January 8, 2026
As parents, few things bring us more peace than watching our children sleep soundly. Yet, for many families, bedtime can feel like a nightly battle rather than a peaceful transition. If you've ever found yourself wondering why your toddler suddenly resists sleep or why your preschooler wakes multiple times during the night, you're certainly not alone.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've been supporting families from over 35 countries since 1993, and sleep is one of the most common topics parents bring to us. Through our child-centered approach, we've learned that healthy sleep isn't just about getting children to bed—it's about understanding their developmental needs and creating an environment where rest comes naturally.
Sleep plays a crucial role in early childhood development, affecting everything from emotional regulation to memory consolidation and physical growth. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that adequate sleep is essential for optimal health, and that sleep needs vary significantly based on age and individual differences. This article will help you understand what to expect at different stages and provide practical strategies you can implement today.
Before diving into solutions, it's important to recognize that sleep patterns change dramatically during the first six years of life. What works for an infant will look very different from what works for a preschooler, and what works for one child may not work for another—even within the same family.
During this stage, babies are gradually consolidating their sleep into longer nighttime stretches. You might notice:
Total sleep needs at this age typically range from 12-16 hours in a 24-hour period, though individual variations are completely normal.
The toddler years bring exciting developmental leaps—and new sleep challenges. Common experiences include:
Toddlers generally need 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
As children approach school age, their sleep patterns become more adult-like, but challenges remain:
Children in this age group typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night.
These ranges represent general guidelines, but every child is unique. Some children are naturally "short sleepers" who thrive on less rest, while others need more sleep than average. Cultural backgrounds also influence sleep practices—in many cultures, co-sleeping or later bedtimes are the norm and work beautifully for those families. There is no single "right" way to approach sleep; the goal is finding what works for your child and your family.
Now that you understand what to expect, let's explore strategies that can help support healthy sleep habits. Remember, you are the expert on your own child, so take what resonates and leave what doesn't.
Children thrive on predictability, and a consistent bedtime routine signals to their brain that sleep is approaching. This doesn't need to be elaborate—in fact, simpler is often better.
A effective bedtime routine might include:
The key is consistency. When children know what comes next, they feel secure, and security promotes relaxation. At Runningbrook, we see how children flourish when routines are predictable—this same principle applies at home.
Real-life scenario: Imagine a family where bedtime has become a power struggle. The parents decide to involve their 3-year-old in creating the routine, letting her choose between two pajama options and pick which stuffed animal joins her. This small amount of control transforms bedtime from a battle into a collaborative experience.
The physical environment plays a significant role in sleep quality. Consider these factors:
At Runningbrook, our play-based learning approach recognizes that children's physical environments profoundly impact their experiences. The same attention we give to creating engaging learning spaces can be applied to creating restful sleep spaces at home.
Timing matters enormously when it comes to sleep. An overtired child often has more difficulty falling asleep, not less—their bodies produce cortisol (a stress hormone) that can actually interfere with sleep.
Watch for your child's natural sleep cues:
When you notice these signs, it's the optimal window for beginning your bedtime routine. Missing this window can make the process much more challenging.
Real-life scenario: A family notices their toddler becomes hyperactive and wild around 7:30 PM. Initially, they assume he isn't tired. After keeping a sleep log, they realize this behavior signals overtiredness. By starting the bedtime routine at 7:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM, they catch the natural sleep window, and bedtime becomes significantly easier.
For preschool-aged children especially, fears about the dark, monsters, or being alone are developmentally normal. Their growing imagination is a wonderful sign of cognitive development—but it can create bedtime challenges.
Rather than dismissing these fears, try:
This approach aligns with Runningbrook's philosophy of supporting children's emotional development through understanding and respect, rather than dismissal.
Sleep disruptions often coincide with major transitions: a new sibling, starting preschool, moving homes, or traveling across time zones. In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we see families navigating international travel and transitions regularly.
During these times:
Remember that sleep disruptions during transitions are a sign that your child is processing new experiences—it's a healthy response to change.
What happens during the day significantly impacts nighttime sleep. This is where Runningbrook's approach to early childhood development becomes particularly relevant.
Children who engage in active physical play during the day sleep better at night. Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces at Runningbrook ensure children have ample opportunity for movement—something you can replicate at home through:
Aim to limit vigorous activity in the hour before bed, as this can be stimulating rather than calming.
The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production. Most pediatric experts recommend avoiding screens for at least 1-2 hours before bedtime. Instead, this time can be used for quiet activities like reading, puzzles, or gentle play—activities that align with play-based learning principles.
Children who feel emotionally secure during the day often sleep better at night. At Runningbrook, our small group sizes and dedicated educators ensure each child feels seen and valued. At home, you can support emotional security through:
While most sleep challenges are developmentally normal and resolve with time and consistency, some situations warrant professional guidance:
Your pediatrician can help determine whether a sleep specialist consultation would be beneficial.
Supporting your child's sleep is one of the many ways you demonstrate love and care for their well-being. Like all aspects of parenting, it requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to adjust as your child grows and changes.
Remember these key principles:
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we believe in partnering with parents to support each child's holistic development—including healthy sleep habits. Our bilingual education environment and child-centered approach recognize that well-rested children are better equipped to learn, explore, and thrive.
If you're struggling with sleep challenges, know that you're not alone, and that this phase will pass. Trust your instincts, be patient with yourself and your child, and don't hesitate to reach out to your community—whether that's other parents, educators, or healthcare providers—for support.
Sweet dreams to your little ones, and to you.