Helping babies to settle and sleep

Families struggling to create a sound sleeping routine for their babies or toddlers can find help from the Maternal and Child Health team at Bass Coast Health (BCH), who have all undertaken evidence informed sleep and settling training.

The team now delivers a free Sleep and Settling Program that includes individual phone and face-to-face consultations, and Sleep and Settling Groups that offer parents and care-givers sleep and settling information and strategies.

BCH MCH Nurse Hayley Blundell invites families to seek help sooner rather than later so that everyone in the household can enjoy a good night's rest.

"The program helps families to learn what to expect across different age groups, as well as strategies and solutions to sleep concerns so they are better equipped to manage sleep and settling concerns," she said.

Mother Hannah Main, her partner Sean and baby Esme benefited from taking part. Hannah wanted to resettle Esme without needing to feed her to sleep each time she woke.

She also wanted to reduce the amount of times Esme woke during the night and create a better nighttime routine.

"This program was fantastic for my family as it gave us the knowledge to resettle our baby without having to feed overnight, as well as having longer stretches of sleep during the day," Hannah said.

Hannah said Hayley created a relaxed and inviting environment for the comfort of new parents.

"Hayley also made it a priority to check in with us a week later to see how things were going. Hayley's knowledge and care really reflects in the way she presents her work and it's obvious she really cares about the outcomes for the families she educates," Hannah said.

Topics discussed during the program include: typical sleep patterns and behaviours, solutions and strategies for sleep concerns, and support and self-care.

Groups meet according to a child's age, with three age ranges catered for: infant: birth to six months, completed in the first-time parent group; baby: 6-12 months; and toddler: 12 months to 2.5 years.

Sessions are held regularly across Bass Coast.

For families requiring extra help, free individual tailored support can be provided from the MCH Nurses via phone call or face-to-face consultations.

For more information or bookings, please phone 5671 4275.

MCH advice for families or support around sleep and settling can also be provided via the 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29.

Parents can access the sleep tips sheets at: www.tweddle.org.au/our-work/sleep-and-settling-your-baby-toddler-and-preschooler