Whether babies and children sleep well is important for them, but a good night time’s rest is important for the parent as well, and for those who are cynical, it is probably the latter reason which leads to so much literature on the subject. If you look at the back numbers of this Webmag, you will find 101 references to the subject, including a review of the book, Sound Sleep, in September 2003. Sound Sleep is only one of a number of books available on the market, but when it comes to equipment to help children sleep, there are some new ideas around.

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Here is an idea from Bibs and Stuff . The Miracle Blanket is described as “the Simple and Safe Way to Swaddle”. They write, “Swaddling has long been upheld as a safe and cosy way for your baby to enjoy a good night’s sleep, but can be daunting with so much complicated wrapping and folding involved! Now the Miracle Blanket from Bibs and Stuff provides new parents with a foolproof solution that’s easy to use and with no confusing folding. The Miracle Blanket brings parents peace of mind, and baby a peaceful slumber.

“Swaddling is an age-old technique for keeping an infant warm and secure as it creates a slight pressure around a baby’s body that gives a sense of security. Not only does this help newborns to sleep better, but it also means they are less likely to jerk themselves awake. The Miracle Blanket provides parents with a failsafe route to swaddling as its unique design facilitates snug, straightforward wrapping with no excess fabric, has special flaps to secure baby’s arms, and ultimately puts the child’s welfare first.

“America’s best-selling swaddling blanket, the Miracle Blanket is recommended by medical professionals worldwide. It has no press studs, straps, Velcro or buttons, so there’s no danger of scratching. The wrapped blanket allows baby to feel warm and protected at all times for a deeper and longer sleep, and it helps to eliminate any risks associated with baby’s bedtime. Not only does it relieve, and sometimes cure, colic, but it also reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

“Best suited for babies aged up to 14 weeks, the Miracle Blanket is 100% cotton and has no extra fabric attached, so overheating is not an issue. It is a one size solution that requires no adjustments as baby grows and won’t unravel, even during a restless sleep. It can also make breastfeeding easier as it reduces baby’s fussiness and twitching.

“The Miracle Blanket is available in pink, blue, yellow and white to complement all nurseries and is available from www.bibsandstuff.com or by calling 01293 774924.

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Then there’s SleepCurve, a mattress designed by an osteopath for babies, which, it is claimed “will help avert sleepless nights - for baby and parent alike - or even cut back on child deformities.” The design is based on the premise that babies’ heads are large for their bodies, and are liable to flop to one side if they are placed on their backs to sleep. There is even a danger of mis-shapen skull bones.

The mattress, designed for children aged between new-born and two years, does the job of a mother's crooked elbow. The head and body rest in bowled areas, the neck on the raised section between.

The design is intended to offer comfort, reduce pressure, clear the airways and reduce excessive heat. It took Manchester-based osteopath Philip Owen four years to develop.

If you want to know more, take a look at www.sleepcurve.com .

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Finally, there’s the Bed Nest, an invention of Sarah Woodhouse and her sister. This is a cot which is not yet in production and a commercial sponsor is being sought. It is designed to be attached alongside a mother’s bed, so that the baby has a space to itself and runs no risk of being rolled on by the parent, but it remains close and can sense the parent nearby, avoiding the danger of isolation from the mother.

This idea one the top prize for new products at the Baby and Child International Fair in Birmingham recently, but it still awaits the cash needed for production. Any reader with the resources to help can contact Sarah Woodhouse on 01263 740935.

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And incidentally it was Sarah who wrote Sound Sleep, which brings us back to the beginning.