If you’re set on your child sleeping on his/her back, but they won’t fall asleep that way or want to sleep on their tummy - Take the time to put your child to sleep on his/her stomach. The best way is to half-lay, half-sit on the couch, on your bed, on the floor, etc. and let them lay on your stomach. You can always simply lay them on a blanket, the couch, or your bed on their stomach, and stay very close-by. Once deep breathing sleep is achieved, move the child to his/her crib quietly, and lay them how you prefer them to sleep. Try rubbing their back for a second after you put them down in the crib, to avoid sudden waking.
Pat his/her back - This sounds completely uncomfortable to me, to have my back “patted”. Most people would prefer to have their backs scratched or rubbed. Babies, for some reason, *love* having their backs patted. If you’re using the option above and letting your child lay on you, this is even easier. If your baby is still very young pat gently of course, but if your child is 6 months or older be sure you’re not patting too softly, as this seems to just annoy them most of the time.
If he/she seems fine while you’re in the room, but cries the second you leave - You’ve probably already tried waiting out the crying, so let’s try an alternative… Switch the baby monitors around. Make it so that your child can hear you in the other room from his/her side of the monitor. Your voice - talking to others in the room or carrying on as usual - will probably be enough, but if it doesn’t stop the fussing, try singing or talking directly into your side of the monitor.
The car - Does your child fall asleep whenever you take them on a car ride? Most do. So you probably don’t think you have time to drive your little one around at 8pm, but really, isn’t driving around quicker and more relaxing than listening to your little one cry in the other room? Take the time to try a car ride right before bedtime - it may just be the thing he/she needs to drift off.
Bath - Baths are relaxing, for us *and* for them. Try a warm bath 1/2 hour before your little one’s bedtime. There are even baby bath products made for the relaxation of your child.
My Trump Card- When all else failed, or I just didn’t have the time or energy for any of these other remedies, this never failed for my son or for the children of my friends. Get out the car seat, get your little one all bundled up in their PJ’s, place them in the car seat, and put a blanket over the handle and covering the entire seat - so all your baby sees is the pattern on his/her blanket. Stand with the car seat in your hand and swing the seat back and forth at your side with your entire arm (so to your baby, it seems like they’re in a swing). Switch arms when you get tired, or try putting the seat down and rocking it back and forth. Not only did this work constantly for me, it gave my arms a great workout.
Good night!
