When it comes to baby and toddler sleep, there’s a mountain of advice out there — and let’s be honest, a lot of it isn’t helpful. Some of it’s outdated, some just plain wrong, and much of it leaves already tired parents feeling like they’re doing everything wrong.
At Yellow Kite Nursery, a trusted nursery in Dubai, we work with children every day. We see what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, how different every single child is. So today, we’re setting the record straight on some of the biggest sleep myths floating around.
It’s time to stop promoting the pressure and start sharing the truth.
Myth 1: “They’re just manipulating you.”
This one really needs to go.
Babies and toddlers aren’t capable of manipulation in the way adults are. When they cry, they’re communicating a need — whether that’s hunger, comfort, fear, or simply needing to reconnect with you.
The truth:
Crying is communication, not control. Babies cry to express themselves, not to ‘test’ you or ‘get their way’. Responding to them builds trust and emotional security — two essential foundations for healthy development.
Myth 2: “You need to let them cry it out.”
‘Cry it out’ is still one of the most common bits of advice we hear passed around — especially from well-meaning family members or the internet. But the idea that leaving your child alone to cry themselves to sleep helps them ‘learn’ is misleading.
The truth:
Children do not learn to sleep by being left to cry. They may eventually stop crying, but this is often because they’ve given up hope that someone will come. That’s not the kind of learning any of us want to promote.
There are gentle ways to support sleep that don’t involve leaving a baby in distress. It’s okay to comfort, to cuddle, and to respond.
Myth 3: “They should be sleeping through the night by now.”
This one adds unnecessary stress to parents — especially in the first year.
The truth:
Waking at night is completely normal for babies and toddlers. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults’, and they often wake between stages of sleep. Sometimes it’s for food, sometimes comfort, sometimes just to check you’re still there.
Some babies sleep through at 6 months. Others don’t until they’re 3. Neither is ‘better’. Just different.
Sleep & Routine Tips from a Nursery in Dubai
At our nursery in Dubai, we’ve supported countless families navigating sleep struggles. And we’ve learned that what truly helps isn’t pressure — it’s understanding.
Myth 4: “Don’t let them nap or they’ll never sleep at night.”
Many parents are told to keep their baby awake all day to encourage better night-time sleep. It’s a quick way to end up with an overtired, overwhelmed child — and an exhausted family.
The truth:
Daytime sleep supports night-time sleep. Naps help regulate the nervous system and prevent overtiredness, which can actually make it harder for children to settle at night.
Signs your child may need a nap include:
- Rubbing eyes or ears
- Becoming unusually clingy or fussy
- Staring into space
- Meltdowns over small things
A well-timed nap can make all the difference to a more peaceful bedtime.
Myth 5: “They’re using you as a sleep crutch.”
We hear this one a lot. If you rock, feed or cuddle your child to sleep, some might say you’re setting yourself up for bad habits.
The truth:
There is no rulebook. If feeding or cuddling works for your family and everyone’s getting rest, that’s success. Babies and toddlers thrive on connection and comfort. You’re not creating ‘bad habits’. You’re creating security.
Children will naturally grow more independent when they’re developmentally ready — not when they’re forced into it.
Myth 6: “They don’t need you at night.”
There’s a belief that once babies are past a certain age, night-time care should stop. This ignores the emotional side of sleep.
The truth:
Children may still need reassurance at night well into toddlerhood — and that’s okay. Nightmares, separation anxiety, teething, developmental leaps — they all play a role in disrupted sleep.
Being there for them doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re doing what parents do.
So, what actually helps with baby and toddler sleep?
We’re glad you asked.
While there’s no magic formula, there are things that can gently support better sleep — for everyone:
- Predictable routines: Bath, book, bed. Simple, familiar steps help children feel secure.
- Consistent bedtime: Keeping a similar bedtime each night supports your child’s body clock.
- A calm wind-down: Avoid overstimulation before bed. Dim lights, soft voices, slow transitions.
- Responsive care: Comforting your child teaches them that the world is safe, even at night.
It’s not about fixing your child — it’s about understanding them
Every child is different. Some sleep well early on. Some wake a lot. Some need more touch, others more space. None of this is your fault — and none of it means something’s ‘wrong’ with your child or your parenting.
We need to stop promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to sleep. It’s not realistic, and it’s not kind.
Instead, let’s support families to tune in to their child, in their home, with their values.
If you’re struggling — you’re not alone
We’ve spoken to countless parents over the years who’ve felt like failures because their child doesn’t “sleep through” or still wants cuddles at night. If that’s you – please know you’re doing a brilliant job.
Sleep isn’t a measure of good parenting. Love is.
At Yellow Kite Nursery, a caring and experienced nursery in Dubai, we support families through all aspects of child development — and that includes sleep. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have questions, or just need to talk, we’re always here.
We also have a range of sleep support resources available for parents, and we’re more than happy to share what’s helped others in our community.
Reach out to us — you don’t have to figure this out alone.