The Extinction Burst: What To Do When Good Sleep Training Goes Wobbly

The Extinction Burst: What To Do When Good Sleep Training Goes Wobbly

Author: Sally Woods and Bec Maher September 15, 2025 Duration: 27:33

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Night three of sleep training and suddenly everything's gone pear-shaped? Before you panic or give up, Sally & Bec explain the extinction burst—that predictable wobble where babies test whether the new sleep rules are here to stay.

In this episode, they walk through why half of all families hit this speed bump around night 3-5, what it looks like (spoiler: it feels like going backwards), and exactly how to push through without undoing your progress.


What You'll Learn:

  • Why babies suddenly protest after sleeping well for 2-3 nights
  • The difference between an extinction burst and actual problems
  • How to stay consistent when every instinct says "try something else"
  • What happens if you cave (hint: you're back to square one)
  • Why night 5 extinction bursts feel extra rude
  • The mindset shift that gets you through tough nights


Chapters:00:00 Intro & bakery preferences chat06:59 What is an extinction burst?08:16 The "old way vs new way" confusion09:32 Why it feels like going backwards11:03 When confidence gets wobbly12:32 Starting from scratch vs pushing through14:19 Multiple extinction bursts (dropping feeds)16:17 Night 5: the extra rude surprise17:16 Is baby sick or just testing?19:27 Why sleep success isn't linear21:27 Using extinction bursts as practice24:41 What Sally & Bec would do26:54 Wrap-up & pistachio donut chat

🎙️ ABOUT NAP TRAPPEDHosted by sleep consultants Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre), Nap Trapped helps tired parents solve baby sleep challenges with warmth, evidence, and no judgement. Every week we turn your questions into practical solutions—with a side of Aldi chocolate.

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📸 Follow Sally & Bec on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesleepconcierge/https://www.instagram.com/_thesleepcentre/

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts


Ever found yourself stuck on the couch, scrolling in the quiet, while your little one finally sleeps? You're not alone, and that's exactly where Nap Trapped finds its groove. Hosted by Australian sleep consultants Sally Woods of The Sleep Concierge and Bec Maher from The Sleep Centre, this podcast meets you in that exhausted, sometimes isolating space. It’s a direct conversation between two experts who are also mums, blending solid, evidence-based strategies with the real-world chaos of family life. They break down the 'why' behind restless nights and short naps, moving beyond rigid rules to offer adaptable, practical solutions that actually fit your day. The tone is all solidarity and zero judgment, recognising that every family's sleep journey is different. You'll hear honest stories, debunk common myths, and get actionable advice that aims to bring more rest to your household, not just your baby. Tune into Nap Trapped for a genuinely helpful mix of professional insight and relatable commiseration, all delivered with a warm, Aussie sensibility. It's the kind of podcast you listen to while you're, well, nap trapped, and finish feeling equipped and understood.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 82

Nap Trapped
Podcast Episodes
Welcome to Nap Trapped! Your Go-To Baby Sleep Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06
Struggling with baby sleep? You’re not alone. Welcome to Nap Trapped, the podcast that transforms sleepless nights into manageable, evidence-based solutions. Hosted by sleep consultants Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge)…