Self soothing tips for bed time

mamayo26

I would like to start to be able to put DS to bed, so that he doesn't need to be rocked to sleep, but can be put in the crib and gently fall to sleep on his own.

Bedtime routine usually consists of bath (every other night--or when it is really needed), diper change, lotion/massage, pajamas, bottle, then rocking to sleep.

Last night he verbally and physically protested going to sleep. I knew I was getting frustrated, so I put him in the crib and left the room, so we both could calm down.

He was quite, looking at his mobile, and sucking on his hand. I checked on him twice and the second time he was just barely asleep that was at 9 PM. He slept until about 4:30 AM, had a bottle and went back down.

I imagine since he is 3.5 months that it won't always be this way (aka he will cry)...so I was wondering if there were any tips for getting through this transition with as few tears as possible (from DS and me).

TIA!

Babybear70

Wow...I pretty much could have written your post. I'm curious to see what the responses are.

jasminelorraine20

DS is also 3.5 months and has been able to self soothe to sleep for the past month. After his bath, story, and nursing him, I lay him down and put on his mobile and he will also suck on his hand until he falls asleep. He's does the same in the middle of the night after his feeding as well. It's lasted a month so hopefully it will continue.

emilybailey76

do you keep a dim light on?  Is your mobile lighted?

Leah&Cole

I think you just need to keep doing what happened the other night. Lay LO down drowsy but awake and give them the chance to slept sooth. If they cannot you can rock to sleep and try again the next night. Eventually they will get the hang of it.

thehillsarealive0000

How about buying something that helps soothe babies - like the seahorse or the sleep sheep? Both are raved about on the bump. You never know!

jasminelorraine20

emilybailey76:

do you keep a dim light on?  Is your mobile lighted?

The mobile isn't lighted and I don't keep any lights on in his room because right now he is fascinated by light and it distracts him. I lay him down already tired, so with the darkness added and the white noise- he's out like a light. I forgot to add that I give him a pacifier as well.

sfergus6

Keep doing what you are doing.  My LO is 5 months and we have had the same bedtime routine since we brought her home from the hospital.  She is able to fall asleep on her own mostly if she doesn't nurse to sleep.  I think they love a routine and love knowing what happens next.  You are doing a great job.