How to Get Your Baby to Sleep by Themselves
Exhausted parents all over the world search for ways to make tired babies sleep through the night. Rocking, feeding and singing your baby to sleep might work for a while, but your baby will learn to expect the same action if he wakes at night. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby will develop a natural sleep cycle around 6-months old. With patience and persistence, you can teach your baby to soothe himself and sleep on his own.
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Instructions
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Choose a bedtime. Putting your baby to bed at the same time each night will set her internal clock; she will begin waking at the same time each morning, napping at predictable times each day and be sleepy again at her regular bedtime.
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2
Create a bedtime routine for your baby. Include a nighttime feeding, bath, story or a song. Begin your routine half an hour before bedtime and follow it every night; your baby will begin to understand that the routine means bedtime and will be ready to sleep.
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Lay your baby in his crib when he is sleepy, but still awake. Give him necessary comfort items, such as a light blanket or a pacifier and turn out the lights.
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Leave the room, but wait outside the door. Some babies will ease into peaceful slumber, some will fuss and cry.
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Return to your baby after a few minutes if she continues to cry. Rub her back or sing a song to calm her, but don't pick her up. Leave the room again. Continue to do this every few minutes until she falls asleep.
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Comfort your baby with a song or a back rub if he wakes in the night. Do not pick him up. Leave for a few minutes and comfort again. Do this until he falls back asleep.
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Increase the time you allow your baby to cry by two minutes each night.
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Contact your doctor if sleeping problems persist.
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Tips & Warnings
If your baby has continued difficulty sleeping, attempt putting him to bed half an hour earlier.
Create a similar routine and follow this process when putting your baby down for a nap.
Listen to your baby's cues. Adjust the process to provide the most comfort possible for your baby and yourself.
Do not let your baby become overtired; he might become very cranky and be unable to calm himself.
Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or prop it in her mouth.
Remain as quiet and calm as possible when changing your baby's diaper at night.
References
Resources
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