doesn’t. We asked them the hard questions—“Do babies need to learn to self-soothe?” “Isn’t picking them up all the time creating bad habits?”—and let them share their honest thoughts and concerns. We also reflected on our own experiences—what those early disagreements around sleep looked like, and how we worked through them without resentment.
This episode is for any parent who feels stuck between wanting to protect connection and feeling the pressure to just do something to fix sleep. We unpack what’s really behind the desire to sleep train & talk about how to respond when you don’t agree and how to hold your boundaries without taking on all the night duties alone. Because sleep is a family issue—not just “Mom’s job.”
Whether you’re the partner saying “no thanks” to sleep training, or the one feeling unsure of what else to do—this one’s for you. Supporting your baby doesn’t mean doing it all alone, and choosing connection doesn’t mean chaos forever.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If bedtime feels like a never-ending struggle—requests for water, a million stall tactics, and a toddler who suddenly needs one more hug—you’re not alone. Toddler bedtime battles are real, and there are good reasons why they happen.
In this episode, we’re breaking down why toddlers struggle with separation at night, how boundaries shape bedtime, and what role sensory needs and nervous system regulation play in settling to sleep. We’ll also talk about the difference between overtired and under tired toddlers and how to find the right balance for your child.
The good news? There are simple shifts that can make bedtime feel smoother and more connected. We’re sharing actionable tips you can start using tonight to help bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a bonding experience.
If you’re looking for more support, check out Aleni’s Bonded Bedtime Guide for a deep dive into bedtime struggles and solutions.
Let’s make bedtime easier—for both you and your little one. 💛
Mentioned in this episode:
Lovevery 2YR Helper Kit-Routine Cards
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
Does your child insist that only one parent put them to bed? You’re not alone! Bedtime is a vulnerable time, and children often cling to the parent they associate most with comfort and sleep. But this preference isn’t rejection—it’s simply an attachment pattern built through routine. The good news? Attachment is flexible, and with patience, children can build trust and comfort with both caregivers at bedtime.
In this episode, we’ll explore a gentle, connection-based approach to introducing another caregiver into the bedtime routine—without forcing it or causing distress. We’ll discuss why children develop strong bedtime preferences, small steps to ease into shared bedtime responsibilities, and how a predictable routine can help kids feel safe regardless of who is putting them to sleep. We’ll also talk about strengthening connection outside of bedtime to make transitions smoother and why it’s okay if each parent has their own way of settling a child to sleep.
If bedtime has become a one-parent job in your home and you’re looking for a gradual, attachment-focused way to help your child adjust, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical, reassuring guidance to help your child feel safe, secure, and supported as they learn to embrace bedtime with both parents.
Mentioned in this episode:
Match making: Learn more here.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
Going from one child to two is a massive shift—for everyone. Your firstborn, your new baby, and you are all adjusting, and it’s okay if it feels overwhelming. You might find yourself grieving the one-on-one time you had with your firstborn while also feeling immense love for your new baby. The guilt, the exhaustion, and the sibling jealousy are all normal parts of this transition. In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotional and logistical challenges of adding a second child and offering real, practical support to help you navigate this season.
We’ll talk about how to prepare your firstborn before the baby arrives, including age-appropriate ways to introduce the idea of a sibling and ways to keep your bond strong. We’ll also dive into the early weeks—how to validate big emotions, create simple moments of connection, and manage sleep with two kids (yes, it’s possible!). From balancing bedtime to finding ways to entertain a toddler while caring for a newborn, we cover the realities of this transition without sugar coating the hard parts.
And because we know every family’s situation is different, we’re answering listener questions about co-sleeping with two, keeping your firstborn’s sleep routine intact, dealing with sibling jealousy, and knowing when to pick your battles. This transition is hard, but it won’t always feel this way. Give yourself grace, lower the bar, and remember—love and connection matter more than perfection. You’ve got this. 💛
Download Alicia’s Side By Side Slumber Guide to set up a sidecar crib
Episodes mentioned:
S2E24 Siblings & Sleep: Room Sharing, Bed Sharing, and Making It Work
S1E9 Parenting Solo & Navigating Your First Night Away
S1E16 Navigating Bedsharing: Your Questions Answered
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
Thinking about having your kids share a room—or even a bed? While sibling room sharing can be a beautiful bonding experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about making the transition as smooth as possible. We’ll discuss when and how to introduce room sharing based on age, development, and family space, as well as key safety considerations, including AAP recommendations and the Safe Sleep 7.
