Any new mother will attest to how little sleep they get. During the first few months, your baby will wake you up in the middle of the night constantly. Even when they establish their circadian rhythms, they will still not sleep for longer than a few hours. This is up to at least a few months in. This is why the concept of baby self-soothing has become popular. When I was a young mother, this concept seemed too good to be true. A method which allowed me to get a little extra sleep was incredible. Self-soothing is a process where the baby learns to control their emotions on their own rather than with the help of the parent. This means they can go back to sleep, without the intervention of the mother. Keep reading to find out everything I've learned and all you need to know about baby self-soothing.
1. Don't Feed And Sleep
Most new mothers are used to their child falling asleep while breastfeeding. However, this will not work when you try to teach the child to self-soothe. Make sure to change your child's feeding patterns, so it doesn't clash with their nap time. If your baby starts to sleep in the middle of a feeding, stop and place them in the crib. You can resume feeding once they wake up.
2. Establish A Sleeping Pattern
It's important to establish a set sleeping pattern as early as possible. As you set their sleeping patterns, they become more predictable. This makes it easier for them to soothe themselves. It's better for young children to have an early bedtime. When babies are tired, they are less likely to calm themselves.
3. The Earlier The Better
Studies have found that children that couldn't self-soothe during the first 12 months were more likely to have trouble falling asleep by the second year. This would continue until the fourth year. I started the process fairly early and was fortunate that my child caught on quickly.
4. Sounds
Calming sounds and music are known to sooth babies easily. Research has shown that certain songs and tones have a calming effect on children, making them a favorite at certain pre-schools. For my child, this was an old nursery rhyme that a relative of mine had recorded. Get your baby used to music and songs that can be played rather than something you have to sing. This will allow them to soothe themselves even when you're not around.
5. Comfort Objects
A comfort object like a soft toy or a blanket goes a long way in helping a baby self-soothe. It is a called a transitional object and is meant to represent the primary caregiver. i.e., you. My child found a wool blanket as the perfect company for a nap and kept it during the first few years. Anything that reminds them of you or partner will suffice.
A few common habits you should avoid include rocking them to sleep or pushing them around in a buggy. Some parents also lie down along with them and stroke their hair to get them to sleep.
Teaching your baby to self-soothe is an important developmental aspect for a child. It helps teach independence and encourages children to be self-sufficient. Babies that have learned to self-soothe as toddlers have greater control over themselves. This means they are less prone to tantrums, have better concentration at school and are less impulsive. There is no set formula for teaching your baby to self-soothe. Some babies will take time while others will take to it instinctively. Through a process of trial and error, you will have to work out what works best for your baby. It took a few tries, but I worked out the best method for my child and me. What are you waiting for? Start teaching your child to self-soothe today!
Aradhana is a writer from India. Her areas of knowledge include parenting, children with special needs, health and lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and her hobbies include cycling and hiking. She has a special interest in children with special needs and parenting and shares her experiences through her other passion -- that is writing. She writes to share her knowledge so that it may help others. Her posts on these subjects have been published in more than 250+ various reputable sites. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.
