If sleep has felt unsettled lately, you’re not alone.
Many families experience periods where bedtime becomes harder, night wakings return, or routines that once worked suddenly don’t. It can be tiring, and at times unsettling, especially when you’re doing your best to support your child and nothing seems to stick.
At Papilio, we want to reassure you of something important from the outset: you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep changes as children grow - it’s developmental, not a reflection of parenting.
Children’s sleep patterns evolve alongside their emotional, physical and cognitive development. With patience, consistency and gentle support, most children gradually find their rhythm again.
Why sleep is so important in the early years
Sleep plays a foundational role in early childhood. It supports emotional regulation, physical growth, brain development, learning and memory. Well-rested children are often better able to engage with their environment, manage emotions and take part in meaningful learning experiences during the day.
It’s also normal for sleep to fluctuate during periods of rapid development, such as learning new skills, navigating transitions or adjusting to new routines. These changes are often temporary, even when they feel significant at the time.
Gentle, educator-led ways to support healthy sleep
Create a calm, predictable bedtime routine
Children feel safest when their world is predictable. A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to the body and brain that sleep is approaching.
The routine itself doesn’t need to be complicated. What matters most is that it happens in a similar way each evening.
A gentle routine might include:
- quiet play or reading together
- bath time and changing into pyjamas
- soft lighting and reduced noise
- cuddles, a song or a familiar goodnight ritual
Research shows that consistent bedtime routines are associated with easier settling and improved sleep quality in young children.
Beginning the routine around 30 minutes before bedtime allows your child time to gradually wind down.
Keep sleep cues relaxed and low-pressure
Sleep is not something children can be rushed into. When bedtime feels calm and unhurried, children are more able to relax and settle.
This may involve:
- dimming lights as bedtime approaches
- using quiet voices
- removing stimulating toys or screens before sleep
- allowing time for your child to transition calmly
Children are highly attuned to emotional cues. When adults remain calm and unpressured, children are more likely to feel secure and ready for rest.
Understand how sleep needs change with age
Sleep requirements shift as children grow. While every child is unique, general guidelines suggest:
- babies (around 6-12 months): approximately 12-16 hours across the day
- toddlers (1-2 years): around 11-14 hours
- preschoolers (3-4 years): around 10-13 hours
These figures include both night sleep and naps. Some children naturally need slightly more or less sleep and can still be thriving.
Rather than focusing on exact numbers, it’s more helpful to notice how your child is coping during the day - their energy levels, mood and ability to engage.
Expect sleep to shift during periods of growth
It’s common for sleep to change during times such as:
- teething
- language or physical development leaps
- changes in routines or environments
- starting early learning or moving rooms
A member of the Papilio Education Team shares: “We often see families feel concerned when sleep patterns change suddenly. In many cases, these shifts are linked to development. With reassurance, consistency and time, children usually settle back into a pattern that works for them.”
These phases can feel long, but they are usually part of a broader developmental journey.
How Papilio supports sleep and rest during the day
At Papilio, we view sleep and rest as part of a child’s overall sense of wellbeing, not something separate from learning.
Our educators work closely with families to:
- respect individual sleep routines where possible
- provide calm, comfortable rest environments
- respond sensitively when sleep patterns change
- communicate openly with families about rest during the day
When home and early learning environments work together, children feel more secure, and that sense of security supports healthier sleep over time.
Gentle reminders for families
Keeping bedtime and wake-up times relatively consistent can be helpful, as can limiting screen time in the lead-up to sleep. Naps remain important for young children, although late afternoon naps can sometimes affect bedtime.
Most importantly, try to be kind to yourself. Sleep doesn’t follow a straight line, and progress is rarely perfect.
You’re doing better than you think
Sleep doesn’t improve overnight, and it doesn’t need to.
With time, consistency and support, children find their rhythm. And on the nights that feel long, it can help to remember this: your care, presence and patience matter, even when sleep feels hard.
If you’d like to talk with your child’s educators about sleep or routines, our teams are always here to work alongside you.