How Can I Make Bedtime Easier?
You may have started a bedtime routine that you're sticking to. If you haven't yet, now's a good time to start. Soothing activities that lead up to "night-night" time can help relax your baby. A warm bath followed by stories or singing will signal an end to the day, and these same activities can be used at bedtime for years to come.
You'll want your baby to fall asleep on his or her own. This may mean doing your nighttime routine and putting the baby into the crib while he or she is drowsy but still awake. If the baby cries, stay away for a few minutes. Your baby may settle down and go to sleep.
If the crying continues, go back in and soothe your baby for a moment without picking him or her up. This may go on a few times until your baby figures out that the crying is not getting results. This can be tough for parents, since it's upsetting to hear your baby cry. If you know your baby is safe, it's OK to give him or her time to settle down.
If your child keeps on crying and calling for you, a few loving words from the bedroom door ("Mommy's right here, but it's time for you to go to sleep now") and another quick exit may do the trick. Try to lengthen the time between these personal appearances until — at long last — your baby is asleep.
What If My Baby Wakes at Night?
Even a baby who has been sleeping through the night will sometimes wake in the wee hours. Allow some time to let your baby get back to sleep on his or her own. Give your baby a few fussy minutes before you respond, then after seeing that everything is OK, leave your baby alone to fall back to sleep.
When your baby wakes up in the night and cries for you, reassure your baby quietly that you're there. Then send the message that he or she needs to go back to sleep. Your best bet might be a soothing pat on the back and a quick exit. If you are firm and consistent about teaching your baby to go back to sleep without you, this stage should pass pretty quickly.
Remember: Any cuddling, feeding, or talking you do may prompt your baby to wake each night for this attention.
When to Call the Doctor
It can be difficult to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency, but remember: This is the time to set the stage for future restful nights for the whole family.
If you have questions about your baby's sleep, talk with your doctor.
Date reviewed: December 2016