Sleep support for under 2's

Sleep is important for our physical and mental wellbeing, and for babies and children, sleep supports healthy growth and brain development.

Every baby sleeps differently — some snooze lots, others much less — and it’s completely normal. New parents often feel pressure for their baby to sleep through, but little ones wake for all sorts of reasons: tiny tummies needing feeds, growth spurts, teething, tummy aches, changes, or simply being tired. Newborns also don’t yet understand night and day, and that takes a few weeks to develop.

Sometimes things like reflux can affect sleep too, so if you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to chat with your Health Visitor or GP. You’re not alone — and your baby’s sleep will change as they grow.

Top tips for babies' sleep

Watch for little cues like yawning, staring or rubbing their eyes — these usually mean your baby is ready to sleep.
If they get overtired, they might become noisier and find it harder to settle.
It can help to pop them in their cot while they’re still awake, and to use a predictable routine, as babies love repetition.
Try getting them out in daylight during the day and keeping their sleep space darker at night.
Keep the room cool
A familiar song each night can be soothing too.

Safer sleep for babies' online session

What is safer sleep and why is it so important for babies? This online session will provide all you need to know about safer sleep. All parents and carers welcome. For more information email enquiries@breastfeedingtogether.co.uk or to book a place, visit: https://bit.ly/4dwhJcI

An online baby Togetherness pathway

Written by Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Health Visitors and NHS Professionals. ‘Understanding Your Baby’ is a course for everyone about the baby and supporting you and your new arrival. It is part of a series of Solihull Approach courses for different age groups. Go to www.togetherness.co.uk to create an account and access for free by entering the access code: RIVINGTON (subject to change).

Sleepfullness - Togetherness Provides videos on how to address five common sleep issues and links to further online learning for parents

Scope

Scope is a disability equality charity working to make sure disabled people have the same fairness, opportunities and respect as everyone else. They bring together disabled people, campaigners, volunteers, donors, communities and businesses to challenge attitudes and break down barriers.

Find out more on Helping your disabled child sleep | Disability charity Scope UK

The Lullaby Trust (Safe sleep)

The Lullaby Trust exists to keep babies safe. They do this by funding life-saving research and empowering families with expert baby safety advice.

www.lullabytrust.org.uk

Child Accident Prevention Trust

The Child Accident Prevention Trust are the UK’s leading experts in child accident prevention, offering safety alerts, safety advice, training and free resources to help secure a safer world for all our children. See links below for information on sleep safety.

Suffocation | Child Accident Prevention Trust

Breathe Easy Fact Sheet

Baby Sling Safety – Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

The baby sleep info source

Videos on how to address five common sleep issues and links to further online learning, for parents who wish to make informed choices about infant sleep and night-time care.

https://www.basisonline.org.uk