How can I get my baby to sleep without rocking her?

Question

I don't know what to do. My 7 1/2 month old will not go to sleep on her own, I was rocking her to sleep (I know it's not the best method) she would stay asleep through the night, but recently I switched her from breast to bottle, now she won't sleep propertly. As soon as she is appears to be sleeping I put her down in her crib to bed and almost instantly she wakes up and will cry until I pick her back up, I tryed to let her cry but she won't fall asleep. I give in and rock her but she does the same thing again in total she stays up an extra 4 to 5 hours after her bed time what can I do? How can I get her to sleep without rocking her?

Answer 1

I had the same problem a few months ago with my daughter who was 6 months old at the time. We decided to just put her in her crib and let her cry it out. At first she cried for what seemed like forever, but was only 30 minutes or so. We would go in and comfort her every 5-10 minutes, but not pick her up out of the crib. She would stand up and reach for us which was hard to bear, but we would just hug her over the rail until she could breathe better through her crying. We did this every time she went down to sleep, and within a week she went down with no problems. She even slept longer at night after we started doing it that way. She still fusses a little when we first put her down, but she stops in less than 5 minutes and is off to sleep! It is a difficult process at first because it is so hard to see them crying so bad, but believe me it is worth it not to have to rock for half an hour and then have them wake up as soon as you put them down. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

my daughter was the same way. i started out rocking her because i liked the time with her, then by 8 months, all i could think was 'this has to stop' so her doc said we just needed to put her in her crib and let her cry. it won't take too long for her to get used to it. every once in a while go in and talk to her and calm her down. but don't pick her up. it'll be harder on you than it is on her. good luck

Answer 3

Encourage her to self soothe. Talk to her and tell her she's OK. With confidence put her down in her crib to sleep. Wind up her chime and walk away.

You do not have to put an asleep child to bed. It is OK to put an awake child to bed and have her sooth herself to sleep. Often they will play with their hair, rub an earlobe or pet a stuffy.

Unfortunately you are starting this a bit late in the game but you can catch up! Remember, with confidence and kindness.

Good night sweet heart, Lay her down, cover her up, wind her toy, and walk away. Do it exactly the same way every time.

A good "going to bed routine" is something children use for life.

Answer 4

At 7 1/2 months old she should learn how to put herself to sleep without help from anyone or anything. Just lay her down and let her lay there until she falls asleep. She'll learn, it just takes time though.

Answer 5

maybe what you can do is try sleeping with the baby next to you. Then maybe let her head rest on your arm. Meanwhile, patting her to sleep or feeding her. Once she falls asleep, slowly slip your hand out. And even if she does wake up, she'll sense that you'll be right there. try that because my guess is eventually she'll just get use to the fact that you're there even if you're not holding her.

Answer 6

cold turkey. as long as she thinks she can cry and you will come in to pick her up (which is what she wants) she will. give it 3 nights and it's going to be difficult for you so find something to occupy yourself because she's going to cry. it's inevitable. you can go in to check on her but don't pick her up. rub her tummy, soothe her but don't pick her up. then say goodnight again and leave. increase the time between going to soothe her each time. (if you take this approach) the first night she may cry for hours. the second night she might cry but it will be less. by the third night, she should be much better. also...if she wakes up during the night, don't run to her immediately. give her some time to learn to soothe herself back to sleep. seriously...it worked wonderfully with my son, who was also used to being rocked.

Answer 7

At 7 1/2 month the baby is now a master at manipulating adoring parents....I`m afraid its time to be cruel to be kind..make sure baby is fed ,dry and warm then leave her/him ..It may take a few nights but the idea will soon sink in..These little people are very very bright and like to pull the strings if we let them...Good luck..

Answer 8

toddlers shouldn't nod off on the bottle or breast, as they'd desire to be burped anyhow. I continually had a rocking chair, and so enjoyed the soothing rhythm and heat little kit deal as I rocked. yet, I continually placed the toddler down earlier they have been asleep so as that they've been given the assumption of the circulate to their mattress. you additionally can evaluate (this would sound strange!) letting the heady scent of you be on the toddler's sheet or blanket, by way of potential of you donning it for awhile as you carry the toddler would be sufficient to circulate your "mommy" heady scent. it form of feels to convenience some toddlers. lots has replaced interior the final 35 yrs considering the fact that i began out elevating my 3 females, yet as a grandmother of six and fortunate to be waiting to hold and rock lots of them many situations, i know how comforting it rather is for us besides. do not tension over this, in simple terms use slightly person-friendly sense, and revel in that candy kit deal on your hands!

Answer 9

I rocked my daughter to sleep right up until she was about 7 years old. Nothing wrong with it.

Answer 10

put the baby in his or her crib or basinet and let um go to sleep if they cry let him cry ... he or she will learn to deal with the whole going to bed on his or her own