Alternatives to letting your baby cry to sleep

Letting your baby cry to sleep is not always the answer. Check out other ways and ideas on putting your baby to sleep a less tearful way!

Letting baby cry to sleep

Every parent has heard the saying "Oh, let your baby cry to sleep, they will be fine". For many parents that is okay to do, but some parents do not like the idea of their baby crying to sleep.

There are so many ideas that a new parent can try these days to help their baby fall asleep. Essentially, It is up to the parent and what they want to do.

Here are some ideas to start with...

Alternative: Swaddling

Many babies prefer the safe feeling of when they were in the womb. It helps them feel protected and warm.

Swaddling is an alternative to letting your baby cry to sleep. Many parents will prefer to swaddle their baby in a soft blanket, but not one that will block the babies nose from breathing.

Alternative: Sleeping aids

Many babies will choose a favourite toy or blanket that helps to comfort them. Let them use this to sleep with. If it gives them comfort, they will feel safer and more relaxed.

Babies will not go to sleep if they feel nervous or anxious. Sleep aids will help calm their nerves down and get them ready to go to sleep.

Alternative: Routines

Keeping the same routine will get the baby use to going to sleep by themselves. It is like programming, the same repetitious schedule will let them know it is time to get ready for bed. A full belly, nice warm bath and some cuddling time will show them that it is bedtime.

Alternative: Create the mood

After a full day of play, you may need to slow your baby down a little. Make their room dark and allow some soothing music to play in the background. Once they get still for a little bit, they will fall right to sleep. This has been a much better alternative to letting a baby cry to sleep.

Alternative: Motion

Most babies will fall right to sleep when they are in motion. This can be as simple as pushing them in their stroller or driving around the block.

A rocking chair is a great addition to any nursery. The rocking motion provides a much more soothing way to sleep compared to letting your baby cry to sleep. You can use this excuse to take an evening stroll with the baby to put them to sleep.