By Lauren Peacock founded Little Sleep Stars, a certified child sleep consultant helping families across the UK and internationally. Passionate about supporting parents through the often-tiring early years, Lauren specializes in gentle, evidence-based approaches to improving children’s sleep without resorting to crying-based methods. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience as a mum to deliver tailored solutions that genuinely work.
This is information from a general article; please contact a professional before undertaking a sleep training plan.
Top Tips for your Child’s Sleep
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Is Your Child a Bad Sleeper? Here’s How to Help Them Rest Better
If you’ve landed here, you might feel like your child is destined to be a “bad sleeper.” I’ve been in your shoes, struggling countless nights with broken sleep. During my first year as a mum, I barely scraped together five hours of rest most nights. Well-meaning advice poured in—often involving leaving my baby to cry—but that approach never felt suitable for me.
Fast-forward to today. I’m a certified child sleep consultant who’s helped countless families, both in the UK and overseas, navigate the complex world of children’s sleep. The good news? It’s absolutely possible to teach even the most alert and active child to sleep well—gently and without tears.
What Affects Your Child’s Sleep?
Many factors influence how well a child sleeps. Some are within your control, while others aren’t. Here are a few to consider:
- Maternal health during pregnancy: Diet and stress levels can have subtle but lasting impacts.
- Gestational age at birth: Premature babies often have different sleep needs than full-term infants.
- Season of birth: Light exposure and seasonal rhythms can influence sleep patterns.
- Early medical experiences: Any procedures or health challenges in the newborn phase may contribute to sleep difficulties.
However, the most significant factor I see is temperament. Some children are naturally more alert, inquisitive, and determined. These bright little souls often hit physical milestones early and love exploring the world around them—but they’re also prone to resisting sleep.
Common Sleep Challenges and Solutions
Every child is unique, so no universal sleep method works for everyone. That said, many common sleep struggles share similar underlying causes. Here’s how to address some of the most significant issues:
Falling Asleep Too Quickly
It may sound good, but falling asleep too quickly can hinder your child’s sleep progress. If they drift off within minutes of hitting the cot, it likely means tiredness is doing all the work.
Why is this a problem? Bedtime is when children have the best opportunity to learn to fall asleep independently—a skill they’ll need during inevitable night wakings. Ideally, it should take your child around 15 minutes to fall asleep. If it’s much quicker, try adjusting their bedtime slightly earlier or ensuring they’re not overly tired.
Overtiredness
Overtiredness is one of the most common and misunderstood barriers to good sleep. When children stay awake beyond their natural wake window, they produce cortisol, a stress hormone that gives them a “second wind.” This makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
What to do:
- Stick to age-appropriate wake windows: For example, a 12-month-old typically thrives on 2–3 naps, totalling 3 hours plus 11 hours of night time sleep.
- Respect their biological rhythms: Regular sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy patterns.
Remember: Sleep begets sleep. Reducing naps to improve night sleep often backfires, leading to fragmented rest and early morning wake-ups.
Inconsistency
In our information-overloaded world, parents often try one method after another, hoping for quick fixes. This can confuse children, making it harder for them to adapt to one routine.
The solution:
- Create a clear plan tailored to your child’s temperament and your parenting style.
- Stick with it! Consistency is your greatest ally, even when it feels like progress is slow.
Whether you work with a certified sleep consultant or use a trusted sleep book, a structured approach helps build confidence—for both you and your child.
Top Tips for Better Child Sleep
Here are some practical, research-backed strategies to improve your little one’s sleep:
- Establish a calming bedtime routine: Keep it predictable and soothing—bath, story, and cuddles work wonders.
- Create the ideal sleep environment: Use blackout blinds, white noise, and a cool room temperature to help your child settle.
- Encourage independent sleep skills: Put your child to bed when awake but not overtired, allowing them to practice falling asleep independently.
- Prioritize daytime naps: Naps are essential for overall sleep quality—don’t skip them!
- Be patient and consistent: Change takes time. Stick with your plan, and trust the process.
Success Stories
Parents often tell me how amazed they are by the transformations they see once they implement a consistent plan. One mum shared, “Within two weeks of working with Lauren, our 9-month-old went from waking every 2 hours to sleeping 11 hours straight. We couldn’t believe it!”
These stories testify to how small, intentional changes can lead to significant results.
FAQs About Child Sleep
Q: How long does it take to improve sleep?
A: With a consistent plan, most families see significant improvements within 1–2 weeks.
Q: My child seems too stubborn to sleep—can you help?
A: Absolutely! Alert and strong-willed children can learn to sleep well with a gentle, personalised approach.
Q: What if my child cries during sleep training?
A: A gentle sleep plan minimizes crying. If tears occur, they’re typically brief and a sign of adjustment, not distress.
Conclusion: Restful Nights Are Within Reach
Helping your child sleep better isn’t about perfection—finding a rhythm that works for your family. The journey may feel challenging at times, but better sleep is possible with patience and the right tools.
