Settling Techniques (For Newborn to 6 Months)

Babies are all very different.
The following Settling Techniques are a guide only.
Babies need to learn how to put themselves to sleep. Like most skills, it takes time and occurs at an individual rate. In the early months of life a baby has a need to be physically connected to their mother and other other significant family members. If this closeness is provided the baby learns to separate more easily from their parents as they can trust that in times of need the parent or other significant adult will come to their assistance.

Newborn babies' pattern are often unpredictable with irregular feeding and sleeping times, and generally babies do not establish a regular pattern till after 3 months of age. When assisting your baby develop a sleep pattern it is better to use levels of distress/cry as your guide to the need to comfort your child than adhering to a time schedule.

In the early weeks of life a baby will often fall asleep while being fed but then wake as soon as it is away from their parent's body.

A normal sleep cycle is approximately 40-60 mins and some babies will stir and re-settle themselves. However, some babies may need help to re-settle. When babies are overtired they may be more difficult to settle. An important starting point is to be able to recognise your baby's tired signs.

Tired signs may include :
* Grimacing
* Yawning
* Frowning
* Crying
* Sucking
* Clenched fists
* Staring
* Rigid limbs
* Squirming
* Jerky movements or becoming more active
* Minimal movements or activity

When you observe baby's tired signs, prepare your baby for bed:
Check your baby's nappy

Take care not to overheat

Position your baby in bed - on their back - according to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) guideline

0-3 Months :
If quiet, allow to settle. If crying introduce gentle stroking/cuddles until your baby calms

Swaddling your baby in a light muslin or cotton wrap may help and assist your baby to settle or to re-settle

Talking/singing but without eye contact can be reassuring for both you and baby

Most babies will take a while to settle

You may need to leave your baby for a brief time to see if he or she will settle on their own

If your baby is crying go in and comfort them

Often, you will have to do this several times

If your baby wakes under one hour attempt to re-settle them.

3-6 Months:
Self-settling involves comforting your baby in the cot or up-in-arm for short periods while also giving your baby the opportunity to fall asleep by himself/herself.

Your baby may initially protest and fuss when you leave the room. If you feel comfortable and your baby is not distressed. allow him/her the opportunity to settle himself/herself.

Listen to your baby's cry and respond accordingly. If your baby continues to fuss, return and comfort until your baby calms, before leaving the room.

For all babies
If you wish to safely maintain physical closeness with your child while they are asleep put their cot in your room.

If your baby continues to remain unsettled - consider other management techniques. For example: offer a "top-up" breastfeed within 30 mins of completing the feed; cuddle; rhythmical movement (walk or rock); baby massage; deep relaxation bathing; play some music; offer a dummy; or cooled boiled water. Choose whichever technique suits you and your baby best.

With consistency these routines may take up to 2 weeks to show progress. Times given are a guide only. For safety ensure the cot sides are completely raised whenever the baby is left unattended in the cot.

Source : Tresillian NSW