Sleep Cues: The Everything Parenting Podcast
Tired mama? I’m here to help - I’m Erin Junker, pediatric sleep consultant and owner of The Happy Sleep Company. With a Masters Degree in Health Communications, experience helping more than 1000 families gain healthy rest for their children and eight years raising my own happy little sleeper I’m in this with you!I am passionate about children's sleep, I firmly believe that a well rested family is a happier healthier family. In each episode of this podcast, we'll guide you through some of the biggest challenges we see parents facing when it comes to their babies and older...
Q&A: At What Age Should We Sleep Train?
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- Mattresses that flip by age, are there signs from my baby for when we should be flipping the mattress?
- At what age should we sleep train?
- Multiple night wakes when they were previously a sleep trained baby, how do we get them to sleep through the night again?
- Bedtime routine to introduce at 16 weeks while room sharing?
- Advice for parents of an 8 week old, with holding to sleep and the wi...
Why Are We So Obsessed With What Other Babies Are Doing?
Why are we so quick to compare our babies to everyone else's? From milestones to sleep schedules, feeding habits and everything in between, it's easy to get caught up in what other babies are doing. We're chatting about the pressure of comparison, why every baby develops differently, and how to feel more confident in your own little one's journey. This episode has some of the reminders you may need to hear today!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Preparing for Motherhood: What No One Tells You Before Baby Arrives with Nina Spears of Baby Chick
Nina Spears is the Founder of “The Baby Chick,” a trusted resource for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Nina is a certified baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy.
In this episode we chat about bridging prenatal preparation and postpartum reality as you enter the new stage of life, Motherhood!
FOLLOW @thebabychick
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Short Naps, Early Morning Wakings, Nap Schedules & Overnight Feeding
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- How can I get my 6 month old to take her last nap of the day
- Will 5am wake ups ever change? My baby is 21 months and is always up so early!
- My almost 7 month old is on a 2 nap day and some naps are longer but most are very short. How can I get him to take longer naps?
- Can you give me a sample schedule for a 13 month old on 2 naps per da...
The Stuff You Won’t Actually Miss About The Baby Years
Moving out of the baby years can bring ALL the feelings... but what if there are parts you’re actually ready to leave behind?
From contact naps when you desperately need to pee to the exhaustion of those early days, this episode is your permission slip to exhale, reflect on how far you’ve come, and get excited about the next chapter of parenthood. Because you can love the baby years, feel grateful for them, AND not miss every single part!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Websi...
Toddlers Without Power Struggles (And How To Make That Happen!) ft. Mom Therapist Stacy McCann, LCSW
Tired of the daily battles with your toddler? In this episode, we’re joined by Mom Therapist Stacy McCann, LCSW, to explore how to reduce power struggles, navigate big emotions, and build more cooperation with your little one using connection, boundaries, understanding, and practical strategies that work in real life.
FOLLOW @stacymccannlcsw
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Nap Transitions, Short Naps & Night Wakings... What’s Normal?
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- My 14 month old is on one nap. He is sometimes awake for two hours in the middle of the night. He wakes at 6am, naps at noon for 2 hours, and goes to bed at 7pm. Any suggestions to help with the night wakes?
- Can you give me a good napping and bedtime schedule for a newly 2 year old?
- We just switched my freshly 8 month old baby to 2 naps, but he’s crying and taking 40 minutes to fall...
DWT (Desired Wake Time): What Is It & Does It Actually Work?
A common topic among parents: Desired Wake Time (DWT)! In this episode of Sleep Cues, we’re breaking down what DWT actually means, how it can be used to support your child’s sleep, what may work (and what may not), and some of the common misconceptions around setting a desired wake time. If early mornings have you wondering where to start, this episode is for you!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Angela Santomero on What She Learned From Creating Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood That Parents Can Apply Right Now!
What can the creators of Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood teach us about parenting?
In this episode, we’re joined by Angela Santomero, the award-winning creator behind some of the most beloved children’s shows of all time. Angela shares what she learned from creating Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood about how young children learn, process emotions, build confidence, and understand the world around them!
FOLLOW Angela
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappys...
Q&A: Pillows, Wake Windows, Daycare Naps & More
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
When should you consider introducing a pillow
What are good wake windows for a 4.5 month old?
If a child is on a cot at daycare, should we move them to a floor bed at home?
