Tips for a Healthy Sleep Routine for Babies and Children — Part 1

Does your child wake up at night and have trouble falling back asleep? As a pediatrician, I guide parents through practical steps to help children develop sleep autonomy — gradually and respecting each child's own pace. This is the first in a series of tips about children's sleep. Stay tuned — more tomorrow!

Get everyone who cares for the child on the same page. For any strategy to work, all the adults involved need to agree. Children sense when there is ambivalence — and that can undermine the whole process.

Pay attention to daytime sleep. Naps that start late or last too long can interfere with nighttime sleep. For children over 1 year old, daytime rest should ideally happen around 1pm, lasting no more than 1 to 2 hours. After age 2, the nap can be dropped altogether. Any rest after 3pm tends to disrupt nighttime sleep.

Every child is unique, and individualized guidance makes all the difference. If your child's sleep is still a challenge, let's talk.