Would you know how to carry out CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on your baby in an emergency?We’re joined by Hayley Gardyj of HCRG Care Group who’s here to explain how she saved her own son at eight weeks old. She believes it is vital that all new parents should learn paediatric CPR and has started a campaign named after her son to raise awareness, in partnership with the British Red Cross.
Why Learning CPR For Babies Is So Vital
Nearly three years ago I had to put into practice what I had learned from a British Red Cross CPR training video on my own baby.
However, according to the Resuscitation Council UK, fewer than 5% of us would be able to spot the signs of cardiac arrest in an infant and less than a third would feel confident to carry out lifesaving CPR. Currently there is no obligation to learn paediatric CPR in the UK, but why? Along with choking, sepsis, seizures and many more subjects of concern for babies and children, none of this important information is included at your baby’s postnatal checks.
We can learn emergency CPR at the touch of a button. So why is CPR and First Aid training not taught to new parents and carers at their baby’s birth? Here is my story and why learning paediatric CPR is so important for all parents.
My Story – A Trip To The Shops On A Hot Day
My name is Hayley, and I am a mum of three. In July 2022, I saved my baby’s life when he was just eight weeks old by performing paediatric CPR. Brodie was born prematurely and I had learnt independently how to do this whilst sitting looking at him in his incubator. I taught myself using a British Red Cross online tutorial.
My story starts when I took one of my first trips out with Brodie by going food shopping. This went well and he was content and happy with no cause for concern. However, I made one more stop before heading home that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
My Story – Brodie’s Unusual Cry
I made a quick trip to the vets to pick up a prescription for my dog. It was a terribly hot day and Brodie was asleep. I parked next to the vets and left the door ajar with the air conditioning on. Popping my head into the door of the vets – a metre away from the car, – I asked them to provide my dog’s prescription while I waited by Brodie.
Brodie woke and began to cry. I got in the car and thought to myself that he’d settle on the way home, but something told me that this cry was not his normal cry and that something wasn’t right. I got out of the car and tried to console him. But he was not settling and his cry escalated. I thought to myself, “I’ll move into the shade. Maybe it’s the sun upsetting him.”
Then, he just stopped crying! I looked down at him and he was limp and floppy. He had a blue tinge around his mouth and he was pale with a swollen and puffy face.
What Happened Next – How I Performed Emergency CPR On My Baby
I ran into the veterinary clinic whilst screaming for help. I shouted, “My baby’s stopped breathing. Please call 999”. I ran to the waiting room chairs and put Brodie down but I could see that he was still not breathing. I listened to his heart, and he was gone!
So I started emergency paediatric CPR and did what I remembered from the paediatric CPR training course.
What Happened Next – Using A Flat Surface For Chest Compressions And Rescue Breaths
I instantly started chest compressions and could see that Brodie was bouncing as the chair was bowed and not a flat surface. I remembered in a flash the video I watched and the trainer saying that it must be done on a flat surface. So I stood up holding my baby in fear and shouted that I needed a flat surface.
The vet rushed me into the clinic room where I placed Brodie on the vet table covered in dog hair. I gave him rescue breaths and continued compressions. The vet helped me and kept a stethoscope on him whilst I carried out the CPR, listening for any heartbeat. It took around three to four minutes before the vet heard a heartbeat.
What Happened Next – How The Vet Helped With An Oxygen Mask
Once the vet heard a heartbeat, we then moved Brodie to another vet’s clinic room where they put an animal oxygen mask on Brodie. The vet used a syringe to remove the blood in Brodie’s mouth (which was there as a result of the compressions). Whilst all of this was happening, the other staff were on the telephone to 999 awaiting news on their arrival and any instructions.
They say your life flashes before your eyes – and his life did. I just thought of my other two children and them not having their little brother. How was I going to tell them that Brodie had gone? So many thoughts went through my head.
How I Saved My Baby’s Life
A multitude of ambulance crews, an air ambulance and my husband descended on the site. Brodie and I were rushed to the Royal United Hospital in Bath where we spent a week in the high dependency unit.