When should I start sleep coaching with my 34 week preemie twins? Should I base it on their adjusted age or their actual age?
My 18 month old doesn’t want to take a long nap at daycare. They are...
How To Get Your Child's Sleep Back On Track After Summer
Late nights, travel, naps on the go, and a more relaxed summer schedule can leave your child’s sleep routine feeling a little… off. In this episode, we’re sharing our top tips for getting your child’s sleep back on track and making the transition into a more consistent fall routine feel easier for everyone.
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Is Daycare Bad For Children? ft. Dr. Mona of The PedsDocTalk [REPLAY]
[REPLAY] Is daycare harmful? On this episode we dive in with Dr. Mona of PedsDocTalk podcast to breakdown what the research really says about daycare, stress, and secure attachment – offering clarity and reassurance for modern parents!
FOLLOW Dr. Mona @pedsdoctalk
FREE Childcare Guide
READ ARTICLE: Is Daycare Bad for Children?
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Napping On The Go: Key Tips for Success! [REPLAY]
Today's episode is about On-The-Go Naps! We've officially entered a busier season of the year... and it takes a little getting used to after a maybe more relaxed, unscheduled summer! So here are my tip's for keeping naps on track even when we're on the go!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
The Role of Nutrition on Toddler Sleep with Nutritionist Rachel Caven [REPLAY]
On today's episode we have Nutritionist Rachel Caven on and we are talking about sleep and nutrition! Especially for our toddler families, and learning to really understand the role nutrition plays with our kids, how it affects them and their energy levels (and explaining this to them!)
Rachel's work focuses on how she can break down the science and technical side of nutrition and just make nutrition simple for families!
FOLLOW Rachel HERE
Website HERE
In this episode we've partnered with O...
Morning Magic: Building a Baby's Morning Routine
What does a healthy morning routine actually look like for your baby, and does it really make a difference? In this episode of Sleep Cues, we're breaking down why a consistent start to the day can support better sleep, smoother transitions, and a calmer household. We'll cover what a morning routine is, how to create one that works for your little one, and the key benefits of starting each day with predictable, comforting rhythms.
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
<...
What To Expect From Your Postpartum Period ft. Dr. Sara Reardon (aka The Vagina Whisperer!)
Today's episode is dedicated to your period, specifically your postpartum period!
Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist on a mission to change the way we care for women and their pelvic floors. She believes we shouldn’t be normalizing pelvic floor problems. We ought to be normalizing pelvic floor conversations. And so, The Vagina Whisperer was born.
FOLLOW @the.vagina.whisperer
VIST thevagwhisperer.com
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.theh...
All Your Questions Answered About Working With The Happy Sleep Company
In this episode, we're answering all your questions about working with The Happy Sleep Company! From what sleep coaching looks like and how personalized support works, to who we help and what results families can expect, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our approach to helping the whole family get more sleep!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Can You Sleep Train For Nights But Not For Naps?
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
Can you sleep train for nights but not for naps?
When do I switch from four naps to 3 naps for my 5 month old? How do I know when he’s ready?
My 4 month old has 30 minute naps. Should I give her time to try to go back to sleep, or rescue it with a contact nap?
My 5 month old is rolling to his belly while falling asleep independently. He’s not upset. We do lots of floor time in...
Women, Motherhood & ADHD with Meredith Carder
ADHD often presents differently in women, and many don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood or motherhood. In this episode of Sleep Cues, ADHD Coach Meredith Carder joins us to discuss the signs of ADHD in women, the challenges of balancing motherhood and the mental load, and practical strategies for navigating everyday life with ADHD.
FOLLOW @hummingbird_adhd
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Sleep Coaching and Tears: What to Expect
Worried that sleep coaching means lots of tears? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s normal, what to expect emotionally during the process, and how to approach sleep changes in a way that feels supportive for both you and your child. We’ll talk about why some tears can happen, how to respond with confidence, and what progress really looks like as your family builds healthy sleep habits.
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Tips for Longer Naps, Newborn Sleep and Night Terrors
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
Do you have tips for longer naps? My 6 month old constantly wakes after 45 minutes
Is there anything you can do for newborn sleep to make it better? Or are they just too young?
My 10 week old is a velcro baby - I love the snuggles, but when can I start doing sleep coaching and looking for him to self settle?
My 20 month old wakes up around 6am, naps from 12-2pm, and goes to bed at around 7-7...
