How We Support Healthy Sleep (and Help You at Home)

For many parents, sleep is the “holy grail” of early parenthood. You spend months establishing a routine, reading the cues, and figuring out exactly how to transfer your sleeping baby into their cot without waking them. It is no wonder, then, that one of the biggest anxieties parents face when starting nursery is: Will they sleep?

Will they settle for someone else? Will the noise of other children keep them awake? And perhaps the most pressing worry of all: If they sleep too much (or too little) during the day, will it ruin our night?

At Thrive Childcare, we understand that sleep is foundational to a child’s happiness and development. We know that a well-rested child is a curious, engaged learner. We also know that every family has a unique approach to sleep. This guide demystifies our nap routines and reassures you that your child’s sleep is in safe, caring hands.

The Baby Room: Following Your Rhythm

In our baby rooms, there is no “one size fits all” schedule. We know that young babies have their own internal clocks and specific needs. As noted by the Baby Sleep Info Source (Basis), babies’ sleep patterns are biologically different from adults and vary wildly from child to child. When your baby joins us, we don’t expect them to adapt to us; we adapt to them.

This is where the bond with your child’s Key Person becomes indispensable. As we explore in our article on the role of the Key Person at Thrive, this specific staff member is dedicated to understanding your child’s unique emotional and physical needs. During your settling-in sessions, they will ask detailed questions about your home routine. Do they need a dummy? A sleeping bag? Do they like to be rocked, or do they prefer to self-settle?

We aim to mirror your home environment as closely as possible to ensure consistency. If your baby needs a cuddle to drift off, they will get one. If they have a specific comforter they love, we ensure it is right there with them. We also strictly follow The Lullaby Trust’s safer sleep guidelines to ensure your little one is always safe while they dream.

The Power of Environment

Creating the right atmosphere is half the battle when it comes to nursery naps. Our sleep areas are designed to be calm sanctuaries away from the buzz of the main play areas. We use soft lighting and comfortable cots or coracles (low sleep pods) to create a cosy “hygge” feel.

Sound also plays a major role. Many of our rooms utilise soft, calming music or white noise to help children unwind. This isn’t just background noise; it is a deliberate tool to signal that it is time to rest. As discussed in our blog on the benefits of music in the early years, music has a profound ability to regulate emotions and lower stress levels, helping children transition from high-energy play to a state of relaxation.

Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers: The Shift to Group Naps

As children grow and move into the toddler and pre-school rooms, their sleep needs change. You will likely notice that they naturally gravitate towards a single afternoon nap. At this stage, we often introduce a more communal “quiet time” or nap time, usually after lunch when energy levels naturally dip.

Parents often worry that their child won’t sleep on a mat or in a room with other children. However, the “pack mentality” works in our favour here. When a toddler sees their friends lying down, snuggling under blankets, and resting, they are far more likely to copy the behaviour. It becomes a shared, comforting ritual rather than a battle.

Understanding these shifts in sleep requirements is part of understanding your child’s overall growth. You can learn more about these milestones in our child development stages (0-5 years) guide, which outlines how physical needs evolve as independence grows.

“Will It Ruin Bedtime?” (Managing Sleep Totals)

This is perhaps the most common question we get! You have finally got them sleeping through the night, and you are terrified that a two-hour nap at nursery will result in a party in your living room at 10 pm.

We completely understand. Sleep needs are a delicate balance, and while the NHS recommends roughly 11-14 hours of sleep (including naps) for toddlers, we know every child is different. We work with you to agree on a sleep plan.

• The Cap: If you want us to gently wake your child after 45 minutes or an hour to preserve their bedtime tiredness, we will do that.
• The Cut-Off: If you prefer they don’t sleep past 2:30 pm, we will adhere to that schedule.

We record sleep times daily (often via our parent app or a diary), so you know exactly how much rest they have had. This communication ensures that you aren’t left guessing at bedtime.

However, we also prioritise the child’s immediate wellbeing. As highlighted in our post on supporting children’s mental health, sleep deprivation can lead to emotional dysregulation and stress. If a child is visibly exhausted, falling asleep over their lunch, or becoming distressed, we will always allow them to rest. A 20-minute power nap is often better than an overtired meltdown later in the day.

The Transition: Dropping the Nap

Eventually, every child outgrows their nap. This transition can be tricky… the “in-between” stage where they don’t need a sleep every day, but still get grumpy without a rest. The Sleep Charity advises maintaining a calming routine even as naps are phased out, to help children recharge without sleeping.

At Thrive, we don’t force children to sleep, nor do we force them to stay awake if they genuinely need it. For children who are dropping their nap, we introduce “Quiet Time.” This might involve reading books on a cushion, listening to an audio story, or doing some gentle yoga or mindfulness.

This downtime is crucial for self-regulation. By learning to slow down their bodies and minds without actually sleeping, children develop the ability to manage their own energy levels, a skill that will serve them well when they eventually head off to school.

A Partnership for Sweet Dreams

Ultimately, we want the same thing you do: a happy, well-rested child. If you are struggling with sleep at home, please speak to us. We have supported hundreds of families through sleep regressions, dummy weaning, and the transition from cot to bed. We can share what works in the nursery, which might give you new ideas to try at home.

Whether your child is a champion sleeper or a “party animal,” we are here to support their individual journey. With a consistent approach, open communication, and a lot of patience, we can ensure that nursery naps are a positive part of your child’s day.