37 Tips How to Teach Baby To Self Settle (Proven)

William T Johnson May 26, 2023
24 People Read
newborn self settled happily sleeping on her side
Table of Contents
  1. My first Child was like a little tornado, and I wanted to be the eye of her storm...
  2. How do I teach my Baby to self settle?
  3. At what age can a Baby self settle?
  4. Does a Baby learn to self settle naturally?
  5. How to teach my Baby to self-soothe without crying?
  6. How you should get your Baby to sleep without being held
  7. What you will do if your Baby will not self soothe?
  8. How long to let your Baby cry?
  9. Prologue
  10. Please note

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. 

My first Child was like a little tornado, and I wanted to be the eye of her storm...

When I first brought my daughter home, no one told me just how difficult and exhausting it could be.

After a few months of nightmarish 1.5 hour routines spent trying to get her settled in bed - only for the screaming to start again two minutes later - I was ready for a nervous breakdown!

Little did I know at that time that almost all parents feel this way too when they bring their Baby home.

Thankfully though, now with experience comes wisdom: today's parent-me can confidently put babies down with ease – leading sleepy little ones off into slumberland without breaking so much as a sweat!

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How do I teach my Baby to self settle?

(1/37) Figuring out self-settling strategies that work for your Baby is a bit of trial and error, but there are some techniques and tips to help get you started.

(2/37) First and foremost, comfort your Baby before bedtime. Spend quality time with them throughout the day, engage in a little pre-bedtime play together, or read them a story - whatever helps to create a positive feeling towards sleep.


sleeping baby

(3/37) Then establish a calming routine that might include things like swaddling, providing white noise, dimming lights and giving them a warm bath or massage. These activities not only relax babies physically, but also help create an association between self-soothing habits and sleepiness.

(4/37) Be consistent about putting your Baby down for naps and bedtime; this regularity helps cue their bodies that it's time to sleep.

Once they're in their crib or bassinet, try using the ‘pick up/put down’ method where you comfort your Baby until they’re calm enough to settle down on their own - be sure not to lay them down while they’re still upset.

(5/37) When self-soothing methods don't seem to be working then take the time to look at what might be disrupting their sleep environment - maybe it's too cold or hot, there's too much light coming in from outside or their pajamas are too uncomfortable.

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(6/37) These seemingly small changes can make all the difference when self settling!

(7/37) It may be difficult at first but as long as you remain patient and consistent with self settling strategies then eventually your little one will learn how to self soothe on their own and put themselves back to sleep without needing any assistance from you!

At what age can a Baby self settle?

(8/37) At what age can a Baby self settle? While it varies from Baby to Baby, self settling is usually something that starts developing around 4-6 months of age.

At this time most babies have learned to recognize the difference between day and night, and can also self-soothe themselves to some degree.

sleepy baby

This self-soothing ability helps them connect their sleep environment with feelings of comfort and security.

As they grow older - typically around 6 months old - they are more likely to be able to self settle without much help.

By 9 months, most babies are more independent when it comes to self settling; they may still need comfort or reassurance in the form of a cuddle or words of encouragement but generally won't require parental intervention as often.

(9/37) There are also certain developmental milestones that can indicate readiness for self settling such as being able to roll over independently or grab onto objects within reach.

It's important to note though that individual babies have different needs. Some may self settle earlier than others or might need more help at first before being able to self soothe on their own.

However with patience and consistency, all babies should eventually learn how to self settle from an early age!

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Does a Baby learn to self settle naturally?

(10/37) Yes, it is indeed possible for a Baby to self settle naturally.

Self settling is a natural process that happens when babies are able to recognize the difference between day and night and self-soothe themselves to some degree.

sleeping toys

This self-soothing ability helps them connect their sleep environment with feelings of comfort and security, allowing them to self-settle without much help from parents.

As they grow older, typically around 6 months old, self settling becomes more independent as babies are better able to self soothe on their own without needing any parental intervention as often.

In addition, certain developmental milestones can also indicate readiness for self settling such as being able to roll over independently or grab onto objects within reach.

(11/37) When it comes to self settling naturally, consistency is key - parents must remain patient and consistent in order for their babies to develop this skill.

Regularly putting them down for naps at the same time each day will help cue their bodies that it's time to settle down into sleep.

Also by engaging in calming activities like swaddling, providing white noise, dimming lights and giving them a warm bath or massage before sleep will help create an association between self-soothing habits and sleepiness.

These activities not only relax babies physically but also mentally, helping them internalize self settling practices quicker.

Moreover taking the time to look at what might be disrupting their sleep environment - such as too cold or hot temperature, too much light coming in from outside or uncomfortable pajamas - can also make all the difference when self settling!

(12/37) Overall with patience and consistency any Baby should be able to learn how to self settle naturally from an early age!

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How to teach my Baby to self-soothe without crying?

