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.
There’s no single remedy for restless babies—but there are some tried-and-true methods to help your family get the best night’s 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 won’t go back down again, you’re not alone. Researchers estimate that 25% to 50% of babies over 6 months old don’t 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 won’t sleep. Other times, a safe sleep environment in your baby’s room will work its magic.
First, make sure the baby’s room is at the appropriate temperature—between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.2 Babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so tight temperature control will ensure they don’t overheat and promote healthy sleep.
Additionally, prioritize your baby’s 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 baby’s sleep cycle and routine the same.3
Your little one’s 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, it’s best to put your baby down in their crib while they’re drowsy but still awake. This way, you’re 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 they’re 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 doesn’t foster optimism about addressing them. First, recognize that nighttime sleep challenges are 100% normal and don’t 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, it’s important to read about different sleep training methods and choose the one that works best for your baby and your family.
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 babies’ sleep habits, one thing is certain: When they’re 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 night’s sleep for the whole household.
At Posh Peanut, our signature Päpook® viscose from bamboo fabric is buttery-soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. With our cozy baby pajamas, swaddles, crib sheets, and maybe a soothing lovey, too, your little peanut will be nodding off in no time. Browse our soft and stylish collections today.
Sources:
1 The Sleep Foundation. Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep in the Crib.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/why-your-baby-wont-sleep-in-the-crib
2 WebMD. What’s the Right Room Temperature for a Baby?
https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-the-right-room-temperature-for-a-baby
3 Consumer Reports. ‘Why Does My Baby Fight Sleep?’ and Related FAQs Answered.
https://www.consumerreports.org/health/sleeping/how-to-get-your-baby-to-sleep-a7646114984/
