when i babysit i have a few policies:
older kids can talk to me as long as they want as long as they keep their eyes shut the entire time.
smaller kids get a book, or maybe two, and wtvr bottle or toy they’re used to, and then i sing to them or tell them a story – provided their eyes are closed the entire time.
the smallest babies, i rock them a bit, with their bottles or wtvr they’re used to. if they’re not asleep after that, i put them into their cribs and they usually cry for a few min and then fall asleep.
it works.
but i’m not a mother.
these are tricks prettty much for any babysitters who are reading this.