Back to School, Back to Sleep: Helping Your Little One Through Routine Changes

As a nanny, I’ve always loved September. There’s something about it that feels like a mini New Year — a fresh start, a chance to reset routines, and the perfect opportunity to help children flourish after the long summer months.

Over the years, I’ve watched how even small adjustments, like preparing the children for earlier mornings or introducing gentle changes to bedtime, can make this transition so much smoother.

September can be exciting, but it’s also a time of big changes: older children head back to school, little ones start nursery, and families adjust to new routines. These shifts can affect your baby or toddler’s sleep — shorter naps, later bedtimes, or clingier evenings are very common. The good news is, with a little planning, reassurance, and consistency, you can help your child (and your whole family) settle into this new rhythm with ease.

September often brings with it a new rhythm — older children heading back to school, little ones starting nursery, and families adjusting to earlier mornings and busier days. While it can be an exciting time, these changes can also have a big impact on your baby or toddler’s sleep.

If you’ve noticed more bedtime battles, shorter naps, or clingier evenings lately, you’re not alone. Transitions take energy and adjustment — and sleep is usually one of the first things to wobble. The good news is that with a little consistency and reassurance, you can help your child (and your whole family) settle into this new season smoothly.

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Why Changes in Routine Affect Sleep

Babies and toddlers thrive on predictability. When school runs mean earlier wake-ups, nursery naps look different to home naps, or a sibling comes bursting back in from school full of energy, it can feel like your little one’s whole day has shifted. Their sleep may be lighter, they may resist bedtime, or they may seem extra tired and emotional. All of this is completely normal during times of change.

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Supporting Families with School-Aged Siblings

If you’ve got older children, the morning rush or afternoon chaos can sometimes interfere with your baby’s quiet time. Try:

• Protecting nap times where possible — even if it means pram naps on the school run.

• Building in calm moments after school — a story, cuddle, or quiet play to help younger ones reset.

• Keeping bedtime familiar — a consistent routine helps anchor everyone, no matter how busy the day has been.

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Starting Nursery or Childcare: What to Expect

Nursery can be wonderful for socialisation and play, but it’s also a lot of stimulation. It’s very common for little ones to:

• Nap less at nursery than at home.

• Be extra clingy in the evenings

• Crash earlier than usual (or sometimes resist bedtime because they’re overtired).

To help:

• Offer earlier bedtimes if needed — it’s better to prevent overtiredness.

• Expect naps to look different and let your child catch up at home on non-nursery days

• Add in extra comfort and connection at bedtime — cuddles, quiet stories, gentle wind-downs all go a long way.

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Practical Back-to-School Sleep Tips

Here are a few simple steps that can really help your child adjust:

• Shift gradually: If mornings are earlier now, move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few nights.

• Stay consistent: Keep your bedtime routine steady — bath, story, song, cuddle — so your child knows what to expect.

• Fill their cup: Transitions can be emotionally tiring; a little extra one-to-one time in the evenings can make settling much easier.

• Be patient: Sleep will likely wobble at first, but consistency always pays off.

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Back to school and nursery season is a big shift for the whole family. If your child’s sleep feels unsettled right now, know that you’re not doing anything wrong — it’s simply their way of adjusting to all the newness. With time, reassurance, and gentle consistency, things will settle back into balance.

And if you’d like personalised guidance through this season, I’m here to help. Supporting families to feel rested and confident is at the heart of what I do. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat about tailored sleep support for your little one.

Eleanor xx

Norland Nanny & Certified Sleep Consultant

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