Shhhhh.....

No adult moves as quietly and stealthily as one who is lying a baby down for a sleep.

Movements are smooth, fluid and slow. The baby is gently separated from the warm self and lowered, gently, gently....ahh... Once baby is lying on the cot or bassinet, contact is maintained - a warm hand gently on the chest or cupped around the head - yes, I'm still here. You are safe.

With the other hand, blankets are raised and tucked. Then the hand comes off - slowly, slowly.

Now for the raising of the cot bar. Gently now - avoid noise when the metallic safety clips fall into place.

Watch for one breath, two, three, four, five.....

Now creep from the room. Fight the urge to whoop loudly as you dream of hot coffee - creep away, ears perked for a whimper.

Sleep baby sleep.