Sleep and Settling

Our Maternal and Child Health Nurses are here to support you with your sleep settling questions and to help you establish positive sleep behaviours for your little one. 

We encourage families to use the videos below to understand your infant or toddler's sleep patterns and development from ages 6 to 24 months.

Please reach out to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse to discuss your child’s sleep and settling needs in detail. 

The below resources have been kindly shared by the City of Ballarat and MRL Media. We’re pleased to make them available to families in Whitehorse:

Sleep outreach program 

Outreach consultations are available via telehealth to provide more intensive and tailored sleep and settling information to maximise support for families.  

Bookings: Please contact 9837 1116 to arrange an appointment with your MCH Nurse.

Baby sleep and settling videos

1. Baby development and sleep patterns

In the first year, your baby’s body and brain grow rapidly. Discover how development shapes their sleep. 

 

2. Safe sleep and environment 

Explore safe sleep guidelines and the ideal environment when setting up your baby’s sleep space.

 

3. Tired signs 

Learn about your baby’s tired signs to understand the right time to put your baby to sleep and help your baby to settle independently. 

 

4. Responsive settling 

See how gentle, consistent strategies can build your baby’s confidence to settle themselves.

 

5. Parental presence

Find out how being nearby can reassure your baby and support them to drift back to sleep.

 

6. Camping out 

Learn a step‑by‑step approach that supports babies with separation anxiety while encouraging independence. 

 

7. Self-care (for parents)

Caring for yourself is just as important. Discover simple ways to protect your wellbeing while supporting your child. 

 

Toddler sleep and settling videos 

1. Toddler development and sleep patterns 

Discover how your toddler’s growth and behaviour influence sleep and explore ways to create calmer routines.

 

2. Readiness for change 

Thinking about moving from cot to bed? Learn how to choose the right time and make the transition smoother. 

 

3. Tired signs 

Spotting early tired cues can help you guide your toddler into more restful, independent sleep.

 

4. Responsive settling 

See how gentle, consistent strategies can build your toddler’s confidence to settle themselves.

 

5. Parental presence 

Find out how being nearby can reassure your toddler and support them to drift back to sleep.

 

6. Camping out 

Learn a step‑by‑step approach that supports toddlers with separation anxiety while encouraging independence. 

 

7. Common toddler behaviour 

Understand the behaviour behind toddler challenges and how to build a positive bedtime routine for your toddler.

 

8. Cot to bed transition and safety 

Understand everyday challenges at bedtime and discover practical ways to encourage positive sleep habits.

 

9. Self-care (for parents)

Caring for yourself is just as important. Discover simple ways to protect your wellbeing while supporting your child.