How to a Put a Baby to Bed

A baby does not always fall into an easy bedtime routine. A parent or caregiver should consistently follow a plan when putting a baby to bed. Some parents put the baby in bed and allow them to cry it out. Parents who choose not to let a baby cry it out can choose different options.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Make the hours before bedtime quiet time. Keep the stimulation to a minimum. Turn the television down and keep activity to a minimum. Set up an environment that encourages sleep.
2. Set up an environment suitable for sleep. Keep natural light from the room. Use dim lamps or a night light rather than overhead lights. Run a fan or white noise machine to provide noise to drown out any household noises. Keep the crib or bed free of toys and thick quilts.
3. Develop a bedtime routine. Set a bed time and stick with it. Bathe baby in relaxing warm water. Talk about the day's events. Read a bedtime story. Each family must determine the routine that suits them.
4. Put baby down when drowsy, but not asleep. Placing a sleepy baby down will allow them to learn to settle down on their own. It will be harder for a baby to learn to settle himself down if he is always placed in his crib when in a deep sleep.
5. Place baby in the crib on their back to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) If the baby cries, soothe her by gently rubbing her back and speaking softly.
6. Allow the baby a short amount of time to settle down, then check back in and soothe her again. Continue this process until the baby is asleep.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different approaches for putting your baby to sleep for several days before giving up on a particular approach.