Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Your Baby to Self-Soothe

August 07, 2024

As a Child Sleep Consultant and a mum of three, I understand the challenges of sleepless nights. The idea of putting your baby in their crib and leaving the room might seem unimaginable. Up until now, your baby only knows to cry for attention. When they cry, you feed them or help them sleep. They don't yet know that they can soothe themselves, or that they don't need you to fall asleep. This is a skill we need to teach them, much like we teach other skills as they grow.

Teaching your baby to self-soothe is an important step, and with patience and practice, your baby will learn to settle themselves to sleep.

5 Key Steps to Teach Your Baby to Self-Soothe

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine Establish a calming bedtime routine with activities like a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. These signals help your baby wind down and get ready for sleep. Also, maintain a regular daily schedule with consistent nap and bedtime times. This predictability helps your baby feel secure and know what to expect.
2. Optimize the Sleep Environment Ensure the room is dark and quiet. Maintain a comfortable temperature to help your baby sleep soundly. Additionally, use a white noise machine to mask household sounds and create a soothing atmosphere.
3. Put Baby Down Drowsy but Awake Place your baby in their crib when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own. Avoid sleep props like feeding or rocking to ensure your baby falls asleep in their crib.
4. Gradual Extinction Method If your baby cries, wait a few minutes before checking on them, gradually increasing the waiting time. When you do check, keep interactions brief and calm without picking up or feeding. Gradually extend the intervals between checks to help your baby learn to self-soothe.
5. Be Consistent and Allow Some Fussing Be consistent in your approach to avoid confusing your baby. Allow them to fuss a bit so they can learn to soothe themselves.

As a Child Sleep Consultant, I want to remind you that teaching your baby to self-soothe involves setting a consistent sleep routine, creating a conducive sleep environment, and using methods like gradual extinction. The goal is for your baby to fall asleep independently and develop healthy sleep habits, leading to better rest for everyone. With patience and practice, your baby will learn to settle themselves to sleep.

Remember, self-soothing is a valuable skill that benefits your baby as they grow. It’s okay to give them the space to learn this skill, just like other milestones. With your guidance and consistency, your baby will learn to sleep independently, helping everyone get the rest they need.

If you need more support, why not book a Free 15-Minute Sleep Consultation Call with me?

Ready to teach your baby to self-soothe? Download my Free Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Your Baby to Self-Soothe.

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