I didn’t do everything by the book, but I remembered elements of the training. Whatever I did, it worked!
I saved his life!
I believe that it is better to have some knowledge than not any at all, which is why I opted to have the training – and I am so relieved that I did it. If I hadn’t watched those training videos, he wouldn’t be with us now.
CPR For Parents – Why It’s So Important
I hope that my story will help to encourage more parents to learn what to do in emergency situations, even if it is just looking online or watching a quick explainer video.
Since that awful incident, I have worked with the British Red Cross to produce a CPR video to go out to all new parents and health professionals. You can scan the QR code below to see it. I have worked with Health Visitors, School Nurses, Midwives, Paediatric Consultants and GPs who all promote this life-saving skill.
What I Do Now – Brodie’s CPR Campaign
Brodie’s CPR Campaign has reached over two million viewers with an audience at a national level, appearing live on Channel 5 News, ITV local news and upcoming BBC Points West. Local hospitals, midwives, Health Visitors and Paediatric Consultants are all invested in my cause. To add to this, I am promoting this life-saving skill with SMA Baby and Emma’s Diary, who are promoting the video to all their readers as well as national and regional publications.
Brodie is now a happy and healthy toddler. I want to empower other parents if they ever need to perform emergency paediatric CPR to save their baby or child’s life.
With Special Thanks To Hayley Gardyj For Sharing Your Story
Follow, share and support Brodie’s CPR Campaign on Facebook
Would You Like To Share YOUR Story?
We’d love to hear from you. This Is Family is all about sharing family stories. Especially from families who feel like their voices are not often heard. Every family has a unique story to tell. We’d love to hear yours. Find out how you can feature on our blog and get involved. So that other parents can feel less alone.
With World Book Day fast approaching, are you looking for ideas for costumes? If your child (or you!) aren’t feeling costume inspiration from your book collection this year, don’t worry. There are loads of familiar characters on children’s TV that started off in print, like the Octonauts and all the Julia Donaldson animations.
So there’s lots of choice, even if your child knows a character from watching them, as well as reading about them. Read on for our top 17 picks.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
1. Paddington
Paddington is such a popular character with children of all ages and it’s really easy to get the Paddington look. Just grab a blue coat, red wellies and a red hat and you’re good to go. Accessorise with a suitcase and/or luggage label if you like.
2. Sophie from The Tiger Who Came For Tea
Have you read the book or seen the lovely animation which came out a few years ago? For Sophie, you will need some patterned leggings or tights, a pinafore dress and a long sleeved top underneath, with black or brown shoes.
3. Stick Man Or Stick Lady
So many Julia Donaldson books have been animated now that your child may be familiar with them from the books, the TV, or both. For Stick Man or Stick Lady, wear a brown or black top and leggings or trousers as a base layer. You can add facial features for most World Book Day characters by adding them as part of a hat or hair band. So make a cardboard tube for a hat (roll a piece of brown paper, sellotape it and attach elastic or string if you need) and add a mouth and eyes using a marker pen.
4. Kwazi From Octonauts
Who knew that Octonauts was based on a series of children’s books by Meomi Design? For cat-pirate Kwazi, dress your little one in a cat mask/eyepatch and orange or blue clothing. Accessorise with a toy telescope. See here for more Kwazi inspiration.
5. Dashi From Octonauts
Dashi is the photographer character from Octonauts. To make a Dashi costume, use a dog eye mask or dog’s face mounted on a headband. Add one or two hairclips like the ones Dashi wears to keep your little one’s hair off their faces. A brown or blue top and pink skirt or shorts will complete this costume. Accessorise with a toy camera if you have one.
6. JoJo From JoJo & Gran Gran
Did you know that JoJo & Gran Gran was the first cartoon series with a Black British family as its main characters? Based on a book by Laura Henry-Allain, get the JoJo look with two bunches and colourful hair bands. JoJo’s clothes are what any three to four-year-old would wear. Bright leggings, top and a cardigan are all you need.
