Sleep strategies that work

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There are times in every parent's life when sleep deprivation becomes a problem and it's pretty much accepted that for the first six months or so, it'll be a way of life.

But, says Dr Byron, babies and toddlers need sleep and you might be surprised how much! The most common problems are when they can't settle themselves to sleep (perhaps it takes hours for them to drift off, or they can only sleep if you're cuddling them, or if they're in your bed), or when they can't sleep through the night without waking.

But bear in mind that your behaviour influences your child's actions and you hold the key to improving sleep behaviour you just need to learn how to use it. It might take a while on my show Tiny Tearaways I'm often surprised how quickly problems can be turned around, but don't worry if it doesn't happen in a week. Be consistent and you will succeed.

Safe & successful sleep techniques

Try swaddling

Young babies often wake themselves by flinging their arms and legs about, and swaddling them tightly enough so they are comfortable but can't move their limbs too much can help prevent night waking.

Lay a square blanket so the corner points upwards. Fold the corner down and lay your baby so her head is resting on the top edge of the blanket. Bring one of the side corners over her body and tuck it under, then fold the bottom corner up over her feet and legs and then wrap the other side of the blanket over tightly, leaving her room to be comfortable.

The eau de mummy method

The scent of you can help your baby relax into sleep. Putting something like an old T-shirt near (but not actually in) the cot can help her drift off while you're in another room.

- More sleep strategies to try

- Sleep problems in children
- Find out more about insomnia
- Is your child ruining your sleep? Find some help in Chat

By Dr Tanya Byron

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Bruce, about 1 year

We are having a similar problem right now with our youngest daughter (11.5 months old) and we are losing our patience. We are contemplating switching nights sleeping in the basement so at least one of us will get a good nights sleep. I think the bottle may not be the issue but it seems to be the only thing that works - she is a stubborn little thing and she will cry for 2 + hours is we let her...if you find any solutions please post your results...thanks.

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Helen Robson, about 1 year

Our little boy is nearly 2 and a half years old, is still not sleeping and is a milk addict. It is becoming quite stressful as my husband has a very demanding job and we are also finding we haven't got as much patience and energy for bnoth of the children through the day. he is waking at least twice a night before waking properly at 6am but will not go back to sleep at any time without a bottle. Have you any advice to overcome the milk problem as this may also help him to slep through?

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