Quality time with babies is ‘key’ to better sleep

FOR parents having trouble getting their babies to sleep, an American study suggests being emotionally available to baby’s needs is key to a good night’s sleep.

The study suggests it’s not so important how much time parents spend with children or what they do at bedtime, but rather the quality of that time.

Being emotionally receptive would include things like gazing at your infant while breastfeeding, or noticing if your child is not interested in a book, and so putting the book down. Some experts have advised parents set a strict sleep schedule and keep routines that become associated with going to sleep, such as reading a book and dimming the lights.