Why wont she just go to sleep??

Question

OK... so i babysit for a 4 month old(my niece) and she is sooo tired she can hardly hold her eyes open. She has a clean butt and shes been fed. I tried rocking her and everything else.... no fever either... i also gave her oragel...why wont she just fall alseep?

Answer 1

BABIES LIKE TO FIGHT IT, THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND. JUST BE PATIENT WITH HER. MAKE HER COMFORTABLE AND SHE WILL FALL ASLEEP

Answer 2

sometimes you have to get the baby into the sleep mode because if you seem to still be up and going they will not want to sleep. Try bathing her first and then when she is clean and dry turn the lights down and slowly calm the room. If the TV is on then turn it off and she should calm down along with her surroundings. You might want to stay a while and lay down with her. It might take a little longer at first but as you get her in this routine she will go much faster.

Answer 3

A rhythm is a very comforting thing for a baby. maybe have you tried putting the baby on its belly while your rocking! or some babies like more of a bouncing motion, I sat on a yoga ball with my son and gently bounced him!!
Also is she on a schedule?? If not you might talk to her parents about getting her on more of a routine!, I learned that helps! If you get them into a routine you can try feeding them while rocking them to sleep!
for example(my 4 1/2 mo old's routine)
{{{gets up about 6:00, eats, is changed and starts playing,
naps again from 8:30 to 9:30 and eats about 10
plays and plays during the next hour or so
naps from about 11:30 to about 1:00
eats at about 1
plays for about hour and a half!
naps from about 2:30 to 4 and eats at 4
then he plays ,
then eats cereal about 5:30
he takes a bath about 6:45
and takes about 5 ounces of a bottle at about7:30 and then is asleep by 8:15 }}}
If that doesn't work you may just have to let her cry herself to sleep, eventually she will learn you aren't going to pick her up and will go to sleep!

Answer 4

Maybe she is hot. My kids' pediatrician recommends keeping the baby in a light sleeper with a light blanket and the nursery at 67 degrees or so. Both of my kids started sleeping better when I tried this. Good luck!

Answer 5

Most babies won't go to sleep if it isn't their moms that are putting them to sleep. A baby needs to hear the heartbeat from the mothers chest and the baby is use to the way the mothers arms feel when crattled and also the smell that the baby recognizes as being their moms smell or to the babies probably to hot if you've covered her up to much.

Answer 6

Have you checked if the room temperature is to hot or to cold, maybe? Also, babies can feel or sense when you are tense or worried. You should be relaxed when handling her, so she feels secure and calm.
It is also important to keep to a schedule, as their system gets accustomed to it (the same time of the day to bath, feed, play and the same time to sleep) The routine sometimes makes it easier for them.
But if it continues, I would suggest to check with the doctor/pediatrician.

Answer 7

You might just have to let her cry herself to sleep. Lay her on her back( swaddle her in a blanket if you know how) and put her somewhere safe. Some babies have to cry to get themselves tired and then they will sleep all night. I have a 6 week old and sometimes when he's fussy that's what I have to do. Just make sure you check her to make sure she's not choking. Crying will be fine it won't hurt her. It's true because you are not momma, it may be harder for her. When she get's used to you she will cooperate.

Answer 8

Try rocking her to sleep and when she keeps getting up tell her no and hold her little head down on you'r chest and she will eventually.She just needs a little help feeling comfortable.

Answer 9

Get a sling - Like Over The Shoulder Baby Holder - put her in it and walk around doing your normal activity - she'll be asleep before you know it!

Answer 10

babies like to fight their sleep, so you have to be patient. Try placing a soft pillow over your legs and laying her chest down on the pillow. Turn her head to the side so she can breathe. They evenly rub her back especially in the lower area. She should fall to sleep.

Answer 11

First give her a nice warm bath. Then (AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)

Rock her but hold her like she's yours. I know that sounds stupid but it works. Babies can tell when you upet or distracted. Hold her like she is the most fragile thing in the world. She will feel safe and sleep.