Sleeps away from home

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Maintaining your child’s usual sleep routine is an effective way of avoiding stress at bedtime and helping your child to adapt to new sleeping conditions. Children as young as two or three can benefit from simple explanations of what is going to happen in words they can understand.

Preparing your older child

Knowing what is going to happen can help children feel safer and happier. Give your child as much information as you think she can handle about where she is going, who will be looking after her, and where and when she will be sleeping.

Maintaining your child's sleep routine

Describe your child’s sleeping habits to the carer so they can replicate your child's routine, including things like giving her a bath, always reading two books, or singing quiet nursery rhymes together before bedtime. If she has something special like a teddy, rug or favourite pair of pyjamas that she always likes to wear to bed, it might also help to pack these for overnight stays.

Making sure your child’s carer understands the special needs of your child will also make you feel happier and less stressed. And just as you would make sure your child’s sleep environment at home is safe, make sure you are confident that she is safe when sleeping away from home.

Most child care centres will follow your child’s regular feeding, sleeping and play routines. If you notice changes in your child’s routine when she is back at home, talk with her carer.

Sleeping at home after child care

Your child will probably have been quite active during a day at child care, and might be more tired than usual when you collect her. She might even sleep longer after she has been in care and may settle easily once back at home. If she has become overtired and is more difficult to settle, spend extra time with her to help her slip back into her regular routine.

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