Getting young children ready for bed

A regular, predictable sleep schedule is a brilliant tool for helping your child go to sleep, and for keeping bedtimes manageable.

A consistent bedtime helps your child get enough sleep and wake up at a regular time each morning. The recommended bedtime for under 5s is 7-8pm.

Establish a bedtime routine – a set of activities that you run through in the same order each night, and which your little one will learn to associate with going to bed.

Make the bedroom a welcoming and relaxing space free of clutter – you may also need to make the room toddler- or child-safe if your little one often climbs out of their bed or cot. A blackout blind can be helpful in the summer to keep out sunlight, while some children may find a night light soothing.