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RTÉ News
07-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
10 top tips for better sleep for little ones
Bedtime tantrums, separation anxiety and frequent night-time wake-ups are just some of the common challenges parents of young children often face. Sleep disruptions can take a serious mental and physical toll on both children and their caregivers, so to better understand the importance of a consistent bedtime routine, we spoke with Dr Jacqueline Harding, a child development and education expert, and author who consults on many notable children's television programs, like CBeebies' BeddyByes - a pre-school sleep show created by Irish animation company JAM Media. "Some obvious signs of sleep deprivation in children include rubbing their eyes or rolling around on the floor, and sometimes they can become irritable," highlights Harding. "Children generally enjoy life, and they're not going out of their way to make life difficult for parents, but when their emotional integrity is breaking down and they feel this lack of safety and security, then everything begins to look a bit hazy for them. This can affect their memory and their learning, "Sleep deprivation can also erode the fabric of biological life and affect our immune system. So, that hour before bedtime can be used to set children up for a fantastic neurological and biological future." Here are Harding's top 10 tips for helping your little one get a good night's sleep… 1. Create a predictable bedtime routine Young children thrive on rhythm and familiarity, says Harding. "The brain, including little brains, is a predicting organ which uses up a lot of its resources (about 40%) trying to work out its place in the world, and prediction is one of those," explains Harding. "In order to have the security and safety to go to sleep, little ones really do need predictability. "A calm, consistent sequence of events – bath, story, cuddle, sleep – signals to the brain that bedtime is near, helping reduce stress hormones and invite relaxation." It's also important to try and keep to the same bedtime every night when possible, as this can this help cultivate consistency and calmness. "Even on weekends, keeping bedtime and wake time consistent helps regulate a child's circadian rhythm (the body's internal clock), making falling asleep and staying asleep much easier," explains Harding. 2. Limit screen time before bed "The blue light from tablets and TVs can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel sleepy," highlights Harding. "Make sure [children] don't watch anything overly exciting before bed, and if screen time is used then sleep conscious content is best." "BeddyByes has a narrative that's calm, soothing and communicating, all the way as the melatonin builds up so that sleep is inevitable," notes Harding. "It's all very symbolic and scientifically based as well, and is sort of saying, here you go parents, here's some really good ideas for a bedtime routine." 3. Read to your children before bed "There are wonderful, magical things that happen in the brain before children go to bed, and it's as though those rich words that come through bedtime reading seep into the brain. "At about two to three years of age, when they're going to sleep, many children rehearse some of the language they've heard or something they've heard in the story. It's fascinating to hear, and it's like they're rehearsing what they've learned during the day for the next day." 4. Create a sleep-friendly environment "A cool, quiet and dark room helps little bodies wind down," says Harding. "A nightlight is fine if needed, but keep it dim. Soft music can soothe and create a sense of safety." 5. Offer melatonin-rich foods "Certain foods help the body naturally produce melatonin," says Harding. "Consider giving your child a small serving of foods such as tart cherries, bananas, oats, sweetcorn, or warm milk at dinnertime. These can support their natural sleep rhythm gently and deliciously." 6. Make time for outdoor play "Exposure to natural daylight and plenty of physical activity during the day helps regulate sleep-wake cycles," explains Harding. "Sunshine and movement are nature's gifts to growing bodies and sleeping brains – this helps set the body's internal clock. "Physical activity during the day also uses energy in the best way – setting the scene for a restful night." 7. Talk through the day's events "In BeddyByes, Gramma Leeba, who is the reassuring voice all the way through (voiced by Dawn French), reflects back to them their day," says Harding. "Little brains can be busy processing emotional moments, so a gentle chat about the day's highs and lows can help a child feel secure and 'tidy up' their thoughts before drifting off." 8. Comfort and reassurance "Preschoolers may experience night fears or separation anxiety," recognises Harding. "Reassure them with a calm voice and presence. A favourite soft toy or a special blanket can provide extra comfort. This emotional bonding makes children more likely to cooperate and feel settled." 9. Avoid over-scheduling "Busy days filled with activities can overstimulate young children – downtime helps regulate energy and emotions, making bedtime smoother," says Harding. "Allow for slow, quiet moments in the day, particularly before bedtime. Downtime helps the nervous system unwind." 10. Model calm and stillness "Children are excellent emotional barometers," says Harding. "If bedtime becomes rushed or fraught, their bodies pick up on that. Your calm, present energy becomes the template for their own winding down."
