Every parent worries about their child from the day they’re born: from physical development to eating habits and more. But perhaps one of the biggest problems that many parents worry about is sleep… and may resort to various methods. One set of parents recently took to a very dangerous folk remedy to try and get their newborn to sleep, with dangerous health consequences.
Parents used ‘folk remedy’ to treat two-month-old’s inability to sleep
These parents from China brought their two-month-old child to the hospital, worried that he was suffering from “chronic tiredness”. However, little did they know that they might have been the ones causing the “chronic tiredness”.
However, upon closer examination, medical professionals were shocked to find the little one’s body was full of tiny scabs.
Asked about what happened, the parents said that they did it because it was a “folk remedy” that could help a child stop wailing during bedtime.
Apparently, the parents attempted to keep the baby quiet during bedtime by (really peculiarly) poking the young baby using a needle. The baby was stabbed over 50 times, until the wounds bled and were infected.
Doctor Zhu Bin remarked that “the family employed a folk remedy, using sharp objects to poke or scrape the child’s skin around his navel.”
The baby’s body was full of tiny wounds that became infected later on. | Image Source: Xiaoqiweb
Doctors advise them to give their child Vitamin D instead
According to the doctor, the two-month-old’s open wounds exposed him to bacteria, eventually leading them to become infected.
After the examination, the little one’s symptoms were instantly tended to. Doctors now foresee him to fully recover from his condition. Thankfully!
The two-month-old is currently recovering in the hospital, where doctors foresee that will fully recover. | Image Source: kidspot.com.au
Afterwards, the little one’s parents were told that the “folk remedy” was ineffective. Instead, doctors recommended that they give the baby vitamin D supplements so that he can sleep.
Parents, folk “remedies” might not always work. Instead, as this example has shown, they might lead to further complications instead.
Here are some methods on how to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds which you can do in the comfort of your own home.
How to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds: Gentle tricks for parents to try
1. Use white noise
Here’s a simple and economical method you can try: use white noise.
In our previous article, we outlined how a nurse helped to calm a newborn baby to sleep – by cradling the baby in the bathroom with running water as background noise.
One of the theories behind this method is that running water makes an environment similar to the womb. Thus, the baby is familiar with that surrounding and is able to fall asleep better.
The nurse had also posted a video outlining the method, which shows the baby quietening down with the water noise before she falls asleep peacefully. Many people globally have thanked the nurse for sharing such a great tip, which helped them to get some sleep. Even the nurse herself, “after numerous sleepless nights”, was “ecstatic”.
Many crying babies find comfort in smooth, rhythmic movements, like being rocked in a rocking chair, hammock, or infant swing. Take yours for a walk in a stroller or for a car ride — just be sure she’s safely strapped into her rear-facing car seat.
Try out different types of motion to see what soothes your baby best. Don’t place her on top of a vibrating appliance, such as a dishwasher or dryer, because she could fall.
2. Make her feel sleepy with touch
Providing an environment similar to the womb can give babies a sense of security, enabling sleep. There are a few ways to do this, like by:
- wrapping her in a warm, soft blanket. Rough blankets aren’t suitable for babies as their skin is usually very sensitive.
- softly pat your little one’s back in a good rhythm – like a heartbeat.
- positioning your baby so that they sleep facing against you.
A nice, warm bath is also a good thing to incorporate in your baby’s sleep regime, as in a feed.
How to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds: swaddle them. Swaddling babies the right way will help them to feel safe and warm – as if they were in the womb. | Image Source: Stock Photo
3. The 5 S’s
Harvey Karp, a pediatrician, suggests that parents use the 5S’s. This technique is a combination of other methods to stop your baby from crying at night. The main aim is to make your baby feel secure – as if they were still in the womb.
Here’s how you do it:
- Swaddling. Wrap your baby in a soft, comfortable blanket.
- Help calm your little one by letting her rest on her side or stomach. Do note to only try this method if your baby has colic – but do keep an eye out for anything. Once your baby actually sleeps, position them flat on her back. Babies should not sleep lying by their side or stomach.
- Whisper some “Shh” sounds softly
- Swing your little baby before putting her on the bed.
- Sucking – i.e. breastfeed your little one or offer a pacifier for her to chew on.
Remember parents, should you wake up at night to the sounds of your baby crying, remain calm. Try out these tried-and-tested options on how to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds, not “folk remedies” that may do more harm than good.
We hope that this article on how to put a baby to sleep in 40 seconds has helped you gain a good night’s rest.
References: Xiaoqiweb, WebMD
*This article is from our archives.
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