Parenting doesn't stop for a pandemic and neither do we! Tresillian is here for you - 7 days a week. If your baby is having sleep difficulties you can now self-refer to Tresillian services by calling our Parent’s Help Line on 1300 272 736. Call now to talk to one of our experienced nurses about which Tresillian service will best suit you.
How much sleep does my baby need?
Babies sleep patterns vary however most babies sleep 14 or 15 hours spread across both day and night. A newborn sleep routine can be different to the sleep routine of a baby that is older. As your baby grows he/she will sleep for longer periods through the night with 2-3 shorter sleeps during the day. If your baby is happy during wake periods during the day, he/she has had enough sleep.
What are sleep cycles?
- Your baby’s sleep-wake cycle is the time spent going through both deep (quiet) and light (active) stages of sleep.
- A baby sleep cycle is around 30 to 50 minutes and babies rouse, briefly wake and re-settle.
- In the early months babies need to be physically close to their parents and some need help going to sleep or re-settling.
What are baby tired signs?
Babies show ‘tired signs’ when they are getting tired and need sleep such as grimacing, yawning, grizzling, frowning, sucking, staring, snuggling in, jerky movements, becoming over active, clenching fists, rubbing eyes, fussiness or crying. Responding early to these tired signs prevents your baby becoming distressed and makes it easier to get baby to sleep.

How do I settle my crying baby?
- Check your baby is comfortable: change their nappy, provide a feed if hungry. Make sure they aren’t too hot or too cold.
- Try repetitive, slow, rocking and rhythmical movement
- Try a baby massage or warm bath
- Try a change of scenery such as going for a walk
If your baby is unsettled at night, you can try hands on settling.
Hands on settling: 3 - 6 months
- For babies aged three to six months, Tresillian recommends either soothing in arms or hands-on settling to calm your baby. Start by wrapping baby in a light cotton fabric, talk quietly and cuddle baby until calm
- Put your baby on their back in the cot awake [calm/drowsy]
- Comfort your baby with gentle ‘ssshhh’ sounds, gentle rhythmic patting, rocking, or stroking until baby is calm or asleep
- If your baby becomes or stays distressed pick your baby up for a cuddle until calm or asleep before putting baby back in the cot
- Provide comfort to your baby and stay until he/she is asleep. Learning how to go to sleep is a skill babies usually develop during the first year of life with help from their parents but like most skills, it takes time and varies for each baby.
Baby Safety (SIDS Guidlines)
Baby safe sleeping is very important.
- Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side
- Sleep baby with head and face uncovered
Sleeping and Settling FAQ's
- The only way my baby will sleep is on me, what do I do?
- How can I help my baby have longer sleeps during the day?
- What can I do to help my baby sleep better at night?
- My baby has started waking and screaming at night, he used to be a good sleeper. What do I do?
- My baby takes hours to settle in the evening, what can I do to make him go to sleep sooner?
- My toddler wakes at 5am every morning. Any tips how to get him to sleep a bit longer?
- My newborn cries on and off all day. Nothing I have tried works. What can I do to make baby sleep?
- I recently had my second baby but now find my 3 year old is having sleep problems and waking up overnight. Any tips?
- My baby likes to sleep in my arms. Will I spoil my baby by doing this?
- My baby is difficult to get to sleep, should I use a bottle to help get her down?
- I feel like a failure because my baby does not sleep through the night like other babies in my mother's group
- Does Tresillian believe in controlled crying?
- Is 'crying it out' a good method to use to help my baby learn to sleep?
