In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most popular — and most frustrating — pieces of baby sleep advice out there: “drowsy but awake.”
If you’ve ever tried putting your baby down this way and watched them instantly go from peaceful to panicked… this episode is for you.
We break down what this advice was supposed to do, why it only works for a small percentage of easygoing babies, and how it can leave so many parents feeling like they’re somehow failing when it doesn’t magically fix sleep.
We’ll talk about:
✨ Why most babies are not wired to fall asleep independently
✨ How temperament, sensory needs, and sleep pressure play a bigger role than any “method”
✨ What’s actually happening in your baby’s nervous system during sleep transitions
✨ Why independent sleep isn’t something you teach — it’s something they grow into
✨ Responsive ways to support sleep without forcing separation
If “drowsy but awake” made you question everything… just know it’s not you. It’s the advice.
Tune in for a validating, science-backed conversation that will help you understand your baby’s real sleep needs and feel confident supporting them in a way that feels good for both of 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.
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**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only