During sleep training, many parents become anxious about their baby crying once placed in their crib. This is quite understandable, but there are ways to make the process easier for both the baby and the parent. We will explore nine ways that you can soothe and comfort your baby in the crib during the sleep training process without picking them up. Remember, during sleep training, the goal is to eliminate sleep props that the baby has grown comfortable with and instead develop their own self-soothing techniques to fall asleep independently. Feeding and being held to sleep are the two most common sleep props and the two most difficult to eliminate. So, during sleep training, how can you comfort and soothe your baby once they start crying without picking them up?
- Use Verbal Reassurance – speak softly or use a calming phrase like “It’s night-night time” or “It’s okay, I’m right here” to help remind them that it’s time to sleep. Reassure them with a soft, soothing tone, but avoid lingering too long or engaging in ‘conversations’ with older children
- Gentle Touch – you can place a hand on their chest or back to provide comfort or hold their hand. Hug your baby by leaning over the crib and placing your cheek against theirs. You can also gently rub the area between their eyes (the top part of the bridge of the nose) as it relaxes and helps put them to sleep. You may prop your baby on his side and rub his back in a gentle circular motion. Use gentle, rhythmic pats to calm and soothe
- Shushing Sounds – make a “shhh” sound to mimic the womb environment. You can also use a white noise machine to help calm and soothe your baby by blocking out any external noises
- Comfort with Smell – place a small item with your scent near the crib, like a piece of clothing. Always ensure that it’s safe and away from the baby’s reach. You can also sleep with your baby’s lovey for a few nights before beginning the sleep training process to get your scent on the lovey to place in their crib
- Adjust the Environment –check for discomforts like room temperature, lighting, and noise. Also, ensure that the baby is swaddled securely (if age-appropriate) or dressed comfortably.
- Pacifier (if used) – offer a pacifier if your baby finds it soothing, and baby can re-insert it himself once it falls out during the night
- Gentle Rocking: Lay the baby on his side and place one hand on his back and one on his bottom. Gently rock back and forth until he calms. This works well for babies who like to be held to sleep. Also, if your crib allows safe rocking, a gentle movement can help settle the baby.
- Minimal Interaction – keep interactions brief and calming to avoid over-stimulation. Avoid eye contact if your baby becomes more alert/aware
- Wait-and-Observe – allow short intervals of crying before intervening, as your baby might begin to settle and self-soothe during those wait periods
These techniques balance comforting your baby while helping them learn to self-soothe, which is an essential part of the sleep training process.