A Bedtime Niggle-Wiggle-Woo

How Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka talk your toddler’s language

- Sarah Rose

Bedtime can often be a trying experience for young children—and their parents! But evidence suggests that regular bedtimes are very important for children’s well-being and development.

One regular element of the routine for many families is children’s TV shows. One such popular show is CBeebies’ In the Night Garden. Narrated by classical actor Derek Jacobi, it’s a programme that aims to calm and relax toddlers before a good night’s sleep.

In the Night Garden’s colourful mix of characters and concepts can seem surreal—and even incomprehensible to adult viewers. But it certainly seems to engage young children, and uses a mixture of key tools to entertain and entrance its target audience.

To begin with, it’s deliberately repetitive. Toddlers seem to love repetition, whether of a phrase or name, such as Upsy Daisy, or the same activity, such as Makka Pakka’s face washing.

As well as learning through repetition, children also find it relaxing and comforting. Each episode follows a recognisable and predictable structure, ending with the Tittifers (colourful exotic birds) singing. Afterward, each of the characters goes to bed (except for Igglepiggle, who wanders off through the forest, falling over and waving) before the forest goes dark and the stars come out.