Hey there!
Regarding p/s becoming a prop:
FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED THAT SHH/PAT IS/MIGHT BECOME A PROP:
When you first start pat/shh with a young infant, yes you give 100% assistance and help them fall asleep. As they get on with it, you help less and less. For instance:
When I first started using pat/shh with Owen (we removed paci) I stood there and used pat/shh to help him get settled and sleep. As he learned how to fall asleep without the paci, I didn't use pat/shh for as long. Day 1 was probably 60mins, Day 5 maybe 10mins, Day 8 I was simply using my hand on his back, Day 10 I was just standing by the crib. See what I mean?
When used correctly, pat/shh isn't a prop because it is a tool. You don't just use it to put baby to sleep and keep doing that, or at least that isn't the idea of pat/shh. You use it when you need to with the ultimate goal being independant sleep. You don't help more then you have to help, and you use less and less patting and shhing as the time goes on.
Now I wind down with Owen and plop him in the crib - he does the rest. I still use a form of pat/shh for an occasional wonky nap or early waking - but it's just my hand on his back and a soft whisper of I love you.
Regarding the settling.
At 6 weeks old, he will probably be able to tolerate a feed, diaper change and cuddles, and back to bed to sleep. Anymore awake time then that and he may get overtired and overstimulated. Also, you can start pat/shh up on the shoulder and then into the crib. If you walk, that could become a prop. You want to start early with good sleep habits, and one is helping him get sleepy in the cot so he can associate sleep with the cot. I'll post a link for the 4 S's and perhaps that'll help some. Sounds like he is overtired when he is getting in for a nap. I'd get him in there 10 mins earlier then you do now and maybe you won't have to pat/shh as long
Here you go:
Especially for younger babies, Tracy developed a plan for winding-down, termed the "Four S" ritual. It's an example of a really good wind-down and, done for every nap (and bedtime) can help baby learn s/he is going to sleep. This makes it a much more relaxed affair!
Four S ritual:
- Setting the stage - go into baby's room, away from toys and the rest of the house, and do the same thing everytime, be it changing a nappy, saying 'bye bye' to the sun, closing the blinds, putting on music/white noise.
- Swaddling - I can't recommend this highly enough for younger babies. It helps them control their limbs whilst asleep, and so makes them much less likely to wake themselves up. Also it makes them feel more secure. Tracy recommended it for definite up to 3 to 4 months, but also said that some babies benefit up to 8 to 9 months. It is, however, not recommended for those babies who are tummy sleepers, or when they start to roll, but cannot yet lift their heads up when on their tummies.
- Sitting - simply sit with your baby for a few minutes, preferably in the dark, with as little visual stimulation as possible. No rocking/jiggling/etc. Just sit and be calm, and let baby relax.
- Shush-pat method - Because younger babies can't concentrate on more than two things at a time, Tracy developed this method. It can be done on your shoulder (just make sure baby doesn't fall completely asleep before you put him down) or in the cot. It's quite simple - whilst rhythmically patting him on the back, you also whisper "sssh, sssh, sssh" in his ear. This helps him to stop concentrating on crying, and calms him down. This method is a great alternative to rocking or holding to sleep, and will eventually teach the baby the skills of sleeping independently.
I hope this helps some!
Zoe
Oh is he sptting up alot or showing any signs of reflux? Here is a link:
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=654.0
