sleeping

Every baby needs different amounts of sleep as they grow. As they get older, babies need less and less sleep.

Some babies sleep better where it is very quiet. Others seem to settle best with ordinary household sounds around. Some babies sleep better if they are wrapped in a sheet, others like their arms loose.

Using a routine when you are putting your baby down will help your baby to learn about going to sleep.

As he gets older you might try something like a song (or prayer), kiss everyone goodnight, find the dummy (if she has one) and then a special kiss from you with gentle words like, “I love you”.

safe sleeping

It’s very important that you help your baby to sleep safely.

Some of the safest ways are:

• make sure your baby sleeps on her back, not on her tummy or side
• sleep baby with her face uncovered (no doonas, pillows, bumpers or soft toys)
• keep your home and car smoke free
• look for the Australian Standards label when buying a cot, mattress and bedding
• sleep baby on a firm mattress - not a waterbed or bean bag
• a bassinet or cot next to your bed is the safest place for a baby to sleep
• don’t sleep with baby in your bed if you have been drinking alcohol or are on drugs/medication that makes you sleep heavily.