Sleepless nights are rough, even if they do involve some wonderful cuddle time with your baby. At some point, you manage to adapt to a 2 a.m. routine of feeding, burping, changing the diaper, and so forth. However, what do you do if your baby only sleeps when held, and you need some rest? We have some sleep training solutions to help you out with this situation.
Try swaddling
During the first few weeks, your baby is trying to adjust to the “outside world” after dwelling in a snug, warm environment for the last nine months. So naturally, re-creating that safe space would help if your baby only sleeps when held.
Swaddling is the best option when it comes to soothing your baby to sleep, especially during the first two weeks. For many months before now, your baby was accustomed to having limbs tucked in. Thus, when you swaddle your baby, you’re placing them in a similar position, particularly with what’s called the “burrito wrap,” which is the most common form of swaddling.
Take turns with your partner
What if your baby still doesn’t fall asleep in the crib or bassinet? Another option is to take turns with your partner holding the baby. This idea can be workable depending on your baby’s current sleep patterns and your schedule. At night, for example, you and your partner can “work in shifts” rocking your baby to sleep and carefully laying them down in the bassinet or crib.
On the other hand, if both of you are back to work, you can alternate nights staying up with the baby. Either way, you will need to get to sleep right away once your baby drifts off.
Incorporate white noise
The incorporation of white noise also works well with swaddling. The soft humming and swooshing closely resembles the sounds from the womb. Again, your baby is reminded of the secure and comfy environment from where they just arrived. Plus, it helps your baby adjust during the more difficult sleep cycles and stay asleep longer. Thus, a device like the Letsfit White Noise Machine provides an effective option when your newborn won’t sleep unless held.
Gradually “phase-in” crib sleep
This is one of the most important tips to remember since sleep cycles take time to develop. You can place your baby in the crib when they are already asleep or just dozing off. According to Lindsay Mizrahi, MA, CCC-SLP, a pediatric sleep expert and founder of The Pediatric Sleep Consultant, this is a very effective strategy.
Likewise, if your baby wakes up immediately, you can give them a minute or two to fall back asleep while gently patting and soothing. If they don’t fall back asleep, try the process again by picking them up and walking around until drowsiness sets in again.
Use a harness when the baby only sleeps when held
During the day, repeatedly trying the process above of rocking your baby to sleep might interfere with the items on your household to-do list. Thus, another idea is to use a baby wrap carrier sling. This type of carrier works best with newborns to babies around 6-months-old but can also be used for extra support when holding a toddler. The main advantages are that they encourage sound sleep and provide privacy when breastfeeding.
As you can see, there are many tips to try when your baby only sleeps when held. In the meantime, as you try different strategies for sleep training, you can rest assured that this phase is only temporary. And you and your child will eventually gain some much-needed relaxation.
