How to get baby to sleep independently

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Would you like to put your baby down so they fall asleep independently?

Now this doesn't work for every baby but here's a couple of techniques that you could try:

The first is putting you baby down while they are drowsy but not asleep. This means you do the majority of the work getting them close to sleep, then put them down so they can drift off on their own.

Follow your normal bedtime routine, attempt to soothe baby until they are drowsy then put them down. * Follow safe sleep guidelines and keep baby in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

Now this can work for some babies however for others they can wake almost immediately, or shortly afterwards start crying. This is more than likely due to them thinking "Where am I? Where's mum or dad? I didn't fall asleep here!" and they haven't learnt the technique yet to be able to make themselves go back in to the drowsy state.

The second technique os to put your baby down awake, but relaxed. Now this is going to take a little getting used to, by both you and your baby. Remain close-by to offer reassurance with your voice or comforting touch if needs be. This teaches your baby to fall asleep on their own so they have those skills to self settle if they wake again later.

Independent sleep is the ultimate goal for most parents, but responding to your baby and being flexible are the most in important things in these early months.

If what you are doing at the moment is working then don't feel pressured to change it. Do what is best for your family.