Parents know the bedtime struggle all too well—bribing, pleading, and promising anything for just one peaceful night’s sleep. Now, CoComelon, the global toddler favorite known for catchy tunes and life-lesson songs, is tackling bedtime with a new podcast made to help families finally wind down together.
Wiggle to Wind Down, the latest CoComelon creation, was developed in partnership with Headspace and led by meditation teacher Dora Kamau. The series gives little listeners, and their tired parents, a science-backed, screen-free bedtime routine designed to make sleep smoother.
“What sets this podcast apart is its structure, which is scientifically grounded in the principles of regulation, rest, and sleep in early childhood, and delivered in a consistent, appealing format,” said Dr. Jon Kole, a pediatrician and child psychiatrist who consulted on the project in a recent interview with Parents.
Each 20-minute episode follows a simple three-step structure. Kids first wiggle to release energy, then stretch to build awareness in their bodies, and finally practice breathing exercises that “… signal to the body and mind that it’s time to settle,” Dr. Kole explained.
The process comes with a built-in motivation system, after every step, children earn a Sleepy Star, a behavioral cue meant to make bedtime feel like an accomplishment instead of a command. “Consistency is what trains the child’s brain for sleep,” Dr. Kole said, adding that the reward helps shift kids from a “compliance” mindset to one of participation and 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
