Soothing Techniques for Infants Who Won’t Sleep

Most parents, whether they are new or experienced parents, report that getting a new baby to sleep is a challenge. While there are those lucky few that have a baby who seem to know when to sleep, most parents are confounded by the avalanche of advice on getting your baby to sleep. Before you are overwhelmed by all the advice, however well meaning, here is some basic tried and true advice on getting that new arrival to sleep peacefully through the night. Here are some soothing techniques for infants who won’t sleep.

Consider the age of your baby. While newborns are notoriously difficult sleepers, an older baby can learn to fall asleep on their own. At first, your baby may fall asleep in your arms while feeding or being rocked. He may even sleep if you carry him in a sling, where the natural rhythms of your walk and your warmth lull him. But over time you want your baby to get used to the idea of going to sleep on his own. The best way to do this is to introduce the notion gradually: When you see that your baby is drowsy, but not yet asleep, lay him down. By doing this when he’s awake but still feeling loved and cozy he may associate falling asleep by himself with such feelings. At first this may be easier said than done, but if you do continue to try to put your baby down sleepy, but awake, soon he’ll get the hang of it.
Consider your baby’s temperament when deciding what technique to use to help him fall asleep and stay asleep. For many years parents have been told that the best way to train a baby who no longer needs nighttime feedings to sleep through the night is to let him “cry it out”. In other words you put the baby in his bed, shut the door, and let him bawl. There are variations on this technique, but the general idea is the same: After about a week of unheeded crying, a baby will learn to fall asleep on his own. Since he does not get a reward to his cries, the theory goes; a baby learns that it’s not worth the trouble to cry so hard. While experts recommend this is not a technique for babies under six months of age this is still a widely debated theory. Some experts recommend that parents not leave their baby cold turkey, but that they periodically comfort him without picking him up. In addition it is important that parents make sure that the baby is not twisted up in his blankets or without his favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Parents are then instructed to pat him or her gently, tell him you love him but its bedtime, and leave the room. They are also cautioned not to turn on the lights, linger, or hold him. In using this technique parents are also instructed to wait five minutes before the crib side appearance, the second night ten minutes, and so on. It is assumed that eventually, your baby will learn to fall asleep on his own. Remember though that not every approach works for every baby and you must understand the temperament of your baby.
Consider your temperament. Some parents find the idea of having their baby cry it out too overwhelming and distressing. Many parents feel that if you leave your baby crying, he’ll feel abandoned and fear that your departure at bedtime and any other time isn’t safe. You need to understand that it isn’t until starting at around nine months that babies can really learn that night-time is for sleeping. For parents it might be wise to keep to your enjoyable bedtime rituals and when your baby cries go into his room, reassure him, and leave as often as you need to. You may have to repeat this over and over again, but it is the only sure way eventually to convince him both that you will come and that you will not get him up and that nighttime really is for sleep.