Counting sleeps: a simple way for children to wait for big days
Why children understand 'sleeps' better than days, and how to use a sleeps countdown for birthdays, holidays and trips.
By Best Sleep Trackers · Updated October 18, 2026
“How many more days?” is hard to answer for a small child. “Three sleeps” is easy. The sleeps until tool turns any date into a number of sleeps, and a row of moons to cross off each morning.
Ideas
- Count down to a birthday, a holiday or a trip.
- Cross off one moon each morning together.
- Keep it light: “Just one more sleep!”
Keep sleep on track
Excitement can make bedtime harder. Hold to your usual bedtime routine, and check the hours your child needs (AASM, 2016) with the kids bedtime calculator.
Pair it with
- A bedtime countdown moon each night.
- A sleep reward chart for the week before the big day.
If bedtime becomes a battle, ask your pediatrician for advice.
Sources
Related articles
- Kids’ sleep Bedtime countdowns: helping children understand 'nearly time for bed' Why a visual countdown helps young children accept bedtime, and how to use one calmly.
- Kids’ sleep How much sleep does my child need? Recommended hours of sleep for babies, toddlers, school-age children and teens, and how to turn them into a bedtime.
- Kids’ sleep Sleep reward charts: do sticker charts help kids go to bed? How to set up a simple sticker chart for bedtimes, what goal to choose and how to keep it positive.
General information only. This tool gives general sleep information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you're worried about your sleep or your child's, talk to a doctor or pediatrician.