NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and Sleep Action are encouraging parents and carers of babies and young children to access practical advice and support to help develop healthy sleep habits in the early years.
Sleep is vital for children’s health, wellbeing, learning and development. During the early years, sleep patterns can change considerably as children grow, and it is normal for babies and young children to wake during the night and have different sleep needs at different ages.
There are simple things parents and carers can try to support healthy sleep, such as:
- Establishing a consistent, calming bedtime routine that helps your child recognise when it is time to sleep
- Keeping the sleep environment calm, quiet and comfortable
- Encouraging regular daytime activity and exposure to natural daylight
What’s normal when it comes to sleep?
Myth: All babies and young children should sleep through the night.
Fact: Sleep patterns vary between children. Night waking is common, particularly in babies and younger children, and sleep needs change as children grow.
Myth: There is one approach to helping children sleep.
Fact: Every child and family is different. What works for one family may not work for another, and routines may need to change as children develop.
Parents and carers don’t have to manage sleep difficulties alone. If they have concerns about their child’s sleep, or if sleep is affecting family life, they can speak to their Health Visitor for advice and support.
Further age-specific information and practical resources are available through the NHSGGC KIDS website, including advice on newborn sleep, bedtime routines, sleep diaries and approaches to developing independent sleep. The website also signposts families to trusted organisations including Sleep Action, Parent Club and The Sleep Charity.
Catriona Milosevic, Consultant in Public Health at NHSGGC, said: “The early years are a time of rapid development, and children’s sleep can change considerably during this period. We know parents often have questions about what is normal and what they can do to support healthy sleep.
“There is no single approach that will work for every child or family. Our aim is to provide practical, evidence-based advice that parents can adapt to suit their own circumstances, while making sure families know where they can go for further support if they need it.”
Alyson O’Brien, Head of Sleep Action, said: “Many parents worry that their child isn’t sleeping ‘normally’, when in reality sleep patterns can vary considerably, particularly during the early years. By working with NHSGGC, we’re helping families understand what to expect, try practical strategies at home and know where to go for further support when they need it.”
This is the next stage of NHSGGC and Sleep Action’s age and stage-focused sleep campaign. Over the coming months, further advice and support will be shared for primary school-aged children, teenagers, and children and young people with additional or complex needs.
Visit: www.rhcg.org.uk/kids-for-families and Sleep Action for more information.
