From the Lillmoln blog

The Bedtime Journal

Bedtime, sleep and little people growing up. Practical ideas for parents of small children, without the lecture.

Child asleep on a bed with red and white striped bedding, seen from above

Sleep1–16 yrs

How Much Sleep Does a Child Need? A Simple Chart From 1 to 16

From preschool to teens: how many hours of sleep children need, how to spot when it's not enough, and what really helps.

6 min read
Colourful kids' bedroom in the evening with a striped duvet, mosaic lamp, glowing globe and soft toys

Routines2–7 yrs

Bedtime Routine for Kids: 6 Steps to Calmer Evenings

Bath, pyjamas, teeth, story, goodnight. How to build a bedtime routine that makes evenings calmer, even with siblings.

6 min read
Bright Scandinavian kids' bedroom with pink wall panelling, a bed with pillows and soft toys

Pillow2–7 yrs

Pillow for kids: when does a child need one, and how do you choose?

Babies sleep without a pillow. So when is it time for the first one, and how high should it be? Here is a simple test you can do tonight.

6 min read
Bright children's room with a low kids' bed with a bed rail, a toy plane on the duvet and a patterned rug

Growing up2–4 yrs

When to Move a Toddler to a Big Bed: Signs, Tips and Safety

There is no exact age, but there are clear signs. How to know your toddler is ready for a big bed, and how to make the move safe and fun.

6 min read
Toddler in a knitted jumper sitting in bed looking at a lantern with a warm glow

Growing up3–7 yrs

Child afraid of the dark? 8 gentle ideas for calmer bedtimes

Fear of the dark is a normal part of growing up. Here is why it shows up, and 8 gentle ways to make bedtime feel safe again.

6 min read
Little boy in green pyjamas lying on the bed next to two teddy bears

Sleep2–7 yrs

Child waking up at night? Nightmares vs night terrors explained

Nightmare or night terror? How to tell them apart, help your child drift back to sleep and know when to talk to a health professional.

7 min read
Little girl with a fringe resting under a soft blanket on the sofa, warm afternoon light and a lamp in the background

Sleep3–5 yrs

When Do Kids Stop Napping? Signs, Quiet Time and Bedtime

Naps usually fade out between ages 3 and 5. How to read the signs, talk to preschool and adjust the evening when nap time ends.

6 min read
Child lying in bed in a dark room watching a tablet

Routines2–12 yrs

Screen time for kids: the Swedish recommendations and the screen-free hour before bed

Max one hour a day for 2 to 5-year-olds and screens off 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Here is how to make it happen without evening battles.

6 min read
A child in a red winter jacket and striped hat sits on a sled pulled by an adult along a snowy street

Routines2–7 yrs

Winter Darkness and Children's Sleep: How to Help Kids Through the Dark Swedish Months

Dark mornings, long evenings and sleepy kids. How to use daylight, routines and evening light so the whole family sleeps well all winter.

6 min read
A small cream teddy bear stands on a blue and pink floral pillow against a white wall in evening light

Routines2–7 yrs

The Bedtime Story: Why Reading to Your Child at Night Matters (Plus Swedish Classics by Age)

The bedtime story is more than a cosy moment. How to fit reading into your evening routine, what research says, and which Swedish classics suit which age.

6 min read