Bedtime with your toddler or baby is one of the most treasured moments between a mother and her child. You get in a lot of cuddles, snuggles and just pure joy rocking your baby to sleep. It is one way to bond with your child every day.
However, there will come a time when it seems like your child cannot go to bed without being rocked. This is because they have learned to depend on rocking to sleep, and that may not bode well for you.
Source: Rebecca Michi – Children’s Sleep Consultant
Imagine having to rock your baby to sleep for twenty minutes or an hour to go to bed or having to rock your crying baby back to sleep in the middle of the night. This routine will definitely leave you drained and on the edge.
To avoid being edgy and tired, you have to wean your toddler out of the need for a rock before bed and there are a few ways that can be done. However, before we dive into those suggestions, let us understand why babies love the rocking motion.
Why do babies and toddlers like being rocked to sleep?
Infants love the rocking motion. It reminds them of being in their mother’s womb. You could say it is like coming back home. If your toddler still likes to be rocked, it may be because you started to do this at a very early stage of their lives and never weaned them off it. There may not be a stated age to wean them off the habit, but you should start early enough so as to reduce the chances of dependency. No matter the age of your baby or toddler, you can try one of the following suggestions.
How to stop rocking a toddler to sleep
The last thing you should do is abruptly stop rocking your child to sleep. That will only leave you with a very confused and antsy child. Whatever you are doing must be done with care and thoughtfulness.
- Slow down your rocking time and rate: You should have an idea of how long and how fast or slow you rock your child. Whatever it was before, reduce the intensity and timing every other day. This helps them get accustomed to minimal movements, and eventually, they will not need to be rocked anymore.
- Use a different bedtime routine: It could be bedtime stories or lullabies. You can restrict yourself to about two or three stories or two or three lullabies. Sing or tell your stories in slow, measured tones to induce feelings of peace and rest. Ensure that whatever routine you incorporate remains consistent.
- Try calming techniques like dim lighting, which establishes a calming and peaceful environment. Consistently doing this every night lets your child know that it is time to sleep, almost like an internal snooze clock.
Any one of these methods can help wean your toddler out of the rocking stage, and it will definitely give you some time to rest
Weaning your child out of the rocking stage may not be easy, but it is something that must be done. As a mother, you must learn to encourage self-sufficiency in your child and stifle all signs of over-dependence.
Disclaimer: This article was not written by a child health professional. If you would like psychological or medical advice regarding your toddler, please visit the nearest child specialist or psychologist.
