Parenting can be really tricky if you and your family aren't getting enough sleep. Read our top tips and find out about our workshops that might help you and your little ones get more rest.
Safe sleep top tips
- Put your baby on their back to sleep or nap. Every time, day or night.
- A clear, flat sleep space like a cot or Moses basket is the safest place for baby to sleep.
- Smoke free zone before and after birth gives baby the best start in life.
- Your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months.
- Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.
- Do not co-sleep if you smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs or medicine that makes you feel drowsy.
- Keep your baby cool when they sleep, not too many layers and no hats indoors.
Support from the Health Visiting Team
It's normal for babies to wake up lots through the night for fresh nappies, milk, cuddles and reassurance. Some babies sleep through the night earlier than others, but if you have any concerns or want some advice speak to your health visitor on 0191 282 3319 who can offer you one to one support.
ICON; Babies cry, you can cope
Babies have very few ways they can communicate with you, particularly in the first few months, so quite often they will cry. Sometimes, when a baby is crying it can be really stressful for the parent or care giver. The ICON website has lots of information to help you understand why babies cry, patterns of crying depending on their age, and most importantly, how to keep your baby safe if you are starting to feel stressed or overwhelmed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the best thing to do is put your baby down in a safe place and take a couple of minutes for yourself before going back to your baby when you feel calm. Never, ever shake a baby.
Our Sleep Workshops (Children age 1 to 19)
If sleep is a difficult issue in your house, you might find our workshop helpful.
Sleep issues can include;
- Difficulties getting to sleep at night
- Difficulties following a routine at night
- Waking throughout the night
- Not able to self-settle
- Not feeling ‘tired’
- Difficulties managing behaviour impacting on sleep
- Anxiety
- Medical conditions impacting sleep
- Challenging behaviours
Our workshops are a safe environment to discuss your own personal ‘sleep issues’ with experienced practitioners who don't judge! You'll get tips and advice to support you to make changes in our fun, welcoming and relaxing session. We don't promote leaving your child to cry.
Get in touch with our family partner team 0191 275 9636 to find out when the next session is. If you have any additional requirements or additional needs, let us know and we can make it easy for you to access our group. You can also speak to your health visitor or school nurse on 0191 282 3319 who can offer one to one support where needed.
