Parents can support safer, more consistent sleep by adapting their baby’s sleep environment as they grow, according to infant and toddler sleep specialist Tara Mitchell.
Mitchell, a former paediatric nurse, said while sleep patterns can feel unpredictable for new parents, creating a safe and age-appropriate sleep space is within their control.
For newborns up to around three or four months — or until rolling begins — cocoon-style swaddles are recommended to reduce the startle reflex and recreate a snug sleeping environment. She said safe sleep guidelines should always be followed, including using a firm mattress and keeping the sleep space free of loose items.
Once babies begin rolling or outgrow a bassinet, they should transition into a cot and move from swaddling to a sleeping bag. Mitchell said the process should be gradual where possible, unless rolling has already started.
Between eight and 12 months, babies remain in sleeping bags, with increased movement during the day helping build sleep pressure. By around their first birthday, some may move into sleep suit bags with layered clothing appropriate to room temperature.
Mitchell said consistent routines, familiar sleep cues and calm parental guidance become increasingly important as children enter toddlerhood.
The advice was shared as part of paid content produced for ergoPouch.
