Safe Sleep, Sleep Regression & Sleep Training

At Tops, we know how important safe sleep is, for your child’s growth and brain development, and for your own rest and wellbeing. Sleep, however, does not always follow a simple pattern. Regressions, night waking and mixed advice can leave families unsure of what to do next.

This blog shares trusted guidance on safe sleeping, explains what sleep regression is, and explores different sleep training methods. Our aim is to help you feel supported and confident in choosing what works best for your family.

Safe Sleep Foundations

Safe sleeping creates an environment that supports rest and reduces risk. The NHS and The Lullaby Trust recommend:

• Always placing babies on their back to sleep, for naps and overnight.
• Using a firm, flat mattress in a cot, crib or Moses basket, with no pillows, bumpers, duvets or soft toys.
• Room-sharing with your baby for the first six months.
• Keeping the bedroom at a comfortable temperature, ideally 16–20°C, to avoid overheating.
• Checking your baby’s chest or back rather than hands or feet when gauging temperature.
• Always keeping the environment smoke-free.
• Avoiding unsafe co-sleeping, especially on sofas, armchairs or in adult beds with soft bedding.

 

You can find further guidance at NHS safe sleep advice and The Lullaby Trust.

 

What is Sleep Regression?

Sleep regression is when a child who has been sleeping more consistently begins waking more often, resisting bedtime or having shorter naps. This can happen at several points, often around 4 months, 8–10 months, 12 months, 18 months and 2 years. These changes are usually linked to developmental leaps such as rolling, crawling or walking, as well as separation anxiety, teething or changes in daily routine.

Signs of sleep regression include:

• Waking more frequently at night
• Finding it harder to settle at bedtime
• Naps becoming shorter or less predictable
• Increased clinginess or restlessness

These phases can feel demanding, but they are a normal part of your child’s growth. With consistency, comfort and patience, children usually return to more settled sleep.

Why Sleep Matters for Brain Development and Connection

Sleep plays an essential role in how children grow and learn:

• Memory and learning: Sleep helps the brain process new experiences and strengthen memory.
• Emotional balance: Well-rested children find it easier to manage big feelings.
• Stress regulation: Responsive care at night reassures children, helping them build trust and feel secure.
• Connection: The way we respond to wakefulness, whether with calm words, touch or reassurance this helps children know their needs will be met.

Even during sleepless periods, every response of comfort builds your child’s sense of safety and supports their emotional development.

Sleep Training Methods: An Overview

There are several approaches that parents may hear about when it comes to sleep training. At Tops, we want families to feel supported and informed but also reassured that children’s emotional wellbeing is always the priority.

 

Tops’ Approach to Sleep Training

At Tops, we believe children should always feel safe and supported. If your child becomes upset, we recommend attending to them with calm reassurance. This does not need to mean removing them from their cot or bed every time, but offering presence, gentle touch or a soothing voice until they begin to resettle. Parents can then step back, giving the child space to fall asleep independently.

By doing this, children learn that their needs are always responded to, while also developing the confidence to soothe themselves to sleep over time.

Research insight: Studies show that controlled methods, when used thoughtfully and responsively, do not harm attachment or behaviour in the long term. What matters most is that families choose an approach they feel comfortable with and can follow consistently.

Supporting Your Child Through Sleep Changes

• Keep a consistent bedtime routine such as bath, story and cuddle.
• Reassure gently if your child wakes. Sometimes a calm voice or touch is enough.
• Where possible, encourage your child to resettle in their own sleep space.
• Accept that naps and night sleep may change during regressions. Offer rest opportunities, even if they are shorter than usual.
• Look after your own rest too. Sharing responsibilities or resting during the day where possible can help.

Tops Tips: Making Sleep Easier

Tops Tip 1: Always put your baby down on their back to sleep.

Tops Tip 2: Keep the sleep space clear and at a comfortable temperature.

Tops Tip 3: Stick to a calming bedtime routine every evening.

Tops Tip 4: Offer reassurance during night waking but aim to help your child resettle in their cot or bed.

Tops Tip 5: Remember that regressions are temporary and part of normal development.

Tops Tip 6: Explore sleep methods that feel right for your family and seek advice if you are unsure.

 

A Final Thought from Tops

Safe sleeping practices give your child a secure foundation, while sleep regressions are simply signs of growth and development. Although these periods can test your patience, they do not last forever. With calm routines, reassurance and consistency, most children settle again.

Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters most is safety, connection and choosing an approach you feel confident with.

If you would like further information, you can explore trusted sources such as the

• The NHS
• The Lullaby Trust
• Baby Sleep Information Source (BASIS)

 

You can also speak with your Tops nursery team, who are always here to support you.