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How do I stop using back rubs to put my baby to sleep?

⚡ Short answer: Back rubbing to fall asleep is a common sleep aid (a kind of sleep support) many parents use.

Anonymous

bir anne · Sleep

I rock my baby to sleep with back rubs every night; how can I help them sleep without this habit?

Maiyko AI ADVISOR

The real reply from the in-app AI advisor

Back rubbing to fall asleep is a common sleep aid (a kind of sleep support) many parents use. Learning to fall asleep without this support takes time, but it's a learnable skill.

Try phasing it out gradually: for several nights, make each back rub a bit lighter and shorter—then just rest your hand on their back without rubbing. Next, keep your hand there and make 'shh' sounds. Finally, remove your hand and keep the sounds going, then leave the room. The change can take 1-2 weeks and there may be resistance; being consistent helps.

If crying increases or it takes longer than 2 weeks, you can consult a sleep consultant or pediatrician.

⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.

This answer is general — yours can be personal 🐦

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