Baby Sleep Is Not One Size Fits All

- Written by Eva Beke, Founding Sleep Consultant at Sleepy Little Bubs

There is no universal routine, nap length or bedtime that will work for every baby.

Baby sleep changes rapidly during the first few years. What works beautifully one month may need adjusting as sleep requirements reduce, naps consolidate or developmental needs change.

Instead of treating common sleep advice as a fixed rule, use it as one piece of information.

The most helpful baby sleep approach considers:

• Your baby’s age and development

• Their individual sleep needs

• Total sleep across 24 hours

• Feeding and growth

• Temperament

• Their sleep environment

• What is sustainable for your family

Parents do not need another rigid rule that makes them feel as though they are doing something wrong.

They need realistic information that helps them understand their own baby.

Creating a Comfortable and Safer Sleep Environment

Although the timing and amount of sleep will vary, every baby needs a safer sleep environment.

Red Nose recommends placing babies on their back, keeping their head and face uncovered, using a firm and flat sleep surface and keeping the sleep space free from loose or soft items.

A well-fitted, hoodless baby sleeping bag can help keep your baby comfortably dressed for sleep without the need for loose bedding.

The sleeping bag should:

• Be the correct size for your baby

• Fit securely around the neck and armholes

• Have no hood

• Allow room for natural hip and leg movement

• Be suitable for the room temperature

• Be used with appropriate clothing underneath

Red Nose advises choosing a well-fitted, hoodless sleeping bag with an appropriate TOG rating and avoiding overheating.

Explore the Safe Sacs range of thoughtfully designed baby sleeping bags to find an option suited to your baby and your home’s temperature.