How to help your baby sleep in their crib or bassinet

Jan 11

Holding your little one close in your arms as they sleep peacefully is one of those cherished moments we long for during pregnancy. And in your baby needs skin-to-skin contact to feel secure and self-regulate as they adjust to life outside the womb (especially in those first few weeks). But as sweet as it might be to hold your baby while they slumber, it isn’t always sustainable to do this, since it doesn’t give you much-needed time to rest… right?

But why is it that every time you gently lay your little one down, they protest and cry until they are back in your arms?

We hear you mama; it's exhausting. You just need a minute to yourself…a moment to stretch out in bed or have a cup of tea, but your baby refuses to sleep anywhere other than on you.

You're not alone. Getting your little one to sleep in their own sleep space can be challenging, and while it is developmentally normal for young infants (and totally fine to hold for a nap or two), it is also important to help your baby learn to sleep in their crib/bassinet. So we've put together a guide with our top tips to help you manage this transition.

Follow your baby's awake windows

Babies become overtired very easily. When your little one has been awake for too long, it impacts their ability to fall and stay asleep independently. Make sure you are following the appropriate awake windows for your baby's age in combination with monitoring your little one's sleepy cues.

Common sleepy cues include:

Rubbing their ears or eyes
Fussing or crying
Yawning
Moving their head from side to side
Arching their back
Having a dazed or glazed-over look
Refusing to eat

Create a cozy sleep environment

Your little one has been used to the snuggly warm surroundings of your womb, so recreating this experience can assist them in feeling safe and relaxed in their crib.

Try these tips for creating a sleep-promoting environment:

Keep the room dark and free of distractions
Consider swaddling to reduce your little one's startle reflex
Make sure the temperature is comfortable
Use white noise
Offer a pacifier

Note – Swaddling is not safe for little ones who are mobile and rolling over. Every child is different, but babies can start to roll over from 2 months of age.

Try to put your baby down awake if the arms to crib transfer is a challenge

As your little one develops, they become more aware of their surroundings, making it harder for them to stay sleeping during transfers. Even putting your baby down in a drowsy state can be problematic as they are likely to already be in the first stage of sleep, where they may be easily startled when placed in the crib.

Putting your little one down awake may help eliminate the pick up put down and prevent your child from becoming overstimulated as a result. While this isn’t possible for all babies, it is something you can start to practice. And just remember, it is just that…practice!

With that said, this can be challenging if your baby is used to sleeping in your arms. If this is the case, hold them for 10-15 minutes before laying them down so they are in a deeper sleep.

Soothe your baby without picking them up

If your little one becomes distressed after being placed in their crib, you want to first attempt to soothe your baby without picking them up to again avoid the stimulation of pick up/put down. For example, try rubbing their head, gently shooshing, or singing and replacing their pacifier if they take one.

This practice is really important as it can prevent overstimulation from repeatedly picking up and putting down your little one when they may just need a quick reassurance that you are there.

Give your baby a quick pause before responding

If your little one is lightly fussing, babbling, or restless, try giving your baby 5 minutes just to see what happens. It is common for babies to have partial arousal as they transition from one sleep cycle to the next.

If parents intervene too quickly, it can disrupt this process and inhibit your little one's opportunity to fall asleep. Of course, if your baby starts crying without pauses or becomes hysterical, attend to them promptly and offer comfort.

Implement a consistent sleep routine

A sleep routine provides security and helps your little one wind down and get ready for bed. Research has shown that children who follow a consistent routine benefit from increased sleep duration and fewer night awakenings.

This routine doesn't have to be lengthy or complicated. It can be as simple as dimming the lights, reading a book, enjoying a song together, and turning on the white noise. It is the consistency that will provide security and teach your little one that it is time for sleep.

Don't go it alone

Teaching your little one to sleep independently can be challenging and utterly exhausting. It takes time and patience, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you are struggling to see that light, reach out for help. You don't have to go it alone. My Sweet Sleeper offers one-on-one personalized coaching sessions tailored to your baby's natural temperament, or check out our virtual classes and ebook sleep guides.

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Safe SleepNapsCo-sleeping