Strategies for getting a baby to sleep

• Establish a Bedtime Routine: Creating a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This routine could include a warm bath, changing into night clothes, reading a bedtime story, dimming the lights, and giving a goodnight kiss and cuddle.
• Differentiate Night and Day: Teach your baby that night-time is different from daytime. Keep the lights low and the environment quiet at night. During the day, allow plenty of sunlight into the house or take your baby outside.
• Consistent Sleeping Location: For the first 6 months, your baby should be in the same room as you when they’re asleep, both day and night. This can reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

The Importance of Safe Sleep

This advice has shown to reduce babies dying suddenly with no explanation (known as sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS or cot death).

• Always place your baby on their BACK for every sleep.
• Keep your baby smoke free before and after birth.
• Place your baby to sleep in a CLEAR, FLAT sleep space in the same room as you for every sleep for 6 months.
• Breastfeed your baby: evidence shows that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk is halved in babies who are breastfed for at least two months.
• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition.

Things to avoid

• Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.
• Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke*, drink or take drugs or are extremely tired, if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth-weight.
• Avoid letting your baby get too hot.
• Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.

Additional Tips for Safe Sleep

• Understanding your baby
• Responsive Feeding
• Baby Room Temperature
• Co-Sleeping More Safely
• What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?