Not being able to logically reason with a baby at bedtime can be a frustrating event for any caregiver. It's time for bed, but your baby is wide-eyed and not showing any signs that sleeping is in the near future. Developing a routine will help your six-month-old baby because your baby will recognize each stimulus as being time for sleeping and will naturally begin to adjust. It takes time for good habits to develop, so being understanding and patient with your baby while following these steps will prove to be successful in getting your baby to sleep.
Nighttime Routine
Step 1
Stimulate your baby during the day. Stimulation of a 6-month-old can be done by dancing with your baby, talking to your baby, making sounds and giving plenty of supervised crawling opportunities. According to Oregon State University, babies get bored the same way adults do; if your baby is losing interest in an activity, try something new.
Step 2
Maintain the daytime environment for naps. Continue normal household sounds as usual. If you make atmosphere changes during the daytime, your baby will have difficulties recognizing nap time and bedtime routines.
Step 3
Give your baby a warm bath an hour before bedtime. The warmth of the bathwater can help a baby relax the same way it helps adults.
Step 4
Use baby lotion to massage your baby. A gentle massage will help your baby relax, which encourages him to feel sleepy during bedtime. Only do the massage at night before bedtime so your baby learns this is part of the bedtime routine.
Step 5
Give a breast or bottle a half hour before bedtime. Allowing your baby to suckle on your breast or bottle will make sure your baby does not have an empty stomach and also will provide comfort.
Step 6
Pat your baby gently on the back so your baby can burp. If your baby does not burp before bedtime this could cause gas and make your baby fussy in the middle of the night.
Step 7
Give your baby a pacifier. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a pacifier reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The pacifier also will satisfy your baby’s natural suckling reflex while soothing and comforting your baby to sleep.
Step 8
Sing a lullaby, hum or play a lullaby CD until baby falls asleep. If you are uncomfortable singing, buy a lullaby CD to play in the background, which may have similar soothing effects.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the National Network for Child Care, researchers have found that going to bed at the same time every night helps babies fall asleep faster. Remove your breast or bottle from baby's mouth before he or she falls asleep. Otherwise, your baby may become dependent on eating while falling asleep and have more difficulties falling back to sleep without help if woken during the night.
- Always supervise your baby in the bathtub. Leaving the room to grab something you forgot may seem quick, but it's all it takes for a baby to drown. Never use blankets or place toys in your baby's crib or bassinet since these increase the risk of SIDS. According to North Dakota State University (NDSU), too much stimulation can cause stress and problems with your baby’s development. If your baby is crying or seems irritable, reduce the amount of stimulation being given. If your baby develops a rash from baby lotion, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Bathtub
- Baby lotion
- Bottle (optional)
- Pacifier
- Lullaby CD (optional)
References
- Oregon State: Providing Early Stimulation
- Healthy Children: Sleep and Mental Health
- American Academy of Pediatrics: The Changing Concept of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- National Network for Child Care: Good Times at Bedtime
- North Dakota State University: Keys to Enhancing Brain Development in Young Children
