Babies are not born knowing how to soothe themselves to sleep, to most parent's frustration. Instead, an infant needs help in learning how to sleep through the night. An inconsolable baby and sleep-deprived parent are not a good match, but they are quite common. There are several sleep-training methods available but selecting the right one may take time. Do what is best for you and your baby instead of doing what everyone else tells you is best. Begin training your baby to sleep through the night once your pediatrician confirms that it is time. Beginning too soon can be unhealthy for a baby if he requires nutrition through the night but is not awakened by his parents.
Step 1
Soothe your infant to sleep at the earliest sign of tiredness. If your child is fussy, rubbing his eyes or seems hard to console then he may be over-tired. There is a window of opportunity where putting your child down to bed is easiest. You will learn to recognize these signs once you begin looking for them.
Step 2
Assist your infant in calming down for the first several months. This can be done by swaddling him, rocking him, playing quiet music, patting his back or giving him a pacifier. Babies are used to loud noises and motion during their stay in the womb. Re-creating this environment during bedtime will help your baby get to sleep.
Step 3
Practice letting your baby self-soothe by putting him down while he is sleepy but still awake. Eventually your infant will learn how to settle himself down. During the early months he will need your assistance.
Step 4
Keep your distance from your baby for a few minutes while he settles down. This may mean walking away as he cries a bit. Decide how long you are comfortable letting him cry and return to check on him after this time has passed. Gradually increase the time you are away from the baby until he finally falls asleep.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't start sleep training too soon. It is beneficial to establish nap and bedtime routines very early in life but do not expect perfection in the early months. Try to be consistent in the routine you are developing. For example, always place your baby in his bed in a room that is dimly lit during sleep time. Consult your pediatrician about what age your infant can be allowed to cry it out. Engage in activity with your baby during the day. Participate in only quiet activities before bed. Encouraging activity before bed, while a reasonable idea, won't really wear your baby down but instead over-stimulate him making it harder to get settled down. Talk to your pediatrician about allowing your child to cry it out. There is much debate as to when a baby can be left to cry himself to sleep. This method is called crying it out. Many people insist this method is foolproof while others do not feel comfortable with leaving their child to cry.
- Don't make severe schedule changes. Your infant may have his days and nights mixed up. You should not change this instantly but instead, instill a gradual adjustment to bed and nap times.
