Living and Loving – August 2019

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Although lying on his back is the only safe sleeping

position, it’s one of the least comfortable positions for

your baby when he’s crying. To soothe him so he relaxes

ready for sleep, lay him along your forearm on his tummy,

with his head turned to one side in your hand, and his legs

by your elbow. Most babies love this position, especially if

they’re a bit gassy, as it helps with digestion. When you’re

both comfortable, gently rock your arm from side to side. LL

The heartbeat hold

The sound of your heart beating is familiar to

your baby and he loves hearing it. Hold him so

his body faces yours, with his cheek against

your upper chest, and your arms around him.

Now gently and rhythmically pat his bum. The

rhythmic beat of your heart and your patting

provides a sound for your baby to focus on, and

helps his body to regulate his own heartbeat.

The tummy snuggle

The midnight swing

Life in your womb was very bouncy for your baby, especially

when you were walking or going up and down stairs. While

gentle rocking is ideal for keeping your baby content while

he’s quiet, if he’s crying, a gentle, but slightly quicker, swinging

motion can help calm him, as it replicates these womb-like

movements. Hold your baby in your arms as you

would to rock him, making sure his head

and neck are supported, and simply

sway a teeny-tiny bit faster

than you would normally,

swinging no more than

an inch either way.

The blackout cuddle

Darkness, along with closeness, is very

comforting for your baby, as it was what

he experienced in your womb, and it

can be used to help soothe him when

he’s fussing. Blackout curtains are a

must – especially if you have street lights

outside. And if you use a night light, turn

it off. Don’t say anything, just hold him

close against your body and relax.

The sleepy

forehead stroke

When he was curled up

in your womb, your baby

constantly felt the soothing

power of your body touching

his. Touch stimulates receptors

in his brain that calm him and

long, soft strokes are effective,

especially when he’s overtired

and upset. While he’s lying on

his back in his cot, or as he lays

in your arms, slowly and gently

stroke your finger downwards

from the top of his forehead to the

bridge of his nose. This movement is

hypnotic and encourages your baby

to close his eyes – especially when

he’s trying to avoid sleep.

LIVING

AND

LOVING

.CO.ZA

Click on Baby for 5 common
baby sleep issues sorted.
WORDS

NIKKI DUTTON/BAUER SYNDICATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK

baby & toddler