Falling asleep by themselves!!!

Rebecca - posted on 04/23/2009

Tiffany, I started doing the bedtime bath and lotion routine with him when he was new born because it helped with my daughter when she was a baby but as i have recently found out red hair also comes with sensitve skin and he was breaking out in massive rashes im gonna have to watch this one isnt it funny how different each child can be! Thanks anyway

Rebecca - posted on 04/22/2009

alot of people have said to rub babys back to help settle them while they are in bed but my baby sleeps on his back (if i put him on his tummy and something happened i wouldn't be able to forgive myself after being told back is best). I got a musical light show thingy for his cot because the other day he fell asleep on the floor by himself while playing with his music playmat. I will give that a go for a couple of days and see how he is. He is going to bed sort of awake now i am just trying to do it earlier and earlier untill he doesnt need me anymore hopefully that will be soon and then my daughter can have her bed time story without me having to yell over the baby screaming lol thanks for your help everyone.

Jennifer - posted on 04/22/2009

I try to really watch my children for cues-- several yawns in a row, drooping eyes. Once I see this, I start to head for the bedroom. I use a humidifier in there and turn it on. Squeeze her tight the whole time until I then lay her down. She fuses a bit, but I just keep rubbing her back and she is out. I must admit I started this very early with both my girls. Watch your child closely for the cues. I work on nap times first since I tend to nurse before bed. Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 04/22/2009

I'm with Fran - the controlled crying does work but can take three days or so before you see results. I also swear by wrapping/swaddling...it works as a cue that it's sleep time.

Cristal - posted on 04/22/2009

I slowly worked my son into going to sleep by himself. At nap times i would lay him on the couch awake but drowsy. He will wiggle and fuss a lil. If it got to bad I would pat his back til he calmed down, then stopped to see if he would go to sleep. And gradually it has worked. Now at night I can just lay him in bed when he is drowsy and he will go to sleep without having to be rocked or patted. Each baby is different but if you just gradually work on them they will figure it out eventually. Just being consistent is the key.

Tiffany - posted on 04/22/2009

I give my son a bath use bedtime lotion by Johnson's just before bed that has really helped him fall a sleep and stay a sleep. Hope this helps some. Music can help too

Jennie - posted on 04/21/2009

You know my little ones which I have three of them a 3yr old, 2yr old, and a 3month old and all of my kids need to be rocked to sleep I think its for comfort and as you said he sleeps mostly through the night because he feels safe and if you stop rocking him and cuddling that might all change. It doesnt last forever have do do that for them but my son who is not going to be 2 in July is now learning how to go to sleep on his own and hes having a rough time with it but when we do rock him he sleeps good. I enjoy rocking my little ones not saying that you dont please dont take that the wrong way but sometimes people cant or dont really have time I just enjoy it cause thats my bonding time with them and no one can take that away. Sorry I couldnt help with advice that you probably wanted I hope the bast for you and good luck with it.

Abby - posted on 04/21/2009

We have taken the vibrating box off the basinet that we had which she wont use anymore and turn it on next to her. We put her in bed while she is almost asleep and have it cuddled up next to her. She goes out almost immediately. I love it.

Fran - posted on 04/18/2009

I think once you have your son used to going to sleep being rocked then it will be a really hard habit to get out of. You can't blame him, it must feel wonderful to be rocked to sleep every night. Lucky boy.

I use heartbeat sounds to help send my little boy off to sleep but the best advice really came from the book 'save our sleep' it does involve controlled crying. I know some mums aren't ready to try that with their kids or don't aggree with it. Our little boy goes to sleep without a noise now so i think the method really helped.