7. The Highway Rat
Another Julia Donaldson favourite. Voiced by David Tennant in the animated version, go full-on Highway Rat robber with a black eye mask, cape and cowboy hat. There are other animal characters you can improvise such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the Gruffalo and Superworm. For Superworm, use a woolly bobble hat.
8. Harry From Harry And His Bucket Full Of Dinosaurs
Harry is a small boy who goes on adventures with his toy dinosaurs (who become life size when they enter the magical world of his imagination) .For this costume you will need…(yes, you’ve guessed it!) a bucket and six or seven toy dinosaurs. For Harry, wear blue joggers or jeans and a checked shirt or red top.
9. Love Monster – World Book Day Costumes
Go red and loud with a red onesie, red hoodie or fleecy/towelling poncho to create the Love Monster look. Add a mask for the eyes or you can use a hat with the eyes and facial features drawn on.
10. The Room On the Broom Witch
For the Room On The Broom witch, you just need a black witch hat and tutu. There are many witch characters in children’s books such as Meg the Witch, Hermione and the The Worst Witch. You can also go for a wizard like Dumbledore or Harry Potter. Check out our last-minute Halloween costume ideas for more.
11. Little Miss Whoops From Mr Men And Little Miss
Go for a blue top and trousers. Then grab a roll of toilet paper and wrap it around your little one for the bandages Little Miss Whoops wears. And voilà! You can do the same for Mr Bump. This is a simple and easy last-minute costume – check out our blog post for more last-minute ideas.
12. Peter Rabbit
Start by making some rabbit ears for Peter Rabbit. It’s simple to do this by cutting out ear-shaped pieces of cardboard, felt or fabric and attaching them to a headband. Then add a blue top, jacket or jumper. Carry a carrot to make this one feel authentic!
13. The Boy From The Snowman
Here’s another one where your little one can wear their pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers. The boy in The Snowmanhas so many adventures just wearing his nightclothes and your toddler can too!
14. The Whale From Snail And The Whale
This one’s easy. Just grab a blue top or t-shirt and dark leggings for the base layer. You can make a whale ‘hat’ by making a blue crown of paper and attaching a circle of blue card with the whale’s eyes and mouth drawn on. You can add a cardboard tail as well. Also look here for some snail inspiration.
15. Maid Marian Or Robin Hood
Wear a long dress in purple or pink for Maid Marian in the animated Disney version, or green dress/robes/cape for the everyday living-in-the forest look. Add boots and a hairband or cap if you have one. You can create a similar costume for Robin Hood.
16. Captain Hook
Dig out those Pirate eyepatches, hats and outfits for one of the most famous pirates of all! The beauty of this outfit is that it can be a cross-over with Kwazi from Octonauts.
17. Jasmine from Aladdin
Jasmine from Aladdin originally appeared in Arabian Nights and is a really popular costume choice with lots of children. A green sparkly top plus trousers or dress and a tiara, hairband or crown is all you need. Go homemade with the tiara if you want to.
Can you wear Elsa for World Book Day?
Some people say Elsa from Frozen isn’t technically a World Book Day character as she is a film rather than a print character, but you will find plenty of parents who do send their children in Elsa, Anna, Olaf or Sven costumes. After all, Frozen is a children’s story which follows the conventions of fairy tales, so it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with both parents and little ones. If your school or nursery is particular about costumes, it’s best to check with them first. You could always go for a generic ‘fairy tale princess’ costume if needed.
Can You Wear PJs For World Book Day?
Yes – there are loads of characters who wear pyjamas in children’s books and films. Take any Jill Murphy book such as the elephants in Five Minutes Peace and All in One Piece or the bears in Whatever Next, One of Those Days and Peace at Last. They spend a lot of time in bed!
What Other Popular Characters From Children’s TV Could I Use For World Book Day Costumes?
Bing Bunny, Sula, Coco or Flop from Bing Bunny – based on the series by Ted Dewan
Thomas, Gordon, James or Toby from Thomas The Tank Engine – based on the series by the Rev. W. Awdry. Learn how to make a train or car out of a cardboard box if you want to add more than a mask or hat.