RTÉ News
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
BeddyByes: The RTÉjr show made especially for bedtime
It's not every day we are telling everyone about a show that could put you to sleep, but BeddyByes is different. The new RTÉjr animation is all about helping parents and caregivers win the bedtime battle. BeddyByes, narrated by Dawn French, sees best friends MeMo and BaBa travel across the remarkable Planet BeddyByes, meeting new and familiar faces on their mindful and soothing journey to sleep. Stream the first 10 episodes of BeddyByes on RTÉ Player here now! Every night, young viewers embark on magical journeys encountering fantastical, adorable characters uniquely designed to captivate and calm young minds. This beautiful series from JAM Media is a great tool for parents aimed at smallies, helping to transform sleep struggles to delightful snuggles. Sleep psychologist Dr Jacqueline Harding, MA Cert Ed SFHEA acted as a special advisor on the show. She says: "BeddyByes offers calming, structured content designed to provide safety, reduce anxiety, and support children's natural need for routine, beautifully communicating that bedtime is near and all is well." The science of bedtime At its core, BeddyByes leverages extensive research in childhood sleep science, combining gentle storytelling, carefully calibrated pacing, and beautifully soft visuals and soundscapes to gently ease children from active playtime into restful sleep. This considered approach helps make bedtime easier, helping to reduce stress and create peaceful nightly routines for both children and adults.
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
RTÉjr unveils summer line-up of homegrown content
RTÉjr has unveiled its summer line-up of homegrown content that's supporting world-class, award-winning Irish animation. This summer, RTÉ - in collaboration with Ireland's vibrant independent production sector - promises an exciting season of distinctive content created especially for Ireland's youngest citizens. As part of RTÉ's ongoing commitment to deliver unique Irish programming that informs, entertains, and inspires, five new and continuing enchanting children's series will begin across RTÉjr and RTÉ Player this May, June and July. These fun offerings promise magical adventures, heartfelt storytelling, and engaging educational experiences, all rooted in Irish culture and creativity. Created by the award-winning JAM Media, BeddyByes is a cosy, colourful escape for little dreamers, designed specifically to take young children on a gentle journey that reinforces the familiar evening to bedtime routine. Join best friends MeMo and BaBa as they journey across the magical Planet BeddyByes, meeting fantastical beings that encourage good nutrition, mindfulness and creativity. Launching on RTÉjr on June 7, with 10 episodes available early from May 31 on RTÉ Player. Séamus Goes Wild is all about a cheeky, curious little farm dog with a nose for adventure. While Farmer Lily and the animals at Glenmore Farm try to keep him on task, Séamus can't resist sneaking off to explore the wild beyond the gate. From the woods to the coasts, Séamus dives headfirst into nature, meeting all kinds of wild and wonderful creatures - pine martens, foxes, kingfishers, minibeasts, deer and more. Every episode is a new discovery, packed with fun, friendship, and furry surprises. Directed by Julian Hills and produced by GMarsh TV for RTÉjr, Séamus Goes Wild is a joyful celebration of curiosity, nature, and the magic just beyond the hedgerow. All episodes of Séamus Goes Wild are streaming now on RTÉjr and RTÉ Player. Launching on June 9 across RTÉjr, RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, Sparks - School's Out is a vibrant collection of seven short original Irish animations, each offering a unique take on the theme of school ending. From robot classrooms and shifting seasons to the quiet loneliness of a school caretaker after the final bell, these bite sized stories capture the joy, curiosity, and unexpected emotions that come with the start of summer. Commissioned by RTÉjr, Sparks - School's Out is a playful and poignant celebration of imagination, transition and everything in between. Maddie + Triggs features Maddie, a curious and imaginative seven-year-old with a vision impairment and her playful labradoodle Triggs as they turn everyday sounds into big adventures. Whether it's the hum of a hoover or the splash of rain, this dynamic duo finds music and magic in the world around them. Set in the colourful town of Higgledy-Piggledy, Maddie + Triggs is a heartwarming celebration of friendship, sound and seeing the world a little differently. Maddie + Triggs returns with brand-new episodes from July 21 on RTÉjr and RTÉ Player. Produced by Little Moon Animation, the award-winning preschool series Fia's Fairies returns with 24 enchanting new episodes that sprinkle a little more wonder into homes across Ireland. Beloved by children and parents alike, Fia's Fairies celebrates kindness, curiosity, teamwork and a love of language, both in English and as Gaeilge. Brand new episodes on RTÉjr every Monday at 8:00am, repeated at 5.25pm, with all episodes streaming on RTÉ Player. Let the magic continue! Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children's and Young People's Content RTÉ said, "It's summertime on RTÉjr and to celebrate, we've loads of fun filled series for our youngest viewers! "In Séamus Goes Wild, RTÉjr's favourite adventurous puppy dog is getting outside and introducing us all to the farm animals and wildlife that live near his farm. "Fia, Ameer, Bláithín & Cuán are back for more adventures on Fairy Island with brand new episodes of Fia's Fairies, a really great way to learn Irish while having fun with Fia & the gang! "Our animated shorts scheme Sparks, fizzles onto your screens with 7 brand new short films all based around the theme of 'School's Out' and the ever-popular Maddie +Triggs is back with brand new episodes just in time for you to enjoy over the summer break. "Last but by no means least we are thrilled to welcome Beddybyes to RTÉjr. "In this wonderfully soothing, gentle bedtime series, designed specifically to mirror young children's bedtime routines, we meet MeMo, BaBa, Grandma Leeba, the Tweeties and the Yummies, for some adorable bedtime adventures, truly the perfect series to drift off to sleep with. We hope you enjoy!'" A safe space for young people to watch native content, RTÉjr offers programmes which are ad-free and available in Safe Mode on RTÉ Player.
