Daycare and Sleep: Supporting Your Child’s Transition

Many parents feel concerned about how starting daycare or preschool will affect their child’s sleep. This is completely normal—daycare introduces new routines, environments, and adjustments that may temporarily impact sleep.

So, how can you help your child sleep well at daycare and minimize disruptions to their overall sleep patterns?

Examine the Sleeping Environment

A good sleep environment can make a big difference in helping your child adjust to napping at daycare. Consider the following:

• Is the room dark enough for restful sleep?
• Is white noise used to help block out distractions from other children? (White noise is preferable to lullabies as it promotes deeper sleep.)
• Is the temperature comfortable and appropriate for the child?
• Does the child have their favorite teddy bear or another comfort item from home?
• If the child sleeps in a sleeping bag at home, can you send one to daycare? If not, they can adapt to other arrangements over time—just make sure they’re dressed appropriately for the room temperature.

Understand the Schedule

Every daycare or preschool has its own routine, but it’s helpful to discuss how your child’s specific sleep needs can be accommodated.

• Do all children nap at the same time, or are routines individualized?
• If your child’s routine differs from the daycare’s, can adjustments be made? For example, if your child still needs two naps but most children only take one, they might nap in the morning during stroller time or rest in a pram while others are awake inside.
• Are children allowed to fall back asleep if they wake after a short nap? Or are they removed from their bed immediately, even if they’re resting quietly?
• Will daycare wake your child after a certain time to align with their routine?

Should the Routine at Daycare Match the Routine at Home?

No, your child’s routine doesn’t need to be identical at home and daycare. Children are adaptable and can handle different day-to-day schedules.

For example, if your child has shorter or fewer naps at daycare, it’s fine to let them nap longer or take two naps on weekends to recover. What’s most important is balancing any missed sleep by adjusting their bedtime.

If your child sleeps less at daycare, compensate with an earlier bedtime that night. Even if they nap well at daycare, they may still need an earlier bedtime because daycare can be more tiring than staying at home, especially during the first few weeks.

Helpful Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Sleep at Daycare

1. Adjust Expectations

Don’t expect perfect sleep at daycare, particularly in the early weeks. Allow a few weeks adjustment period for your child to adapt to the new environment and routine.

2. Offer Closeness Before Bed

Separation anxiety can increase when a child starts daycare. Dedicate quality one-on-one time before bed to help them feel secure and connected. This reduces the likelihood of night wakings for attention.

3. Respond to Restlessness with Calm Support

If your child is restless at bedtime, it’s often due to tiredness from an active day. Offer the level of support they need without reverting to previous sleep habits. Slowly reduce this support over time.

4. Adjust Bedtime as Needed

If your child struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep, an earlier bedtime the next night can help compensate for missed rest.

5. Prepare for Illness

It’s common for children to get sick in the first few weeks of daycare. Sick days often mean your child will need more sleep and extra support. Offer what they need while ensuring you don’t revert too far from your usual routine.

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

If sleep gets off track, remember that this is temporary. Most children adjust within a few weeks. Be patient, stay consistent with routines at home, and offer your child the support they need.

Want more help with your child's sleep?
My online course, The Baby Sleep Blueprint: A Proven, Gentle Method to End Sleepless Nights, contains everything you need to help your child learn to sleep well.
https://www.sleepeatlove.is/The-Baby-Sleep-Blueprint