(13/37) Self-soothing is an important skill for babies to learn and can be taught with a few simple steps.

sleeping baby

First, it’s important to establish a bedtime routine that helps create an association between self-soothing and sleepiness.

This could include providing a warm bath or massage to relax the Baby, dimming the lights and using white noise in the background, reading stories or singing lullabies, giving them cuddles and a hug before laying them down, etc.

Regularly repeating this routine at the same time each day will help cue their bodies that it's time to self-settle.

Additionally, ensuring the environment is comfortable by making sure it’s not too hot nor too cold, reducing light coming in from outside if necessary, and dressing them in comfortable pajamas can also help self-soothing without crying.

(14/37) Parents should also stay consistent with self-settling by avoiding picking up their Baby when they start fussing or crying during self-settling attempts. Instead, verbally reassure them that you are there but let them self soothe as much as possible before intervening.

This builds self-confidence in babies as they learn that they are capable of calming themselves down without needing external assistance. It’s also important to be patient.

Self settling doesn’t happen overnight and babies may need more support and reassurance at first until they get used to self soothing on their own.

Gradually increasing intervals of self soothing attempts can help the process become easier over time; for instance try 30 seconds of self settling then 1 minute then 2 minutes and so on until your Baby is able to self settle without much trouble!

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(15/37) Finally parents should ensure adequate amount of sleep as this plays an important role in self soothing.

When babies are well rested they are more likely to successfully self settle than when they’re overtired or overstimulated.

sleeping baby

All these tips combined will help teach your Baby how to self soothe without crying and eventually lead your little one into peaceful sleep!

How long let a Baby cry when self settling?

(16/37) When self settling, it is important to remember that crying is a normal and expected part of the process.

This is because self settling is a skill that needs to be learned and takes time for babies to understand and master.

It’s important to give your Baby enough time to self settle, as this will help them develop self-soothing skills over time.

However, it's also important not to let them cry for too long as this can lead to distress and frustration.

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(17/37) It’s recommended that parents set an initial goal of self soothing for 10 minutes before intervening; however this can vary depending on the individual Baby and their age.

For younger babies (2-6 months) try self settling for 5 minutes instead; if they still don't settle then engage in a calming activity like singing or rocking them gently until they do.

sleepy baby

On the other hand older babies (6+ months) may take a bit longer to self settle so aim for 10-15 minutes instead before intervening with a calming activity or reassurance from you.

(18/37) Overall setting an appropriate self settling goal based on your Baby’s age and giving them clear guidance will help them learn how to self soothe more quickly over time!

It’s important that parents remain patient, consistent and reassuring during the self settling process in order for their babies to feel safe and secure while mastering this skill.

Finally, ensuring adequate amount of sleep will make self settling much easier too!

How you should get your Baby to sleep without being held

(19/37) Getting a Baby to self-settle without being held is an important milestone for both the parents and the Child. It's a skill that needs to be learned, but with patience and consistency it can be achieved.

(20/37) The first step is to create a self-soothing routine that encourages self-settling. This should include activities like reading books, playing soft music, or singing lullabies before bedtime.

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Ensuring the environment is comfortable by setting it at a temperature where your Baby isn't too hot nor too cold also plays an important role in self-soothing.

Reducing light coming from outside, if necessary, and dressing your Baby in comfortable pajamas can help set the mood for self-settling.

(21/37) Once the self-soothing routine is established it's important to remain consistent with self-settling attempts so that your Baby knows what to expect each night and starts forming habits around self soothing.

When you start seeing signs of sleepiness in your Baby, lay them down on their back in their crib and provide verbal reassurance like ...

..."Goodnight sweetheart" while avoiding picking them up every time they fuss or cry as this will reward them instead of teaching them self settling skills.

sleeping baby

It's important to give them enough time to self settle; 5 minutes for younger babies (2-6 months) or 10-15 minutes for older ones (6+ months) before intervening with a calming activity like singing or rocking gently until they doze off.

Gradually increasing intervals of self soothing attempts can also help build up their confidence over time as they learn that they are capable of self soothing without external assistance.

(22/37) Finally ensuring adequate rest is key when trying to get your Baby to self settle.

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Well rested babies are more likely to successfully self settle than overtired or overstimulated ones so make sure you stick to regular nap and bedtime routines throughout the day!

All these tips combined will eventually lead your little one into peaceful sleep without being held!

What you will do if your Baby will not self soothe?

(23/37) If your Baby is having trouble self soothing, it's important to remain patient and consistent during the self settling process.

It can be helpful to review the self soothing routine and make sure you're doing everything you can to create a comfortable environment such as reducing light exposure, setting the temperature at an appropriate level, and dressing them in comfortable pajamas.

Also ensure that your Baby is well rested; tired or overtired babies are less likely to self soothe successfully compared to well-rested babies so sticking to regular nap and bedtime routines is key.

