how do you get a baby use to sleeping on his own?

Question

i know my newborn might be small but i dont wnat to spoil him how can i make him sleep on his own without me having to rock him in my arms

Answer 1

when they are newborn it is ok to rock them to sleep, they are used to being rocked in the womb for 9 months so it comforts them and they feel safe that way. othersie just make sure he is fed, changed, burped etc. having a sponge bath right before bed helps and then swaddle him with his blankey nice and comfy. works like a charm**

Answer 2

Spoiling a baby is completely a myth. Babies don't know how to manipulate and only want what is comforting to them.

Try putting in place a bedtime routine that the baby can become familiar with. For example, going into his room with the lights out and feeding it, then rocking it all the while playing soft music in the background. Once the baby is asleep, place him in the crib. It's actually better to put them in the crib when they are still partially awake so that they get used to falling asleep on their own. Use a relaxing toy in their crib like the Lights and Sounds Aquarium. It shows waves on the ceiling and plays relaxing sounds.

The above worked like a charm with each of my children and I have 3 boys, now 7, 4 and 2.

I hope this helps.

~Shannon

Answer 3

Having been through this recently my advice is to start getting your baby used to putting himself to sleep. Start a routine at bedtime such as bath,bottle/breastfeed and maybe a story (never to early to read to your baby and the sound of your voice is comforting). Once you have gone through the routine place your baby in bed while he is still awake and let him be. If your baby takes a pacifier you could offer that to help him "self soothe".

Your baby is most likely going to protest and it's ok to go to him and calm him down, but try to refrain from picking him up and rocking him to sleep ect..Consistency is the key and it may take some time but eventually your baby will be able to put himself to sleep.

You can't really spoil a newborn so don't worry about "ruining him" and creating bad sleep habits just yet.

Good luck:)

Answer 4

Newborn is too soon to be letting him sleep on his own. It's impossible to spoil a baby with love. It's an instinctive need to have mother close at all times, awake or asleep.

Take advantage of this special time with your baby, and give him all the cuddles and love you've got in you. This time is so, so, so short. And besides, it's the only way you're all going to be able to sleep. Sleeping with your baby is also very helpful in getting sleep in the wee hours of the morning.

Most experts recommend not doing any form of "sleep training" (such as cry it out or whatever fad sleep training is in - by the way I dont think crying it out is ever necessary) until the baby is at least 6 months old.

Answer 5

It sounds cruel, but you get him use to sleeping on his own by letting him sleep on his own... I assume he has a safe crib? The hardest part is not rushing to pick up the baby as soon as he starts crying.

As to what age, that's kind of the parents call... most sources agree that its actually *not* a good idea to have the baby sleep in the parents bed, for fear of (for lack of a better term) squashing him.

Also, just as an aside, when my son was an infant, we had a thingy, I don't remember what it was called. It was basically two wedge shaped pillows attached with material, and it makes a kind of soft "clamp" to hold the baby in place. Worked very well for us. For some babies, swaddling also provides some extra comfort.

Answer 6

You have to just lay him down even when he isn't sleeping. There is nothing wrong with holding and loving your baby. You have to, but the more you hold him, the more he will want to be in your arms when he goes to sleep. It is hard. I've been through this five times. My two-year old is giving me that same trouble since his binki was taken away. It's a security thing. Just keep in mind that they won't do it forever. They have to just fuss it out.

Answer 7

In my opinion from the day they are home from hospital when it comes to bed time...wrap them and put them in the bassinet/cot if they are a little unsettled just pat thier tummy once settled walk out...if they cry out repeat....it may take some time but the hard work you do today will help with sleeping disorders tomorrow

Answer 8

Wish I knew...I'm still trying to get my 4 month old to sleep on his own.

Answer 9

just put him in his crib, don't be borthered if he's crying unless he's hungry, you can check and you can put a lullaby music...just leave him there and he'll fall asleep on his own.

Answer 10

you tell me