There’s something truly special about those quiet moments before your child drifts off to sleep - the gentle hush of the room, the soft snuggle of their favourite blanket, the calm that settles over the house. But behind every restful nap or peaceful bedtime lies a thoughtfully prepared sleep environment.
At Milestones Early Learning, we understand that quality sleep is essential to your child’s wellbeing - from newborn to preschooler. That’s why our centres prioritise safe sleep practices every day, and why we’re here to support families in creating the same peace and safety at home.
Creating a Safe and Comforting Sleep Space at Home
Here’s how you can support healthy sleep habits for your child at every age:
For Babies (0–12 months):
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Back to sleep, every time. Always place babies on their backs to sleep in a cot or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
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Keep the cot clear. No pillows, quilts, bumpers, or toys - these can pose serious risks to infants. A safe sleep space is a simple one.
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Maintain a comfortable room temperature. Aim for 20–22°C with light clothing or a TOG-rated sleep bag suited to the season.
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Feet to foot positioning. Placing your baby’s feet at the end of the cot helps prevent wriggling under covers.
For Toddlers (1–3 years):
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Transition gradually. When it’s time to move from cot to bed, involve your toddler in the process - let them help choose bedding or place a special toy nearby (once age-appropriate).
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Set calming routines. Stories, cuddles, lullabies, or a gentle song can help toddlers wind down and feel secure.
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Use a nightlight if needed. A soft, warm glow can comfort toddlers adjusting to sleeping in their own room or bed.
For Preschoolers (3–5 years):
- Encourage independence. Offer choices - like which pyjamas to wear or what story to read - to help your child feel in control and ready for bed.
- Keep bedtime consistent. A regular sleep and wake time, even on weekends, supports better emotional regulation and focus.
- Minimise stimulation before sleep. Reduce screen time and active play at least an hour before bedtime to help their brain wind down.
Not every child follows the “ideal” sleep routine - and that’s okay. Sleep can be tricky in the early years, and it’s perfectly normal for children to go through phases of resisting naps, waking at night, or needing extra comfort. Be gentle with yourself (and them).
How Milestones Centres Manage Safe Sleep
At Milestones centres, safe sleep is more than a policy - it’s a daily practice grounded in expert guidelines and genuine care. Whether your child is an infant, toddler, or kindy kid, we make rest time safe, relaxing, and individually responsive.
Here’s how we ensure each child sleeps safely:
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Educator training in current safe sleep guidelines for children 0–5 years.
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Dedicated nursery sleep rooms for babies, with individual cots and five-minute sleep checks throughout rest time.
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Toddlers and preschoolers rest on low beds or sleep mats in calm, dimly lit spaces under close supervision.
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Individual sleep routines are respected - families share their child’s sleep cues, comforters, or preferences with us to support a smooth transition.
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Clear documentation and visual cues help educators identify any medical or developmental needs during rest time.
Safe sleep is just one part of our broader approach to safety. From secure entry systems to daily health checks and allergy management, our safety commitment underpins everything we do.
And if your child doesn’t feel like sleeping, that’s okay too. Our educators provide quiet alternatives like puzzles, books, or gentle drawing, helping all children recharge in a calm, supportive space.
Common Questions Parents Ask Us About Sleep
This is so common! At our centres, we never force sleep. Children are encouraged to rest, but if they don’t sleep, they enjoy quiet play. At home, offering a “quiet time” instead of a nap can still give their body a break.
You're not alone. Try starting with one cot nap per day, using a familiar wind-down routine to help build the habit slowly. Consistency is key, even if progress is gradual.
Absolutely. Many children start to outgrow naps by age 3 or 4. At Milestones, kindy-aged children are given the option to rest, but we understand that every child is different.
You're Not in This Alone
Sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of parenting - especially when you're juggling babies, toddlers, or multiple age groups at once. If you’re ever unsure about what’s normal or just need a listening ear, your local Milestones educators are here to help. We’re happy to share how your child is sleeping at the centre and offer ideas to support you at home.
Looking for a Safe, Supportive Environment for Your Child?
From cots and cot cards to calm corners and cosy nap mats, Milestones Early Learning centres are designed to help your child feel safe, rested, and at ease.
Whether your little one is six weeks old or heading off to kindy next year, we’re here to support their growth - one safe sleep at a time.
👉 Find your nearest Milestones Early Learning centre and book a tour today.