(24/37) Using verbal cues like saying “It’s time for sleep now” when layering down in their crib can also help babies become more familiar with self settling;

reassuring words like “you are safe” or “I am here for you” can provide comfort and security while self settling too.

It is also important not to intervene with physical contact every time they fuss or cry as this will reward them instead of teaching them self settling skills. Instead try giving them enough time to self settle; 5 minutes for younger babies (2-6 months) or 10-15 minutes for older ones (6+ months).

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Yes, I Want It Now !

Gradually increasing these intervals over time can also help build up their confidence as they learn they are capable of self soothing without external assistance.

(25/37) If all else fails, engaging in a calming activity like singing or rocking gently until they doze off may help get them into peaceful sleep.

happy baby

However if this happens often it may be worth seeking professional guidance from a pediatrician or specialist who will be able to provide further advice on how best to help your little one self settle successfully.

How long to let your Baby cry?

(26/37) It can be difficult to know how long to let your Baby cry when self settling, as every Baby is different and will respond differently to self settling attempts.

It is important to recognize that some babies may self settle more quickly than others, so it is essential to stay patient and consistent with self settling routines.

As a general guide, if your Baby is younger than 6 months old you should try not to let them cry for more than 5 minutes before intervening.

However if they are older than 6 months, you can give them up to 15 minutes before providing comfort and reassurance.

(27/37) It is important to remember that self settling isn't always easy for babies, so do not expect overnight success. Instead stay consistent with self settling techniques over time and gradually increase the intervals of self soothing attempts each night.

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This will help build your Baby's confidence as they learn that they are capable of self soothing without external assistance. If all else fails, engaging in a calming activity like singing or rocking gently until they doze off may help get them into peaceful sleep.

(28/37) It is also important to note that some babies may never be able to self settle without crying, which can be frustrating for parents as well as distressing for the Baby.

In these cases it may be helpful to consult with a pediatrician or specialist who will be able to provide further advice on how best to help your little one self settle successfully.

What are some tips for helping a Gassy Baby to self-settle and sleep better?

There are a few tips that parents can use to help their gassy babies sleep better:

(29/37) Make sure your Child is sleeping on their back in order to avoid choking on the gas bubbles.

(30/37) Elevate your Child's head slightly using pillows or wedges to help them breathe easier and reduce discomfort from gas buildup.

(31/37) Try giving your Child smaller and more frequent feeds as opposed to larger ones as this will help them digest food more easily and reduce gas production.

sleeping baby

(32/37) Avoid feeding your Child dairy products or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower as these foods tend to produce more gas than others.

(33/37) Burp your Child frequently during and after

(34/37) The best thing you can do for a gassy Baby is to try different positions and see what works best.

Some babies respond well to being held in a football hold, while others find relief when they are lying on their backs.

You may need to experiment a bit to find what works best for your Child.

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(35/37) Another helpful tip is to give your Baby a nice warm bath before bedtime. This can help relax them and make it easier for them to sleep.

You can also try massaging your Baby's tummy in a clockwise direction. This can help move the gas through their digestive system and provide some relief.

(36/37) Finally, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice if you are struggling to find ways to help your gassy Baby sleep through the night.

They may have some helpful tips or suggestions that will work best for your Child. Remember that you are not alone in this - many parents are dealing with the same issues.

Try not to get discouraged, and keep looking for solutions that will help your Baby feel better.

(37/37) It's best to get medical advice right away if you suspect your little one is having trouble with gas-related discomfort since this can be quite serious if left untreated.

Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes such as proper burping and adjusting feeding positions as well as medications if necessary.

Plus, they may suggest different sleeping positions that best suit your Baby's condition which studies have shown could significantly reduce gas pains in infants.

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Prologue

Parenthood can be a wild ride...especially with the first little one.

I thought something was wrong with me when my beloved daughter's nightly screams kept me on edge and in exhaustion for months.

But as it turns out, nearly every parent struggles to settle their Baby down at night! Nowadays, we all know how important it is to learn—and teach our kids—how to put themselves back into dreamland peacefully (saving us from unhinged nerves).

But my first Child was like a little tornado, and I wanted to be the eye of her storm.

Please note

Kew Media Site is an invaluable resource, but when it comes to matters of health, always consult with a trained medical professional – never rely solely on digital information. Taking into account your individual situation will help you make the best decisions for your own wellbeing.

Kew Media Site serves as an informative resource, but should never be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

When it comes to your health, always consult with a qualified doctor for the best advice and care tailored specifically for you!

Kew Media Site and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such.

You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Table of Contents
  1. My first Child was like a little tornado, and I wanted to be the eye of her storm...
  2. How do I teach my Baby to self settle?
  3. At what age can a Baby self settle?
  4. Does a Baby learn to self settle naturally?
  5. How to teach my Baby to self-soothe without crying?
  6. How you should get your Baby to sleep without being held
  7. What you will do if your Baby will not self soothe?
  8. How long to let your Baby cry?
  9. Prologue
  10. Please note

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.