Why I Almost Divorced My Husband (And the Conversations That Saved Our Marriage) with Paige Connell
Marriage after kids can look very different than expected...and for many couples, the hardest part is the mental load women carry. In this honest conversation, Paige shares the real story of reaching a breaking point in her marriage, the conversations that changed everything, and what rebuildingA actually looked like.
We talk about communication, resentment, partnership, and the small shifts that can create meaningful change. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season or simply want to strengthen your relationship, this episode offers a candid look at what it means to be a partner!
F...
What’s A “Morning Routine,” And How Can It Help Your Child’s Sleep
When it comes to healthy sleep habits, what happens in the morning can be just as important as what happens at bedtime. In this episode, we’re diving into the power of a consistent morning routine and how it can positively impact your child’s sleep, mood, and overall day!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Handling False Starts, Starting Sleep Coaching, Early Morning Wakes & More!
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- How do you handle a false start? My 5 month old has them every night.
- I have a 2.5 year old and a 7.5 month old. I really don’t want to drop my 7.5 month old’s third nap yet, because I like that there is some overlap in their napping. Do you have a schedule you can suggest?
- I’m planning on starting some sleep coaching with my 8 month old. Do I start with naps or nights?
- My 16...
When Baby Arrives: Navigating the Mother-in-Law Relationship ft. Janelle Marie
When a baby arrives, family dynamics can change overnight. Today we are joined by, Janelle Marie as we discuss navigating mother-in-law relationships, setting healthy boundaries, managing expectations, and fostering positive connections during the transition to parenthood.
FOLLOW @heyjanellemarie
In this episode we've partnered with Obasan
Click HERE to save - We want your kids sleeping great! Use code HAPPYSLEEP at checkout and receive 10% off when you purchase a crib mattress–head to obasan.com / obasan.ca...
Wake, Eat, Play, Sleep: What Does It Mean And How Can It Help?!
This week on Sleep Cues, we’re breaking down the popular “Wake, Eat, Play, Sleep” concept. What it actually means, why many parents use it, and how it can help support better sleep habits for your baby. We’ll cover how to make the routine work in real life, common misconceptions, and simple ways to adapt it for your little one’s age and needs.
PS. Request your free 20-minute phone consultation with The Happy Sleep Company. This is a chance for you to connect one-on-one with a member of our team, walk us through an...
Q&A: When Can Kids Use Adult Pillows?
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- When can kids use adult pillows?
- Can you sleep train if your baby still needs night feeds?
- My child is 23 months old. Do we still focus on wake windows, or do we do a by the clock schedule at this point?
- My 18 month old no longer falls asleep independently. He needs to be held to sleep and wakes at least twice every night. What do I do?
- What are the wa...
Why You Shouldn’t Tell Your Child “You’re Okay" ft. Jon Fogel of Whole Parent Academy
In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Fogel, the founder of Whole Parent Academy, sharing a powerful, brain-based approach to parenting. Through honest storytelling and practical tools, we explore how regulating yourself is the key to raising emotionally resilient kids... and breaking generational patterns for good!!
FOLLOW @wholeparent
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Is A Lovey A Sleep Crutch?
If you’ve ever been told to “ditch the sleep crutches,” you might have wondered… Wait – does that mean my child can’t have anything comforting at sleep time?
Not quite. There’s a big difference between a sleep crutch and a lovey (also often called a comfort object) and, understanding that difference can make introducing one feel a lot less intimidating... and we break it down in today's episode!
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Q&A: Soothers, Waking at 5am and Sleeping Better For The Grandparents
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- My 4 month old keeps spitting out the soother when working on independent sleep. Should I keep replacing it?
- I sleep trained my 19 month old when he was 6 months old. Now we are having the occasional night wake - should I respond the same way I did during sleep coaching?
- My 5 month old is waking up at 5am every day. How do I get him to more like 6:30am?
- My baby sleeps better for th...
Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself with Libby Ward
In this episode, we sit down with Libby Ward to talk about her raw, relatable, and unexpectedly funny memoir, Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself.
Libby shares what it really looked like to break under the pressure of trying to do it all... and the powerful rebuild that followed. We dive into the unrealistic expectations placed on modern moms, the identity loss that so often goes unspoken, and the moment everything had to change.
This conversation is both a wake-up call and a permission slip: to let go of perfection, to choose...
What’s A Top Up Feed? And When Might It Be Right For Your Baby?
