This guide is about older young children, not newborn feeding or infant bedding. Choose a wind-down that fits the child and ask for help when sleep difficulties persist.

Repeat a familiar quiet wind-down

A familiar sequence makes bedtime more predictable. Changing to an exciting new game each night can make the transition less clear.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Consistency can make the transition clearer.

Sources: NHS · Sleep and young children ↗

Choose a calmer activity before bed

A short quiet story is one option for winding down. Match the activity to the child rather than treating bedtime as another stimulating competition.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Choose a quieter transition.

Sources: NHS · Sleep and young children ↗

Seek individualized support for persistent difficulties

If sleep disruption is affecting family wellbeing and routines are not helping, ask a health professional. Blame or applying newborn rules to an older child is not a plan.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Get help when sleep problems affect wellbeing.

Sources: NHS · Sleep and young children ↗

Read it. Try it. Come back to why.

Read one point at a time, then use the linked scenario to check your understanding. The practice is a chance to return to the explanation and reflect, rather than a measure of parenting ability.

Practise all 3 questions →