sleep tips sleep is so important for a child's health as it directly impacts on both their mental and physical development Mandy Gurney, Founder of Millpond Children's Sleep Clinic and author of sleep bible: Teach Your Child To Sleep, guides parents through the sleep issues during that important first year. having realistic expectations about your child's sleep helps you adapt to their changes millpondsleepcliniccom sleep safety .advice • always place baby on their back to sleep • avoid letting your baby get too hot or too cold by using a roorm thermometer (16 to 20°C is ideal) • place your baby to sleep in a separate baby's body clock Babies don't come with an inbuit body clock and at first, day and night will blend together. They will have sensed the difference between night and day in the womb from your movements or stilness, but cannot connect this with light and dark and instead will Use their hunger as a sleep cue. moses basket or crib in the same room as how can you help? you for the first 6 months • use a new, firm, flat, waterproof mattress • dor't cover your baby's face or head while sleeping • never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby • don't smoke, or let anyone smoke around you or your baby during pregnancy or after the birth Immerse them in the hustle and bustle of nomal ife in the day, and get out of the house-daily fresh air and daylight will help regulate your baby's body clock, At nap times, keep the curtains open and don't minimise noise. At night, do the opposite, and during night feeds keep your voice low, with little stimulation. This contrast will eventually help your baby learn that night-time is for sleeping. routine matters It is vitai to establish a good bedtime routine as it is the foundation for healthy sleep habits for life. Every night, set aside 30 minutes for y ryour always remember. routine. Start with a short warm bath, then take your baby straight into the room where theyll sleep, keeping the lights dim. Dress your baby for bed, then give them a cuddle and a kiss before settling them in their cot your baby may need more or less sleep than average, so try not to compare them to others During the early weeks your baby will needa feed right before bed, but in time, try feeding earlier, so they become less dependent on sucking to sleep Aim to put your baby in their cot slightly awake so they get used to settling themselves if they are thriving.. then you're getting it right remember, always place your baby on their back to sleep 13 more choice online at mothercare.com.my