My child won’t sleep, what can I do?

A Sleep habits, like all other behaviours need to be learned so having a bedtime routine is important because it teaches your child the order of events leading up to bedtime. Choose a routine that suits you and your child. A good way to remember a routine is the four B’s. bath time, bedroom, bedclothes, pyjamas, & bed. Choose pre bedtime activities that are relaxing and do not include Television or lively games and start this an hour before bedtime. Have a story time, just one story and offer another story tomorrow if they try to prolong the bedtime. If possible have afternoon naps before 3.30pm because your child will not be tired enough to go to sleep at bedtime. Settle your child in his cot with a cuddle and story. It is advisable not to rock him to sleep because if he wakes in the night he will expect to be rocked back to sleep
It is not a good idea to allow your child to go to sleep on the breast or bottle because he will learn that going to sleep involves being fed. If your child wakes in the night a feed will be expected and he will also be confused because he will not know where he is. Children older that six months do not need fed at night. If you feel your baby is hungry during the night check that he is eating enough during the day.
Sometimes children do not eat much during the day because they are eating during the night. Avoid taking your child into bed with you because it is best that he learn to fall asleep in his cot. Changing old habits takes time but if you are consistent, have limits and are firm, problems will start to get better. Make a plan for yourself and decide how you are going to change the non-sleeping habit. Some parents find
a gradual approach is best for them. Keep a sleep diary because this will help you to monitor the progress and highlight any changes in behaviour.

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