The Jolly Postman – from the illustrated books by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
Postman Pan, Jess, Mrs Goggins, Lucy Selby, Ted Glen from Postman Pat – based on the books by John Cunliffe
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Are you a new parent and you’re looking for some easy songs to sing to your baby? Even if you think you’re not a great singer, it doesn’t matter. Singing can be calming for both of you, particularly repetitive songs. And did you know that all that repetition is so good for your baby’s development? So look no further than our handy guide to 20 easy tunes, ditties and songs you can sing.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
When Should I Start Singing To My Baby?
You can start singing to your baby before they are born! They get used to the parents’ voices while in utero. Once they’re newborn, this explains why babies respond so well to the sound of their mum. If your heartbeats are able to coordinate in seconds, they’re going to love any variation on your voice!
Sing A Lullaby
You can’t go wrong with a traditional lullaby. Whether it’s French, British or South African, the repetitive nature of these songs makes it extra calming for you and your baby!
1. Thula Mama
Thuma Mama is a really relaxing lullaby from South Africa that you can try out at home with your baby. It’s so good, it inspired mum of two Helen Yeoman to create the classes franchise of the same name.
Check out this awesome clip of mums from Devon singing Thula Mama in harmony. Background music for naptime, perhaps?
If you’d like to have a go in a group with other mums, find a Thula Mama class here.
2. Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques one can be a great lullaby to sing again and again at nighttime to help lull your baby to sleep.
Songs That You Learn At Baby Classes
Songs and nursery rhymes feature regularly in baby classes. Repetition of words, phrases and music can help so much with your baby’s development, so you’ll find providers often use songs. They’re fun too and really uplifting for the mood.
Many baby classes use songs using a parachute (where the parents lift a coloured sheet up and down) and peek-a-boo songs. Babies love songs where their parents or themselves (if they’re looking in the mirror) magically appear and disappear. They don’t have object permanence yet, so find it really funny.
3. Wind The Bobbin Up
Wind The Bobbin Up has lots of pointing actions so it’s great for baby signing and communication in general. Here’s a Mr Tumble version for those Mr Tumble fans out there.
4. I’m A Little Teapot
Another great one for actions. Check out this very upbeat version of I’m A Little Teapot by Boppin’ Bunnies here or on Spotify.
5. The Grand Old Duke Of York
You’ll find The Grand Old Duke Of York is a good one for babies and toddlers. They love being lifted in the air and up and down. You’ll find slightly older babies begin to anticipate and giggle when they’re about to be lifted, which is lovely to hear.
“At baby signing, we learnt a song about changing your baby’s nappy. We sang it at home too and helped make the routine of nappy changing a bit more fun! (plus our baby knew what to expect)”
– Liz, Team Happity
Sing an Upbeat Nursery Rhyme (And Mix The Lyrics Up)
You can sing many popular nursery rhymes in a round, meaning they have the same refrain at the end of the song, but certain words change each time you sing it. So as your baby gets used to them, they can start to expect what comes next and begin to respond – maybe by clapping or even joining in with the odd word or two.
Keep yourself extra alert by adding different lyrics to some of the most popular nursery rhymes.
6. Old MacDonald
Old MacDonald is a classic. Babies and children love the repetition of the animal, followed by the repetition of the noise that animal makes. You can alter the words to suit your interest in animals as well.
“I remember doing ‘Old Macdonald’ a LOT and with completely obscure animals (and sometimes not even animals at all!). I also sometimes changed it to ‘old <insert baby name> had a farm’ or ‘zoo’ to keep myself sane.”
– Emily, Team Happity
7. The Wheels On The Bus
Most of us are familiar with this one. You can add your own variations. You can avoid gender stereotyping by switching all the lyrics round. Try ‘The daddies on the bus go chatter/chatter/chatter, knit, knit, knit,’ or ‘the grannies on the bus go up and down/read the paper.’
Here’s a Makaton version filmed on an actual London bus! Expect lots of wipers wiping and doors opening and shutting.
