My baby screams and cries every time I put her down for a nap. What can I do to change that?
Many babies take time to learn to go to sleep, so first of all be patient! Try to develop a little routine so she knows what to expect and when. For example, when she first wakes up from a nap, give her a feed. Then spend some time playing with her or letting her play on a mat. When she looks tired (yawning, jerking her arms and legs, clenching her fists, frowning and – late signs – fussing and crying), then pick her up, wrap her if you are using a wrap (swaddle), and take her into the bedroom. Once there, gently rock her in your arms until she is calm but not completely asleep. Try putting her in her cot (crib or bassinet) drowsy but awake. If she screams or cries, try stroking her forehead or patting her chest while she is in the cot. Try each technique for at least 5 minutes before swapping to the next technique. Make sure the room is fairly dark too. If she is still crying after 30 minutes or so, pick her up out of the cot and try again for her next sleep.
