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Troubleshooting
Common children's sleep problems, and where to start
Almost every family hits a rough patch with sleep. Find your problem below for a few calm first steps. If nothing helps, or you are worried, talk to your doctor or public health nurse.
Common problems
First steps to try
These are general ideas about habits and routines, not medical advice. Choose one or two to try for a week or two before changing more.
Frequent night wakingKeep night feeds and comfort calm, quiet and dim. Check the room is comfortable and the bedtime routine is steady.
Short napsWatch for early tired signs and keep the nap space dark and quiet. Short naps are common in the first months and often lengthen with age.
Early morning wakingMake the room darker, keep morning wake-up calm and check that bedtime is not too late or too early.
Bedtime battlesUse the same short routine every night and offer small choices, such as which pyjamas or which book.
Only falls asleep when held or fedTry putting your child down drowsy but awake some of the time. Go slowly and keep comfort close.
Climbing out of bed or the cribMake the sleep space safe for climbing, lower the crib mattress if needed and return your child calmly each time. Ask your doctor or child-safety resources about safe next steps.
Night fearsOffer comfort, a dim night light and a calm, short reassurance. Talk about worries in daytime rather than at lights-out.
Changes and setbacksIllness, teething, travel and new siblings can disrupt sleep. Return to your usual routine as soon as things settle.
See a doctor if your child snores loudly, pauses in breathing, seems unusually hard to wake, is feeding poorly or growing slowly, or if you are worried about anything else.
When to get help
Look after yourself
Tired parents make hard nights harder
When you are exhausted, everything feels worse. If another adult can take over for a short while, a quiet nap in a soundproofed sleeping pod can help you recover. The pod is for parents, not for babies or young children.
More help
Courses and consultations
Still stuck?
Tell us your child's age and what is happening at night, and we will suggest the next step.