Recommended age for technique:
Birth on up

Description of technique:
At bedtime, lie down with your baby and gently sing to him or her and pat their back. If you are nursing, nurse your baby until he or she falls asleep. This is a nice and peaceful way to fall asleep. During the night when your baby gets restless, comfort him or her by nursing or patting the back. Babies love to be close to their mom and this is very natural.

Other comments or suggestions:
Both of my children have enjoyed being with us at night time. I loved having my babies next to me and being able to hold them through the night. By the age of 2 1/2, my children asked to sleep in their own rooms. Now my children usually sleep in their own room and I miss them, but I know they are growing up to be healthy independent people.