Can you really put a baby to sleep in a few seconds? Well, it seems the answer is YES. Some parents have shared their tricks on social media, and judging by the responses, their methods are a hit. A pity I didn’t hear from them sooner.
My son was always a sleepyhead but there were nights he turned me into a raccoon-eyed mom.
There were days when I tried everything. I hit him on the breast, I rocked him with my arms, I walked around the house with him and even in moments of desperation I gave him a ride in the car but nothing worked.
It wasn’t until I did my own routine that I found salvation. But as you know, routines take time. I never managed to sleep with him in seconds. Never.
I believe that every baby is different and not all methods work the same for everyone, but it would still be good to try them. Who knows and you make it! Here I share some simple tricks to put a baby to sleep in just 40 seconds that have worked for other parents:
Also Read About: When Do Kids Stop Napping?
4-7-8 Techniques to fall asleep in 60 seconds
The 4-7-8 technique was created by Professor Andrew Weill of Harvard University and is based on breath control. You may think that it is complicated for a kid, but nothing like that. For him, it will be a game and the results are amazing. Well, what exactly is it?
You may learn how to properly use it by following these steps:
1- Take a four-second inhalation through your nose.
Yes, you read that correctly. You must mentally count to four while inhaling. One two. Three. Four.
2- Now hold the air inside your lungs for 7 seconds
Mentally count one, two, three, four. Five six seven. This is the most important part. Holding the air helps slow down the heart rate and eliminate anxiety.
3- Exhale gently for 8 seconds:
Mentally count one, two, three, four. Five six seven and eight. You must repeat these steps several times. You will notice how the body is in a state of perfect relaxation. In addition, it also affects the quality of sleep.
A relaxed body rests much better since the slow heart rate helps the brain get better oxygen.
The 4-7-8 technique for kids can also be used in other ways.
However, this method has more benefits than you might imagine. Knowing how to control your breathing is vital to use it in the following cases:
1- Eliminates stress
If practised regularly, it is an excellent therapy against accumulated stress throughout the day. And certainly, stress may affect kids as well. Even more so in school days, of course.
2- Helps overcome fears
It is absurd to feel afraid since it makes you excited. The pulse quickens and we are unable to control our nerves. This technique helps to recover a state of tranquillity and rationality, and therefore, to overcome a moment of fear and even a panic episode.
3- Helps to relax before a public intervention
Stage fear can be managed through breathing, as actors, lawyers, and speakers are often aware of. Teach your kid to breathe in this way to calm down before publically speaking.
4- Use it before going to the doctor
This approach will be very helpful if your kid is one of those who gets anxious before getting a shot or going to the dentist.
5- Help to meditate
Yes, children can meditate too. You can’t even imagine the benefits it has. You can help yourself from the boat of calm and start with this breathing technique. The kid can benefit much from working on their emotions.
6- Helps the child to concentrate
For kids who already need to start memorizing, this technique is quite helpful. You can improve your concentration by managing your breathing.
Short stories to help children sleep
- Vera and the problem of sleeping.
When it’s time for bed, many kids have trouble falling asleep. They don’t want their mom or dad to go to another room, so they throw tantrums and put off bedtime as long as they can. You may teach your kids how to go to bed on their own by using the Vera story and bedtime routine.
- Bubble wants to fly.
Bubble Wants to Fly is a fantasy story for children. A short story for kids about achieving dreams. Children’s dreams. Why sometimes dreams can come true. Solidarity to fulfil the wishes of others. A children’s short story with values.
- The goblin with the backpack of dreams.
Do not miss the short stories for dreamy children. This is entitled “The elf with the backpack of dreams” and will make your child reflect on his own dreams and desires. We propose some reading comprehension questions to find out if your child has understood the story.
2-year-old child sleep: the characteristics
Bedtime difficulties:
It is during this dreaded period that bedtime difficulties arise. Indeed your child becomes aware of himself and dreads the moment of separation in the evening. Parting with the reassuring presence of Mom and Dad can be difficult.
This is also when he builds his personality by “opposing” and testing your limits. Finally, the idea of drifting off to sleep can frighten some children. Nightmares, noises, and shadows in the bedroom can make your little one anxious and prevent him from enjoying a good restful night.
Second-half of the night awakenings:
Does your child often wake up after midnight? Do not worry! Researchers estimate that 40% of children aged 2 to 3 wake up at night after 18 months and 20% of them even wake up several times.
Your child stays calm, eyes open. He can play with his stuffed animals and then go back to sleep a little later. These awakenings only pose a problem when your child asks you to feel your presence or a bottle.
Sleep from 2 to 3 years old: a difficult relearning
The period between 2 and 3 years old is very difficult for your child. Creating a regular and restorative sleep pattern isn’t that simple.
The book (Dream, Sleep and the Child) even relates his time of transition to the hardships for a smoker to quit smoking. This is why it is important to reward all progress! More than ever, your child needs you and calm family life.
Even if the circumstances may require it, it is better to avoid moving or other sudden changes. Calm and relaxed parents, a regular bedtime ritual, clear rules, and regular discussions about the importance of sleep help your child understand the importance of good sleep.
With perseverance, your child will become more and more independent in falling asleep and will be able to enjoy calm and restorative nights!
CAUTION: Avoid sleeping pills!
Once again the book “Dreams, sleep and children” warns against taking medication, sleeping pills, or other sedatives to help 2-3-year-olds sleep. Conversely, it would only aggravate the problems. The child does not learn to sleep properly but struggles violently against the sedative developing major excitement and restlessness.