Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national television programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.

Q: The only way my 6-month-old will go to sleep each night is if I rock her in my arms. How can I get her to fall asleep on her own in her crib?

A: There is no magic recipe for getting a baby to fall asleep on her own. You have established a pattern which, as you have discovered, is difficult to change without some emotional pain for you and your baby. There are no options that rival what your baby derives from the comfort of your arms, the warmth of your body, your unique scent, the vibrations of your breathing, and the soothing sound of your voice. In short, there is no substitute for you! However, this doesn't mean that she can't be gradually taught to fall asleep on her own.

For starters, you might allow her to have a little wind-down period before putting her in her crib. Some babies enjoy a warm bath before bedtime. It's soothing, relaxing, and tiring. Afterwards, try gently massaging her arms and legs, gently rub her tummy, and do some bicycling motions with her legs, all while talking or singing softly to her. You might also try wrapping her tightly in a lightweight blanket to mimic the "hugged" feeling that she enjoys with you. (Although at 6 months, she may feel more constricted than comforted by the tight wrap.)

The hard part for you will be when, after trying these and other suggestions, she still cries when you put her in her crib to sleep. Just as it took a while to establish the pattern of being held to fall asleep, don't expect it to change in a few days. When you put her down in her crib (on her back, of course), sit close enough so that you can periodically give her a reassuring touch, softly talk, or sing. But resist picking her up. It will be tough, but over time, she will begin to fall asleep in her crib. She may not make it through the entire night, but just as she's figured out how to go to sleep on her own, she'll also eventually learn how to go back to sleep without your help.