Teaching your baby to self-settle is often seen as the holy grail of baby sleep. While it’s an important skill, it’s essential to approach it gently and at your baby’s own pace.
At around six months, many babies are developmentally ready to learn self-settling skills. However, the journey to independent sleep looks different for every child, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
What is Self-Settling?
Self-settling means your baby can fall asleep independently without being fed, rocked, or held to sleep. It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean leaving your baby to cry or expecting them to settle instantly.
Factors That Affect Self-Settling
- Sleep environment
- Daytime routine
- Feeding patterns
- Sleep associations
- Individual temperament
Common Challenges
While some babies naturally develop self-settling skills, others need more support. Common obstacles include:
- Strong feed-to-sleep associations
- Inconsistent bedtime routines
- Timing of sleep windows
- Environmental factors
Ready to Start Your Self-Settling Journey?
Getting self-settling right requires a personalised approach based on your baby’s needs and temperament. Book a free consultation to create a gentle plan that works for your family.
Remember that teaching self-settling skills is a gradual process that requires consistency and patience. The most successful approaches are those that consider your baby’s individual needs, development, and your family’s circumstances.
