Top tips for a good night’s sleep

Remember, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to sleep and young children, but perseverance and patience will stand you in good stead, as well as our suggestions below. 

1. Where possible, try to have your child go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day - even at the weekend.

2. Unless your child still has a regular nap, try to discourage daytime napping, especially close to bedtime aka a danger nap.

3. Make sure your child’s room is not hot. Plus, a dark room will help sleep, though many children feel better with a nightlight.

4. If possible, keep beds for sleeping, as opposed to a place for ‘hanging out’.

5. Don’t give your child drinks that contain sugar or caffeine close to bedtime - or, better still, avoid them altogether. 

6. If your child often needs to get up during the night for a wee, try to avoid giving them a drink close to bedtime and make sure they have a wee before they go to bed.

7. Read a book, play a quiet game, draw - but avoid screens as an activity before bed. Similarly, lots of lively physical activity before bed is unlikely to help your child to drop off - though a spot of yoga could help!

8. A relaxing bath can work wonders in terms of inducing a good night’s sleep.

9. No matter what time your child goes to sleep at night, make sure that you wake your child at the same time each day, even on a Saturday and Sunday.