Getting your baby to sleep in their crib can feel like a big challenge for many parents. "Sleeping like a baby" feels far off when your little one won’t settle. Whether it's a newborn who wakes up instantly or an older baby who demands to be held, the struggle is real.
But don’t worry—there are proven ways to make the crib a cozy, safe place for sleep. With patience and consistency, your baby can sleep soundly in their crib.
This guide will give you the tips and tricks you need to get your baby sleeping in their crib, no matter their age.
How Do I Introduce a Crib to My Baby?
As we travel deeper into this guide, it's essential to create a peaceful and secure sleep environment. By implementing small, consistent changes, children feel safe, cozy, and ready to sleep in their crib. This is an effortless, step-by-step process to set your baby up for success.
- Bring Crib In Early: For wake time, place your baby in the crib for a few minutes while they're smiling and awake. Introduce toys and talk to them, creating positive associations.
- Consistency is Key: Use the same sleep sack, white noise machine, and dark room for every sleep session. This gives your baby a consistent sleep environment that helps them feel secure.
- Ensure Comfort & Safety: Choose a firm mattress with adequately fitting sheets. A breathable mattress cover prevents loose material from entering the mattress, keeping your baby safe when asleep.
- Establish a Pre-Sleep Ritual: Create a calming pre-sleep ritual—a quiet feeding, gentle rocking, or soft lullaby—to signal that bedtime is near to your baby.
Can a Newborn Sleep in a Crib Right Away?
Yes, a newborn can sleep in a crib right from the start, and it’s actually recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises room-sharing with a crib or bassinet for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you’re wondering if "getting a newborn to sleep in a cot" is possible, the answer is yes! Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:
- Swaddle your newborn: Swaddling with Momcozy's swaddle helps recreate the snug feeling of the womb and reduces the startle reflex that often wakes babies.
- Warm the mattress: A sudden temperature drop from your warm arms to a cool crib can be jarring. Warm the crib sheet with a heating pad (be sure to remove it before laying down your baby) to make the transition more comfortable.
- Monitor with a baby monitor: Tools like the Momcozy 5-Inch Dual-mode Smart Baby Monitor allow you to keep an eye on your newborn while they sleep in the crib, giving you peace of mind.
If your newborn refuses the crib initially, don’t be discouraged. Many babies experience a transitional period before adjusting to their crib. Over time, with consistency and patience, your newborn will get used to sleeping in the crib.
What If My Baby Refuses to Sleep in the Crib?
It’s totally normal for babies to resist their crib at first! Don’t worry, with a little patience, they’ll adjust. If your baby will not sleep in the crib or you’re struggling with a "newborn hating crib," there could be a variety of reasons:
- Temperature discomfort: Make sure the room temperature is comfortable—between 68-72°F (20-22°C)—and that your baby is dressed appropriately for the conditions.
- The Moro reflex: This reflex causes babies to suddenly startle when they’re laid down. Swaddling your baby can help prevent this and offer a more secure feeling.
- Missing physical contact: After being held closely for a while, the crib can feel isolating. Gradually transitioning your baby to the crib with these methods can make the process smoother.
- Overstimulation or overstiredness: A baby who is too tired may struggle to settle, while a baby who isn’t tired enough may resist sleep. Finding the right balance can help them feel ready for bed.
- Environmental factors: A bright room, loud noises, or a lack of comfort could make it hard for your baby to settle.
Tips and Tricks: How to Get Baby to Sleep in the Crib
If your baby is having trouble adjusting to crib sleep, these tips and tricks can help. Depending on your baby’s age, different approaches may work best.
For Newborns (0-3 Months):
- Perfect the swaddle: Swaddling provides the comfort of being held close and prevents the startle reflex. A snug swaddle around the arms can help your baby feel secure.
- Use white noise: The sound of a white noise machine like Momcozy's can recreate the comforting sounds your baby heard in the womb, helping them fall asleep more easily.
- Be patient with the "pause": When your baby makes noise during sleep, don’t rush in immediately. Many babies will settle on their own without the need for intervention.
