Why does my baby cry so much in the evening? Is something wrong?
I’m exhausted! Can you give me sleep tips that actually work?
Why does my toddler refuse to listen no matter what I try?
I’m here to help! Ask me anything, from pregnancy to raising happy 5-year-olds.
It’s 9 p.m., and Emily is trying to get her 3-year-old to bed. She’s already read three stories, sung two lullabies, and given one last sip of water, yet her little one is wide awake. Meanwhile, her baby is stirring in the cot, threatening to wake up fully. Emily wonders: “Am I doing something wrong? How much sleep do my kids actually need?”Child Sleep!
If you’ve ever asked the same question, you’re not alone. Child sleep is one of the biggest concerns for parents. From newborns waking every two hours to preschoolers resisting bedtime, it’s tough to know what’s normal and what’s not. Understanding the right amount of sleep your child needs and how to build healthy sleep habits can transform bedtime from stressful to peaceful.
Why Sleep Matters for Babies to Preschoolers – Child Sleep
Sleep isn’t just downtime. For children, it’s essential for:
Brain development: Sleep supports memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Without enough sleep, children may face learning problems or have trouble focusing.
Physical growth: Growth hormones are released during deep sleep.
Emotional wellbeing: A lack of sleep often leads to fussiness, tantrums, and poor coping skills.
Family harmony: A child who sleeps better helps the whole household rest easier.
When children often miss out on good rest, parents may also feel more stressed, leading to burnout. That’s why creating consistent sleep habits and routines is one of the best gifts you can give your family.
How Much Sleep Does Each Child Age Group Need?
Every child is different, but experts provide recommended ranges to guide parents. (Common sleep)
Newborns (0–3 months)
14–17 hours a day, spread across 24 hours.
Sleep happens in short bursts of 2–3 hours. Newborns wake often to feed, which is completely normal.
Tip: Focus on safe sleep practices and responding to your baby’s needs, rather than worrying about strict schedules.
Infants (4–12 months)
12–16 hours a day, including naps.
By 6 months, many babies can sleep longer stretches at night.
This is a great stage to begin shaping a predictable sleep pattern. Establishing a simple routine, feed, cuddle, lullaby, and cot — helps babies learn how to get to sleep.
Toddlers (1–2 years)
11–14 hours a day, including one or two naps.
Toddlers may resist naps or wake during the night.
Consistent bedtime rituals like a warm bath and quiet play can ease a child’s waking episodes.
Many drop naps by age 5, though some still benefit from a short rest.
Consistent bedtimes and calm evenings help children prevent bedtime battles.
Quick Reference Table – Child Sleep Hours
Age Group
Recommended Hours of Sleep
Notes
Newborn (0–3m)
14–17 hours
Frequent waking normal
Infant (4–12m)
12–16 hours
Start shaping routines
Toddler (1–2y)
11–14 hours
One or two naps
Preschooler (3–5y)
10–13 hours
Bedtime consistency matters
Signs Your Child Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep
How do you know if your child needs more rest? Watch for these signs:
Frequent meltdowns or irritability (especially in the late afternoon).
Difficulty concentrating or learning problems.
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Needing constant comfort to go to bed or back to sleep.
Parent story: Mia noticed her 2-year-old was fussy and cranky every evening. After tracking hours of sleep, she realised her toddler wasn’t napping long enough. Adjusting the nap length helped him sleep better at night.
Practical Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Better
Good sleep hygiene starts early. Here are strategies that work across ages:
Establish predictable routines A simple sequence like bath, cuddle, story, and bed helps signal sleep time.
Create a sleep-friendly environment Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Place your baby on their back in a safe cot for naps and nighttime sleep.
Encourage independent settling Instead of always rushing to hold your baby, try giving them a few moments to self-soothe. A gentle baby carrier walk earlier in the evening may also help them relax.
Limit screen time For toddlers and preschoolers, avoiding screens at least an hour before bedtime improves sleep habits. MAke sure your child does not go to bed with devices.
Respond with comfort, not panic If your baby is crying at night, check for hunger, discomfort, or distress. Sometimes, placing your baby back down with a cuddle or lullaby is enough to help them soothe back to sleep. Ensure your child gets the comfort they need.
When Sleep Problems Persist – Common Child Sleep Issues
Some families face bigger challenges. Sleep problems in children may include:
Frequent waking beyond the first year. (Child wakes frequently)
Snoring or pauses in breathing (possible obstructive sleep apnoea).
Severe resistance to bedtime routines.
If your child may have ongoing issues, don’t hesitate to ask for help. A sleep specialist, GP, or child health nurse can assess whether your child has sleep disorders that need medical attention.
Real Parent Story
Tom and Rachel’s preschooler struggled with sleep problems. Their child would wake three or four times a night and resist naps. Exhausted, they turned to professional guidance. With structured advice, they adjusted bedtime, introduced calming cues, and kept to consistent hours of sleep. Within weeks, their child began sleeping longer stretches. Rachel shared: “We finally feel human again — the whole family is more rested.”
Final Thoughts: Sleep as the Foundation of Healthy Growth
Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for your child’s development and your family’s wellbeing. From newborn sleep patterns to preschooler sleep cycles, knowing the right amount of sleep and building good sleep habits can transform daily life.
Remember: Every child is different, and sleep problems in children are common. What matters most is staying consistent, staying calm, and reaching out when needed.
Call to Action – Child Sleep
Baby Sleep Online Course: Learn proven strategies to create better sleep routines and support your baby’s rest.
Genie Chat: Get instant answers when bedtime feels overwhelming.
Parenting Genie Community: Connect with parents who’ve been through the same sleepless nights — and discover what worked for them.
👉 Start today: build confidence, reclaim rest, and give your child the gift of healthy sleep.
