For example, you might put your baby to bed at 7:30pm each night. Don’t change their bedtime on certain days of the week. Keep it the same every day, including the weekend.
Use calming bath products, such as a lavender scented soap and lotion. You could also give your baby a soothing massage with baby lotion after their bath. Dress your baby in pajamas that are appropriate for the season, such as warm fleece pajamas in winter or lightweight cotton pajamas during the summer.
After your baby is in their pajamas, avoid letting them play with stimulating toys or playing games with them. Keep your voice low and calm when you speak to them and don’t talk too much. Consider using a white noise machine. [7] X Expert Source Corey Fish, MDPediatrician & Chief Medical Officer, BraveCare Expert Interview. 17 March 2020.
For example, you could read your baby Goodnight Moon and sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” every night to help them get sleepy.
Always place your baby in their crib on their back! This decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When your baby is able to roll over on their own, they will adjust their position in bed to get comfortable.
If your baby needs to be fed during the night, avoid playing or talking too much as you feed them. Only go to your baby if they’re truly crying. If they’re just fussing, grunting, or whining, they may fall asleep again on their own. [11] X Expert Source Julie Wright, MFTParenting & Baby Sleep Specialist Expert Interview. 6 March 2020.
Allowing your baby to suck on a pacifier while they sleep can also help to reduce the risk of SIDS.
You can also purchase special swaddle-wrap sleep sacks to help keep your baby warm and comforted. Keep in mind that swaddling is typically used for newborns, so this might not be as helpful for a baby older than 3 months.
Avoid placing your baby in bed with you until they fall asleep. While this may work sometimes, it can teach your baby to dislike being in their crib and there is also a risk of your baby suffocating, so it’s best to avoid doing this. [18] X Research source
You can listen just outside the door or use a baby monitor.
Try saying something like, “You’re okay! Mommy loves you!” or “Go back to sleep, sweetie. I love you!”
This can be difficult for many parents to do since listening to your baby cry can be heartbreaking. However, it is a necessary part of the process.
Keep in mind that this method is controversial. Some parents think it is too extreme and prefer variations where they stay in the room while their baby cries or where they wait until the baby’s natural bedtime—no matter how late it is—and then put the baby to bed when they seem truly sleepy. If this technique does not work for you and your baby, then try something else.
