8 tips för att hjälpa ditt barn att somna

Hoppande

En vagga med en specialfjäder för mjuka upp- och nedgångar påminner ditt barn om den skyddade tiden i livmodern.

Adding a canopy will create a tranquil enclosed environment. And the swaying movements have a calming effect on your child.

Swaddling

Swaddling also gives your baby protection and security. Swaddling is a special wrapping technique in which the baby (in the first few months) is wrapped tightly in a blanket or wrap sack.

Many babies miss the feeling of enclosure after birth. Some babies become frightened while sleeping (the so-called Moro reflex). Swaddling helps them to sleep more peacefully.

Sounds

Getting a child to sleep is a challenge for many first-time parents. Many find getting a screaming baby to fall asleep an almost impossible, hopeless task.

Monotonous sounds, such as a hair dryer, a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine, can be helpful.

Driving

Beside monotonous sounds, many parents also drive their babies around to help them fall asleep. Of course this is not the most favourite way to go but simply strap your child into the car seat, drive another quick lap around the block, and watch him fall asleep.

However, car seats are not suitable places for babies to sleep, and you should move your child to its bassinet as soon as possible, quietly and carefully, of course, as you don't want to wake the baby again.

Holding your baby, sit down on a gym ball and start bobbing gently up and down.

If these movements calm your child, then a hanging bassinet is a great alternative that relieves your back.

Letting your child cry

You should never leave your baby alone when he/she is crying. If you feel like you've tried everything and your child is still screaming, then take it in your arms. Physical closeness and quiet, calming words give your child the feeling that everything is all right, and that they don't have to be afraid, because mum or dad is there.

Sometimes, you should move away from the idea that you absolutely HAVE TO calm your baby. Perhaps your baby just needs to scream out the tension. You're not bad parents for that! You're there, so take care of your child and offer comfort. If you manage to stay calm, your baby will surely also calm down faster.

Flying baby position

The flying baby position is especially recommended for stomach aches. Lie your baby down on your forearm in a prone position. Hold your baby's bottom and thighs in one hand, and support his head in the crook of your arm. You can gently stroke or massage the baby with the other hand.

This position promotes the release of air from the baby's stomach.

Carrying

Carrying your baby in a sling or a baby carrier promotes the bond between parent and child, and also helps your baby to overcome seemingly insatiable screaming attacks and to fall asleep.

Carrying your baby conveys to him a sense of protection and security. The rocking movements, and the physical closeness to mum or dad, help calm the baby down. The sounds of an even heartbeat and gentle voices support the calming effect.

Once your baby has fallen asleep in the baby carrier, you can put it back  to sleep in a hanging cradle. The rocking movements continue to give the feeling of being carried.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not just about feeding. During the first few months of breastfeeding, the baby experiences warmth and closeness and can feel safe and secure.

Especially at night, mothers often find it relaxing if they can breastfeed their baby instead of getting up to prepare a bottle. This helps most mothers to feel more rested during the day, which they transfer positively to their children.