Everyone says that a good bedtime routine is super important for children. But has anyone ever told you why? Or how to set up a great bedtime routine for your little one? In this episode, Dr Fallon & Dr Laura (PhDs, Sleep Practitioners) dive right in, so you can learn what’s happening in your child’s brain when you begin their bedtime routine, how to set up a great bedtime routine for your baby, toddler, or older child, and what to do if bedtime, feels more like heading in to battle, than the relaxing wind down you hoped it would be.

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If you're a sleep-deprived parent, you've probably wondered what really happens when you seek help. In this episode, Dr Fallon & Dr Laura (PhDs, Sleep Practitioners) walk you through their entire assessment process - the step-by-step approach that allows them to tailor support for your baby or toddler and maximise your chances of success. If you're exhausted and looking for answers, this episode is essential listening. You'll uncover the key clues that can make sleep and settling easier for your family.

🙋‍♀️ See Dr Fallon in our Telehealth clinic: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/appointments

🏢 Local to Melbourne? Visit Dr Laura for an in-person appointment at Victorian Children's Clinic, Malvern: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/melbourne

✅ Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs for immediate support.

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Parent questions have been coming through thick and fast during the xmas and new year holidays so on parent request, in this episode Dr Fallon & Dr Laura dive in to how to adjust nap lengths, how to choose a settling approach for a new baby when you already have a toddler in the house, how to reduce the number of overnight feeds, and what to do when your baby only settles for one parent. Plus, we discuss our big plans for 2026, including a huge expansion of our clinic services so more families can enjoy easier settling and more restful nights with their little one.

🙋‍♀️ See Dr Fallon in our Telehealth clinic! For the first time in 2 years, Fallon is seeing new families: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/appointments

🏢 Local to Melbourne? Visit Dr Laura for an in-person appointment at Victorian Children's Clinic, Malvern: https://www.infantsleep.com.au/melbourne

✅ Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs for immediate support.

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Dr Fallon and Dr Laura share personal stories about their own Christmas celebrations, offer practical tips for managing holiday stress, and emphasise the importance of self-care. Learn how to navigate family dynamics, set realistic expectations, and embrace new traditions. Additionally, they answer listener questions about sleep challenges and parenting strategies.

✅ Need additional support? Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs, where we have an entire chapter dedicated to helping you resolve sleep pressure difficulties. Or visit our wonderful sleep clinic, via Telehealth or in person if you're local to Melbourne.

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When you wake your child at the same time each day, you’re giving their circadian rhythm a clear signal that helps shape predictable naps and easier bedtimes. It’s not easy to get up on time after a tricky night, but in today’s episode Dr Fallon & Dr Laura (PhDs, Sleep Practitioners) unpack why it’s worthwhile, and share how to make it work for your family.

✅ Need additional support? Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs, where we have an entire chapter dedicated to helping you resolve sleep pressure difficulties. Or visit our wonderful sleep clinic, via Telehealth or in person if you're local to Melbourne.

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Does bedsharing have benefits for infant development or attachment? The quick answer is no. Systematic reviews (the highest form of scientific evidence) consistently show that bedsharing is associated with:

1️⃣ Longer breastfeeding duration

2️⃣ Increased risk of death

3️⃣ More frequent night waking

Bedsharing might be your preference, and that's ok, but it's important to understand both the risks, and the reality - babies who sleep in cots are just as well attached to their parents, as those who share a bed with their parents.

Drs Fallon & Laura (PhDs, Sleep Practitioners) dive head first in to the scientific literature on bedsharing, so you can make an informed decision for your little one

✅ Need additional support? Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs, where we have an entire chapter dedicated to helping you resolve sleep pressure difficulties. Or visit our wonderful sleep clinic, via Telehealth or in person if you're local to Melbourne.

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If you choose to bedshare please follow the RedNose guidelines for safer cosleeping: https://rednose.org.au/safe-sleep-and-safer-pregnancy/newborn-to-1-year/co-sleeping-with-your-baby/

REFERENCES:

Das, Rashmi Ranjan, Sankar, M. Jeeva, Agarwal, Ramesh, Paul, Vinod Kumar, Is “Bed Sharing” Beneficial and Safe during Infancy? A Systematic Review, International Journal of Pediatrics, 2014, 468538, 16 pages, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/468538

Baddock, et.al. The influence of bed-sharing on infant physiology, breastfeeding and behaviour: A systematic review, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 43, 2019, Pages 106-117, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.10.007.

Horsley T, Clifford T, Barrowman N, et al. Benefits and Harms Associated With the Practice of Bed Sharing: A Systematic Review. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(3):237–245. doi:10.1001/archpedi.161.3.237

A Morneau, A Vallieres, 0949 Should Parents and Children Share the Same Bed? A Systematic Review of the Consequences of Bedsharing on Sleep and Child Development, Sleep, Volume 43, Issue Supplement_1, April 2020, Pages A360–A361, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.945

Wolf et. al., (2025). Mother–Infant Bed-sharing Is Associated with Increased Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review. Breastfeeding Medicine, 20 (4).

If your baby or toddler has false starts, split nights, or they are hard to settle to sleep, then there is a very good chance your little one has a sleep pressure difficulty. The good news? These problems are easily fixed by taking a close look at the daily rhythm. When sleep pressure challenges are resolved, the door to easier settling and quieter nights, swings wide open.

This episode is Dr Fallon & Dr Laura's guide to identifying and fixing sleep pressure difficulties.

✅ Need additional support? Join our Sombelle Paediatric Sleep Clinic Programs, where we have an entire chapter dedicated to helping you resolve sleep pressure difficulties. Or visit our wonderful sleep clinic, via Telehealth or in person if you're local to Melbourne.

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Is your baby hungry at 2am…or do they feed simply out of habit? Not all babies will stop feeding overnight when it’s no longer necessary – some enjoy those overnight feeds a lot and expect them to continue for 1, 2, or even 3 years! There are loads of factors that influence night feeding and in this episode Dr Fallon & Dr Laura (PhDs, Sleep Practitioners) unpack what you need to know before weaning overnight feeds.

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✅ Visit our clinic or join Sombelle for expert support with baby & toddler sleep & settling difficulties.