Clarification questions on shush pat

[jcrickbc]

Hi there. I'm in the process of starting to shush pat my 5 week old daughter to sleep. I have a few questions:

a) How the heck do you get your head close enough to hers to shush near her ear when she's lying in a crib? (it's easier to do on an adult bed but I know this isn't a good idea) I'm struggling to see how I can get my mouth close enough tp her without hurting my back from leaning over the crib railing for up to 45 min. 

b) Are there any videos online that show how to position the baby on her side so you can pat her? I'm finding it hard to get her stabke on her side - while swaddled - so i can give her a firm pat.

c) Do I use one hand to hold down her swaddled hands whicvh are often trying to flail?

d) She's a big suckler and usually needs her pacifier to settle her. Can I still use the paci when doing shush pat?

e) If she starts to frantically cry when she's being shush pat, do I just continue shushing and patting or do I pick her up to sooth with shush pat in my arms and then put her down to continue once she is calm?

As you can see, an instructional video would be GREAT! 

[anna*]

It would definitely be great if someone could do a video some day!!!

Anyway, to answer your questions...

a) Don't break your back! Shh as loudly as you can in as comfortable a position as you can. Is the crib-base on a high setting? Ours has two height settings, one for when they are small and one for when they can sit up/stand up using the railings. An alternative to 'shush' is to get a white noise machine or CD, which will save your back and your breath.

b) I used two rolled up baby blankets wedged in front and behind him to hold him on his side while I did s/p

c) Sounds like you could use a tighter swaddle. For swaddling to be effective (unless you are using the Aussie swaddle?) she needs to be wrapped up really tightly, unable to move her arms, like a solid log of baby.

d) Yes, you can use the paci with shh-pat

e) If she's getting really upset, pick her up and continue to shh-pat on your shoulder until she's calm, then lay her down and continue to shh-pat in the crib. Remember that this age you need to shh-pat her all the way to deep sleep.

Hope this helps!

anna
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