Self‑soothing doesn’t mean letting your baby cry it out; it means giving them the opportunity to practise falling asleep on their own. Research from the Raising Children Network suggests that putting your baby to bed drowsy but awake helps them associate sleep with being alone in a cot. Babies who learn this skill often sleep for longer stretches at night.
Responding to grizzles
It’s normal for babies to fuss a little when first learning to settle themselves. Give your baby one to two minutes to adjust before intervening. If fussing escalates into crying, respond promptly with soothing strokes, rocking or feeding; responsive settling builds trust and reduces stress. Over time, many babies learn to resettle with minimal help.
Building a routine
A consistent daily rhythm helps babies feel secure. Try a feed‑play‑sleep sequence: feed your baby, engage in some playtime, then watch for tired signs and place them in their cot. Ensure the sleep environment is safe—firm mattress, clear of pillows and toys, moderate temperature and smoke‑free. With patience and gentleness, self‑soothing becomes a lifelong skill.