Holding Hands - Good or Bad?

[Kitkatsplat]

Hi!

Hopefully a quick question. I understand about the importance of positive Vs. Negative sleep associations. I've fallen into the habit of holding/rubbing my 5mo baby's hand to help her fall back to sleep sometimes at night, which I thought is a NEGATIVE sleep association.

However, reading the Baby Whisperer for this age, it states (when doing pick up put down): "Lay her on her back and hold her little hands". So... Holding hands IS okay?

Would love some clarification as I don't know whether it's okay to keep doing it or not.

Thanks!

[creations]

Hi welcome to BW forums.

Personally I'd say it's fine to do it but I'd recommend shifting your hands and doing a bit on/off so that LO isn't getting overly habituated to you holding her hand - in the same way that shush/pat or any stroking or rubbing is used any time it is needed but we focus on not continuing it all night/nap long which means altering the amount/pressure/rhythm somewhat.

[Kitkatsplat]

Thanks for the advice!