8. Row Row Row Your Boat
This is a song that you’re likely to hear at baby classes and another one with loads of variations. Variations we’ve heard are ‘…gently down the stream/if you see a crocodile, don’t forget to scream,’ ‘…gently down the river/if you see an alligator, don’t forget to shiver,’ and ‘…gently to the shore/if you see a lion, don’t forget to roar’.
9. Hop Little Bunnies
Hop Little Bunnies is another favourite from baby groups. If you have a toddler as well, it will go down with them well too – lots of pretending to sleep on the floor and jumping up to hop. Here’s a sing-along version.
“We loved all of the standard music and movement songs and we had some fun making up our own Row Your Boat verses!”
– Sara, Team Happity
10. Five Little Ducks
This is a great little counting song, and as your baby begins to grow and understand numbers, they may begin to help count down from five to one.
This version also has ducks, bunnies, penguins and frogs:
Sing A Modern Classic – Songs To Sing To Your Baby
11. Disney Songs – Just Let It Go!
We bet there are loads of mums out there who use Let It Go! or We Don’t Talk About Bruno as a bit of a modern nursery rhyme for their children. Go for a bit of counting with Do-Re-Me or some uplifting lyrics in Let’s Go Fly A Kite!
12. Hey Tiger! From the Tiger Who Came To Tea
Your baby may be too young to understand the book or lyrics yet, but you’ll thank us for reminding you of this catchy tune from Robbie Williams. Sing along to it here!
Sing A Theme Tune
Even if your baby might not watch Children’s TV, there are a plethora of theme tunes out there which are really catchy. So keep yourself alert and awake by singing some of these.
13. Thomas And His Friends
You can have fun with this one by mixing it up and substituting the names of the trains in the song with the names of your baby, friends and relatives.
14. The Five Song from Numberblocks
This is an absolute hit with many children and toddlers as it’s really catchy. Written by maths teachers and experts, they know what they are talking about!
15. Dinosaur Train
If you want a Country & Western feel, you can’t go wrong with this theme tune from the creators of The Muppets. It might get your child used to the names of dinosaurs too.
Go For Your Favourite Artist Or Track – Songs To Sing To Your Baby
There’s no rule against putting on the radio or streaming a track. You can sing along to your baby . If you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, chances are your baby will pick up on this too.
16. Anything By Johnny Cash, Adele, Judy Garland, David Bowie, John Legend, Katy Perry, Thurston Harris Etc.
These artists are all tried and tested with their babies by Happity team members! From the humming in Thurston Harris’s Little Bitty Pretty One to the sweeping melodies of Roar and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, pop on your favourite track and see what happens.
“I sang both of mine a lot of Elton John as I was useless with nursery rhymes! Ollie still loves Your Song at age three.”
– Lisa, Team Happity
17. Shotgun Or Green Green Grass By George Ezra
Never underestimate the appeal of George Ezra or Ed Sheeran songs for young babies and children.
“Something about the strong lyrics and blocky colours in Ed Sheeran music videos seemed to fascinate our little one.”
– Liz, Team Happity
Try A Good Parody
Parodies make us smile, so if you’re in the middle of a difficult day or on your tenth nappy change, try out a familiar song with alternative lyrics. You can even invent your own if you’re feeling particularly inspired.
18. Smell Of You
Did you know that Sophie McCartney, the mum who sang this parody of Ed Sheeran’s The Shape Of You, is the second cousin of Paul McCartney? She’s also done a Fleetwood Mac parody about getting ready to go out for the day (the video for this is particularly relatable).
Sing Anything Catchy
Just a phrase or bit of a song – if it works for your baby, go for it.
19. I Love You – Barney
Bright and colourful, I Love You sung by Barney the dinosaur is an easy one to remember.
20. The Happy Song
At the time of writing, Baby Shark is still really popular, but if you want an alternative, try The Happy Song.
“I found this song called The Happy Song. Apparently it’s made to lift the mood of children/babies. I used to play it to them when they were in a bad mood and it used to work! Then it was quite catchy, so we ended up singing it too.”
