Q My daughter, who is 13 months old, goes to bed very late every night, past midnight, and she does not sleep much in the afternoon. How do I get her to sleep earlier?

A Sleeping habits vary from person to person. It is recommended that a child in pre-school sleeps between 11 and 13 hours a day, although the actual amount each child needs is different.

Preparing for bedtime with soothing activities, such as a bath, massage and story-telling, helps to set the tone and mood for sleep. It is also important to avoid stimulating, exciting or noisy activities just before bedtime.

You can make the environment more conducive for sleep by ensuring it is dark and not too hot or noisy.

Usually, if you put her to bed every night at a certain time, she will sleep eventually. It may take a few nights before she cooperates.

If you would like her to sleep earlier at night, keep her awake and occupied in the afternoon. Try gradually bringing forward her bedtime by half an hour every few days.

Dr Christina Ong, who answered this question, is associate consultant in the Department of Paediatrics at University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital.

The institute provides comprehensive and specialised neonatal and paediatric services, as well as a 24-hour Children's Emergency service. Go to www.nuhkids.com

This article was first published in The Straits Times.