Parents are all too familiar with the nightly rituals of bargaining and promising for just a single evening of uninterrupted sleep. Now, CoComelon, the beloved global sensation among toddlers renowned for its catchy tunes and educational songs, is addressing the bedtime battle with a fresh podcast aimed at helping families unwind together.

The innovative series, titled Wiggle to Wind Down, is the latest brainchild of CoComelon, crafted in collaboration with Headspace and led by meditation expert Dora Kamau. This podcast offers young listeners, along with their weary parents, a scientifically-backed, screen-free bedtime routine intended to ease the path to restful sleep.

According to Dr. Jon Kole, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist who contributed his expertise to the project, what distinguishes this podcast is its foundation in scientific principles of regulation, rest, and sleep in early childhood, all presented in a consistent and engaging manner. He shared these insights during a recent discussion with Parents magazine.

Every 20-minute episode adheres to a straightforward three-step routine. Initially, children engage in wiggling to expend energy, followed by stretching to enhance bodily awareness, and conclude with breathing exercises that, as Dr. Kole describes, “…signal to the body and mind that it’s time to settle.”

This method incorporates a motivational system, where children earn a Sleepy Star after each step—serving as a behavioral cue to transform bedtime into an achievement rather than a chore. Dr. Kole emphasized that consistency is crucial for training a child’s brain for sleep, noting that the reward shifts the mindset from mere compliance to active participation and a sense of control.

Once the movement and breathing are done, the podcast eases into a bedtime story, giving families a reliable sequence to follow night after night. “The podcast is a predictable, evidence-based roadmap for regulating their child’s energy and emotions,” Dr. Kole noted.

Designed with busy parents in mind, Headspace kept the format short and practical. “The total runtime of each episode is purposefully concise,” Dr. Kole said. “This duration is the sweet spot that is long enough to be effective, but short enough to be realistic for a tired parent’s schedule.”

He recommends playing it right after pajamas and tooth-brushing, just before lights-out.

The podcast also doubles as a chance for families to reconnect, no screens required. Parents can stretch, breathe, and listen alongside their toddlers, turning bedtime into a calm, shared ritual. “This shared moment of presence is the most important,” Dr. Kole said, “and often most missed, component of a successful bedtime routine in a busy home.”

Photo Credit: CoComelon Instagram/Podcast