For many new parents, getting baby to sleep can be a very daunting task.
Some parents take it in stride, but many really lose sleep over it (literally).
For those of you who are stumped, sleep deprived and seeking advice, or for those who are anticipating the long nights of fatigue and worry when their little ones arrive, do not despair.
There are a few simple things that you can try.
Although I cannot guarantee that our tips will solve your nightly woes, they will definitely steer you toward nights of blissful silence.
1.
Have a set bedtime and try to stick to it.
Although we all have nights where you do not get baby to bed on time, it is important that it is not a different time every night.
2.
Have a bedtime routine.
Have bath, read a book, brush your teeth, snuggle...
Whatever it is, try to do it the same way every night.
When they know what to expect, they are happier.
Even newborns can have an established routine, with a little work on your part.
This will take some time and effort.
3.
Snuggle material.
Provide something soft and appropriately sized to snuggle with.
For example, a small baby blanket, a small stuffed animal (preferably without a rattle), or a soft baby burp cloth.
4.
Swaddling - wrapping your baby tight in a baby blanket, or swaddling, can help put him/her to sleep.
Although not every baby likes this, a good majority feel secure when wrapped this way.
5.
Cuddle time - set aside some time every night when you can cuddle before bed.
This not only provides a bonding experience, but helps baby relax and get ready for bed.
This could be a good time to read a little, sing a song, rock in a chair, or just sit quietly with one another.
6.
Music.
Music can be soothing for a baby.
Of course you want to find something soft and slow for bedtime.
You can also find crib toys that have music.
This can give baby something to look at and listen to while trying to get to sleep.
7.
Find out what baby likes.
Try patting gently, rubbing baby's back while he/she is lying on her side, rub his/her stomach, offer a pacifier...
Every baby is unique, but you will eventually find what he/she likes.
Of course, always put baby to sleep on his/her back to help prevent SIDS.
8.
The car trick.
I have to admit that my kids would not fall for this one, but many parents find that a trip around the block in the family car is all their little one needs to get him/her to sleep.
The bouncer seats with vibration are a good alternative if you want to save on gas.
9.
Try not to pick baby up too much after you put him/her to bed.
Although you don't want baby to get hysterical, if he/she is fussing a little, it won't hurt him/her.
This is more important when you get past newborn stage and baby just wants mommy or daddy.
Instead, try other soothing techniques, such as patting, singing, etc.
10.
Sneaking out of the room.
I am not particularly proud of this one, but I have crawled out of my children's bedrooms when they finally closed their eyes.
Whether you have to, will depend on how lightly your baby sleeps.
Some will fall deeply quickly, where others seem to have springs on their eyelids.
Another trick is to take slow steps while pausing in between.
Again, this is only needed when baby is old enough to notice you are gone.
11.
When overwhelmed, don't be afraid to walk away for a minute or two.
Baby will be safe in his/her crib, and when you are calm, you are more likely to make baby calm.
12.
Breathe.
Be consistent and don't give up.
Although it may seem like it is a lot of hard work, baby will eventually learn to get to sleep on his/her own.
And remember, hard work now turns into less work later.
Find blankets and other baby gear for getting baby to sleep at http://www.
pitterpatterndesigns.
com