October 2012 Moms

How to put her down drowsy??

Just wondering if you have any tips for training LO to go down drowsy and put herself to sleep? Up until now we've been rocking her and putting her down totally asleep. Oops :) We'd like to help her learn how to put herself back to sleep at night...and the first step, I think, is to help her learn how to go to sleep in the first place. I feel like this is going to be a huge battle, and I know I have a hard time listening to her cry. How should we help her learn this skill??

Also, we still swaddle. Is it realistic to ask her to soothe herself to sleep when she's swaddled or should we wean her so that her hands are free (she won't take a pacifier, so she likes sucking on her hands).

Thanks for your help :)  

 

Re: How to put her down drowsy??

  • I just set LO in the crib and turn her mobile on, she's out by the time the mobile stops.  If the only way ur DD self-soothes is with her hands then I'd stop using the swaddle or atleast leave one arm out.

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  • Maybe try with the first nap of the day without swaddling and hold her until she is drowsy, she might be tired enough when you lay her down she will just put her hands in her mouth to soothe. I say the first nap since it seems most babies are in a good mood since it's still early in the day.

    Also I am sure it makes no difference but I do it anyway when I lay Ashley down for her to fall asleep I whisper in her ear "Go night night, I love you" I say it every time hoping eventually she might know when she hears that it's time to sleep. (Plus I just like saying it ;-)  

  • Once we stopped swaddling I was able to put him down drowsy and have him soothe himself to sleep. We are still working on it though, it doesn't always work. I I rock him and then when his eyes are closed I move him to his bed, which usually wakes him up, so I give him the paci and step back. I stay in the room until he has fallen asleep.
  • Thanks for the advice :) We do have a bedtime routine, and it has helped a lot so far..she has always had a hard time going to sleep. We also gave her an earlier bedtime (between 6:30/7) which helps A LOT. The mobile we have is really stimulating (I take it down for naps) - I can go out and get her something that's more soothing....any recommendations?? 

     Another questions...what should I do if she won't put herself to sleep? When do I just give in and rock her to sleep (or do I battle it out...I'm afraid this might take hours!!) Thanks! :)

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