When it comes to children's sleep habits, the pendulum swings between two main schools of thought, Dr William Sears's; 'Attachment parenting' and Dr Richard Ferber 'Cry it out'.

For many parents knowing which parenting style to follow becomes increasingly difficult as it's a topic that family, friends and strangers all have 'tips' on what will cure your little ones nocturnal behavior.

Sleep is essential for mental, physical and emotional development. During infancy more sleep is required than over any other age group. The strain and stress both mentally and physically from sleep deprivation can be very damaging both short and long term.

Lack of sleep can be reflected in your child's behavior in the following ways;

• Rubbing eyes - red rimmed eyes
  
• Hyperactivity - an overtired child will often act wired
  
• Tantrums - inability to cope in their surroundings
  
• Difficulty acquiring new information and retaining knowledge
  
• Frequent illness - lower immunity
  
• Unhappy - not content
  
• With babies - Constant crying and fussing.

One of the most important gifts you can teach your child is the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep unaided. You must remember that your child's sleeping pattern will not change on its own. Your child requires you; their greatest influence, to show and teach them how. In most cases you have to be willing to change your own behavior towards the current routine, so your child will as well.

If you are experiencing any of the above behavioral signs with your child or are concerned with their sleeping habits, please contact me.

Do you know the average amount of daytime sleep that your baby/child requires?