Every time your rock your baby, you provide her with the soothing sense of warmth and comfort that she needs, while also facilitating a deep bond between you. Rocking is an activity you can enjoy from the time your child is born, through her preschool years.
How to Rock Your Baby: Gently hold your baby in your arms and rock back and forth, either in a rocking chair or simply by moving your body. Most babies prefer slow, rhythmic rocking. If it's helpful to you, count "one, two" as you rock forward, and "three, four" as you rock back.
When to Rock Your Baby: You can rock your baby any time of day, such as when you are feeding him or her, reading a book aloud, or just before bedtime or nap time. It may be tempting to rock your baby until she is completely asleep. However, ideally, you want to rock your baby until she is sleepy, but not sleeping, so that she learns how to fall asleep on her own in her crib.
Variations on How to Rock Your Baby:
- Use a rocking chair or glider
- Hold your baby in your arms and rock your body back and forth
- Place your baby in her infant car seat and gently rock the base back and forth
Where to Find a Rocking Chair for Your Baby's Room:
- Freecycle
- Craigslist
- Yard Sales
