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Do you ever pat your baby’s bum? If so, you’re not alone! Many parents do this because they believe it does something good for their children. But what exactly is the benefit of patting a baby’s bum? And why do babies like it so much? In this article, we will discuss the benefits of patting a baby’s bum and explore some of the reasons why babies love it so much!
One of the benefits of patting a baby’s bum is that it can help to soothe them. If your baby is crying or upset, a few gentle pats on the bum can often help to calm them down. This is because the act of patting helps to release some of the built-up tension in their body. Babies are often very tense when they’re upset, and patting their bum can help to release that tension and make them feel better.
Another benefit of patting a baby’s bum is that it can help to stimulate their bowel movements. If your baby is constipated, a few gentle pats on the bum can often help to get things moving. This is because the act of patting helps to stimulate the muscles in the bowel, which can help to move things along.
What Does Patting A Baby’s Butt Do?
Some people claim that gentle, continuous tapping on the butt is supposed to imitate the sound and rhythm of a mother’s heartbeat in the womb.
In the third trimester, your baby’s tiny bottom was closest to Mom’s heart in utero if they were head-down-bum-up like most are. For babies, this is soothing and restful. It’s also easier for them to fall asleep when they’re in that condition.
This approach is a fantastic method of getting your baby adjusted to their cot, and I would recommend you do at least one sleep every day so they are familiar with their bed and surroundings for future settling.
Here is a quick and very helpful video from Sophie Pickles showing the shush pat technique:
Why Do Babies Like Their Backs Patted?
The main reason babies like their backs patted are that while nursing babies inhale air that needs to be let out when finished feeding. Patting their backs helps them burp and expel that air and makes them feel better.
Babies also love the physical touch and contact. When you pat their backs, they feel loved and comforted. The rhythm of the patting can also soothe them and help them fall asleep.
So if you’re wondering why your baby loves it when you pat their back, now you know! It feels good, helps them burp, and comforts them. So go ahead and keep up the good work! Your baby will thank you for it!
How To Calm Your Baby By Patting?
If you want to calm your baby, try patting their back in a slow and gentle manner. You can also try rubbing their back in circular motions.
Some parents find that their babies like it when they pat them vigorously, while others prefer a more gentle approach. Experiment and see what works best for your baby.
You can also try using a white noise machine or a mobile to help soothe your baby. The sound of the patting combined with the calming effects of the white noise can be very effective in helping your baby relax and fall asleep.
The Side-Patting Technique
One patting technique that many parents find helpful is called the side-patting technique for babies that are under 4 months old. To do this, first, place the baby in the cot in a dark room, play some loud white noise ( there are plenty of them available on YouTube or an app), roll them onto one side while supporting their tummy with another hand, and then pat their back with your open palm. Do this for a few minutes until you see them start to fall asleep.
This technique works well because it provides the baby with the physical touch and contact they crave, while also helping to soothe them with the rhythm of the patting. It’s also a great way to help your baby get used to falling asleep in their cot without you being in the room.
How To Stop Patting Toddler To Sleep?
So far we’ve discussed why babies love their bums being patted or their backs being patted and all the benefits that patting does, but now I would like to discuss how we can train the toddlers to sleep without being patted.
First of all, it is important to understand that the need for physical touch and contact does not go away as our children grow older. They still crave and need that physical affection. However, they also need to learn how to sleep on their own without being dependent on us for comfort.
One way to help your toddler learn how to sleep on their own is to start by patting them for a shorter period of time. For example, if you usually pat them for five minutes, try reducing it to two minutes. Gradually reduce the amount of time you’re spending patting them until they’re falling asleep on their own.
If they cry, give them a few minutes to settle down and then return to patting her again but not until she’s asleep.
You’ll also have a white noise machine and perhaps a tiny luvey that they adore cuddling that smells like you. It’s wonderful to utilize things they associate with peaceful sleep while patting down slowly.
Another way to help your toddler learn how to sleep on their own is to start putting them down for naps in their crib or bed instead of in your arms. This will help them get used to the idea of sleeping without being held.
Finally, it is important to be consistent with the method you’re using to help your toddler learn how to sleep on their own. If you start using the side-patting technique one day and then stop the next, it will only confuse your child and make it harder for them to learn how to sleep on their own.
If you’re consistent and patient, eventually your toddler will learn how to fall asleep on their own without being patted. And you’ll be able to get some much-needed rest!
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for a way to help your baby transition into independent sleep, patting your baby’s bum and side technique is a great way to help them calm down, feel loved, and fall asleep. It’s also a great way to help your baby get used to falling asleep in their cot without you being in the room. Just be sure to be consistent and patient and remember that it may take some time, but your toddler will eventually learn to fall asleep on his own. And when he does, you can rest assured knowing that he’s learned how to be self-sufficient in this important life skill.
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