How do you help baby to self soothe?

Question

My 3 month old baby has very active arms which startles him causing him to wake up. I therefore swaddle him. But, I hear that a baby needs his hands free to suck and self soothe..how can I allow my baby to self soothe when he is swaddled? Should I stop swaddling?

Answer

I slowly started teaching my son at 3 months to self soothe. I wouldn't rock him to sleep some nights if I could help it. By 4 months he can self soothe. I use the Ferber method. At first I just would put him in his crib when I KNEW he was sleepy for nap time then walk away and do my own thing. TV on for background noise. And he did fine for naps and now at 6 months he can self soothe like a pro. You're his mommy so you'll know if you try it if it's too soon for your son. My son hits milestones by a month or more ahead of schedule so I knew when he was ready. Most people don't try because they don't believe babies can self soothe at 3 months. But I'm a firm believer of every baby is different.

Answer

This is what I plan on using with mine, it's designed so that baby still can have their hands up by their face, but keeps their arms from flailing and startling themselves.

Answer

It's not recommended to let babies under 4 months self soothe.

How do you help baby to self soothe?

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