Ten Tips to Putting Your Baby to Sleep

Putting a baby to sleep is sometimes the most tiring job for a parent. The parent is also tired after a days work and so is the baby. But he just won't sleep. Many parents describe the days of bringing up their baby as very tiring and stressful and the most tiring part would be getting their baby to sleep.

Here are ten tips that could help first timers through the task of putting their child to sleep which need not be so stressful:

• Do not wait for the baby to become very tired and sleepy. Some people may advice you to tire the baby so that he sleeps easily. It may be the case sometimes but not always.
• Stick to a routine. Fix a time for the process of putting your baby to sleep. This process could need a few minutes or an hour, but start the process at the same time everyday. For example, if you decide to start putting your baby to sleep at eight and if he is dancing around with the guests, at that time you need to gently calm him down. Slowly stop the game, take him into his bedroom and let him know it is time to sleep
• Use dim light and soft music to let your child know that it is time to sleep. Do not force him into the bed. Try out different kinds of music and see which one is effective.
• Give him a warm water wash before putting him to sleep. Put clothes that are soft and loose. You could even massage him with a little olive oil. The warm massage relaxes him.
• Do not show him toys that excite him. Keep away all exciting things before you enter his bedroom.
• Use a soft humming tone when you speak to him. You could use a special soft tone especially for bedtimes which makes it easier for him to realize that now he has to rest. Soft lullabies are also very effective in putting the baby to sleep. Choose stories and songs in which you could include the baby's name and involves contact with the baby.
• Instead of toys, use story books with large pictures in them .You could even tell your own story but remember to use hushed tones throughout.
• Wrap your baby in your arms. Hold him close to your chest so that he can hear your heartbeat and feel your voice gurgle deep within you. Let your cheek touch his cheek softly and gently. Kiss each of his fingertips one by one as you talk to him. This helps baby feel relaxed and loved.
• Do not shake the baby, just rock him gently. The best cradle for a baby is in the parents arms against their chest. Walking around with the baby's head on your shoulder also has a rocking effect for him.
• The most important part for a tired parent is that you should try to get your rest in the day. Do not get tired and stressed out at baby's bedtime. You could end up crying.

Bedtime is a time when you become your child's cushion. Let him feel all the love that you can give.