If sleep has been a bit hit-and-miss lately, you’re not alone.
Many families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers go through stages where bedtime suddenly feels harder. Children may wake more often overnight, resist settling, or struggle with changes to naps. When you’re already tired, it can leave you questioning whether you’re doing the right thing, or whether something needs fixing.
At Kids Academy, we want to reassure you of this first:you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep changes as children grow, it’s a normal part of development.
Children’s sleep patterns naturally shift as they learn new skills, experience change and grow more independent. With time, consistency and support, healthy sleep routines usually return.
Why sleep matters for young children
Sleep plays an important role in children’s health and development. It supports:
- emotional regulation and behaviour
- learning, memory and concentration
- physical growth and energy levels
- overall wellbeing throughout the day
It’s also common for sleep to change during periods of growth, such as learning to walk or talk, starting childcare, or moving into a new routine. These changes can feel disruptive, but they’re often temporary.
Practical, educator-led tips to support better sleep
Keep bedtime routines simple and predictable
Children thrive on knowing what to expect. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal that sleep is coming and gives children a sense of security.
Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated. What matters is that it happens in a similar way each night.
This might include:
- quiet play or reading
- bath time and pyjamas
- dim lights and calm voices
- a cuddle, song or familiar goodnight phrase
Starting your routine around 30 minutes before bedtime gives children time to wind down naturally.
Create a calm, low-pressure sleep environment
Sleep works best when it feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Simple things can help, such as:
- lowering lights as bedtime approaches
- turning off screens before sleep
- keeping bedtime calm, even if settling takes time
Children are very sensitive to adult emotions. When bedtime feels unhurried and reassuring, children are more likely to feel safe enough to settle.
Remember that sleep needs change with age
Children’s sleep requirements change as they grow. While every child is different, general guidelines suggest:
- babies (around 6-12 months): approximately 12-16 hours per day
- toddlers (1-2 years): around 11-14 hours
- preschoolers (3-4 years): around 10-13 hours
These totals include both night sleep and naps. Some children naturally need a little more or less sleep and are still doing well.
Rather than focusing on exact numbers, it’s more helpful to notice how your child is managing during the day - their mood, energy and ability to engage.
Expect sleep changes during big developmental moments
Sleep often shifts during times such as:
- teething
- learning new physical or language skills
- dropping naps
- starting childcare or moving rooms
A member of the Kids Academy Education Team explains:“We often see families worry when sleep changes suddenly. In many cases, these changes are linked to development. With reassurance, consistency and time, most children find their way back into a routine that works for them.”
These phases can feel long, but they’re usually part of normal development.
How Kids Academy supports sleep and rest during the day
At Kids Academy, we know that good sleep is supported across the whole day, not just at bedtime.
Our educators work closely with families to:
- follow individual sleep routines where possible
- provide calm, comfortable rest environments
- support children gently if sleep patterns change
- keep families informed about how children are resting during the day
When home routines and childcare routines work together, children feel more secure, and that security supports better sleep over time.
Helpful reminders for families
- Try to keep bedtimes and wake-up times reasonably consistent
- Naps are still important, especially for younger children, but late afternoon naps can sometimes make bedtime harder
- Limit screen time in the lead-up to sleep
- Focus on what’s working, rather than aiming for perfection
Even small, steady steps can make a difference over time.
You’re doing better than you think
Sleep doesn’t improve overnight, and that’s okay.
With patience, consistency and support, children usually find their rhythm again. And on the nights that feel long, it helps to remember this: your care and effort matter, even when sleep feels hard.
If you’d like to talk with your child’s educators about sleep or routines, our teams are always happy to support you.