Safe Sleepers
Sleep is an important factor in your child’s growth and development! As of such it’s important that not only that children do so, but they can do so in a safe way.
Lots of young children find it difficult to settle down to sleep and will wake up during the night.
For some people, this might not be a problem. But if you or your child are suffering from a lack of sleep, there are some simple things you can try. Every child is different, so only do what you feel comfortable with and what you think will suit your child.
Below is advice for various ages and links on helping your child sleep and how to keep them safe.
Advice for Infants (babies under 1 years old)
Sleeping position
Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night, as the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side.
Clear cot
Babies are at higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered, so it is safest to keep baby’s cot clear of any items such as bumper, toys and loose bedding.
Room temperature
It is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.
Twins and multiples
Whether you decide to sleep your babies in the same cot or separately, the risk of SIDS will be greatly reduced if you follow all of our safer sleep advice for each baby, day and night.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding for at least 2 months halves the risk of SIDS but the longer you can continue the more protection it will give your baby.
Smoking
If you or your partner smokes while you’re pregnant or after your baby is born, the risk of SIDS is greatly increased.
All images & text above owned and provided by The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust offers additional advice and support for families in how to keep infants safe when sleeping. We highly recommend taking a look if you are a first time parent!
The Lullaby Trust also offers bereavement support for families were SIDS has occurred.
Advice for Toddlers (between 1 and 3 years old)
Your baby is becoming a toddler, and their sleeping schedule will change.
They’ll sleep around 11-12 hours per night on average, with naps in the day. This will start reducing a bit as they grow.
Many toddlers will be sleeping through the night. If they aren’t, there’s no need to worry but speak to your health visitor or GP if you’re concerned.
Helping your baby fall asleep at night
Creating a bedtime routine for babies around 3 months and older can help them fall asleep at night. Doing the same things in the same order each night can help your baby understand when it’s time for sleep.
This might include:
- quiet play
- a short warm bath
- a story or quiet chat about the day followed by bedtime.
Consistency is key
When you’re both tired at the end of the day, having a set routine can help you to stay calm and relaxed. And it helps your baby to get the rest they need.
Why won’t my baby sleep?
There are lots of reasons babies don’t sleep – it can vary from baby to baby and depends on their age. You might want to check:
- if the room is the right temperature (around 18 degrees)
- you have a consistent bedtime routine in place
- for babies around six months and older, you include quiet activities like reading, singing and chatting as part of the bedtime routine
- whether sitting with them for a while helps them drift off
- you have separated the bedtime feed from your baby’s bedtime routine.
If you’re concerned about changes in your baby’s sleep pattern or behaviour, speak to your health visitor or GP.
Above advice provided by NSPCC
Advice for Children (3 years +)
Make sure you have a calming, predictable bedtime routine that happens at the same time and includes the same things every night.
If your child complains that they’re hungry at night, try giving them a bowl of cereal and milk before bed (make sure you brush their teeth afterwards).
If your child is afraid of the dark, consider using a nightlight or leaving a landing light on.
Do not let your child look at laptops, tablets or phones in the 30 to 60 minutes before bed – the light from screens can interfere with sleep.
If your child wakes up during the night, be as boring as possible to avoid exciting them and leave lights off.
Avoid long naps in the afternoon.
If your child will not go to bed
- Decide what time you want your child to go to bed.
- Start a “winding down” bedtime routine around 30 minutes before the time that your child usually falls asleep. Bring this forward by 5 to 10 minutes each week – or 15 minutes if your child is in the habit of going to bed very late – until you get to the bedtime you want.
- Set a limit on how much time you spend with your child when you put them to bed. For example, read only 1 story, then tuck your child in and say goodnight.
- Give your child their favourite toy, dummy (if they use one) or comforter before settling into bed.
- Leave a dim light on if necessary.
- If your child gets up, keep taking them back to bed again with as little fuss as possible.
- Try to be consistent.
- You may have to repeat this routine for several nights.