We’ll also cover practical tips for setting up a safe and functional sleep space for multiple kids, managing bedtime routines, handling night waking, and preventing disruptions. Plus, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with my daughters sharing a bed—what worked for us, what we had to adjust, and how we made it a positive experience for everyone.
Whether your little ones are just starting to share a room or you're wondering if bed sharing is an option, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to create a setup that works for your family. Because at the end of the day, sleep solutions should feel good for everyone—not just fit into a one-size-fits-all mold
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia
Does your child need you to lay with them until they fall asleep? Are you feeling ready to make a change but want to do it in a way that feels respectful and connected? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to support older children in falling asleep independently—without using sleep training. We’ll walk you through what to assess before making changes, including overtiredness, separation anxiety, and connection needs.
We’ll also share a gradual, attachment-based approach to easing into independent sleep, gentle strategies for handling night wakings and bedtime anxiety, and the importance of flexibility, reassurance, and meeting your child where they are.
Plus, we’re covering everything you need to know to help your child adjust to the upcoming time change this weekend. Spoiler: This one’s way easier than the fall time change! If bedtime is feeling like a struggle, or you’re just looking for a way to support your child in sleeping more independently while still honoring their attachment needs—this episode is for you. ❤️
Check out Aleni’s Bonded Bedtime Guide here
Check out Dr.Deborah Macnamara’s tips for bridging bedtime separation here
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
If your little one is waking before 6 AM and you’re running on fumes, you’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into early morning wake-ups—what causes them, when they’re biologically normal, and how to shift them when they’re not.
We’ll explore how circadian rhythms impact early wake-ups and environmental factors that may be contributing to your early morning wake up call. We’ll also break down the role of daytime sleep, looking at both under-tiredness and overtiredness, and how adjusting naps and wake windows can help build the right amount of sleep pressure.
If you’ve been struggling with early mornings and aren’t sure how to make a change, this episode is for you. We’re breaking it all down so you can support your little one in getting more restful sleep—without sleep training. 💛
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
Have you ever found yourself rocking, bouncing, or pleading with your baby or toddler to go back to sleep at 2 AM—only for them to be wide awake for hours? That’s called a split night, and while they can be a normal part of development, they can also become a frustrating pattern if sleep pressure isn’t balanced properly.
In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about split nights. We’ll talk about why they happen, including how too much daytime sleep can lead to long wake-ups in the middle of the night, and why an early bedtime might be making things worse. We’ll also help you figure out whether your child’s last wake window is long enough to build the sleep pressure they need to get through the night.
If split nights are making you question everything about your child’s sleep, this episode will give you the reassurance and practical tips you need to find a rhythm that works for your family.
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
Is your baby struggling with reflux, constant spit-up, or unexplained discomfort? You’re not alone. Reflux is often dismissed as “just a phase” or colic, leaving parents feeling helpless and exhausted. But what if there’s more to the story?
In this episode, we sit down withAine Homer, The Baby Reflux Lady, to dive deep into the root causes of baby reflux and how to support your little one holistically. Aine shares her expert insights on the different types of reflux, how to recognize the signs, and what might be contributing to your baby’s discomfort. We explore how birth trauma, feeding mechanics, and gut health can all play a role, and why medications like PPIs aren’t always the best solution. Instead of just masking symptoms, Aine walks us through practical, holistic strategies to help relieve reflux naturally. We also discuss how reflux impacts sleep and what parents can do to navigate those challenges with more ease.
If you’ve ever been told to “just wait it out” but know in your gut that something more is going on, this episode is for you. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will help you get to the root of your baby’s discomfort and find real, lasting relief. 🎧
Follow along with Aine on Instagram
Snag a copy of her Free Symptom Tracker
Purchase her book “The Baby Reflux Lady’s Survival Guide”
Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.
Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.
Work with Alicia & Aleni
