Hello exhausted parent, do you have a sleeping infant on you right now and wondering how to get them to sleep in their own bed? I am going to give you a few tips and tricks that worked for me when teaching my little boy to nap in his bassinette.
- Put something in there that smells like you.
It might be a wrap, a shirt, a teddy – anything that has your scent on it. This will comfort your little one and let them know you’re close by. - Make the room and the cot/basinette a “happy place”.
A baby will be a lot more comfortable sleeping in a place they feel happy and safe in. Read books and sing a lullaby before bed, then after they wake up do some play, and have some giggles. If a baby is comfortable in their environment they are a lot more likely to fall asleep (and stay asleep) there. - Pay attention to the sleepy queues.
When a baby is sleepy enough, they will nap anywhere. Look for rubbing eyes, yawns, staring off into space, and overall fussiness. - Try the Ferber Method – don’t forget you can still console and cuddle.
If they are really fighting sleep and just overall seem unhappy – of course, pick them up and give them a cuddle. I know it’s not for everyone, but If they are fed, dry and are the right temperature, then the only thing they need is sleep and that is what you are trying to give them by teaching them to self-settle. - Put them in a milk coma.
Who of us doesn’t feel sleepy after a full meal?
It may take a couple of weeks for these to work but eventually you will get there. You don’t have to try all these tips at once. In fact, I would recommend introducing one at a time.
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