Baby's Sleeping

The amount of sleep babies need varies a great deal between babies and it gets less as the baby grows. 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. See 'Wrapping babies' for more information. Using a little 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 little song (or prayer), kiss everyone goodnight, find the dummy (if he has one) and then a special kiss from you with gentle words like, "I love you". See the topic 'Sleep in early childhood'.

Safe sleep
You must make your baby's sleeping situations safe for her because she cannot know how to do this.

It is important that babies sleep on their backs and not have their heads covered.
Make sure that your baby's head is not able to slide under the bedclothes or get trapped against the head of the cot by making up the bed at the foot of the cot.
Look for the Australian Standards label when buying a cot.

Do not let your baby sleep on a waterbed or bean bag.
Remember babies like to play with anything within their reach, so place the cot away from heaters, power points, lights, hanging mobiles and curtain cords.

Use only light bedding to avoid overheating (doonas, thick quilts and heavy blankets can make beds too hot). Pillows are not necessary for babies.

Large toys and pets can smother. Check that pets cannot get into the bedroom.
Do not smoke in the same room as your baby, as the cigarette smoke is harmful to babies.