Sleep and settling model of care: Research summary report

The Department of Health and Human Services (the department) is developing a revised Maternal and Child Health (MCH) sleep and settling model of care to be implemented across the following three platforms:

• MCH Line
• MCH outreach
• first-time parenting groups.

Currently sleep and settling advice is only provided through the first-time parent group or at the 8 month key age and stage consultation with the MCH nurse, unless the parent or caregiver raises a particular concern.

A critical component of this work was a review of the evidence, strategies and approaches relating to sleep and settling for children aged from birth to school age. The approach to the review involved compiling evidence from Australian and international jurisdictions, including a comprehensive overview of the evidence base, contemporary research and approaches with a demonstrated evidence base. It considers developmentally appropriate strategies and cultural diversity.

This research summary will inform the development of the revised MCH sleep and settling model of care.