Preventing Problems

Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of a good night's sleep:


Don't play with your child if he wakes at night and keep handling to a minimum - otherwise every time your child wakes he will expect a play and a cuddle. Once your child is weaned, normally from 6 months onwards, and is taking three solid meals a day, you can be sure that he is not crying during the night because of hunger. Check his nappy, if he doesn't need a changing try to soothe and reassure your child without picking him up.

Leave a night light on (or install a dimmer switch) if your child is afraid of the dark. A night light is also useful for feeding and nappy changing during the night.

For early wakers make sure they have things to keep them occupied and a night light so they can see what they're doing. With a younger child use a hanging mobile, leave a couple of small soft toys inside the cot and fix a small mirror (with smooth protected edges) against the side of the cot.

With an older child leave a drink by the bedside and a box of toys so that he can play on his own for as long as possible without waking you. And leave a potty, if your child has started using one.

A star chart can be used to encourage an older child to stay in bed and go back to sleep, or to play quietly on his own until you get up. Award your child one star for each time he stays in bed for a full night.

You could even give your child a treat every time he gets a few stars in a row. But do make it clear that if he needs you or is worried about anything, then he should wake you up.

Don't send your child to bed as a punishment as it could lead to sleep problems. If this has happened, try to encourage a happier feeling at bedtime with a new cover, toy, new bed clothes etc.

In this section
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4Safe Sleeping

4Setting a routine