In the very early weeks of your baby's life, she may have responded well to being swaddled, or wrapped snugly, burrito-style, in a thin blanket. As she grows, however, she may not like being tightly wrapped anymore. Also, if your baby's bedroom is warm, she may become overheated if swaddled. If you do not want to swaddle your baby anymore, there are still gentle ways to soothe your baby to sleep.
Step 1
Create a night-time routine for your baby. This might include a bath, getting into pajamas and singing a song. For many babies, it will include nursing or bottlefeeding while rocking in a rocking chair. Stick to the same routine every night. Consistency will help your little one to feel secure and to realize that going to sleep is what is expected.
Step 2
Walk with your baby if he is not asleep after his last feeding. Shut off most of the lights, and turn off the television. Play a soft lullaby on a CD player if this helps your baby to relax. Walk rhythmically up and down the hall or around and around one room until he falls asleep.
Step 3
Place your baby on her back in her crib. She may stir and open her eyes; if this happens, pat her gently until she settles back down. Slowly and quietly leave the room once your baby closes her eyes and falls asleep. If she wakes up, try to soothe her back to sleep without picking her up, in order to help her to understand that she can fall asleep without you holding her. If she begins to cry and get upset, pick her up and try rocking or nursing her again.
Step 4
Respond to your baby if he cries during the night. Young babies often cannot go through the whole night without a feeding, or he may need his diaper changed or some snuggling. Do not turn on any unnecessary lights, and speak in a low voice.
Step 5
Turn on the lights in the morning and speak in a cheerful tone. Open the blinds and involve your baby in your daily activities. Be sure to feed her often in order to help her to get most of her calories during the day. These actions will help your baby to understand that daytime is for eating and playing, and that nighttime is for sleeping.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider trying a modified cry-it-out method as your baby gets older, if he is not falling asleep easily in the evenings. Dr. Richard Ferber, of Children's Hospital in Boston, recommends leaving the baby in his crib drowsy but awake, and leaving the room. Return after five minutes to soothe him, then leave. Return ten minutes later, and continue this process, lengthening the time between your visits by five minutes each time. Another option, one advocated by Dr. William Sears, is to continue to help your baby to fall asleep until she begins to do so on her own. Dr. Sears also recommends co-sleeping, if desired. See the Resources section for more information on Dr. Ferber's and Dr. Sears' techniques.
