Parenting Tips for Your 8 Month Old Baby
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 he is drowsy, but awake. Spend time cuddling, reading, singing or talking to your baby at bedtime. Routines or doing the same thing in the say way, help children settle down to sleep. Being sure your child gets plenty of cuddle time during the day will probably help him sleep better at night -- according to recent studies. Help her slow down and relax with bath time, gentle massage and book reading. Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. This can cause cavities, or your baby could choke.
If your baby cries after you’ve put him to bed, check on him, but keep the lights dim. If he is OK, pat his back for a minute or two, and leave.
If he continues to cry, check on him every few minutes until he falls to sleep. Slowly increase the time between your checks. Try to be understanding, not angry.
Show him you are there for him, but that he must fall to sleep on his own. If you are consistent, and if he is not truly afraid of being alone, he will learn to sleep on his own by learning how to comfort and calm himself.
