COMPLETE NURSERY SLEEP GUIDE: 10 TIPS FOR FAMILIES
A Note From Me:
I've been in your shoes - literally.
After 10 years as an Early Years Teacher in Doha nurseries, I understand the nursery sleep transition from three perspectives: as a sleep consultant, as a former teacher, and as a mum who navigated this change myself.
​
I've seen hundreds of families go through this transition, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when sleep suddenly falls apart. The good news? With the right approach and realistic expectations, this transition is absolutely manageable.
Here are my top 10 tips to support your child's sleep during the nursery transition - based on what I've learned from all three sides of this journey.
TIP 1: EXPECT AN ADJUSTMENT PERIOD (2-4 WEEKS IS NORMAL)
Starting nursery is one of the biggest transitions in your child's early years. They're navigating a new environment, new caregivers, separation from you, and learning to sleep in a group setting. It's completely normal for sleep to be disrupted during this time.
Most children take 2-4 weeks to settle into nursery routines. Some adjust faster, others need longer. During this period, you might notice shorter naps at nursery, more resistance at bedtime, earlier wake-ups, or increased night wakings. This doesn't mean sleep skills have been lost - it means your child is processing a lot of change. Be patient and stay consistent.
TIP 2: NAPS AT NURSERY WILL LOOK DIFFERENT (AND THAT'S OK)
Nursery environments are busier, brighter, and more stimulating than home. Your child is sleeping in a room with other children, often on a floor bed or cot rather than their familiar crib, and with ambient light and noise around them. Even with the best sleep environment, naps at nursery will rarely match the quality or length of naps at home.
This is expected and normal. Many children nap shorter or lighter at nursery for months - or even the entire time they attend. As long as your child seems well-rested overall and night sleep is solid, shorter nursery naps are not a problem. Don't compare nursery naps to home naps. They serve different purposes and happen in very different contexts.
TIP 3: KEEP BEDTIME CONSISTENT AT HOME
When so much is changing during the day, predictability at night becomes even more important. Your child needs something stable to anchor to, and bedtime routines provide that security.
​
Keep bedtime at the same time every night, follow the same routine (bath, books, bed), and maintain the same sleep environment (dark room, white noise if you use it, sleep sack). Even on weekends or days off nursery, try to keep bedtime within 30 minutes of your usual time.
​
Consistency doesn't mean rigidity - it means your child knows what to expect. This helps them feel safe and supported during a period of big change.
TIP 4: ADJUST BEDTIME BASED ON NAPS
One of the most important things you can do is check your child's daily nap log and adjust bedtime accordingly. If naps at nursery were short, missed, or very disrupted, move bedtime 30-60 minutes earlier that evening.
An earlier bedtime isn't "putting your child to sleep early" - it's preventing overtiredness. When children don't get enough daytime sleep, they need more nighttime sleep to compensate. Overtired children actually sleep worse - they fight bedtime harder, wake more overnight, and wake earlier in the morning.
​
If your child had great naps at nursery, you can keep bedtime at the usual time. Let the naps guide your evening routine.
TIP 6: BRING FAMILIAR SLEEP CUES TO NURSERY
Familiar sleep cues help your child recognise that it's time to rest, even in a new environment. If your child uses a sleep sack at home, send one to nursery. If they have a comfort item or lovey (and nursery allows it), make sure it goes with them.
If nursery permits, ask if you can provide a small portable white noise machine for nap time. White noise masks environmental sounds and signals to your child's brain that it's time to sleep.
​
The more familiar the sleep cues, the easier it is for your child to settle in an unfamiliar space. Consistency across environments matters.
TIP 5: WAKE YOUR CHILD IF THEY FALL ASLEEP IN THE CAR
Many children fall asleep on the drive home from nursery, especially in the first few weeks when they're exhausted from the day. If this happens, try to wake them gently as soon as you arrive home.
​
A 10-20 minute car nap too close to bedtime reduces sleep pressure and can make falling asleep at bedtime much harder. Your child may fight sleep for an hour or more because they've taken the edge off their tiredness.
If they do have a car nap, either wake them immediately or shift bedtime 30-60 minutes later to allow enough wake time before bed. Otherwise, you'll end up in a long, frustrating bedtime battle.
TIP 7: BABIES DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTS (HABITS WON'T TRANSFER)
One of the most common worries parents have is: "If nursery staff help my child fall asleep, will that ruin the independent sleep we've worked on at home?"
​
The good news? Babies and toddlers are remarkably capable of understanding that different places have different expectations. If nursery staff pat your child to sleep or offer more hands-on support, that doesn't mean your child will suddenly need the same support at home - as long as you stay consistent with your approach.
​
Think of it like this: your child behaves differently with grandparents than they do with you. They understand context. Sleep is the same. As long as bedtime at home remains predictable and consistent, habits formed at nursery typically stay at nursery.
TIP 8: WATCH FOR SIGNS OF OVERTIREDNESS
Overtired children don't look sleepy - they look wired. Common signs of overtiredness include:
-
Fussiness, whining, or emotional meltdowns
-
Hyperactivity or "second wind" energy
-
Clinginess or difficulty separating at drop-off
-
Increased resistance at bedtime
-
More frequent night wakings
-
Very early morning wake-ups (before 6am)
​
If you're seeing these signs regularly, your child likely needs more sleep. This usually means earlier bedtimes during the week, protecting naps on weekends, and being mindful of overscheduling after nursery.
Rest supports behaviour, mood, and emotional regulation. When sleep is solid, everything else feels easier.
TIP 9: COMMUNICATE REGULARLY WITH NURSERY STAFF
Nursery staff see your child every day and can offer valuable insight into how they're settling, how long naps are lasting, and whether they seem well-rested or overtired during the day.
​
Share your child's typical awake windows, nap routine, and any sleep cues they use at home. Ask staff how naps are going and whether they've noticed any patterns. If your child is consistently struggling to settle or waking after very short naps, discuss whether small adjustments (positioning the cot in a quieter corner, using white noise, offering a comfort item) might help.
Open communication helps everyone support your child more effectively. Nursery staff want your child to rest well - they're your partners in this, not obstacles.
TIP 10: KNOW WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
Most children settle into nursery routines within 4-6 weeks. Sleep may not be perfect, but it should feel manageable.
If after a month your child is still experiencing significant sleep disruption - long bedtime battles, frequent night wakings, very early wake-ups, extreme overtiredness, or difficulty coping emotionally - it may be helpful to talk through what's happening.
Sometimes small adjustments to routines, wake windows, or bedtime timing can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the issue isn't nursery at all, but developmental changes or sleep associations that need addressing.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Support is available when you need it.
DISCOVERY CALL
If you’re struggling with your child’s sleep, this free 15-minute consultation is the perfect first step.
It gives us the opportunity to talk about your child’s specific sleep challenges, your routine, and what you’ve already tried. I’ll share some insight into how I can help and explain what a personalised sleep plan might look like for your family.
This initial conversation is a relaxed, no-obligation call designed to help you decide whether working together feels like the right fit for you.