Many 8-9 month-olds have trouble settling down to sleep. They’re so excited about sitting, crawling and exploring that they don’t want to go to bed! Here are some sleepy-time tips: Put your baby to bed at about the same time every night. Put your baby to bed when she is drowsy, but awake. Spend time cuddling, reading, singing or talking to your baby at bedtime. Routines or doing the same thing in the same way, help children settle down to sleep. Help her slow down and relax with a bedtime routine consisting of bath time, a gentle massage and reading a book. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. This can cause cavities, or your baby could choke. But make sure your baby is full so she can sleep comfortably through the night. If your baby cries after you’ve put her to bed, check on her, but keep the lights dim. If she is OK, pat her back for a minute or two, and leave. If she continues to cry, check on her every few minutes until she falls to sleep. Slowly increase the time between your checks. Try to be understanding, not angry. Show her you are there for her, but that she must fall asleep on her own. If you are consistent, and if she is not truly afraid of being alone, she will learn to sleep on her own by learning how to comfort and calm herself.

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