Rocking your baby to sleep can feel like a lifesaver in the early days, but as time goes on, many parents find themselves wondering: is there another way?

The answer lies in teaching your baby to self-soothe—a skill that can lead to better, longer-lasting sleep for everyone in the household.

This blog explores why rocking works, why it might become unsustainable, and how to transition to self-soothing with the help of my online programs.

If you haven't listened yet, you can listen to my full podcast on this topic.

Why Rocking to Sleep Works for Many Babies

The Womb-Like Experience

Rocking mimics the motion, sound, and rhythm babies experience in the womb. During pregnancy, a baby’s environment is dynamic: they are gently jostled as their mother moves, enveloped by the muffled sounds of her heartbeat and breathing. Rocking after birth recreates this familiar, comforting sensation.

The Science of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Rocking activates the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps process movement and balance.

This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” branch—slowing heart rate, reducing cortisol levels, and calming the body and mind.

While rocking can be an effective tool for soothing, it often creates a sleep association that babies rely on for falling asleep. This can lead to frequent nighttime wake-ups as your baby struggles to transition between sleep cycles without being rocked.

When Rocking Becomes Unsustainable

Physical Strain on Caregivers

Frequent rocking can lead to back pain and arm fatigue for parents, especially as babies grow heavier. While ergonomic techniques or shared caregiving can help, it’s not a sustainable long-term solution for many families.

Dependency and Frequent Wake-Ups

If a baby associates rocking with sleep, they will likely need the same motion to settle during night wakings. This creates a cycle where both parent and baby struggle to get the rest they need.

Balancing Multiple Children’s Needs

For families with more than one child, spending extensive time rocking one baby can be challenging. Integrating self-soothing strategies helps ensure all children’s needs are met while promoting independence.

Why Self-Soothing is the Solution

Self-soothing is the ability for babies to calm themselves without external help, such as rocking or feeding. This skill empowers babies to connect their sleep cycles, leading to longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

Benefits of Self-Soothing:

• Reduces nighttime wake-ups
• Promotes independent sleep habits
• Allows parents to get more rest

My online programs guide parents through teaching self-soothing in a way that feels manageable and supportive. Every baby is unique, and my methods adapt to your baby’s temperament and your parenting style.

How to Transition from Rocking to Self-Soothing

Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

A predictable routine signals to your baby that it’s time to wind down. This can include a warm bath, a bedtime story, and cuddling before placing them in their crib.

Use Gradual Methods to Reduce Rocking

Rather than stopping rocking altogether, gradually reduce the amount of motion over several nights. For example, switch from rocking to gentle swaying, then to holding your baby still.

Introduce Other Soothing Techniques

White noise, a pacifier, or gentle patting can help fill the gap left by rocking. These methods are less labor-intensive and encourage your baby to find comfort in their sleep environment.

Practice the Pause

When your baby stirs during the night, wait a moment before intervening. This gives them a chance to self-settle and fall back asleep independently.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Sleep Regressions
It’s normal for babies to experience periods of disrupted sleep as they grow. Stay consistent with your approach, and avoid reintroducing rocking as a fallback.

Parental Guilt
Transitioning away from rocking can feel emotional, but remember: teaching your baby to self-soothe is a gift that will benefit them for years to come. You’re helping them build confidence and independence.

Resistance from Your Baby
Change can be hard, but babies are incredibly adaptable. With patience and consistency, most babies adjust to self-soothing within a few weeks.

How My Online Programs Can Help

Teaching self-soothing can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re exhausted.

My online programs are designed to walk you through every step of the process, offering personalized strategies and support to suit your family’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with a newborn or an older baby, my evidence-based approach ensures that you and your baby can achieve better sleep.

Rocking to sleep is a time-honored practice, but it’s not the only way to soothe your baby.

By teaching your baby to self-soothe, you’re fostering independence and setting the stage for healthier sleep habits. Ready to make the change? My online programs provide the tools and guidance you need to help your baby learn this essential skill.

Say goodbye to endless rocking and hello to restful nights for the whole family.