Free from Tumble Lane
Baby & toddler sleep, gently explained
Short, calm reads for the stage you're in right now — what's normal, what tends to help, and when to ask for support. Every guide follows AAP, NHS and HSE safe-sleep advice.
Regressions & wobbles
11–13 months
The 12 month sleep regression: first steps, nap strikes and what helps
One-year-old suddenly refusing naps or waking at night? What's behind the 12 month sleep regression, why it's rarely time to drop a nap, and what helps.
17–20 months
The 18 month sleep regression: big feelings, bedtime battles and what helps
Bedtime protests, night waking and nap refusal at 18 months? Independence, language and molars are often behind it. Here's what helps, gently.
3–5 months
The 4 month sleep regression: what's really happening, and what helps
Sudden night waking and 30-minute naps around 3–5 months? Here's what the 4 month sleep regression really is, how long it lasts, and calm, safe ways to help.
8–10 months
The 8 month sleep regression: crawling, clinginess and calmer nights
Waking more at 8–10 months? Crawling, standing, separation anxiety and nap changes are often behind it. Here's what's happening and calm, safe ways to help.
0–2 years
Sleep regression ages: a calm guide to the wobbles from 4 to 18 months
Sleep regressions are often linked to 4, 8, 12 and 18 months. What's really behind each, how to tell a regression from something else, and what helps.
4 months–3 years
Teething and sleep: what's really teeth, and how to help
Teething gets blamed for a lot of broken nights. What research says about teething and sleep, safe ways to soothe, and when it's something else.
Schedules & wake windows
6–8 months
6 month old sleep schedule: sample days and gentle guidance
A flexible 6 month old sleep schedule: sample days for three naps and two, typical awake times, bedtime and night feeds, and what to do on off days.
0–5 years
How much sleep does a baby need? Totals by age, from newborn to preschool
How many hours of sleep babies and toddlers need by age, from expert recommendations and research, and why 'normal' is wider than you might think.
0–12 weeks
Newborn sleep schedule: why there isn't one yet, and what to do instead
What newborn sleep really looks like from 0 to 12 weeks, a gentle sample day, and simple, safe ways to help day and night settle.
0–3 years
Wake windows by age: a gentle guide (with a chart)
Typical wake windows by age, from newborn to toddler, in one simple chart, plus how to read tired signs and why wake windows are a guide, not a rule.
Naps
0–12 months
Contact naps: are they OK, how to do them safely, and how to move on
Baby will only nap on you? Contact naps are normal. How to do them safely (stay awake, never on a sofa) and gentle ways to move towards cot naps.
12–18 months
Dropping to one nap: when babies are ready, and how to make the switch
Most babies move from two naps to one between about 12 and 18 months. The signs of readiness, a gentle way to make the switch, and sample days.
2–12 months
Baby only naps for 30 minutes? Why short naps happen and what helps
Short naps of 30–45 minutes are very common, especially before 6 months. Here's why they happen, when they matter, and gentle ways to help naps lengthen.
2–5 years
When do toddlers stop napping? Signs, timing and quiet time
Most children stop napping between 3 and 5 years, and very few before 2. The real signs your toddler is ready to drop the nap, and how to make it easier.
Bedtime & nights
6 months +
Sleep training methods compared: from gentle to structured, side by side
Responsive settling, gradual retreat, bedtime fading and controlled comforting, compared on age, crying, time and evidence, so you can choose what fits.
3–12 months
A simple bedtime routine for babies (and why it works)
A short, predictable bedtime routine helps babies settle and sleep. What the research says, when to start, and simple sample routines from 3 to 12 months.
18 months–3 years
Moving from cot to bed: when to do it, and how to make it go smoothly
Most toddlers move from cot to bed between 18 months and 3 years. The real signs of readiness, a gentle step-by-step plan and the key safety checks.
4 months–3 years
Baby waking at 5am? Gentle ways to help with early morning waking
Early waking is one of the most stubborn sleep challenges. The common causes, from light and nap timing to bedtime, and gentle changes to try.
4 months–2 years
Baby wakes 30–60 minutes after bedtime? Understanding 'false starts'
Baby wakes crying soon after you've put them down for the night? That's often called a false start. Common causes and gentle, practical fixes.
1–4 years
Toddler bedtime routine: a calm plan for fewer battles
A simple toddler bedtime routine, with sample steps, timings and tips for stalling and getting out of bed, in line with HSE and research guidance.