As you have probably learned by now, babies don't come with instruction books. This is most evident when it's time to put your baby to sleep. Although 3-month-old babies sleep an average of 15 hours per day, according to KidsHealth, establishing the right sleep routine---particularly a nighttime sleep routine---can mean a good night's sleep for your entire family.
Step 1
Establish a routine with your baby that signals it is time to begin the going-to-sleep process. This begins with keeping up a regular bedtime. According to BabyCenter, babies have an internal clock that keeps their bodies and body functions on a routine. BabyCenter suggests beginning several soothing activities prior to the time your baby is going to sleep. These may include taking a bath, reading a story, singing songs, playing with a certain toy or other activities that may indicate it's time to sleep.
Step 2
Hold your baby in your arms while you are trying to lull her to sleep, but do not let her fall asleep in your arms. Observe your baby for cues that it may be time to go to sleep. According to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, these signs include rubbing the eyes, being fussy, not making direct eye contact or yawning.
Step 3
Place your baby in her crib while she is exhibiting sleep signs but is still awake. You might continue to play soft music, which can establish some continuity between your arms and your baby's bed. Place your baby to sleep on her back, as other sleeping positions have been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Step 4
Guide your baby through a period of light sleep by putting your hand on your baby, playing soft music or singing a soothing song. According to Ask Dr. Sears, babies stay in the light sleep period for roughly the first 10 minutes they attempt to sleep. During this time, they may show signs of brain activity, such as squirming, blinking or making faces. When these actions begin to settle, you know your baby has fallen more deeply asleep and will likely stay asleep during a typical sleep cycle. While many parents opt to stay in the room until baby wakes up, you may gradually begin to exit the room as a means to teach your baby to lull herself to sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- According to Ask Dr. Sears, babies may take as long as 20 minutes to enter a deep sleep. At this time, babies should be still and may smile slightly or have an overall facial expression of peacefulness.
- According to Ask Dr. Sears, babies need to be "parented" to sleep. This means rushing your baby to sleep is not an effective method for success. Instead, establish a nighttime routine that slowly soothes your baby into a deep, comfortable sleep.
Things You'll Need
- Soothing music
References
- Ask Dr. Sears: 31 Ways to Get Your Baby to Go to Sleep
- BabyCenter: How Do I Teach My Baby to Soothe Himself to Sleep??
- Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford: Newborn Sleep Patterns
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Safe Sleep for Your Baby
- KidsHealth: Sleep and Your 1- to 3-month-old
