Tips to help your baby sleep

I do not claim to be an expert but here are just a few quick tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Put them to bed in their OWN BED in a separate room - not with you, in a swing, stroller etc. - we have pretty much done this since day 1.

2. Put them to bed when they are AWAKE - drowsy is ok, but you want them to learn how to fall asleep on their own, rocking/holding is ok but just try not to rock to sleep or they will always expect/need this.

3. Do not let them fall asleep after nursing or bottle feeding - I know this can be hard especially with newborns. But what I did when he was really little was right after a feed I'd do some kind of "activity" like a diaper change or show them something (outside the window, a toy etc.) With newborns the can only handle a few minutes of activity, but as they get older the time increases. After this activity and when they appear sleepy, put them down.

4. SWADDLE them really tight - do this till at least 3/4 months and then you can experiment by leaving an arm out, then eventually I just did the bottom half, then I moved on to just tucking the blankets in tight or I know some other moms use a sleep sack.

5. SOOTHER or pacifier - I know there is controversy about this, but in my experience they often like and want to suck even when they're not hungry. I also found this really helps them nod off to sleep on their own. I just try not to get into the habit of letting my little one suck on it all day.

6. Have some kind of ROUTINE - it doesn't have to be doing the same things at exactly the same time every day but if you roughly do the things in the same order each day then they know what to expect.

7. WIND DOWN before every nap or bedtime - you can't expect them just to go from playing to sleeping, so it really helps to set the mood and to do the same things every time you put them down. Some things you can try are dim lights in room, change diaper, read stories, bath (before bed), massage, sing lullabys.

8. Use a blankie or stuffed animal when they are a little older 6+ mos - this can also be used to help wean them off a pacifier if you so desire.

Every baby is different but I hope some of these tips work for you!