Bedtime can lead to frazzled nerves when you are teaching your baby to go to sleep by himself. You may feel stressed or guilty if he won't fall asleep or wakes up crying. It takes patience, consistency and self-discipline to ease him into sleeping on his own and maintain a routine that supports that goal. The process is not difficult as long as you are willing to put it in place and follow it every evening. Eventually your baby will start winding down at the appointed time and be ready for sleep when you tuck him into his crib or bed.
Step 1
Set and maintain a consistent bedtime. Babies are comforted by routine so a child will learn to sleep by himself more easily if you expect him to do it at the same time every night.
Step 2
Do activities that help your baby wind down and relax in the hour or two before bedtime. Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician, explains that a warm, soothing bath or gentle massage may relax your youngster. Story time and cuddling are also good evening activities. Avoid anything that might inadvertently stimulate the baby. For example, Dr. Sears states that some infants are stimulated rather than relaxed by touch.
Step 3
Use consistent sleep associations to prepare your baby each night. Dr. Sears recommends using consistent cues like singing, playing a soothing CD or tape or using a ritual like rocking. Over time the baby will associate the activity with getting prepared to sleep by himself. He will get used to his parents leaving the room as the next step in the process.
Step 4
Leave a comforting item with the baby when you leave him. Dr. Sears advises leaving an item that reminds the baby of you, like a breast pad, or leaving a CD of soothing music playing in the room. You can also provide a security item like a blanket or toy, depending on the baby's age.
Step 5
Let your baby self-soothe if he cries when you leave him or if he wakes up during the night. Deborah Lin-Dyken, an expert in pediatric sleep disorders, explains that you can work your baby up to being by himself or expect him to sleep alone immediately. The right approach depends on your preferences and your child's temperament. Go to the baby's room if you are working gradually towards the goal and give him time to soothe himself to sleep before going in.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure your baby is physically comfortable before leaving him to sleep by himself, Dr. Sears advises. Keep his room at a comfortable temperature and make sure he has a clean diaper and comfortable sleep wear. Clean his nose and treat teething pain if he is currently going through the teething stage.
- Don't look for an easy fix to get your baby to sleep by himself, Dr. Sears warns. He explains that many vendors sell books or gadgets that will supposedly make the process much easier. However, these gimmicks are often useless or only work on babies with a certain temperament. Patience and consistency are a more effective approach.
