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How to Get Baby to Sleep in a Crib?

baby sleeping in a crib

If your baby prefers sleeping in the stroller, car seat, or your arms, then this can be handy in making the transition to the crib.

It is no wonder that parents take their time to choose the perfect crib for their child. After all, it is the place where the little one will get its very needed sleep. Unfortunately, most of the babies will scream and cry the very second you try to put them in their crib. They prefer the car seat, your arms, or the stroller as their sleeping place. But, do not get discouraged and do not give up on the crib, as it is the safest place for your baby to get well-rested.

Pediatricians will tell you that babies after they reach 6 months, will be harder to change their nighttime routine. Many studies have shown that babies will wake up more often and get less sleep when sleeping in a crib, meaning you will need to do your best to make them get in there as soon as possible.

What if your baby likes to sleep in your arms?

Babies comprehend the world around them through their sensors, making the softness and warmth from your arms very soothing for them. A baby’s sensors are so sharp that it can tell which of the parents is being held, or even when it is being held by some other than its parents. They especially recognize their mother’s smell.

So, how to get the baby to sleep in the crib?

There is a drastic temperature change when you transition the baby from your arms in the crib. This can make the baby fussy and upset. The baby goes from your warm arms and body into a cold bed, no wonder why it’s going to start crying. Try to avoid placing a pillow, a blanket, or a lovey in the baby’s crib, because it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

If the baby is under three months, try swaddling, and feeding to ease the process of getting them into the crib. If the baby is too big for swaddling, you can try a sleep sack. If all that does not help, try standing next to the crib and gently rub their tummy with your hand for a few minutes. Pediatricians say that the belly rubs are soothing for the baby. However, try do not to pick them up as it will only confuse them.

What if your baby only sleeps in the infant carrier?

A sling or a carrier is a very useful item to have. It provides chest-to-chest contact with the baby. This has a very calming effect on the baby. Additional, there is the smell and warmth from your body and the motion produced from walking around. The baby’s upright position can make him less fussy and happier, especially if he has reflux. The stomach acid will be kept down thanks to gravity, opposite to laying the baby down.

So, how to get your baby to sleep in the crib?

Weaning your baby off the sling or carrier will involve some crying. Pediatricians will tell you that the best time to put your baby in the crib is when it is bedtime, and the baby is sleepy but still awake. Then you can check on the baby as much as you like, every 5-10 minutes. The end goal is for the baby to fall asleep on its own. It is important not to pick up the baby when it is crying. Just stay strong and think of the end goal. When you see progress and the bedtime is going smoothly, you can put the baby in a crib during the day for a nap so that it won’t get overtired or cranky. The other naps should go as usual. It is a step-by-step process.   

What if your baby only sleeps in the car seat or swing?

It is the motion that comes from a car seat or a swing that is calming for the baby. That motion for the baby feels like the motion that it had when it was in its mother’s belly. That is why it is so comforting and soothing.

So, how to get your baby to sleep in the crib?

You can begin by eliminating the movements that the swing makes. You can put the baby in the stroller but do not stroll it, or put the baby in the swing and do not swing it. Even go buckle the baby in the car seat and don’t move the car anywhere. Eventually, your baby will get used to that, and once it is tired, put it in the crib.

This is a process and do not expect immediate results. Give it a few days. It is important to be consistent, do not change the routine because that will confuse the baby. If the baby’s crying makes you lose your mind, just pick up the baby and try the same routine once you see the baby is showing signs of tiredness again.

Additional elements that will help your baby have a safe and comfortable sleeping space:

The temperature. It is very important to keep the baby’s room cool because overheating increases the risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

The dressing. If you want your baby to feel comfortable in a cool room, think about dressing them in a sleeper. Pick a cozy sleeper, which will keep your baby warm, and one that doesn’t have any loose strings that are a potential trap for the baby’s little toes.

Sack or a swaddle. Having your baby in a sack or a swaddle will add additional security and warmth. Keep in mind that once the baby is getting sleepy, you should stop the swaddling and put it in the crib.

The noise. The womb is not a very quiet place, and there are constant noises and muffled sounds. Nowadays, you can find an app that mimics these voices and use them to put your baby to sleep.

The lighting. The room should be soothingly dark. For better sleep during the daytime, use blackout curtains. Also, use low wattage bulbs and nightlights to be able to see your baby when you check on him and also when he needs diaper changing.

Hunger. You know from experience that going to bed hungry is not pleasant, and remember, babies are often hungry. The baby needs to be fed every 2-3 hours, around 8-12 times a day.

The bedtime routine. The bedtime routine, or any routine in general, help the baby to understand what is going on and what is coming next. Routines will be very useful for all baby activities, not just for sleeping. 

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