Baby Manage Sleep

Staying up late to watch TV or play in the garden, with the chance to lie in the next morning, can mean children’s sleep cycles naturally shift away from the ideal bedtime.

Children of all ages aren’t ready for bed until very late in the evening but then appear tired and cranky during the day. If this is left uncorrected, a late sleep phase might last indefinitely. However, the good news is that once you have recognised the problem, it can be reversed very effectively with a structured programme.

Bedtime can be gradually moved earlier while wake up kept every morning at a regular time (e.g. 7AM/7:00). Bedtime can be gradually moved earlier 15 minutes every 3 days or every week (7 days).

During this programme, children will be even more tired because they will also be woken up at the regular time every morning including weekends. At the end of the programme, your child will sleep better and be a happier, less moody child.

Wake up needs to be at the same time every day, including weekends, when some children catch up on sleep and go to bed late again on Monday night. Changes should be introduced once child falls asleep within 15-20 minutes of going to bed. Bedtime routine should last no longer than 30 to 45 minutes.