How should a babysitter get a child to go to sleep?

JodyPorowski · August 2013

Can anyone give suggestions for helping a child go to sleep if you are just babysitting the child? As a mother, how would you prefer a babysitter help your child get to sleep if you were not at home to help?

Thanks for any suggestions!

shannm · August 2013

I would want them to follow my routine. If I had none, I suggest quietly reading, singing and cuddling in the room where the child sleeps. Some kids will fall asleep on your shoulder and then you can lay them down.

starberrylynn · August 2013

I've always had really good luck with simply rocking them and whispering "shhhhhhhhh, shhhhh, shhh" and as I get quieter they start to go

TiffanyBerry · August 2013

Totally depends on the age and the child. I would ask what the normal routine is.

allardr · August 2013

Follow normal routine, in our routine she may fuss a little but quickly goes to sleep. I pass that info on to babysitter so they don't rush in there. I always say though if she cries for awhile and no signs of calming just take her out to play with a few quiet toys together. I find even ten minutes of that rather fighting sleep calms her enough to sleep. ...really just clarify what's normal and what's ok (like crying, staying up late til real sleepy, etc.)

tbmadeamistake · August 2013

I always write down our bedtime routine for the babysitter, and there's never been a problem. I know with my SIL she cried for a bit last time, so SIL went in and rocked her a few more minutes and then she went down fine. Depending on the age, you can leave a shirt that smells like mom so the baby feels comforted.