– Sheefa, Team Happity
A Made-Up Song
Make up a song about what you’re doing! I’m brushing my teeth or I’m changing your nappy or you’re putting on your clothes. If you use a familiar tune, it can be really easy to do this.
What Is A Baby’s Favorite Sound?
Obviously their own parent’s or caregiver’s voice! If you’re not that confident with singing, don’t worry – your baby will love it anyway. They will learn so much from just listening to you and maybe beginning to join in. They will learn so much from the phrasing and repetition. Hopefully you’ll grow to love it too.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Are you a parent who’d like to help your child sleep better? We’re joined by Vicki Beevers of The Sleep Charity who’s here to explain some great sleep strategies to help your child get a better night’s sleep.
The Sleep Charity is launching its first-ever Children’s Sleep Awareness Month in February 2025 to raise national awareness about the importance of sleep for children’s health and wellbeing. So read on for some practical tips from The Sleep Charity on how to help your child sleep better.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
How Many Children Experience Difficulties Sleeping?
There are growing sleep issues in children. Research shows that up to 50% of children experience sleep difficulties at some stage, which can lead to problems such as irritability, poor concentration, behavioural issues and compromised immune function. This raises to 80% for those children with a SEND diagnosis. Lack of sleep is also linked to an increased risk of childhood obesity and mental health challenges.
So, if your child is struggling with sleep, you’re not alone.
How Does Disturbed Sleep Affect Families?
Disrupted sleep has an impact on families too. Sleep disturbances don’t just affect children, they also impact family dynamics, leading to stress, exhaustion and a compromised quality of life for caregivers. We’re sure you all know what lack of sleep feels like.
What Is Children’s Sleep Awareness Month And How Can It Help?
There’s a need for education and support around sleep issues. Many families are unaware of the significance of sleep hygiene or how to address common sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, night waking or irregular sleep schedules. Children’s Sleep Awareness Month in February will offer accessible, evidence-based resources and tools to address these gaps. It aims to educate parents, caregivers and professionals on the critical role sleep plays in a child’s development, addressing common sleep challenges and providing practical guidance to improve sleep habits
Early years in children can be some of the most challenging with many parents contacting the charity for support. During the first week of Children’s Sleep Awareness Month (1st – 9th February 2025), the charity will be focusing on 12 months plus to five years. The week will include a free webinar, sleep strategies and tips. Below is some help and advice you might find useful if you’re a parent struggling to get your child to sleep.
So How Can I Help My Child Sleep?
You’ve likely come across countless methods and strategies all promising to help you and your little one finally get some rest. The sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Which ones work? And more importantly, which ones work for your child?
To help you navigate the sea of advice, we’ve broken down these methods and included practical tips tailored to 12 months plus, from toddlers up to five years old.
1. Create a Sleep Sanctuary
Children need an environment conducive to rest. A dark, quiet, and cool room can make a world of difference.
Tips:
Use blackout curtains to block out light.
Invest in a white noise machine to mask household sounds.
Keep the room temperature between 16-18°C.
Keep a consistent environment.
2. Use The 5-4-3-2-1 Method – Sleep Strategies
This strategy is a countdown to sleep that engages the five senses and promotes relaxation.
How to use it:
5: Acknowledge five things you can see, e.g., “I see your teddy bear”.
4: Touch four things, e.g., “Feel your soft blanket”.
3: Listen for three sounds, e.g., “Can you hear the cars outside?”
2: Smell two calming scents, e.g., the smell of mum, lavender.
1: Take one deep breath together.
Why it works: This method grounds children in the present and shifts their focus from active play to a calm, restful state.
3. Follow The 80/20 Rule for Toddlers
Flexibility is key with toddlers. This principle acknowledges that parenting is not about perfection and there can be bumps in the road. 80% of the time, aim to stick to a consistent sleep routine. The other 20% allows for flexibility.
How to apply it:
Keep bedtime rituals predictable most nights (bath, book, cuddle).
