The Art of Self Settling
Posted On 04 September 2022 | Posted By Keri Rock
Self- Settling really can feel like an art form when you and your little one are trying to get it right. In reality, it is a learnt skill, much like walking and talking.
As such, give yourself and your baby grace. It will take time and practice to master this new skill, but stick at it, you will both get there and it will be so worth it when you do!
Here are my top tips to help you on your way - I have also made it into a downloadable pdf for you at the bottom of the page.
1) You’re the teacher!
Remember, self-settling is an essential but learned skill. In other words,
It has to be taught. You can gradually adjust from doing it all for your
baby, to helping them to do it and assisting them until they are able to do more
and more of the settling themselves.
2) Environment
Dark - About an 8 out of 10 in darkness and red or amber being best
night light colours. Calm - No light shows or visual stimulations. Only
soft white noise if any. Temperature - according to season and clothing
but a room of around 18-20 degrees centigrade is ideal.
3) Consistency is key
Be sure to approach every bedtime consistently with the same steps in
the same order and at the same time every night.
Also respond to each and every night waking with same response every
time. This will help your little one learn fast!
4) Your Plan!
You need a planned approach and response plan so that you don’t clutch
at stats when you’re groggy in the night. Knowing in advance what
you’re going to do, will help you to stay on track CONSISTENTLY!
How to responsively help your little one to settle happily to sleep and achieve
his or her personal best sleep ability
5) Is there a crutch?
We all wake in the night - Fact. But if your little one relied upon you to
do something to get him to sleep in the first place, he will seek this
every time he has a waking. Wean away any crutches that require you to
‘do it’ for him.
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