How to Bounce a Baby to Sleep in Your Arms

For a new (or second or third-time) parent, there is no more pressing question than "How do I get my baby to sleep?" There's plenty of different answers for different babies, and no single solution fits all, but here's one technique that often works wonders.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. If possible, find an environment that will be conducive to sleep for your baby. Ideally, you want to find a space that is nice and dark and quiet with few distractions. Some babies can fall asleep in the middle of a rock concert, but finding somewhere quiet and without much for baby to look at will almost always make the task easier.
2. Hold your baby in your arms and lay her on her side, facing your chest. Cradle her head in the crook of your left elbow and support her bottom with your right hand. With your left hand, gently hold her left hand against her side. For more support, put the baby's bottom in the crook of your right elbow, using your right arm to support the back.
3. Bounce the baby at an even pace. Many parents find that the more upset the baby is, the more effective it is to speed up the rate of the bounce, but do not ever shake the baby. Make sure that the bouncing is nothing more vigorous than a baby might experience in a jogging stroller on a gravel trail.
4. It will be easier on you, and more soothing for baby, to add some side-to-side motion to the bounce. Try slow-dancing around the room, doing some aerobic-style moves or a simple sway. Experiment and see what your baby responds to.
5. Add gentle, comforting sounds to the mix. It could be a lullaby, gentle shushing or soft music.
6. Finally, the secret weapon. If your baby just won't keep her eyes closed, give her a soft kiss on the forehead whenever she opens her eyes. This will encourage her to close her eyes again and eventually, they'll stay that way.

Tips & Warnings

• When you put the baby down to bed, put her on her side and pat her back gently to quiet any stirring.
• If the technique is making baby upset or more upset, try another position. Then come back and try again.
• It can't be stressed enough to not bounce the baby too hard.
• Don't put the baby down too soon. After he falls asleep, keep bouncing another 5 minutes or until his limbs go limp.