Module 3: Transitioning from Contact Napping & Rocking

Module Overview:

Welcome to Module 3, where we'll delve into the delicate process of transitioning your baby from contact napping and rocking to more independent sleep. In this module, we'll explore two distinct methods, "The Gentle Shift" and "Calm in Your Arms," each designed to guide this transition with care and understanding.

Module Highlights:

Method One: The Gentle Shift

Phase 1: Preparing for Change

• Choose a Sleep Technique: Select a soothing method, such as patting, stroking, or comforting touch, as a replacement for contact napping and rocking.
• Consistent Use: Apply your chosen soothing technique consistently during nap times and bedtime for a period of 1-2 weeks, gradually integrating it into your established routine.
• Observe Your Baby: Keep a close watch on how your baby responds to the new technique, ensuring they feel comfortable with the change.
• Patience and Consistency: Maintain patience and consistency as your baby adjusts to the transition.

Phase 2: Gradual Reduction of Contact Napping and Rocking

• Start New Association: Continue to use the new soothing technique that your baby has become familiar with, even as they fall asleep on you or through rocking.
• Gradually Reduce Contact Napping or Rocking: Over several days, work on reducing the duration of your typical contact napping or rocking sessions. Gradually shift your focus towards the new soothing technique, aiming for shorter durations.
• Stay Nearby in the Cot: After placing your baby in the cot while they are still awake, remain close by to provide physical and verbal reassurance, continuing to use the new soothing technique.

Phase 3: Transition to Cot Sleeping with the New Association

• Place Drowsy but Awake: As your baby becomes more accustomed to the new sleep associations, aim to put them in the cot while they are drowsy but not fully asleep.
• Use the New Association Technique: Continue to apply the new soothing technique within the cot while your baby settles. Stay calm and consistent, introducing verbal reassurances through gentle shushing, humming, or soothing calm talking.
• Gradually Decrease Physical Assistance: Over time, reduce the physical assistance, such as patting and back rubbing, transitioning to verbal reassurance only through techniques like shushing and humming. Start by sitting near the cot, gradually moving further away as your baby becomes more comfortable with cot sleeping.

Method Two: Calm in Your Arms

Phase 1: Wind Down, Calm Down, then Into The Cot

• Do your wind down routine: Prepare the room by darkening it, play white noise, and execute your typical wind-down sequence to signal the approach of sleep.
• Calming in Your Arms: Comfort and relax your baby using methods like patting, shushing, rocking, or speaking in a low and soothing tone.
• Transition into the Cot, Keep Soothing: Once your baby is calm, gently place them in the cot while continuing with physical and verbal reassurances provided in your arms.

Phase 2: Maintaining The Calm

• Hold and Reassure to Calm: Utilize your voice and gentle touch to keep your baby calm. Aim for around a two-minute pick up if needed, then return your baby to the cot.
• Maintain Calmness with In-Cot Soothing: Continue settling your baby within the cot, using physical and verbal reassurances like shushing, singing, or gentle talking in a calm tone, along with soothing touches like patting and stroking. Gradually reduce the intensity of these methods as your baby becomes calmer.
• Repeat the Process as Needed: If your baby becomes upset again, soothe them within the cot for at least one minute before picking them up to calm in your arms. Ensure your baby is calm before returning them to the cot. Repeat as needed, gradually extending the time between pick-ups until your baby falls asleep.

In this module, you'll learn the intricacies of transitioning your baby to more independent sleep, all while fostering nurturing and comforting sleep associations.