Helping your child sleep better
By Piklo · September 21, 2026 · 1 min read
Sleep is essential to a child's development: it supports growth, memory and emotional balance. Sleeping well is learned and supported. Here are the keys to quality sleep, and the traps to avoid.
Respecting sleep needs
Needs vary with age: a toddler sleeps a lot, naps included, a school-age child a little less. Spot the signs of tiredness (rubbing eyes, irritability) and put the child to bed as soon as they appear: an overtired child often falls asleep less well.
Regular hours
Going to bed and waking at stable times, weekends included, sets the internal clock. Regularity is one of the most powerful factors in good sleep. Avoid too-late bedtimes, which throw off the rhythm.
A sleep-friendly environment
A quiet, dark and not-too-warm room helps sleep onset. A soft nightlight can reassure. Turn off screens at least an hour before bed: their light delays sleep onset and fragments sleep.
The power of ritual
A stable, short and predictable bedtime routine sends the sleep signal. The bedtime story is often its centrepiece: it soothes and bridges into the night. A book where the child recognises themselves makes this moment even gentler and more anticipated.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of sleep does a child need?
It depends on age: a toddler sleeps far more than a school-age child, naps included. The key is to follow their signs of tiredness.
Are regular hours needed, even at weekends?
Yes. Stable bedtimes and wake times set the internal clock and are among the most powerful factors in good sleep.
Do screens harm sleep?
Yes, especially in the evening: their light delays sleep onset. It's best to turn them off at least an hour before bed.