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Ways to Put Your Baby to Sleep
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Getting a baby to sleep could possibly be the most challenging part of early parenthood, especially for first-time parents. Some babies come into this world being better sleepers than others. There are several ways to get better sleep for both the baby and parents.
Comforting Sounds
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When a baby is in her mother's wombs the noises she hears, such as the mother's heartbeat, are very loud. After babies are born, they are still comforted by similar sounds to those they heard in the womb. One way to mimic these sounds is to make a "shh" sound when trying to get your baby to sleep. Also, fans, white noise machines and air purifiers all produce comforting sounds for babies to hear while they are sleeping.
Pacifiers
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Babies have a natural need to suck on something. Some babies will naturally become thumb suckers, while others may use store-bought pacifiers. The sucking motion will sooth the baby, helping him to fall asleep. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies use pacifiers to help reduce the rate of SIDS, especially when the baby is between two and four months of age.
Swaddling
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Swaddling a baby is done by tightly and safely wrapping a baby in a blanket, mainly with the purpose of making the baby feel warm and secure. Babies spend nine months inside of their mothers, without much room to move around, so after they are born, they are still comforted by the same security of being wrapped up snugly. When babies are swaddled, they will most likely fall asleep more easily and sleep better that if they aren't swaddled. According to Babycenter.com, swaddling can also help to reduce the risk of SIDS. Most babies no longer want to be swaddled by the time they are about two months old.
Sleep-Friendly Routine
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Babies, just like adults, need some time to wind down before bed. They should not have a lot of stimulation or activity right before bedtime. In article on Pregnancy.org, Jodi Mindell states that doing anything active right before bed will cause the baby to have a hard time falling asleep. A routine, including reading stories, softly sing songs, or giving the baby a bath, can help the baby wind down at night.
Movement
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Motion, whether it is in a car, swaying in a parent's arms, or swinging in a swing, will help most babies fall asleep. The main challenge in doing this is what will happen when the baby stops moving. Also, the baby might get used to falling asleep this way, so after a few months, it is recommended by the American Pediatrics Association that the baby learns to fall asleep on his own.
eHow Article: Ways to Put Your Baby to Sleep
