6 Tips for When Baby Refuses to Sleep in Crib
I’ve been there. It’s so frustrating!! You rock your little one to sleep, you know they’re passed out deeply, then once you transfer them? POOF! They’re WIDE awake and either pissed off or ready to party.
Here are some tips to get started in making the transition from contact sleep to crib sleep:👇
1. Warm your baby’s crib first
Before putting baby down, warm the crib with a heating pad or warm water bottle (just remove it before laying baby down). This makes the temperature shift less noticeable from your arms to the mattress. They also have “warmies” (warm stuffed animals) you can put there before you transfer (or keep if baby is 12+ months)!
2. Use a swaddle or sleep sack
Swaddling (for younger babies, pre-rolling!) or using a sleep sack helps them feel snug and secure — like they do in your arms. It can also reduce startle reflexes that wake them up.
3. Start with drowsy, not fully asleep (this is SO much easier said than done)!
Put baby down when they’re almost asleep. This teaches them to fall asleep in the crib, not just in your arms. It might take a few tries, but it builds independence over time. See our step-by-step strategies to effectively conquer this without leading to more tears and anxiety on accident.
4. Create a consistent bedtime routine
A calming routine — like bath, soft music, dim lights, gentle rocking, or a lullaby — helps cue that sleep is coming. Repetition builds a sense of safety and predictability. And a “sleepy time” phrase helps cue them, too! Step-by-step bedtime routines (ones that actually WORK) can be found HERE.
5. Offer your scent
Place a worn shirt of yours (tucked safely nearby, not loose in the crib) or use a crib sheet you’ve slept with for a night — your smell can be comforting even when you’re not holding them.
6. Stay nearby for a bit
After putting them in the crib, hang out for a few minutes — shushing, patting, or gently rubbing their belly. Your presence can help bridge the gap between your arms and solo sleep. This is a skill that takes time, patience, and our support!!
***Note: This is not for ALL babies. Some do well with it and some do NOT. It takes time and patience (and experience, honestly) to learn what your baby responds to better or worse. Sometimes that’s hard to tell when you’re the mom, so reach out if you need help identifying what kind of ‘sleep baby’ you have, and effective strategies to make this transition as painless as possible. Start HERE to identify what sweet baby you’ve got on your hands!
I totally get that this is super hard! Trying to do all of this alone can lead to more tears, stress, and anxiety. We’ve got you! The missing ingredient for families 99% of the time? The strategies.
Invest $49 and just 45 minutes to learn the processes and strategies that will save you hours of time, stress, and energy. 💤 I KNOW this works and can’t wait for you ALL to experience a better night’s sleep!
Love & sleepy dust,
Jackie
