If a child is struggling to breathe, is floppy or will not wake, or their skin, lips or tongue look blue or grey: call 999 now. Colour changes are harder to see on brown and black skin, so check the palms, soles, lips and tongue. If you are worried but it is not an emergency, call NHS 111. In Northern Ireland use your GP out-of-hours service.

MarionSleep help for families

What is happening tonight?

Pick whichever sounds most like your night. Each one goes straight to the answer, not to a reading list.

Or browse everything

Every section is broken into short pages, and each one opens with the answer.

Safer sleep for babies

The rules that reduce the risk of sudden infant death, and honest, practical guidance on co-sleeping rather than a simple "never".

What is normal at each age

Most parents looking for help are describing something completely normal. Here is what sleep actually looks like, and how wide the normal range is.

Ways to help your child sleep

Settling methods, each with the steps, what the evidence really shows, and who it may not suit. None of this is compulsory.

Common sleep problems

Troubleshooting for the specific thing going wrong tonight.

Sleep and additional needs

For disabled and neurodivergent children. Why sleep is often different, what to rule out first, and how to get specialist help.

Looking after yourself

For mothers, fathers and partners. Sleep loss, mental health, and staying safe when you are running on empty.

When to get medical help

Red flags in plain words. What needs 999, what needs 111, and what can wait for the health visitor.

UK support directory

Every helpline and charity, with registered charity numbers, opening hours and what the call costs. All checked.

Need to speak to somebody now?

Baby under 12 months, crying or not sleeping: Cry-sis on 0800 448 0737, seven days a week, 9am to 10pm.

Child 12 months or older: The Sleep Charity's National Sleep Helpline on 03303 530 541 (standard network rate).

A disabled child, any age: Contact on 0808 808 3555, freephone.

If you are struggling to cope: Samaritans on 116 123, free from any phone, day or night, all year. None of the sleep lines are open at 3am. See the full directory.

Where this comes from

Last checked 1 August 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child, speak to your health visitor or GP.