Curious about top-up feeds and whether your baby needs one? In this episode, we break down what a top-up feed is, when it can be helpful, and how to know if it’s the right fit for your baby’s sleep and feeding routine. Tune in for practical tips to support fuller feeds and more restful nights.
PS. Request your free 20-minute phone consultation with The Happy Sleep Company. This is a chance for you to connect one-on-one with a member of our team, walk us through an average day and night for your...
Q&A: Wake Windows, Sleep Training for Baby vs. Toddlers And The 4 Month Sleep Regression
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- What are the proper wake windows for a 7 month old? Is it possible my baby may be ready to drop to 2 naps at this age?
- Would you use the same sleep coaching approaches for a toddler as you would for a baby?
- Is there an age limit for sleep sacks?
- Can you sleep train during the 4 month sleep regression?
- What are the wake windows for a 6.5 month ol...
Why Chiropractic Work May Be Right For Your Baby ft. Dr. Brittlyn Bos
Curious about chiropractic care for your baby? In this episode, Dr. Brittlyn Bos breaks down how gentle, specialized chiropractic work can support infant comfort, sleep, and milestone development. We dive into common concerns, what to expect, and how to know if it’s the right fit for your little one!
FOLLOW Dr. Brittlyn Bos
VIST Evergreen Wellness Studio
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
Wake Windows Or Tired Signs – Which Matter More?
Are wake windows the gold standard for sleep? Or should you be following your baby’s tired signs instead? In this episode, we break down the difference between the two, why neither is one-size-fits-all, and how to find the right plan for your baby’s sleep needs!
In this episode we've partnered with Obasan
Click HERE to save - We want your kids sleeping great! Use code HAPPYSLEEP at checkout and receive 10% off when you purchase a crib mattress–head to obas...
Q&A: Contact Nap Transitions, Daycare Nap Challenges & Hourly Night Wakings at 4 Months
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- How much daytime sleep should my child be getting at 12 months, and when do they transition to 1 nap?
- What’s an ideal schedule for a 14 month old who’s on one nap?
- My 6 month old scream cries for 5-10 minutes before falling asleep for every nap, is this normal?
- If my 18 month old wakes up from their nap at daycare at 2pm, what time is bedtime?
- What’s a great sleep sc...
Your Baby And Winter Safety ft. Dr. Darria Long of No-Panic Parenting
Winter brings extra layers... and extra worries — especially when you have a baby. In this episode of Sleep Cues, we’re joined by an ER perspective to talk about what actually matters when it comes to winter safety. Dr. Darria is a Harvard and Yale-trained, board-certified ER physician, our go-to for baby and family safety on social media, and mom of 3.
From the most common cold-weather mistakes parents don’t expect, to overheating risks during sleep, to why bulky snowsuits and car seats don’t mix... we’re breaking down what’s fact, what’s myth, and what you can con...
When Do Wake Windows Start And End?
When does a wake window actually begin — and how do you know when it’s over?
In this episode of Sleep Cues, we’re breaking down what wake windows really are, when they truly matter, and why understanding their timing can make bedtime (and naps) so much smoother. We’ll explain how to confidently spot the start of a wake window, recognize the signs that it’s ending, and share real-life examples to help you apply it right away.
If you’ve ever second-guessed your timing or worried you’ve missed “the sweet spot,” this episode will give...
Q&A: Sleep Schedules, Crutches & Overtired Chaos
Answering this week's Top 5 Sleep Questions. This week’s questions highlight the following topics:
- What are good wake windows for a 5 month old? And what is the feeding schedule at this age? I’m feeling lost.
- What’s a good bedtime range for a 3.5 month old?
- Is there any risk that a comfort object becomes a sleep crutch? How can I prevent that?
- How do you prevent over tiredness when sleep training for naps? Won’t she get super overtired if she just refuses to sleep in her crib?<...
Picky Eating Explained: A Conversation with Danielle Binns
Sleep and nutrition are deeply connected... and when one is off, the other often follows. In this episode, we sit down with a Family Nutritionist and Picky Eating Expert, Danielle Binns - who shares science-backed, practical strategies to help parents support better sleep, calmer mealtimes, and raise confident, curious eaters without pressure or power struggles.
FOLLOW @daniellebinnsnutrition
VISIT daniellebinns.com
Erin Junker | Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Instagram @thehappysleepcompany
Website www.thehappysleepcompany.com
