Does your baby still want to sing, laugh or cry at bedtime? Here are 10 gentle ways to help your baby fall asleep.
Back rubs
Laying your baby on his tummy and relaxing him by gently rubbing his back is sure to help him sleep. Simply place your palm on his back and gently turn clockwise. If he's having trouble sleeping because of his digestion, this movement will also help him.
Singing
Soft songs put even some adults to sleep, so imagine the effect on young children! You can get an album of lullabies, but you can also have a little faith in your own beautiful voice to put baby to sleep. He's heard your voice for a long time, and it's sure to comfort him. As many mothers will tell you, once a mom finds the courage to sing, there's no stopping her.
Bath
It's a well-known fact that a warm bath before bed helps you relax and sleep more soundly. This is true for adults and it is also true for young children. Before putting your baby to bed, give him a warm bath, put him in soft, clean pajamas and he will sleep like an angel.
Massage
Another way to relax a little baby is to massage him. Even when he's very small, a baby appreciates a gentle massage for the closeness it gives him and for discovering his sense of touch. All massages are good, but if you'd rather learn specific techniques, you can watch the Learn to Massage Baby in 8 Steps tutorial.
Rocking chair
Could it be because the rocking motion reminds her of her mommy's belly? Or is it simply that being rocked in a repetitive motion relaxes him? Whatever the case, the rocking chair is still effective in putting children to sleep. This method has been tried and tested by many generations of mothers.
Ambient noise
Putting a fan or a noisy mobile in your baby's room will help him fall asleep despite the noises he hears in the house. The curious little one in him will be able to get some rest if he learns early on not to pay attention to ambient noises.
Arms
Mommy's or daddy's arms are always effective in comforting a baby. It's a special moment where your arms envelop him, your smell soothes him and while you hold him, he can see your face which is the most beautiful thing for him.
Stroller
The stroller also has a calming effect. A stroller ride changes your mind, lulls you to sleep and gives your baby a breath of fresh air. Make sure you put your baby in the stroller because once he's asleep, he'll be hard to move!
Car
The vibrations of the car are always very effective in putting a baby to sleep if he or she is so reluctant that he or she starts to miss sleep. Your baby may wake up slightly between the car and his bed and that's good, because he won't be too surprised when he wakes up in his room later.
Parents' bed
It's best to get baby used to sleeping in his own bed, but if he's going through a rough patch and neither you nor he has slept in a long time, you can try co-sleeping. You won't recognize each other after 6 hours of sleep in a row.