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Settling

Start by making baby's room comfortable.
Have dark blinds or curtains to keep it dark when baby is sleeping, but brighten the room after baby wakes.
No need to leave a light on at night. Remember humans are diurnal animals: we're stimulated by light.
Ensure room is not too warm and baby is not too warm.

Babies like routine.

As a guide, follow this simple routine: FEED then PLAY then SLEEP. Work on it. It usually gets easier around 3-4 months.

After a feed, cuddle and burp, allow your baby down on the floor for a kick and play. Then watch for tired signs such as:

  • jerky movements;
  • yawning;
  • grizzly or grimacing face;
  • rubbing eyes; and
  • starting to cry.

Each baby has their own symptoms. You'll get to know these signs over time.
Respond to baby and take them to their basinet or cot.
Newborns tend to like being wrapped.
Put baby on their back - follow the SIDS Prevention Guidelines which can be found by clicking here.
There are many ways to settle your baby if they are having trouble getting to sleep.

Newborn (6 months)

  • Take note of the TIME you start to settle baby.
  • With young babies it can take up to 15 minutes (of crying on and off) before they eventually settle.
  • Don't talk to baby once in bed.
  • Reduce making eye contact.
  • Pat, rub, rock or gently stroke baby, stay with your baby at this age.
  • If your baby's crying becomes too much, pick baby up, give a cuddle and then put back down in cot.
  • Keep going with settling/ resettling for 30-60 minutes.
  • Be consistent.
  • Concentrate on at least ONE sleep in the mornings everyday, until you see a change, your baby will start to self settle.

Older baby (6+ months)

  • Take note of the TIME you put baby down.
  • Say "sleep/bed now" once or don't talk at all.
  • Leave the room for 5 minutes and then return for approximately 1 minute.
  • Then leave again for 10 minutes and return for approximately 1 minute.
  • Each time you return, remain calm, don't talk, or smile, just resettle baby and leave the room.
  • Then leave for 15 minutes, if the baby has still not settled, go back to 5 minute cycles again.
  • Continue this for up to 60 minutes from the time you started.

Remember babies learn from repetition and consistency.
Hang in there. It should work, given time.
If it becomes too much, see your Maternal and Child Health Nurse or Doctor.
Also remember sleep is good, and necessary for everyone. You are helping your baby and yourself by teaching good sleeping habits from the outset.