Supporting sleep in the early years

A child-centred approach to sleep

Approaching sleep routines with a child-centred philosophy means prioritising a child's emotional and physical needs while fostering a nurturing and responsive environment.

When it comes to baby and toddler sleep, this approach focuses on creating a supportive sleep routine that feels safe and comforting for children, rather than strictly adhering to rigid sleep training methods.

Here are some tips to promote healthy sleep while maintaining a child-centred approach:

1. Responsive care

• Understanding needs: Babies and toddlers communicate through their cries and body language. Listen and respond to their needs. Their cries tell us they might be hungry, tired, uncomfortable or need comfort.

Babies' and young children have immature neurological systems, which means their brain and body cannot self regulate yet. Children rely on caring adults to help them with their emotional regulation, including relaxing enough to fall asleep (or back to sleep).

• Comfort and reassurance: If your baby or toddler wakes during the night, gently comfort them with a low, soothing voice, soft touch, or holding them until they feel secure enough to return to sleep.

2. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine

• Bedtime rituals: A consistent bedtime routine helps signal to your child that it’s time for sleep. This can include a warm bath, reading a story, cuddles, singing lullabies or soft music. These comforting rituals provide emotional security and help children wind down.

• Regular sleep schedule: While flexibility is key, try to establish a predictable bedtime and wake-up time to help regulate their internal clock. This consistency can support the child in developing a sense of security and trust.

3. Respect Their Sleep Cues

Babies and toddlers give subtle signs when they’re getting sleepy, such as rubbing their eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. It’s important to follow their natural rhythms, rather than pushing them to stay awake too long or adhering strictly to a set clock time.

4. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment

• Cozy, safe, and quiet: Ensure their sleep space is calm and inviting. Dim the lights, keep the room cool and quiet, and use soft bedding that is safe and comfortable. If your baby or toddler feels safe and relaxed in their environment, they are more likely to sleep soundly.

• Comfort objects: Allow your child to have a safe, familiar item, such as a soft blanket or stuffed animal, which can bring comfort and help them feel secure.

5. Night Wakings Are Normal

• Nighttime feedings (for infants): It’s normal for babies, especially under 6 months, to need nighttime feedings. This is a time when your baby’s growth and development are fast, and feeding during the night can be a comforting and bonding experience.

• Toddlers and emotional needs: As children grow, they may still experience nighttime awakenings due to fears, discomfort, or needing emotional reassurance. Be patient, respond with empathy, and give them the comfort they need to return to sleep.

6. Gradual Transitions and Independence

• Gentle sleep training (if desired): If you’re working on helping your child learn to fall asleep independently, consider a gentle approach that respects your child’s emotional needs. Techniques like the "no tears" method can be adapted to suit your parenting style. This might involve slowly reducing the amount of intervention over time.

• Comfort without overstimulation: Gently reassure your child when they wake up at night without over-stimulating them. For example, avoid turning on bright lights or playing with them. Instead, use a low, quiet voice, provide soothing words or gentle patting, helping them feel safe and secure.

7. Understand Developmental Milestones

Sleep can be disrupted during times of growth and developmental changes. For example, babies might go through periods of sleep regression as they hit developmental milestones, like crawling or walking. Be patient during these phases, as they often resolve with time.

8. Be Flexible and Compassionate

• Every child is different: Sleep needs can vary widely from one child to another. If one method isn't working, try not to stress out—be flexible and open to trying different approaches that might work better for your child. Trust your instincts as a parent. You know your child better than anyone else, so lean into what feels right for both you and your child when it comes to sleep.

9. Self-Care for Parents

Take care of yourself: Sleep deprivation can be hard, especially when juggling other needs and commitments. Take time for your own self-care when possible—whether it’s napping when your baby naps or asking for help to get some rest. You can’t care for your child well if you're running on empty.

By keeping these points in mind, you can create a nurturing sleep environment that is in tune with your child's needs, fostering emotional security, trust, and healthy sleep habits. Every family’s journey is unique, so it’s important to be patient with both yourself and your child as you navigate this stage together.

See our handout Sleep Support for further sleep guidance

For further information see:

https://www.babycenter.com/baby/sleep/baby-sleep-training-no-tears-

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https://www.plunket.org.nz/child-development/sleep/?

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