For Infants (4-6 Months):
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine: A predictable routine helps your baby understand when it’s time to sleep. It could involve a feeding, a lullaby, and a few minutes of cuddling.
- Transition to a sleep sack: As your baby starts rolling, it’s time to switch from a swaddle to a sleep sack for continued comfort and safety.
- Introduce a comfort object: A small lovey or blanket can help provide reassurance, but make sure to wait until your baby is old enough (12 months or older) to avoid choking hazards.
For Older babies (7-12 Months):
- Address separation anxiety: At this age, many babies start experiencing separation anxiety. Playing peek-a-boo or making sure your baby knows you’ll return can help ease these feelings.
- Teach self-soothing: If your baby is used to being rocked or nursed to sleep, it may be hard for them to transition to crib sleep. Try to lay them down while drowsy but awake to help them fall asleep on their own.
How to Transfer Baby from Arms to Crib
The dreaded transfer—when your peacefully sleeping baby suddenly wakes up the moment they touch the crib mattress—is a common challenge. Here are some techniques to make the transfer smoother:
- The slow descent: Gently lower your baby into the crib, keeping your hands under them for a moment to avoid startling them. Gently remove your hands once they’re settled.
- Maintain contact: Keeping a hand on your baby’s chest or head can provide comfort as you transition them from your arms to the crib.
- Warm the crib: Warm the crib sheet with a heating pad before transferring your baby, so the sudden temperature change isn’t too jarring.
How to Get Older Babies to Sleep in a Crib
If you're wondering "how to crib a 9-month-old to sleep" or "how to get an 8-month-old to sleep in a crib," the solution lies in consistency and undoing any sleep associations your baby might have. Babies at this age are more mobile and may be more attached to particular sleeping habits. Gradual methods like the "pick up, put down" technique work well, where you calm your baby in the crib until they calm down, then put them back down when they're ready.
For 10-Month-Olds: By 10 months, your baby may be more aware of their surroundings, so it's a good idea to keep things familiar. Ensure that they have a comfortable and familiar sleeping space in the crib and avoid picking them up as soon as they start to fuss. Allow them a couple of minutes to settle and self-soothe.
When to Stop Using a Crib?
Most children transition from a crib to a toddler bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. That being said, you should transfer your child to a toddler bed when:
- Safety concerns: If your child starts to climb out of the crib, it's time to make the change.
- Height: When your child is so tall that they're at risk of climbing out, a toddler bed may be safer.
FAQs about Getting Newborn to Sleep in Crib
Is it normal for a newborn to not sleep in a crib?
Yes, it’s completely normal for newborns to resist sleeping in their crib initially. Newborns are used to the close quarters of the womb, and the spacious crib can feel overwhelming. Many newborns prefer the comfort of being held, which mimics the warmth and security they felt in the womb.
Why does my newborn wake up as soon as I put them in the crib?
This is a common occurrence for many parents. When a newborn is laid down in their crib, the sudden shift from being held in your arms to the coolness of the mattress can cause them to wake up. Additionally, the startle reflex (Moro reflex) can lead to sudden movements that wake the baby.
Should you let a newborn cry in the crib?
For newborns under 4 months, it’s generally not recommended to let them cry for extended periods. Crying is your baby’s way of communicating their needs, so instead of letting them cry for long periods, it's better to comfort them when they cry. However, some brief fussing or mild crying as they settle themselves is perfectly normal, and some parents choose to wait a few minutes before intervening.
What age should newborn sleep in a crib?
A newborn can sleep in a crib from day one, as long as the crib is set up safely. The CDC recommends room-sharing with a crib or bassinet for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Conclusion
Getting your baby to sleep in a crib may take time, rest assured that with patience, consistency, and the right approach, your baby will eventually make the smooth transition. You may still wonder "how to crib infants to sleep" or look for "tips to get infant to sleep in crib," but during the process of babies' growing, it’s totally normal for them to resist crib sleep initially. Pay the patience and proper techniques, and things will soon get better. For other baby care tips, check out our other informative guides at Momcozy.
