Bedtime Struggles
From bedtime resistance to settling difficulties — calm, effective solutions.
Bedtime battles are one of the clearest signs that something in the sleep setup needs adjusting. If bedtime is taking more than 30 minutes, if your baby wakes the moment you put them down, or if evenings have become something you dread — these are not personality quirks. They are patterns with identifiable causes.
Common causes of bedtime struggles:
- A schedule that is slightly off — bedtime too early or too late
- A sleep association that prevents independent settling
- A bedtime routine that is too stimulating rather than winding down
- Adding more steps to the routine (which often makes things harder, not easier)
Bedtime tends to improve faster than most parents expect once the right cause is identified. The articles below cover the most common bedtime challenges, why they happen, and what actually helps.
Angelica Videla is a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant based in London, supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia with gentle, personalised sleep support — no cry-it-out, no rigid programmes.
Baby Wakes When Put Down — Why It Happens & How to Help
Why your baby wakes as soon as you put them down and gentle strategies to help them settle in their cot.
Read article →Bedtime Battles — Why Your Baby Fights Sleep
Bedtime battles are exhausting. Here is what causes them and how to create a calmer evening for everyone.
Read article →Crib Transfer Fails — Why Your Baby Wakes When Put Down
If your baby wakes every time you try to put them down, here is what is causing it and how to make transfers more reliable.
Read article →False Starts at Bedtime — Why Your Baby Wakes Soon After Going to Sleep
False starts are when your baby falls asleep then wakes 30 to 90 minutes later. Here is what causes them and how to fix them.
Read article →Why a Longer Bedtime Routine Is Not Always the Answer
More steps at bedtime do not always mean better sleep. Here is what actually works and what tends to make things harder.
Read article →If early mornings (or any other sleep issue) have been going on for a while, find out whether sleep consulting is worth it.
Bedtime still a battle?
A personalised bedtime routine can make evenings calmer for the whole family.
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