The Soothing Ladder: Gently ease your baby to sleep
The Soothing Ladder is a gradual series of interventions designed to gently encourage your baby to develop independence and soothe themselves. It’s never too early to try it, but it’s most effective between 6 weeks and 4-5 months old.
Begin by considering the ideal timing: ensure that your baby's awake span is not too long and that they are not overtired. The effectiveness is enhanced when the baby's natural inclination to sleep is strong, so it is recommended to initiate it during the first nap in the morning or at bedtime.
This process allows for some creativity. The following steps, outlined below, suggest ways to increase soothing, but feel free to utilize any additional techniques you have up your sleeve that may help your baby find comfort. Don't hesitate to improvise! Allow each step a minute or so to take effect, while endeavoring to prevent a 0-100 meltdown, if possible. (We're referring to a baby meltdown, not your own!)
Step 1:
Place the baby in a calm, awake state in their crib or bassinet, and then step back to observe. If they start to cry or fuss...
Step 2:
Re-enter the baby's view and see if your presence makes a difference. If the crying or fussing continues or intensifies...
Step 3:
Use verbal soothing techniques. You can gently shush, sing, or speak in a soothing tone (think NPR). If the crying or fussing persists or escalates...
Step 4:
Place your hand on the baby's belly and apply gentle pressure while continuing to provide verbal reassurance. If the crying or fussing continues or escalates...
Step 5:
Gently wiggle the baby from side to side while maintaining pressure on the belly and offering verbal reassurance. If the crying or fussing persists or intensifies...
Step 6:
Use your other hand to gently stroke the baby's face or head while continuing with all the previous interventions. If the crying or fussing continues or escalates...
Step 7:
Wrap your arms around the baby, applying pressure to create a sensation of being held. Your face will be close to theirs, and you should still engage in all the previous steps. If the crying or fussing persists or intensifies...
Step 8:
Pick the baby up. If the crying or fussing continues or escalates...
Step 9:
Incorporate movement or bouncing while holding the baby. If the crying or fussing persists or intensifies...
Step 10:
The final step is to feed the baby until they fall asleep.
Most babies can self-soothe and sleep all night (possibly with a feeding) by about 4 months old. The Soothing Ladder is a gentle, gradual way to help your baby learn this skill without a lot of crying or discomfort.
The beauty of this method, particularly when started in the second or third month, is that if you end up at the top of the ladder 100% of the time, it’s ALL GOOD! It’s perfectly natural and normal for some babies to need a lot of help falling asleep for the first several months of their lives. Remember: there is NO SUCH THING AS A BAD HABIT when it comes to soothing little babies. If and when you want to encourage more independence at some point, the Soothing Ladder is a gentle, effective way to do it!
