How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib
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As a parent, you know that sleep is sacred. When your little one is tossing and turning at night, no one rests easy.
There are several potential reasons your baby refuses to sleep in their crib, from teething pain to distractions to insufficient sleepiness. And if your newborn spent their first few months in a bassinet, the question of how to get your baby to sleep in a crib poses unique challenges.
Thereโs no single remedy for restless babiesโbut there are some tried-and-true methods to help your family get the best nightโs sleep possible. Keep reading for tips on how to get your baby to sleep soundly in their crib.
Table of Contents
Why Babies Resist Sleeping in Cribs Creating a Sleep-Inducing Crib Environment Establishing a Crib Sleep Routine Teaching Baby to Fall Asleep Independently Self-Soothing Overcoming Sleep Challenges Sleep Training The Keys to Long-Term Sleep Success: Patience, Consistency, and Adaptability Promoting Peaceful Sleep With Posh Peanut
Why Babies Resist Sleeping in Cribs
The transition from a bassinet to a crib may pose a challenge. If your baby fusses after you put them down in their crib, or wakes up and wonโt go back down again, youโre not alone. Researchers estimate that 25% to 50% of babies over 6 months old donโt sleep through the night.1
There are a variety of possible causes for restless little sleepers. Some of the most common include:
Teething
Illness
Overstimulation
Being too tired
Not being tired enough
Separation anxiety from parents
Creating a Sleep-Inducing Crib Environment
Sometimes you do everything right, and your baby still wonโt sleep. Other times, a safe sleep environment in your babyโs room will work its magic.
First, make sure the babyโs room is at the appropriate temperatureโbetween 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.2 Babies canโt regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so tight temperature control will ensure they donโt overheat and promote healthy sleep.
Additionally, prioritize your babyโs comfort and ensure a safe sleep environment by removing distractions from their sleep space. Dress your little peanut in the softest baby pajamas and ensure their room is dim and quiet. A lullaby, some gentle music, or white noise can also help ease them to sleep. If your baby is over one year old, they can have a lovey, blanket, or stuffed animal in the crib for emotional support during the night.
Establishing a Crib Sleep Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps teach babies when to start winding down for sleep. Even in the instance of regressions in sleep patterns, most experts advise keeping the babyโs sleep cycle and routine the same.3
Your little oneโs bedtime routine should include relaxing, electronic device-free activities. Quality examples include reading, rocking, and singing lullabies.
Teaching Baby to Fall Asleep Independently
You may find it easier to rock your baby to sleep before putting them down in their crib. However, if you do this frequently, your baby may begin to expect to be rocked or held every time they go to sleep, which could lead to sleep regression and cut into your rest. Also, if your baby falls asleep in your arms and then wakes up alone in their crib, they might feel a sense of separation anxiety.
For these reasons, itโs best to put your baby down in their crib while theyโre drowsy but still awake. This way, youโre encouraging healthy sleep habits by teaching them how to fall asleep on their own.
Self-Soothing
Pacifiers, white noise, and night lights can help babies fall asleep on their own. If theyโre over one year old, then having a lovey or blanket with them in bed can also provide a source of comfort. When considering types of baby blankets , make sure to choose breathable and lightweight options to promote a safe sleep environment.
Overcoming Sleep Challenges
Sleep challenges can be hard on the whole family, and being sleep-deprived certainly doesnโt foster optimism about addressing them. First, recognize that nighttime sleep challenges are 100% normal and donโt last forever.
Sleep Training
One option for parents struggling with fussy sleepers is to implement a sleep training method. There are several sleep training methods to choose from, but some common ones include:
Scheduling naps and times your baby is awake during the day.
Waiting progressively longer before soothing the baby.
Exposing the baby to natural sunlight during the day to establish their circadian rhythm.
Ultimately, itโs important to read about different sleep training methods and choose the one that works best for your baby and your family.ย
The Keys to Long-Term Sleep Success: Patience, Consistency, and Adaptability
Long-term, sustainable success for how to get a baby to sleep in a crib ultimately comes down to your mentality.
Remember: No phase lasts forever. Sleep regressions are usually short-lived. With patience and consistency, your baby will be sleeping soundly in their crib before you know it. You might even miss those middle-of-the-night cuddles.
Promoting Peaceful Sleep With Posh Peanut
For all the unknowns surrounding babiesโ sleep habits, one thing is certain: When theyโre comfortable at night, they sleep better. Soft pajamas, snuggly stuffies, or soothing blankets can all help your little peanut feel at ease in a crib and foster a restful nightโs sleep for the whole household.
At Posh Peanut, our signature Pรคpookยฎย viscose from bamboo fabricย is buttery-soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. With our cozy baby pajamas,ย swaddles,ย crib sheets, and maybe a soothingย lovey, too, your little peanut will be nodding off in no time. Browse our soft and stylish collections today.
Sources:ย
1 The Sleep Foundation. Why Your Baby Wonโt Sleep in the Crib.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/why-your-baby-wont-sleep-in-the-crib
2 WebMD. Whatโs the Right Room Temperature for a Baby?
https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-the-right-room-temperature-for-a-babyย
3 Consumer Reports. โWhy Does My Baby Fight Sleep?โ and Related FAQs Answered.
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/sleeping/how-to-get-your-baby-to-sleep-a7646114984/
