Sleeping Solutions

Trying to get your baby to sleep through the night can be quite the challenge. After a while it begins to wear on you as a parent.  I have tried the common tricks such as rocking the baby, taking them on a drive, and singing or reading to them. For most kids, one of those will do the trick. But there are times when parents may cry out in total desperation. Here are 26 baby sleep solutions you can try if you are struggling to get your baby to sleep:

• Avert your eyes when you're putting him to sleep or calming her when she wakes
• Bath time can relax a child with warm water and soft loving strokes with a washcloth can calm them
• Co-sleeping: while the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend actually sharing a bed with your baby, having your baby sleep next to your bed in a bassinet has shown to increase self-esteem and have less anxiety
• Dream feed: term referred to a parent-directed, late-evening feeding. Instead of waiting for her to wake up, feed your baby before you go to bed, while she is asleep. Some believe the extra feeding fills her belly just enough to earn a bit more uninterrupted sleep.
• Empty the crib: all your baby needs is a fitted sheet. Blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals increase the risk of choking or suffocation.
• Fragrance: a drop or two of natural lavender oil on a tissue near the bed can relax a child. But remember fragrances are not to be used for children less than 6 months old.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a commonly undiagnosed medical reason why some babies have problems sleeping. Acids can be drawn up into your baby's esophagus causing pain. Check with your pediatrician if you think you baby may have this.
• Hands-On: put your hand gently on their stomach, arms, and head to comfort and soothe them
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• Ideal bedtime: an established bedtime has been recommended to be between 6:30 and 7:00PM for babies under 1 years old
• Jammies: try natural fibers, like cotton, to avoid irritation and make sure they fit snugly
• Keeping cool: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the temperature in your baby's room to be between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent SIDS
• Lights outs: keep the room dark so your child knows when it's dark it is sleep time
• Massage: giving your child a 15 minute massage before they go to bed helps them fall asleep faster
• Naps: helps with your baby's mental and physical growth. They help the child sleep longer through the night too.
• Overnight diapers: super-absorbent overnight diapers, along with an application of of diaper cream, will keep them comfortable and hopefully asleep longer
• Pacifiers: helps your little one soothe themselves to sleep and protect them against SIDS
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• Quirky fixes: there are lots of tricks that work for individual children, try lots of things to find what works best
• Routines: consistency is key in your nighttime routine
• Swaddling: the "baby burrito" can help tightly pack your baby in a swaddling blanket, imitating how your newborn was used to being in the womb
• Telling a story: your soothing voice can be very relaxing for your child
• Understanding cues: are they rubbing their eyes, yawning, fussy? Those cues can help you know that your baby is ready for bed.
• Voice: your baby knows your voice, so speaking to them in a soothing tone can help them drift off to sleep knowing that their parent is close by
• White noise: put a noise machine or fan on while they sleep
• XOXO: lots of hugs and kisses lets the child know they are loved and secure which can help them to sleep deeper and longer
• You Are My Sunshine: singing is a great way to calm your child and helps reduce their stress
• Zzzz: enjoy the sleep your child is getting and make sure you get your rest as well
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What other tricks have you found that helps put your babies to sleep? 

We love to hear from you! 

This information came from www.parenting.com