Child sleep specialist shares the sleep myths you’ve been believing, and why they’re ruining your child’s sleep
From outdated tips passed down from well-meaning family members to the countless ‘solutions’ marketed online, it’s easy for parents to get caught up in myths that make bedtime more stressful than it needs to be.
As Sleep Awareness Week (March 9-15) kicks off, it’s the perfect time to set the record straight. Gemma Coe, child sleep consultant and author of Newborn Sleep Foundations, shares her expert insights into five common myths that are making it harder for parents to help their little ones get the rest they need.
“Sleep is such an important aspect of a child’s life, but there’s so much misinformation out there,” says Gemma.
“Sleep Awareness Week is the ideal time to brush up on the facts and unlearn these myths that could be damaging your child’s sleep. By shifting the way we think about sleep and focusing on the needs of each child, we can create a healthier, more balanced bedtime routine.”
The child sleep myths you need to stop believing:
- Your child needs 12 hours of sleep every night
Many parents feel like they’re failing if their child doesn’t sleep for a solid 12 hours. The truth? Sleep needs vary dramatically from child to child, and the 12-hour benchmark is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Children are unique, and while some might need longer sleep periods, others may thrive with shorter ones. It’s about finding the right balance for your child and observing their mood and energy levels. If they’re happy, engaged, and coping well throughout the day, chances are they’re getting the sleep they need – even if it’s less than the so-called “gold standard.” - Naps must always be in the cot
It’s a common myth that naps must happen in a cot in order to be effective. While having a quiet, dark space is ideal, life doesn’t always work that way. Babies and toddlers often nap in strollers, car seats, or while being carried around – and that’s okay! What matters most is whether the child is getting restorative sleep, not the location. If your child is struggling with independent sleep, a nap in a pram or car might be your best option until they’re ready for the cot. Flexibility is key, especially when it comes to ensuring your child gets the rest they need during the day. - You have to let your baby ‘cry it out’ to improve sleep
One of the most damaging myths is that “crying it out” is the only way to teach a baby to sleep. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Sleep training doesn’t have to involve letting your baby cry alone in distress for hours. In fact, there are countless gentle sleep strategies that offer comfort and reassurance without the need for extreme methods. Babies, like all of us, need time to adjust to new sleep habits. Being responsive to their needs during the process helps build trust and comfort while still fostering better sleep habits. - Magnesium creams will help your baby sleep
Magnesium has gained a lot of attention in recent years, with many parents turning to magnesium creams in the hope of improving their child’s sleep. However, the research supporting this as a sleep aid for children is not strong. While magnesium is an essential nutrient that can be beneficial to sleep in adults, there’s little evidence to suggest that rubbing a cream on your baby’s skin will make a significant difference. A well-balanced diet rich in magnesium from foods like leafy greens, nuts, and grains is far more effective in supporting overall sleep quality. - If your child wakes in the night, something is wrong
It’s common for parents to panic when their child wakes up in the night, but the truth is that night waking is completely normal for children of all ages. In fact, adults wake up multiple times during the night too – the difference is we usually fall back asleep without realising it. Children, especially younger ones, may need a bit of comfort and reassurance to settle back to sleep. Instead of viewing night waking as a problem to be fixed, focus on how easily your child can get back to sleep with a little help from you.
“The most important thing is to find a routine that works for your child and family. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right knowledge, you can make bedtime a much easier and more enjoyable experience for everyone. So this Sleep Awareness Week, take the time to unlearn the myths, embrace the truth, and set your child up for better, healthier sleep”.
If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.
