Sleep support for real family life.

Gentle, practical sleep guidance from newborn safe sleep through toddler and preschool bedtime routines.

Sleep support across the first 2000 days is about safer sleep, rest, family rhythms and parent wellbeing, not perfect nights.

Safe sleepNight wakingNapsBedtime

Sleep

Sleep changes across the first years.

Safe sleep foundations matter for babies.

Routines can help, but exhaustion deserves support too.

Why birth to 5 matters

The first 2000 days, from pregnancy to around age 5, are a powerful window for health, learning, relationships and confidence. First Years uses this idea to organise practical support without implying endorsement by NSW Health.

Read NSW Health's first 2000 days overview

What parents often come here for

First Years keeps the next step visible when parenting information starts to feel scattered. This page gives you a calm overview, then links you to practical guides and trusted Australian resources.

newborn sleep and safe sleep

Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.

night waking

Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.

nap transitions

Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.

bedtime battles

Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.

parent sleep deprivation

Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.

Practical anchors

  • Start with safety and a small repeatable rhythm.
  • Use daylight, active play and a short bedtime pattern where possible.
  • Seek help when sleep feels unsafe, unmanageable or linked with parent distress.

Trusted Australian resource base

This topic connects to resources such as Red Nose Australia, Sleep Health Foundation, Tresillian, Raising Children Network. First Years summaries are evidence-informed and parent-friendly, but they do not replace professional advice.

Guides for this topic

Download the free guides or view a sample before buying a premium PDF.

First YearsSleep Guide45 pages
Premium guide45 pages

Sleep Guide

A practical sleep companion from newborn sleep through toddler and preschool bedtime, with safe sleep foundations and gentle routine tools.

View guide
First YearsNewborn Essentials36 pages
Premium guide36 pages

Newborn Essentials

A reassuring guide to the first 12 weeks after birth, covering feeding, nappies, safe sleep, crying, newborn health signs and parent recovery.

View guide
First YearsParent Wellbeing34 pages
Premium guide34 pages

Parent Wellbeing

A shame-reducing guide to sleep loss, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, relationship strain and practical support.

View guide
First YearsFamily Routines Pack43 pages
Premium guide43 pages

Family Routines Pack

A practical printable pack for mornings, meals, bedtime, bags, appointments, first foods, shared load and hard-day routines.

View guide