Many parents ask me the same question over and over: “Isn’t 7:00 PM too early for bedtime?” or “How can I put my child to sleep when the sun is still up?” And then there are those who say: “I keep my child up until 9:00 PM, otherwise, there’s no way they’ll fall asleep!”
Should you really keep them up later? And what is the best bedtime for babies and toddlers? If you’re unsure about when to put your little one to sleep, this article is for you.
The Secret for Right Bedtime for Babies and Toddlers Lies in Your Child’s Sleep Cues
The first thing you need to know about bedtime is that every child (and every adult!) has natural sleep cues—small signals the body gives when it’s time to rest. These cues can include yawning, rubbing their eyes, fussiness, or general restlessness.
For babies under 18 months, these signals are especially easy to spot. If you learn to recognize your child’s sleep cues and respond accordingly, you’re not just making bedtime smoother—you’re also teaching them to listen to their body. When they feel tired, they will understand that sleep is the solution.
💡 Tip for parents: If your child struggles to fall asleep, check whether you’re trying to put them to bed too early—or perhaps waiting too long until they’re overtired. Sleep cues are the key!
What Time Should You Put Your Child to Bed?
Here’s something surprising: there’s a universal window for optimal bedtime. Its possible to know the right bedtime for babies and toddlers! Naturally, our bodies are synced with the sun—we’re designed to wake up with sunrise and sleep at sunset. Of course, in today’s world, artificial lights and work schedules disrupt this rhythm. But newborns are still wired to follow this natural cycle.
So what’s the right bedtime? Here’s a general guideline:
🍼 First year: Between 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM👶 Second year: Between 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM🧒 Third year: Between 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
So, if someone tells you, “7:00 PM? That’s way too early!”—you’ll know that, in fact, this is exactly when most toddlers need to sleep.
What If My Child Refuses to Sleep Early?
If your child fights bedtime, it could mean one of two things:
1️⃣ They’re not tired enough yet and need a later bedtime.2️⃣ They’ve passed their sleep window, and their body has entered a state of overtiredness, making it harder to fall asleep.
This is why it’s important to match your child’s optimal bedtime with their individual sleep cues. When a child is tired at the right moment, they’ll fall asleep much more easily.
Why Does an Early Bedtime Matter?
Studies show that quality sleep at the right time directly affects children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. A well-rested child is more likely to:
✔ Develop better focus and memory✔ Be in a better mood and have fewer tantrums✔ Support healthy brain growth and development✔ Strengthen their immune system
And here’s something even more important—when you respect your child’s sleep cues, you strengthen your bond with them. They feel seen, heard, and understood. This emotional connection builds a foundation of trust and security.
Ready to Try? A Small Challenge for Parents
If you want to improve your child’s sleep routine, here’s a simple task for tonight:
👀 Observe your child in the evening. When do they start showing sleep cues?🕒 Check the time. Is it within their recommended bedtime range?🛏 Adjust bedtime accordingly. Put them to sleep as soon as you recognize their cues.
📢 Tell me in the comments—what sleep cues did you notice in your child? Did adjusting their bedtime help? I’m here for any questions! 😊😊
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