If sleep has been a bit all over the place lately, you’re not alone.
Many families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers go through stages where bedtime suddenly feels harder than it used to. Children may wake more overnight, take longer to settle, or resist sleep altogether. When you’re already tired, it can feel frustrating, and sometimes worrying, even when you’re doing everything you can.
At Aussie Kindies, we want to start by saying this clearly: you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep changes as children grow, it’s a normal part of development.
Children’s sleep patterns shift as they reach new milestones, experience change and grow more independent. With time, consistency and support, most children gradually find a rhythm that works for them and their family.
Why sleep is important for young children
Sleep plays a big role in children’s health and wellbeing. It supports:
- emotional regulation and behaviour
- learning and concentration
- physical growth and energy
- mood and resilience during the day
It’s also common for sleep to change during periods of growth, such as learning to walk or talk, dropping naps, or adjusting to new routines. While these changes can feel exhausting, they’re often temporary.
Gentle, practical tips from educators to support better sleep
Keep bedtime routines simple and familiar
Children feel more secure when they know what to expect. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal that sleep is coming and gives children a sense of comfort and predictability.
Your routine doesn’t need to be perfect or complicated. What matters is that it feels calm and familiar.
A simple routine might include:
- quiet play or reading together
- bath time and putting on pyjamas
- dimming lights and lowering noise
- cuddles, a story or a favourite goodnight phrase
Starting your routine about 30 minutes before bedtime can help children ease into sleep more comfortably.
Create a calm, low-pressure sleep environment
Sleep works best when it feels relaxed rather than rushed.
This might mean:
- turning screens off before bedtime
- keeping voices calm and gentle
- allowing extra time if settling takes longer some nights
Children are very sensitive to adult stress. When bedtime feels calm and reassuring, children are more likely to relax and settle.
Remember that sleep needs change as children grow
Children’s sleep needs change over time. 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 that can still be perfectly healthy.
Rather than focusing on the numbers, it can be helpful to notice how your child is coping during the day - their mood, energy and engagement.
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 Aussie Kindies Education Team shares: “We often reassure families that sudden changes in sleep are very common. These shifts are usually linked to development, and with time, reassurance and consistency, children often settle back into a routine that works for them.”
These phases can feel long, but they’re usually part of a child’s natural development.
How Aussie Kindies supports sleep and rest during the day
At Aussie Kindies, we understand that good sleep is supported throughout the 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 their child is resting during the day
When home routines and childcare routines work together, children feel more secure, and that sense of security can support better sleep over time.
A few friendly 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
- Be kind to yourself, progress doesn’t have to be perfect
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, remember this: your care, comfort and presence matter, even when sleep feels hard.
If you ever want to chat about sleep or routines, our educators are always happy to support you.