Ask us anything #1 (Ep 6)
In our first mailbag episode, Arielle and I take a deep dive into your most pressing sleep-related questions, from the perfect setup for your toddler’s room to managing sleep challenges in children with autism. We took YOUR questions from email and Instagram.
Timestamps:
- [00:02:00] “What should the light setup be in a toddler’s room?”
- [00:03:23] “Can you immediately stop using a pacifier when sleep training?”
- [00:05:39] “How to introduce room sharing?”
- [00:08:31] “Tips for jet lag when flying overseas with kids?”
- [00:11:30] “How much movement during sleep is typical in an elementary schooler?”
- [00:15:05] “Is it okay to use melatonin for sleep issues in kids?”
- [00:22:44] “How to manage bedtime for children with autism?”
- [00:28:47] “Dealing with night nursing and weaning issues.”
- [00:36:00] “How do we break the cycle of bottle feeding and rocking to sleep for a 2-year-old?”
- [00:39:00] “Will removing a nighttime sleep crutch result in split nights?”
- [00:51:27] “Should weekend naps match daycare schedule for a 6-month-old?”
- [00:53:10] “Recommendations for a 3-year-old inconsistent in taking naps.”
- [00:55:00] “How to handle a baby’s strong preference for one parent at bedtime.”
- [00:57:16] “Helping a 6-year-old with congenital heart disease to sleep better.”
Notable Quotes from the Episode:
- “It should be dark enough in your kid’s room that you can’t read a book by the light.” – Dr. Craig Canapari
- “The sooner you can eliminate the pacifier, the better.” – Arielle Greenleaf
- “Kids adjust more quickly to new time zones than adults do.” – Dr. Craig Canapari
- “Melatonin is not a magic bullet. It’s part of a broader strategy.” – Dr. Craig Canapari
- “Natural light is very helpful for adjusting to new time zones.” – Arielle Greenleaf
- “Being a little bit careful with screens before bedtime can help with jet lag.” – Dr. Craig Canapari
- “Restless leg syndrome in kids is typically associated with both sensory and sleep issues.” – Dr. Craig Canapari
- “Swap your child’s fear of not having the pacifier with germophobia and you’re all set.” – Dr. Craig Canapari, humorously suggesting a strategy for weaning off pacifiers.
Links
- Sleep edit episode with Dr. Garay
- Room sharing links: Dr Canapari article in the NYT ; Dr Canapari article on his website
- Melatonin for Children: A Guide for Parents
- Melatonin overdoses are on the rise: why parents should worry
- Solving Sleep Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Frazzled Families
- How to stop night feeds
- AAP Safe Sleep Guideline 2022
- Want to stop cosleeping? Here’s how
- List of sleep training methods
- Early morning awakenings: what to do about them