To reduce the risk of SIDS, put baby on the back to sleep, from birth.

SLEEP (0 - 6 YEARS)

Managing sleep for babies and children is one of the most common concerns for parents. Many worry about whether they are doing the right thing if their child doesn’t sleep soundly all through the night. There is no right way or place for parents to put babies and children to sleep – patterns vary between different cultures and different families. What matters is that bedtime is relaxed and comfortable and that babies and children have comfort when they need it. If what you are doing feels okay for you and your child it is right for you.

How long do babies and children sleep?

Sleep is very individual and can vary a lot at any age. Children in one family may have very different sleeping needs. Sometimes a child’s sleep pattern does not match parents’ expectations. The best way to work out how much sleep your baby or child needs is to keep a sleep diary or chart. Mark when your baby or toddler is asleep or awake. Do it for at least two weeks. This way you can get an average of how much sleep your child needs each day.
Remember that sleep needs change quickly as babies and children grow.
Routines

Most of us have some kind of winding down routine before we go to sleep. Routines can also help babies and children to relax and settle into sleep. They generally find comfort and security in routines, e.g. a bath, a quiet story, a song. Routines can often help parents too in organising bedtimes and so reduce tension and stress.

Night waking

For many parents just knowing that night waking is ‘normal’ in the early years helps remove some of the stress. Each family needs to deal with night waking in the way that best suits their family. Often babies and children just need to know someone is near and they will settle back to sleep.
It is important to meet your child’s need for comfort in the way that also gives you the best rest. Some parents like to have their baby sleep in a cot next to them; others prefer their baby to sleep in a separate room and put a day bed in there so they can lie down near an unsettled baby.
Sometimes night waking can be due to pain such as ear-ache, a cold or teething, so check this out if it occurs suddenly. With pain, your child may not settle even if you are there to comfort, or may settle for a short time and then re-wake.

Some things to try with older children

There are some things you can’t control, e.g. sunrise, however there are other things you can influence.

• Make sure your child has a regular bedtime that gets later as he or she needs less sleep.
• Use a relaxing bedtime routine – without excitement and stimulation.
• Play soft music or leave a quiet radio playing.
• Leave the door open or shut – whichever your child wants.
• Sometimes children will settle where the action is, and can be carried to their own beds later. It may mean that your child may wake later and not know where he or she is, and will need your help to resettle. Children grow out of this.

Looking after yourself

Caring for babies and young children is tiring and demands a great deal of tolerance, understanding and patience.

• Don’t be ashamed to ask for help from family and friends.
• Get some rest during the day while your child is asleep or with someone else.
• Take a short break from parenting now and then.
• Try to get some regular exercise.
• If you feel desperate get help - from your partner, family, neighbours, ring a friend, or phone a Parent Helpline.
• If you feel that you might hurt your child make sure he or she is in a safe place and then leave until you feel you have calmed down. Contact someone immediately if you feel unable to manage.
• Talking it over with a child health professional may benefit both you and your baby. It can take courage to ask for help but it is important for yourself, your baby and your family.

This information was adapted from Parent Easy Guide 34 with permission of Parenting SA, a service of Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, Government of South Australia www.parenting.sa.gov.au.