Putting baby to sleep

Let's start out by realizing that babies are creatures of habit.  The tend to stay up for a few hours and then sleep for a few hours for the first few months and that's why you get super-tired; it's a never-ending cycle of 2-4 hours off/on.  

Eventually the baby will fall into a pattern of morning and perhaps afternoon naps.  Getting them to go to sleep at the same time every day is important.  Missing a nap may not seem like a big deal to you; but it will be for baby and you will certainly hear about it....

So how do you get the baby to sleep?

Here are some tips.  We are assuming that they have had something to eat, have a clean diaper and its the normal time for them to go down.

1.  Baby's like to be warm.  Their skin is new and the have no hair and don't know how to use blankets and clothing to protect themselves.  Seems simple enough, but proper PJ's and sleepers can make a huge difference.  With infants a bonnet while nursing helps, as do sleepers with feet; nothing worse than trying to go to sleep when your feet are cold.

2.  Drive them around in the car with the heat on.  Being restrained makes them cry which tires them out.  Then the combination of of motion and heat is certain to give you a few moments of piece and quiet.  Normally a last resort.

3.  Babies like to be rocked to sleep.  Here's the trick:  start off rocking fast, then slow down gradually.  Also known as "lulling them to sleep"; works like a charm.  Can be done in your arms, but a rocking chair is a nice if available.

4.  Babies like to be sung to.  Humming a verse can calm them and allow them to get to the point when they are able to fall asleep.  Don't know the words?  Just use a tune that you know with their name repeated over and over again.   More about music for infants

5.  As baby gets older they stay up longer and need less sleep.  You normally get into a routine of baby napping in afternoon.  When they get a bit older and don't need the afternoon nap they will simply not want to go down; no matter what you try.  Certainly there is a transition period here and YOU will miss the nap more than baby since it's the only 2 hours you got to yourself... But remember; the longer the baby takes afternoon naps is the longer they don't sleep through the night.

6.  Hold baby on your breast not over the shoulder when putting them down.  While holding them over the shoulder standing up may feel more comfortable for you baby tends to like resting on your chest; between your breast with one ear on your heart.  They are very close to you and can hear you heart; it reminds them of their old home and relaxes them.

7.  Perhaps baby is teething.  At one point or another baby's sleep will be interrupted by teething.  They will wake up suddenly in the night, crying.  More on teething

So, you have fed baby, and they are asleep in your arms.  You are VERY happy.

You want to quietly move them to the crib; but you should not. 

Take a few moments to burp him/her.  It’s hard to sleep with gas in your tummy; and the few minutes you win now you will loose later when he/she wakes up in a 1/2 hour because of gas; instead of a more normal 1-2 hours of nap time.

Tip:  Try this it works:  Hands over head – While baby is still lying in drinking position lift each hand above the head, kissing each hand as you lift and then list baby into the over shoulder burp position. The kisses are optional but it’s a nice bonus. The idea is to raise the elbows above shoulder height; forcing the gas up and out of the stomach.  Very effective, even on husbands.

Other burping positions

Standard over the shoulder – one hand on bum while baby’s head rests on your shoulder use free hand to pat bay’s back

Over the lap – one hand supports the head while thumb and second finger goes around the chin and baby’s chin rests in the arch while baby sits on your lap, use your free hand to pat baby’s back. Make sure baby’s back is straight.

Keep in mind – You are patting the lower back not slapping it. You can rotate patting from lower to upper shoulder blades in an upward motion in order to push the gas up and out. You can even angle your hand while patting to give it an extra edge but not too hard or you’ll give baby the hiccups. Proper burping is important or baby will wake up within 20 minutes.

When moving from chair to crib don’t immediately remove your hands. Moving baby once they are asleep is a tough decision but often must happen since you will typically nurse in a chair or on the bed and then put them in the crib.  Once baby is asleep; move them to the crib; they may wake up momentarily.  When they are in the crib don't remove your hands immediately.  If they feel the pressure of your hands they will assume they are still in the chair and not wake up.  Once they are asleep slowly remove your hands and leave the room.  

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