| Dear Konradsmom,
The time your child goes to sleep is a very cultural thing.
In the English speaking west (especially countries with a British influence and I 'm willing to bet the sleep consultant comes from a country with British influence) children tend to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Likewise reducing or eliminating the daytime naps is a favourite in these cultures. This is heavily reinforced in books advising on childcare – most of which have are heavily culturally biased. Even the good ones like “The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night” assume that the American/British way is the only way.
The cultural norm for Hong Kong is for babies to go to bed later and wake up later. And to retain the afternoon nap for much longer – maybe even until the child is six years old. This is also true in the Mediterranean.
Babies all need around the same amount of sleep (some individuals more and other less) so if you have time in the evening while your baby is asleep you won’t get it at some other time of day.
For me the Chinese culture of a long afternoon nap (so I got time a break from the children) and sleeping late (so my husband got time with my children) suited me fine. I know I didn’t get as much time alone just my husband and me (but I decided we were a family now). I did, however, make the most of Sunday afternoons when my husband and I were awake but the kids were asleep!
I'd choose a bedtime that suits your family rather than one told you from outside.
Best wishes,
Barb  |