NZ a land of long nursery sleeps

Vicky Mair used to worry about Ruby's sleep patterns, but agrees that setting a routine is important. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Parents suffering sleepless nights may find it hard to believe ... but New Zealand babies are among the best behaved in the world.

An international survey has found Kiwi infants sleep better and go to bed earlier than any in the English-speaking world, and wake less during the night.

The survey, commissioned by baby product developer Johnson's Baby, examined the sleeping habits of nearly 8000 infants less than 3 years old in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Britain and the United States.

Despite the findings, nearly a third of New Zealand parents believed their babies had sleep problems. The survey said New Zealand babies woke less than average during the night, were less likely to sleep in their parents' bedroom and more likely to have the same bedtime routine.

Dr Alex Bartle, director of the Sleep Well Clinics, said parents who were worried about their children's sleep patterns needed to focus on routine.

"Establishing a routine is the essence to getting babies to sleep better. For infants up to six or nine months old, parents should try to establish a routine of half an hour quiet time before baby is bathed, massaged and put to bed," Dr Bartle said.

"For toddlers, parents can allow up to an hour's quiet time before their bedtime routine begins. This routine should consist of pyjamas, teeth, toilet and bed. Once the toddler is in bed, parents can read them a story - then lights out."

Parent Vicky Mair told the Herald she used to worry about her daughter Ruby's sleeping habits.

But she agreed with Dr Bartle on the importance of establishing a routine - "it makes sense" - and welcomed the news that Kiwi babies were more settled than others.

"It's fantastic," she said. "Long may it continue."