On special occasions or during travel, let go of the guilt if routines are disrupted but explain why to your child.
Why it works: Consistency builds good habits, but a bit of flexibility ensures you don’t burn out.
4. Teach Independent Sleep
Helping toddlers learn how to self-soothe can be a game changer. Strategies like the ‘gentle retreat’ or ‘chair method’ involve gradually increasing the distance between you and your child as they fall asleep.
How to start:
Sit next to their bed, offering comfort with your presence.
Over several nights, move the chair farther away until you’re out of the room.
Why it works: It empowers toddlers to feel secure in their own ability to fall asleep, reducing nighttime wakeups.
5. Remember These General Tips for All Ages
Consistency is Key: Children thrive on predictability. Whether it’s a specific bedtime song or a goodnight hug, rituals help signal to your child that it’s time to sleep.
Be Patient: A behavioural approach to sleep takes time. It’s okay to experiment with different strategies until you find what works. We always suggest two weeks minimum to see changes.
Trust Your Instincts: No method works universally. Pay attention to your child’s cues and adapt strategies to fit their unique needs.
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for helping children sleep. Each method, from the 80/20 rule to the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, has its merits, but the key is finding what resonates with your family’s rhythm. A mix of structure, flexibility, and a little trial-and-error will help you navigate these early years of sleepless nights.
Remember, the ultimate goal isn’t just about getting more rest (although that’s a nice perk!) but helping your child build healthy sleep habits for life.
Join The Sleep Charity’s CEO, Vicki Beevers, on 4th February at 2pm for a live webinar on Building Better Bedtimes, here.
Thanks To Vicki Beevers – The Sleep Charity
The Sleep Charity provides advice and support to empower the nation to sleep better. They campaign to improve sleep support and access to high quality information, raise awareness of the value of a good night’s sleep and promote understanding around the complexities of sleep. They want everyone to share their vision that sleep is a vital component of health and wellbeing and that everyone living with sleep issues should have access to effective, consistent, evidence-based support. Check out their supporter’s pack now live with free resources.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Asnew or existing parents, we will all have an understanding that play is central to our children in the early years. This is reflected in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in nurseries, pre-schools and schools (Reception) where play is at the heart of how children learn. So if play helps our children develop, it makes sense that play can also be used to unlock feelings, experiences and difficult situations. This is where a Play Therapist comes into, well, ‘play’.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Is A Play Therapist?
Play Therapists are trained professionals who help children work through difficult feelings, emotions and experiences through the medium of play.
Often children tend to be able to communicate feelings more easily through play (rather than verbally) which is why Play Therapists use play as their main tool. So Play Therapists can use therapeutic play to help children make sense of “difficult life experiences” or “complex physiological issues.”
Play Therapists provide children with a safe place to play together, exploring their feelings and emotions through play. It is totally child-led. The children and therapist use objects, toys or some form of creative arts. This might be music, sand, clay, paint or puppets.
Play Therapists help children tune into and understand their emotions. If children can understand their feelings, this can help them with impulse control. This is because it can help them think about what they want to do and why before they actually do it. Play therapy helps children act out what they want to express or say, and role-play as well. It can also help with stress and resilience in later life too. When children learn how to link feelings and words together, this strengthens cerebral pathways in the brain.
Play Therapists work with children who are usually from three to eleven years old. A child would benefit from play therapy if they have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.
What Is Filial Therapy?
Did you know that play therapy can help improve the relationship between a child and their parent too? This is known as filial therapy. Read more about it here.
How Can I Find A Play Therapist In The UK?
Click here for the British Association Of Play Therapists register. You can also search the Play Therapy register for Play Therapists who meet the Play Therapy UK standards.
Registered Play Therapists are graduates who train to masters’s level and undergo continuous training and professional development. So you can be confident their knowledge and techniques are totally up-to-date and relevant for your child’s needs.
Play Therapists often work through referrals too. These referrals can be through health professionals, schools, local authorities and adoption and fostering agencies.
If you’re interested in training as a Play Therapist, you can read more about how to do this on the National Careers Service.
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