Athboy mum's sleep tips for a smoother school start!

As thousands of tiny tots across the county take their first nervous steps into Junior Infants this week, one Athboy mum is on a mission to help families get through the school transition without the tears, tantrums or sleepless nights.

Infant Sleep Consultant Hannah Quirke, founder of Under the Wing Sleep Consultancy, knows exactly how exhausting and emotional the first term can be for children and parents alike. And her advice is simple: start with sleep.

“Starting school is such a big change,” says Hannah. “The long days, the social interaction, the new classroom environment it all takes a toll. A solid bedtime routine and a proper night’s sleep can make the world of difference.”

But Hannah’s journey to becoming a sleep expert began with her own struggles as a first-time mum.

“My first baby suffered with bad reflux and I was advised to feed him every 90 minutes around the clock,” she recalls. “As a result, he only ever slept in 30-minute bursts and so did I. He never learned how to link sleep cycles or sleep lying flat.”

“By the time he was two, he was still waking regularly at night. I was completely exhausted, but I was adamant I wasn’t going to use any ‘cry-it-out’ methods. I started looking for gentler approaches and that’s when I found a sleep consultant. It changed my life.”

Working with a professional not only helped Hannah’s toddler sleep through the night it transformed her entire household.

“He was in better form, my relationship with my husband improved, and I had more energy , I finally started to feel like myself again.”

When baby number three came along, Hannah mum to Tom, Tilly and Ted realised friends were naturally turning to her for sleep advice so she decided to make it official, training as a certified Infant Sleep Consultant and launching Under the Wing Sleep Consultancy to support other families.

Now, as the back-to-school buzz kicks in, Hannah is offering her top sleep tips to help Meath parents get their children into a calm, consistent routine.

Hannah’s Top Back-to-School Sleep Tips

Quiet Afternoons: Avoid overscheduling after school. Calm time helps children unwind.

Earlier Bedtimes: If they seem wrecked, move bedtime 30 minutes earlier – it helps beat overtiredness.

Stick to a Routine: Bath, book, cuddle – keep it short, simple, and the same each night.

Set Wake-Up Time: Wake your child at the same time each day to regulate their body clock.

Hannah says sleep is not just about getting through the night – it’s about helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

“Sleep supports learning, mood, behaviour, everything a child needs to settle in and succeed at school,” she says. “These early months are a big adjustment, but with a little consistency and a lot of patience, the whole family can feel more rested and ready for the day ahead.”

Whether it’s your first Junior Infant or your last, Hannah’s message is simple: a well-rested child is a happier, calmer child – and a happier household too.

For more sleep tips or to work with Hannah, visit www.underthewingsleepconsultancy.ie