The latest episode of Kids Health Matters explores the topic most likely to keep parents awake at night – sleep.

Parents commonly ask what’s normal? Are there any golden rules and when is melatonin useful?

In this discussion our sleep experts answer these questions and gently guide listeners through their advice on how to best support sleep for babies through to teens.

Spotting sleep concerns that may indicate a medical issue is also a focus of the discussion.

Kids Health Matters provides trusted advice on common child health concerns from leading experts at the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS).

Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) Child Health Nurse, Kim Shirras and Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) Respiratory and Sleep Consultant Dr Adelaide Withers team up to talk through the most common questions parents ask about sleep at their child health appointments and at the hospital.

Our experts emphasise how each family, each child and each home is different.

Kim draws on her wealth of experience in advising parents on sleep and settling techniques, particularly through her work in running ‘Early Parenting’ and the ‘Let’s Sleep’ groups to discuss:

why consistency is key
awake windows for babies
reassessing routines
shifting sleep time for a ‘late to sleep’ child and
the importance of activity for toddlers.

Kim reassures parents that calm and responsive parenting is always the best approach when tackling issues around sleep.

In addition to co-hosting the episode with broadcaster Dani Shuey, Dr Adelaide shares her valuable insights from the sleep clinic at PCH.

Dr Adelaide urges parents to reach out for support, look after themselves and not to underestimate the importance of their own sleep.

Further information about the series can be found at https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Kidshealthmatters

Kids Health Matters is proudly produced by CAHS which includes Neonatology, CACH, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and PCH.

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