If you’ve used any of my educational resources before, you’ll know how helpful it is to be consistent when you’re creating a positive routine for your little one. This applies to WHEN they sleep but also to WHERE they sleep. When they’re at home, be consistent and put them down to sleep in one location only. This might be a bassinet, a cot or a bed, and it might be in your room or their own – that’s up to you. What matters is that every time they go to sleep, they do so in the same place. This helps reassure them and let them know that they’re now in bed, and that means it’s time to sleep.

Your baby or child may sleep in your room, and if that’s what works for your family, that’s OK. If you have the space, it can help to partition your room to create a section just for your child, so they have their own special area for sleeping. This will help them associate being in that space with sleep. If you choose to use a partition, make sure you use one that’s secure and won’t pose any safety risks to your little one.

Whichever room they sleep in, the optimal position for your little one’s bassinet, cot or bed is length ways along a wall. Of course, this will depend on the shape, size and existing setup of the room. Try to avoid placing their sleep space directly opposite a window as light during the day can be stimulating for them. Also be aware that having their sleep space against or under a window can be disruptive as this space can get hot during the day in summer and cold at night in winter.

As well as promoting good sleep, your little one’s sleep environment needs to be safe.

Your baby or child’s bassinet or cot needs to be what I call ‘naked’ – all you need is a firm, clean, well-fitting mattress with a fitted sheet on it. Remove anything soft or bulky like cot bumpers, doonas or quilts, pillows, and soft toys. As pretty and cosy as they look, these items can quickly become safety hazards for your baby and put them at risk of suffocation.

You should also remove any mobiles and other decorations hanging above the cot. As well as posing a safety risk if they fall, they’re highly stimulating and will distract your baby when they’re trying to sleep. Ultimately, decoration and splashes of colour around the room are fine, but your little one’s cot or bassinet should be as boring and bland as possible!

For children who have transitioned to a bed, it’s still a good idea to keep their bed as simple as possible, so they know that when they get there, it’s time to sleep. Stick to a fitted sheet, a pillow, a top sheet if you use one, and a quilt or doona.

The information in this Blog Article relates to healthy babies and children with no undiagnosed, untreated medical issues or concerns. If you have any concerns about the health of the baby or child in your care, please see their GP or paediatrician.

For more sensible, straightforward, safe advice and resources on getting your family the sleep you all deserve, explore my website – sleepbysteph.com.au