Baby Wont Sleep? Check out These 5 Tips - Sleep Training For Babies

During the first 6 to 8 weeks your newborn probably wont be able to stay awake for more than a few hours. Babies can easily become overtired if not put down soon enough and then putting baby to sleep will become a challenge.

Look out for the classic signs of infant sleepiness - is she rubbing her eyes, fussing or perhaps pulling on her ears? After a while, you'll recognise these signs of tiredness and be able to put your baby down for a nap.

It is best to establish a bedtime routine by choosing a time between 7pm and 8pm to get them settled. If possible, also try to stick to the same times for their daytime naps, but not too late as it is likely that your baby won't sleep or be able to settle in the evening.

From about 2 weeks old, you can help your baby understand that daytime is for being up and about and that night time is for sleeping.

Try to be active with him during the day, chatting or singing during feeding times and keeping daytimes 'normal' - i.e. don't worry about the washing machine noise or the door banging. Try also to keep the daytime light and airy. Then when the evening comes, keep noises to a minimum and feeding very low-key.

Stick with this pattern and your baby will start to work out that the night is for sleeping - a key part of how to get babies to sleep.

By about 3 months your child should be able to learn how to fall asleep on her own by cuddling a blanket, holding a favourite toy or sucking their thumb. However, if they have already developed the habit of being cuddled and rocked to sleep, then your baby will make the link that they need you to do this every time for them to fall asleep.

Ideally it's best to create a good sleeping habit from the start by giving your baby a chance to sooth themselves to sleep. However, if your baby won't sleep without you, try using the 'elastic band technique'. At bedtime, stay with her as usual to reassure her but without making eye contact.

When your child starts to become sleepy, move a little distance away from their cot towards the door. Your baby may realise you've moved and start to make a fuss, so return and reassure them. If you repeat this consistently, you'll eventually be able to move further and further away - so your baby will be happy to fall asleep without you.

If your infant gets into the habit of associating sucking on a teat or nipple with falling asleep, it is likely that he wont be able to fall asleep on his own in the middle of the night without a feed. You may wish to break this association by trying this...

When your baby needs a feed, continue to feed them in the normal way, but watch for signs that they are getting full - for example, if their sucking rate falls. When you notice these signs, remove the breast or bottle. If your baby begins to fuss, then continue feeding but repeat taking away the breast or nipple until they fall asleep without sucking.

Persevere with this method over a few days and you should find that putting baby to sleep gets easier and easier without the need for them to suck a teat or nipple. Practically this will help your infant to sleep through the night. If your baby awakes, he is more likely to soothe himself to sleep without needing to be fed by you.

How to get babies to sleep by themselves? Babies learn at a tremendous rate - and form habits at every opportunity! If your child has got into the habit of waking at particular times in the night, you may wish to help them to fall asleep without your help.

Most parents find that a 'controlled crying' approach is effective, although this can be tough on the parents at first.
If your baby wakes in the night, try to avoid going to them immediately - wait for a while. If they are just making cooing or singing noises, then let them be and they may settle into sleep on their own.

However, if they are more distressed, then of course go and reassure them - but then leave the room. Your baby may get worked up again, but try to leave a couple of minutes this time before going back to them. Again, once they are settling down, leave the room and repeat this process, leaving more time before each visit.
Eventually your baby will fall asleep without needing you to be there - giving you some well earned sleep yourself!

If your baby won't sleep, these are just a few of the gentle yet effective approaches that can really make a difference for desperate and sleep-deprived parents.

Effective sleep training for babies is possible, helping you to gain control of your baby's sleep routine.