As summer break brings longer days and a pause in school schedules, many parents find themselves facing a familiar challenge: getting young children to settle down for bed. Without the structure of school mornings, children are often less motivated to sleep early, while the excitement of summer evenings and outdoor activities can make bedtime a difficult transition.
Recognizing these seasonal challenges, bed-furnishings expert Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom has shared a series of practical recommendations aimed at helping parents establish healthier bedtime habits during the summer months. The advice emphasizes maintaining routines, creating a comfortable sleep environment, reducing distractions, and encouraging children to develop healthy sleeping habits that can continue when the school year resumes.
One of the primary recommendations is maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. According to the guidance, familiar activities such as bath time followed by reading a book before bed help children understand what to expect each evening, reducing resistance and making bedtime less stressful for both parents and children. While every family may follow a slightly different routine, consistency is considered one of the most effective ways to reinforce healthy sleep habits.
Parents are also encouraged to make bedtime enjoyable rather than treating it as a strict obligation. Allowing children to choose bath toys or select their favorite bedtime story can help create positive associations with the evening routine. Experts note that children generally respond well to predictable schedules, particularly when those routines include activities they enjoy.
Creating a comfortable sleeping environment is another important factor. Parents should consider whether their child’s mattress provides adequate support and whether the bedding arrangement suits their personal comfort preferences. Since younger children may not always be able to explain why they find sleeping uncomfortable, communicating with them about their preferences can help identify simple adjustments that improve sleep quality.
The guidance also highlights the importance of addressing bedtime fears. Many children experience anxiety about sleeping alone or in the dark, particularly during their early years. Introducing a nightlight or allowing children to sleep with a favorite blanket or soft toy may help reduce these concerns. Parents are encouraged to listen carefully if children express worries at bedtime, as understanding the source of their anxiety can make it easier to provide reassurance.
Limiting screen exposure before bedtime remains another key recommendation. While electronic devices can be an easy distraction during busy evenings, using screens within an hour of bedtime may interfere with healthy sleep patterns. Supporting this advice is research conducted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine involving more than 19,000 school-aged children. The study found that having screens in bedrooms and regularly using electronic media were associated with later bedtimes, shorter sleep duration, and increased sleep disruption.
Instead of screens, bedtime stories are recommended as a relaxing activity that benefits both sleep and learning. Reading together before bed not only helps children wind down but also stimulates imagination and supports literacy development throughout the school vacation.
Summer evenings can also introduce additional challenges due to increased neighborhood activity. Outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and social events often continue well into the evening, creating noise that may interrupt children’s sleep. For children who are particularly sensitive to sound, parents may wish to experiment with white noise, a fan to mask background sounds, or noise-canceling headphones where appropriate.
Another recommendation involves encouraging children to become more independent at bedtime. Parents can gradually reduce their presence as children fall asleep by slowly moving farther away from the bed each night until children become comfortable settling themselves. Developing self-soothing skills may also make future situations, such as sleepovers or staying with babysitters, less stressful.
Temperature also plays an important role in sleep quality during the warmer months. Experts recommend keeping children’s bedrooms between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit whenever possible. Parents can achieve this by removing unnecessary blankets, opening windows when conditions allow, switching off electronics that generate heat, and using fans to improve air circulation. Checking the bedroom temperature before going to bed can help ensure children remain comfortable throughout the night.
Bed-furnishings expert Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom has commented: “During your efforts this summer, don’t forget to remain confident. Your assertiveness can affect your child’s response tremendously.
“Every child is different, so don’t lose hope if one method doesn’t work – simply try another. Bedtime success is achievable for everyone, but it can often be a case of trial and error to determine what works best for your child and your parenting style.”
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