Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • It can be difficult to know whether your preschooler is experiencing a sleep or settling concern. If your preschooler’s sleeping patterns are not affecting you or your family and you have strategies that work, then they may not have a sleep concern. 
  • Parents are encouraged to be responsive to the needs of their preschooler. Responsive settling is recognising that your preschooler needs help by responding appropriately.
  • For preschoolers there are a few approaches you can try for sleep concerns, these include: bedtime fading and reward charts and free passes. It is important that the approach you choose is right for your family and preschooler.
  • If your pre-schooler is attempting to or climbing out of their cot, it is time to move them to a bed.  Make sure that your home is safe to reduce their risk of injury. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 27-03-2023