If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is it too early? Too late? Why are they still bouncing off the walls at 9pm?” — you’re definitely not alone. Bedtime can feel like a nightly guessing game, especially when every age seems to need a completely different amount of sleep.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all bedtime. But there are some good guidelines to follow, based on how much sleep kids need as they grow. Getting that right means calmer evenings, brighter mornings, and far fewer “five more minutes!” negotiations.

1–3 Years: Between 6:30pm and 7:30pm

Toddlers are tiny bundles of energy — and they burn through it fast. At this age, they need around 11–14 hours of sleep every 24 hours (yes, naps count).

If they’re up at 6:30am, a 7pm bedtime is usually perfect. The trick is to keep evenings predictable: a warm bath, a story or lullaby, then lights out. Keeping naps early in the day also helps avoid the dreaded “I’m not tired!” phase just when you’re ready to collapse on the sofa.

If you’re refreshing their room, our children’s beds section has plenty of toddler-friendly styles that make bedtime something to look forward to.

4–6 Years: Around 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Once your child starts school, the daytime routine changes dramatically — and so does sleep. Most little ones this age need 10–13 hours a night to stay focused, happy and ready to learn.

If they’re up by 7am, try for a 7:30pm bedtime. A simple, calm routine (bath, pyjamas, story, bed) can work wonders. This is also the age where “just one more story” becomes a bedtime classic — so maybe start that story a bit earlier!

7–9 Years: Around 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Primary school life can be busy — after-school clubs, homework, and endless energy. But even at this age, kids still need 9–11 hours of sleep a night.

If mornings are a battle, that’s usually a sign bedtime has drifted too late. Try screens off an hour before bed and dimming the lights to signal wind-down time. Little habits like that can make all the difference.

And if their room’s feeling a bit too chaotic for rest, explore our bedroom storage ideas to help create a calm, clutter-free space.

10–12 Years: Around 8:00pm – 9:00pm

As children get older, bedtime tends to creep later — but they still need 9–11 hours of solid sleep. Between homework, sports and social lives, it’s easy for rest to take a back seat.

If they’re struggling to wake up for school or feeling grumpy in the mornings, try reeling bedtime back by 15 minutes each night. A comfortable, supportive mattress also goes a long way — check out our mattresses for ideas that make bedtime that bit more appealing.

Teenagers: Around 9:30pm – 10:30pm

Teenagers and early mornings rarely mix. Their body clocks naturally shift later, but they still need 8–10 hours of sleep — not the five or six many end up getting!

Encourage them to keep phones out of reach at night (we know, easier said than done) and keep their routine steady, even on weekends. It’s all about balance — and maybe a bit of gentle persuasion.

Final Thoughts

Every family is different, but one thing’s certain: children thrive on consistency. A regular bedtime routine helps their bodies know when it’s time to wind down, and makes evenings smoother for everyone.

So whether it’s a cuddly bedtime story, a warm bath, or just five minutes of quiet before lights out, those small moments make a big difference. Stick with it — and soon enough, bedtime might just become everyone’s favourite part of the day.