One of the main challenges for moms, especially first-time mothers, is getting the baby to sleep alone. At the first cry, the first thing they usually do is pick them up, and sometimes it really is necessary to soothe the baby in your arms. But at other times, it’s not so necessary, and in these moments it’s actually better to leave them in the crib until they fall asleep.
The baby feels unprotected when not in the mother’s arms which is why they cry, and there’s also the matter of separation anxiety, as the baby thinks they will be abandoned if left in the crib and can no longer see their mother.
It’s a phase that requires patience from both mother and baby, a phase that for some can be very difficult. Below are tips on how to help your baby get used to sleeping alone.
IMPORTANT: These tips are only to help moms who have trouble getting their babies to sleep on their own. But it is important to see a pediatrician for follow-up.
Help Your Baby Tell the Difference Between Day and Night
It’s important to help your baby notice the difference between day and night. To do this, you need to help them learn to distinguish. During the day, get your baby used to the normal daytime noises like the sound of the TV, radio, washing machine, blender, or even the dog barking, if there is one.
Household Sounds and Lighting
These sounds are important, as they will help the baby distinguish the home environment during the day and at night, since on their own, babies won’t make this distinction. It’s important for the baby to note that at night everything is calmer and slower, unlike the hustle and bustle of the household routine.
At night, keep the TV volume very low, dim the lights in the house, and even playtime with the baby should be gentler. When taking your baby to the bedroom to sleep, it’s also recommended to dim the light and leave only a night light on. Doing this will help your baby avoid switching day for night — that is, staying awake more at night and sleeping more during the day.
Follow a Routine with Your Baby
When putting your baby to sleep, it’s important to repeat the same routine every day, like a ritual, so they start to recognize when it’s time to go to sleep and won’t fight against sleep as much.
The bedtime ritual can be a relaxing bath, nursing, a massage, and singing lullabies or telling stories, in that order. This ritual will help your baby understand that it’s time to rest, and remember to always do it at the same time.
Don’t Let Your Baby Fall Asleep in Your Arms
It’s not advisable to let your baby fall asleep in your arms; only do this when it’s really necessary and the baby just won’t stop crying. However, making your baby sleep alone in the crib is a gradual process that takes patience. That’s why you should take it slow and show them they can, should, and are able to sleep alone in the crib.
The Place to Sleep is the Crib
Remember the ritual? So, when you see that your baby is very sleepy, put them in the crib. Don’t let them fall asleep in your arms. The baby needs to be aware that the place to sleep is in the crib. If they fuss, soothe them, show them that you are still there, but you don’t need to pick them up. Rest your hand on them, gently rock them if they are a little agitated, or even sing a lullaby.
Another good tip is to sit in a chair near the crib and gradually move farther away. If the baby grumbles or shows the first sign of crying, let them hear your voice.
Hearing your voice will calm them, as they know you are still in the room, but if they keep crying, get close to the crib again so they can see you, and then step back again. Give it a moment and leave the room while they are still awake, it’s important for them to be alone to get used to it and understand it’s normal.
Keep the Crib Empty
When you lay your baby in the crib, remove all toys, as they will serve as distractions and may make your baby restless. If your baby has a favorite toy, you may leave it, but never leave more than one toy. Babies are easily distracted, as everything catches their attention.
Following these tips, you’ll see your baby begin to understand that it’s normal to be alone in their room to sleep, as they’ll come to realize that this room is their place to rest. It may be difficult at first, but soon it will become routine and everything will get easier.
However, if you notice that even after following all these or other tips you know, your baby still struggles and cries a lot to sleep, talk to a trusted pediatrician. They will know how to better advise you on what to do so that your baby can get the rest they need — and you can, too.
See also: Why You Need to Care About Your Baby’s Sleep?
Photo: esudroff
