In this episode, covering children's sleep, you will hear a conversation between expert Dr. AJ Schwichtenberg, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University, and two mothers, Kirsten Koontz, mother of two and Aubrey Strasser, mother of three. Their conversation includes discussion on essential aspects of healthy sleep for children's overall development, as well as the negative effects of poor or insufficient sleep as it pertains to children. You will hear both parent's speak to their experiences with establishing healthy sleep schedules, worries and questions surrounding struggles with consistent bedtime routines, and first-hand accounts on the effects of their children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development when getting sufficient sleep versus insufficient sleep. Expert Dr. AJ Schwichtenberg speaks to the importance of parents' roles in supporting healthy sleep through establishing consistent bedtime routines, activities, and a safe, restful sleep environment.

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Making a Safe Sleep Environment for an Infant

The Unlocking Childhood Podcast features expert guests belonging to the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Purdue University and parent guests from Indiana. Parents and experts talk about young children's lives and parents' common challenges when it comes to raising young children ages 0 to 5 years. Each episode over a cup of coffee, guests dive into meaningful conversations that help us better understand what young children need to flourish. Listen in on topics about childhood nutrition, sleep, play, emotion regulation, as well as parents well-being and quality of care.