Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Good sleep habits for infants and children

4-minute read

Children grow and develop rapidly, so it's important they get enough sleep to give them the energy they need for active play and good health. Having good sleep habits, such as routine sleep times, and ensuring a relaxed, safe sleep environment can help your child get the sleep they need.

What is a good sleep habit?

A good sleep habit means behaviour and habits that can lead to a good night’s sleep. It is often referred to as good sleep hygiene.

How much sleep does a child need?

Newborn babies' sleep varies a lot. After a month or so, most babies are sleeping 14 to 17 hours over both day and night. Gradually, your baby will sleep more at night and less during the day.

Toddlers and preschoolers need 11 to 14 hours of sleep each day. Most of it should be at night, but often they need a nap during the day as well.

Try to keep daytime naps to 1 to 2 hours, to avoid delaying evening bedtimes, although an individual child’s needs may vary. Primary school-age children need 9 to 11 hours a night.

Our body clock and sleep cycle

Sleep patterns are controlled by our body’s internal clock, which keeps us awake during the day and promotes sleep at night. Our body clock helps to coordinate the release of a hormone called melatonin, which tells our bodies that it’s time to sleep.

Most children fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed. It’s important to establish routine times for your child’s night-time sleep and daytime naps. This helps maintain their body clock to release melatonin, which helps them get to sleep more quickly. Once asleep, we cycle through periods of deeper and lighter sleep throughout the night.

Good quality sleep means your child sleeps deeply and doesn’t wake up too often. Deepest sleep usually occurs before midnight, so getting your child to bed early will help them make the most of this period for good sleep.

Learn more about body clocks and sleep cycles.

How to improve your child’s sleep habits

Nutrition and physical activity

Good nutrition and exercise will help your child to get good sleep. Where possible, try to time meals so your child isn’t going to bed either hungry or too full, as this may make them feel uncomfortable and prevent them from settling down.

Physical activity and play during the day will also help your child use up energy so they’re less likely to be restless at bedtime. Encourage some playtime outdoors, as exposure to sunlight helps to synchronise their body clock, which helps regulate sleep.

Avoid daytime naps if your child is aged over 5. Make sure your child avoids caffeine, for example in soft drinks and chocolate.

Wind-down time

A wind-down period before bedtime can help your child transition from playtime to sleep. Quiet activities, such as looking at books, telling your child a story or playing some soft music, can help them feel calm, relaxed and sleepy. Wind-down periods may be particularly helpful if you’re having difficulties getting your child to settle down to nap during the day. Avoid using electronic media including television, computers and mobile phones for at least an hour before bedtime.

Bedtime routine

Following a set routine at evening bedtime, such as bathing and cleaning teeth followed by a final goodnight, can help your child associate these activities with sleep. It’s also important that they feel safe and relaxed in their sleep environment. Some children may become distressed if left alone in a dark room to sleep. Using a night light, or leaving the door open, may be comforting. Make sure your child can’t see a clock if they are checking the time often.

Once your child is in bed, if you need to attend to them to get them to settle, try keeping the lights dimmed and the room quiet to not disrupt the bedtime mood.

Find more information and tips for keeping your child settled in bed.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

Good sleep habits — Arthritis Australia

Good sleep habits (also called good sleep hygiene) are things that you can do to give your child the best chance of a good refreshing sleep

Read more on Arthritis Australia website

Baby sleep habits: how to phase them out | Raising Children Network

Baby sleep habits can affect the whole family. Our guide explains how to phase out sleep habits like dummies, music and rocking so you all get more sleep.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Children with autism: sleep problems | Raising Children Network

Changes to routines, sleep habits and lifestyle might help with autistic children’s sleep problems. It’s good to get professional help for sleep problems.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Newborns sleep | Raising Children Network

Need help understanding newborn sleep? Here’s all you need on newborn sleep with articles, videos and resources on safe sleep, sleep habits, tiredness and more.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Better sleep for autistic children: tips | Raising Children Network

Bedtime routines, regular bedtimes, healthy sleep assocations and environments, and healthy daytime habits can help autistic children settle and sleep better.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Good Sleep = Good Health | SA Health

The importance of sleep, how sleep works and tips on how to get better sleep.

Read more on SA Health website

For infants, toddlers and preschoolers (birth to 5 years) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Being active is important for babies and young children to grow healthy, and sets good habits for life. Read about how much activity small children should do each day, limiting sitting time, avoiding screens, and making sure they get enough sleep.

Read more on Department of Health and Aged Care website

Teeth grinding/bruxism

What is bruxism? Bruxism is the habit of clenching, gnashing or grinding your teeth. Your teeth are not meant to be clenched and in contact all the time. They should only briefly touch each other when you swallow or chew. If they are in contact too often or too forcefully, it can wear down the tooth enamel. This is

Read more on Sleep Health Foundation website

For children and young people (5 to 17 years) | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

Being active is important for children and young people to grow healthy, and set good habits for life. Read about how much activity children and teenagers should do each day, limiting sitting time, and getting enough sleep.

Read more on Department of Health and Aged Care website

Sleep problems and children’s learning | Raising Children Network

Good sleep can help with your child’s concentration, memory and learning. But if your child has sleep problems, this can affect how well your child learns. Article available in: Arabic, Dari, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.