Source: bing.comAs a new parent, one of the most important things you want for your baby is for them to be able to soothe themselves. It can be exhausting to be constantly trying to calm your little one down, especially during those long, sleepless nights. But when does this self-soothing ability develop in babies? Let’s take a closer look.
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What is Self Soothing?
Self soothing is the ability for a baby to calm themselves down without the need for outside help. This can be through sucking on their fingers or thumb, rubbing their face with their hands, or simply falling asleep on their own. It’s an important developmental milestone for babies and can lead to longer and better quality sleep for both baby and parents.
When Does Self Soothing Develop?
Self soothing abilities can vary widely from baby to baby, but most babies start to develop this skill between three and six months of age. At this age, babies are becoming more independent and developing their fine motor skills, which allows them to start exploring their surroundings and their own bodies.
It’s important to note that some babies may develop self soothing earlier or later than this timeframe, and that’s perfectly normal. Every baby is unique and will develop at their own pace.
How Can You Help Your Baby Develop Self Soothing?
As a parent, there are things you can do to help your baby develop self soothing skills. Here are some tips:
- Encourage your baby to suck on a pacifier or their fingers/thumb
- Introduce a lovey or comfort object that your baby can use to soothe themselves
- Create a consistent bedtime routine that includes soothing activities like reading a book or singing a lullaby
- Give your baby plenty of opportunities to practice self-soothing during the day, such as during naps or playtime
Remember, it’s important to be patient and consistent when helping your baby develop self soothing skills. It may take some time and practice, but eventually your baby will be able to comfort themselves and get the sleep they need.
What if My Baby Isn’t Self Soothing?
If your baby is past the six month mark and still isn’t showing signs of self soothing, don’t panic. It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and some may take longer than others to reach certain milestones.
However, if you are concerned, it’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. They can offer advice and guidance on how to help your baby develop self soothing skills.
The Bottom Line
Self soothing is an important developmental milestone for babies, and it’s one that will help both baby and parents get the sleep they need. While most babies start to develop self soothing skills between three and six months of age, every baby develops at their own pace. With patience and consistency, you can help your baby develop the skills they need to soothe themselves and sleep soundly through the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I start teaching my baby to self soothe from birth?
A: While it’s never too early to start establishing a consistent sleep routine, most babies won’t develop self soothing skills until around three to six months of age.
Q: Will my baby always need outside help to fall asleep?
A: No, eventually your baby will be able to fall asleep on their own without the need for outside help. This is an important developmental milestone that most babies will reach between three and six months of age.
Q: What if my baby doesn’t like pacifiers or comfort objects?
A: Not all babies will take to pacifiers or comfort objects, and that’s okay. There are other ways to help your baby develop self soothing skills, such as creating a consistent bedtime routine or giving your baby plenty of opportunities to practice during the day.
Q: What if my baby still needs outside help to fall asleep after six months?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, so if your baby still needs outside help to fall asleep after six months, it’s not necessarily cause for concern. However, if you are worried, it’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician.
Q: Are there any risks to teaching my baby to self soothe?
A: No, there are no risks to teaching your baby to self soothe. In fact, it’s an important developmental milestone that will help both baby and parents get the sleep they need.