Does your baby still fall asleep in your bed and stay that way until morning? Or does he need carrying and rocking? However, would you like it to learn to fall asleep on its own? Use our ways and do not fear, your relationship will not suffer in any way!
Before we move on to discuss ways to help your child learn to fall asleep on his own, we need to clarify one point. At what age to start learning? There is no definite answer, because every child is different. Just as there is no single proven method that will work for all toddlers.
In some cases, an infant will already fall asleep on his own, in others – he will acquire this skill only at the age of 2 or more. Observe your little one, as you’ll know best if it’s the right time to teach him to fall asleep on his own.
Remember, too, that nothing is done by force, and under no circumstances should you use the old method, according to which you leave the child in the room with the conviction that he needs to cry, and once he cries, he will fall asleep.
The best way to fall asleep on your own, which you can use with children of any age, is an evening routine. You yourself like, for example, at work you know exactly what you’re doing after what, what duties are to be completed, where you need to sign in, what to sign or carry. Any deviation throws you off balance and forces you to react quickly.
It’s the same with children. When they function according to a repetitive pattern throughout the day, they feel more confident and secure. So if a toddler always gets food after a walk, he will demand it, and if he gets up in the morning for kindergarten, washes his face, hands and teeth, and then gets dressed and goes out, he may not like it when you want to dress him first and only then take him to the bathroom.
Routine is not tedious for a child, but very necessary. So how to use it to teach him to fall asleep on his own? This is, of course, about the evening routine. Work out one that suits you. For example, it could be a bath, dinner, teeth, quiet play or reading books and sleep, or if an infant is involved, a bath, milk and sleep. In the evening, playing and glowing toys, exciting fairy tales or chasing around the hallway are not advisable. With an older child, on the other hand, it is worth talking about the past day, asking about his emotions and possibly helping him cope with them. Also explain to him the importance of sleeping in his bed (you can choose new bedding together, for example).
Interestingly, if the activities are repeated each time, the child should not be afraid when left alone in the crib. In addition, if he calls you, you should always come – this will reassure him that you will never leave him.
Routine is of great importance, but take care of other factors as well. When it comes to bedtime, make sure there is a light twilight and dim light in the room, turn off the TV and turn on a lullaby tune. Speak quietly and calmly to your baby, don’t react to smiles and attempt to start playing, read to sleep.
Remember that falling asleep on your own is usually a long process that requires patience. Sometimes you will have to read for a long time, and other times he will snuggle into his favorite blanket or cuddly toy and fall asleep peacefully. Good luck!
main photo: unsplash.com/Kelly Sikkema
