Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  • Suitable for 0-18Months

Patting settling technique

By Raising Children Network
 
 
Rhythmic gentle patting can be calming and relaxing for babies. Patting can also be a good technique for helping babies learn to settle in their cot.

Rhythmic, gentle patting can help settle young babies into sleep. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Face your baby away from you.
  2. Place your hand gently on her shoulder. 
  3. Cup your other hand and pat her gently and slowly on her bottom or thigh. 
  4. Make the patting as rhythmic as possible. 
  5. Sing a quiet, soothing song to help you find your rhythm. Your baby won’t mind if you’re out of tune or don't know the words! If you think that your singing might disturb her, sing or count in your head to help keep your patting steady.

Try double-patting. Sometimes two hands are better than one. To do this:

  1. Keep patting your baby’s bottom or thigh and then start patting her shoulder with your other hand.
  2. Alternate the pats in a rhythmic way.
  3. As your baby starts to settle and relax, slow down your hand movements. Once she is quiet, stop patting but leave your hands on her for a few more seconds.

Another option is patting the mattress beside her, or even jiggling the cot slightly. Experiment and see what works for your baby.

If nothing seems to be working, and you start to feel angry or distressed, it's best to leave your baby in her cot, walk away and take a moment to recover your calmness. Your baby will not hurt herself by crying for a short time. There are many things you can try to calm an unsettled baby.
 
 
 
  • Last reviewed16-05-2006