How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep in the Crib

Sleep

Mar 21

As wonderful as it is being able to cuddle with your bundle of joy as they fall asleep, there comes a point when we have to give them a little independence. After all, parents need their beauty rest, too!

But what if your baby is rebelling every time you try to set them down in their cozy crib? We promise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! If you can’t seem to get your newborn to sleep in the crib, don’t go anywhere, because we have all the tips and tricks to get you back on track.

Why Won’t Your Baby Sleep in Their Crib?

There are many reasons babies don’t want to sleep in their cribs or bassinets. However, the most common reason is simply because they got used to sleeping somewhere else. We are creatures of habit, and babies are no exception!

Perhaps your little one is already used to falling asleep in your arms, baby swing, their car seat, or your bed. We get it - it can be hard to put your baby down when they finally fall asleep! However, it’s important to teach them how to fall asleep on their own.

Here are a few more reasons babies sometimes have a hard time falling asleep in their cribs.

Acid Reflux/Food Allergies

A less common reason (yet still one to consider) is that they have acid reflux or food allergies. When babies have either one, they may find laying down to sleep very unpleasant. This could result in them crying. If you feel that they may have either of these, make sure to give your physician a call.

Growth Spurts

Growth spurts typically occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months old, with could make your baby more hungry or uncomfortable.

Teething

Teething is definitely not a pleasant experience for babies, and can happen anywhere from 3 to 6 months of age.

Illness

If your baby has a cold, ear infection, or other illness, they may not want to sleep in their crib.

Sleep Regression

Sleep regression is completely normal around 3 months, 6 months, and older. It can be a challenging time, but utilizing this survival guide can be a big help in keeping them fast asleep in their crib.

How to Transition Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to ensure your baby’s comfortable falling asleep in their own bed. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Make it Feel Like You

If your baby is used to sleeping in your bed, it’s likely that they are reliant on your comfort and company to doze off. That means that making their own bed feel warm and cozy like yours can make for a much easier transition.

Avoid putting pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib for safety reasons. Sound machines can make a big difference as well, as they can help replicate being around you.

Use a Swaddle or Sleep Sack

Starting from around 2 months old, you can put your baby in a comfy sleep sack.

Just make sure that you place them on their back and monitor them. This can make them feel like you’re holding them, giving them that warm, fuzzy feeling babies love!

Check the Temperature

Everyone has experienced one of those hot summer nights where you are just tossing and turning, hoping to fall asleep. Babies are the same way - if it’s not the ideal temperature for them, they won’t be able to relax enough to drift off. Try to make sure their room lands somewhere between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Start with Naps

You don’t have to take on an entire night at first. Try starting with naps every now and then, at least once, daily.

This allows your baby the opportunity to get used to their crib, without going “cold turkey”. Not only that, but you’re more likely to be patient and level-headed during the daytime than when you’re exhausted in the middle of the night.

Create a Routine

Routines are everything when it comes to babies. If you want to simplify this transition, we suggest making a routine your bundle of joy can use to anticipate their crib! Keep in mind that this routine should be enjoyable and used to prepare them for sleep, so nothing that is going to stimulate their mind or boost energy levels.

For example, it could look like: feeding, bath, PJs, story/calming music, sleep.

The use of sound makes a big difference with many children. You can use a white noise machine (as we already mentioned), calming music, or read a story to them to get them prepared to doze off. The sound of your voice is already soothing to them, so if you have any doubt, singing lullabies is a great place to start.

Is It Safe to Stop Sleeping in the Same Room?

It’s never a bad idea to start things out by moving their crib into your room next to your bed and lay them there at first. After they’re comfortable with that, you can then slowly introduce them to their separate bedroom.

Once this takes place, you can utilize baby monitors, which can give you some more peace of mind and allow you to always check up on them. An app like Baby Connect is also a great resource, where you can track your baby’s sleep patterns and behavioral changes to make this transition as seamless as possible.

Shayanne Weeks

Shay is a versatile writer originally from Boise, Idaho, now based in Los Angeles, California. When not writing, she's a touring music producer and DJ who tries to fit in time with her partner and 4 fur babies as much as possible.