Screens have become part of daily life for families - whether it’s toddlers watching Peppa Pig on an iPad while you cook dinner, or little ones winding down with an episode of Bluey before bed. Digital devices offer convenience, entertainment, and even a bit of much-needed respite for parents. But when it comes to babies' and children's sleep, screen time can have a bigger impact than you might think.
If you're wondering, “Can screens affect my child's sleep?” - the answer is yes. Here's how technology may disrupt your little one's rest, and what you can do to create more peaceful nights.
Popular Baby and Toddler Shows: Educational and Emotional Benefits
Today’s most loved baby and toddler TV shows - including Peppa Pig, Bluey, Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol, and In the Night Garden - offer more than just entertainment. These programmes often support early learning and emotional development, helping little ones understand social relationships, empathy, and family life.
For example, when Mummy Pig prepares for a new baby or Bluey explores friendship and feelings, children begin to process emotions in relatable, gentle ways. Paw Patrol also encourages problem-solving and teamwork, with characters that model bravery and cooperation. Meanwhile, Ms Rachel supports speech development and communication through songs, repetition, and simple language.
While these shows can help children understand emotions, language, and social skills, timing is key. Watching screen content too close to bedtime can lead to overstimulation, making it harder for little ones to fall asleep. For better sleep quality, it's best to enjoy these shows earlier in the day, leaving the evenings for quieter, screen-free activities.
Why Sleep Is So Important for Babies and Children
Sleep supports every area of your child’s development - from brain growth and emotional wellbeing to physical health. According to experts:
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Babies (4–12 months) need 12–16 hours of sleep per day (including naps)
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Toddlers (1–2 years) need 11–14 hours
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Preschoolers (3–5 years) need 10–13 hours
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School-aged children need 9–12 hours
When screen time creeps into nap time or delays bedtime, it can interfere with this essential rest - especially for babies and toddlers who need consistent routines and environments to sleep well.
How Technology Affects Baby and Toddler Sleep
1. Blue Light from Screens Disrupts Melatonin
Devices like tablets, phones and TVs emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin - the hormone that helps our bodies feel sleepy. For babies and toddlers, this disruption can delay bedtime and make it harder for them to settle.
2. Overstimulation Before Bed
Watching colourful, fast-moving programmes like Bluey or Peppa Pig may seem harmless (and often gives parents a much-needed break), but these shows can stimulate young minds at the wrong time. Even short screen sessions before bed can make babies and toddlers more alert, rather than calming them down.
3. Inconsistent Sleep Schedules
Using screens to soothe children - like letting a toddler fall asleep with a show or video - can create dependence on technology to wind down, leading to irregular sleep patterns. Over time, this can result in sleep resistance, bedtime struggles, and frequent night waking.
4. Noisy or Distracting Sleep Environments
Devices left in the bedroom (even on standby) can distract babies and toddlers. Light from screens or background noise from shows can make sleep shallower and less restorative.
Real-Life Tips for Parents: Encouraging Better Sleep Without Ditching Tech Completely
Technology has its place - and it’s okay to use it! The key is being mindful of how and when it’s used, especially close to bedtime.
Create a ‘Wind-Down Window’
Avoid screens for at least 60 minutes before sleep. Use this time for calming routines like stories, cuddles, gentle music, or a warm bath - especially helpful for toddlers transitioning from screen time.
Swap Screens for Sensory Activities
In place of shows, encourage screen-free activities before bed. Babies may enjoy a calming massage, while toddlers can wind down with stacking toys, colouring, or a quiet puzzle.
Keep Bedrooms Screen-Free
Make bedrooms a tech-free zone, especially for little ones. This helps their brains associate the space with sleep and reduces late-night stimulation or temptation to switch on a screen.
Use Night Mode if Needed
If screens are being used in the early evening, turn on “night mode” or blue light filters. While not perfect, this helps reduce the impact on sleep hormones like melatonin.
Lead by Example
Children of all ages - even babies - respond to the rhythm of the home. Creating a calm, consistent family bedtime routine without screens can help everyone wind down together.
Help Your Child Sleep Soundly with a Cosy Bedtime Routine
Replacing screens with relaxing, sensory-friendly habits is a great way to support sleep - and so is staying warm and cosy at bedtime. Slumbersac sleeping bags with feet are perfect for little ones who like to move around before sleep.
Designed for comfort and freedom, they’re ideal for wearing while reading a bedtime book, doing a quiet puzzle, or listening to gentle music. Available in a variety of sizes and togs, they help keep children warm without the need for bulky blankets, making the transition to sleep even easier.
