Ashwin Lewis
Getting a baby to sleep in a crib can be challenging, especially when they are comfortable sleeping in your arms. While cribs are considered the safest place for babies to sleep, some babies have difficulty falling asleep in them or wake up frequently during the night. This could be due to various reasons, including teething, illness, being overtired, or not being developmentally ready for the transition. Establishing a bedtime routine can help prepare babies for sleep and make them feel secure. It is recommended to put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, and to keep the room cool to prevent overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Newborns and young babies often need more help sleeping. |
| Time | Allow 15-20 minutes for newborns and young babies to practice sleeping in the crib. For babies older than 6 months, allow 30-45 minutes. |
| Baby's comfort | Babies are used to the cozy environment of the womb. |
| Room temperature | Keeping the room cool is key. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. |
| Dress | Dress the baby in a sleeper. Ensure the fit is snug and the weight of the fabric is suitable for the room temperature. |
| Swaddle or sack | A swaddle or sleep sack can be added for warmth or security. Stop swaddling once the baby is able to roll over. |
| Noise | Life in the womb was never quiet. |
| Bedtime routine | A bedtime routine can help prepare babies for sleep. |
| Crib location | The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting up the crib in the parent's room for at least the first 6 months, preferably through the first year. |
| Crib mattress | The crib mattress should be firm and covered with a fitted sheet. |
| Baby's position | Babies should not be put to sleep on their stomach or sides until they are at least 1 year old. |
| Baby's sleep position | Put the baby in the crib while they are drowsy but still awake. |
| Crib safety | Keep toys, blankets, and other loose objects out of the crib. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep training tips
It is recommended that babies sleep in a crib from day one. However, there are times when a baby will resist sleeping in a crib, especially if they are under six months old. Newborns and younger infants often need more help sleeping. In such cases, you can allow them 15 to 20 minutes to practice sleeping in the crib before picking them up and helping them fall asleep in your arms.
Establish a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine is a great way to signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This could include reading a book, feeding them, and giving them cuddles before placing them in their crib. Consistency is key, so try to follow the same routine each night.
Create a sleep-friendly environment
Make sure the crib is set up in a safe and comfortable space. Keep the room cool to prevent overheating, and use a fan for air circulation. Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature, and consider using a sleeper or a swaddle for added warmth and security. Ensure the crib mattress is firm, the sheets are snug, and there are no loose items such as blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib.
Focus on night sleep first
When sleep training, it's best to start with night sleep. Your baby's drive to sleep is usually stronger at night, so they are more likely to adapt to changes in their routine. Once they are sleeping well at night, you can then focus on improving their nap schedule.
Encourage self-soothing
Help your baby develop the skill of self-soothing by creating a consistent sleep routine. This will enable them to calm themselves and fall asleep independently without relying on external aids like feeding or rocking. While it may be challenging at first, with persistence and patience, your baby will learn to settle themselves back to sleep when they wake up during the night.
Make the crib a positive space
Encourage your baby to view the crib as a happy and comfortable place. Allow them to spend quiet time in the crib with books and music while you're nearby. You can also offer daily playtime in the crib for short periods, gradually increasing their sense of security and familiarity with the space.
Be consistent and persistent
Sleep training takes time and dedication. Be consistent with the sleep training method you choose, and remember that it may take several nights or even weeks for your baby to adjust. It's important to stick with it and remain patient during this process.
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Crib safety
Room Setup
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting up the crib in your room for the first 6 months, preferably through the first year. Keeping the room cool is key as overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. It may be beneficial to use a fan for air circulation. Ensure that the crib is not placed near a window or drapes, as your baby could fall or become entangled in window blind and drape cords.
Crib Setup
Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib. There should be no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware on the crib or mattress support. The crib slats should have no more than 2 3/8 inches of space between them to prevent a baby's body from getting stuck. The crib should not be missing or have cracked slats.
Bedding
The crib should be bare, with no pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or pillow-like stuffed toys. Use a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use. If using a blanket, place the baby with their feet to the foot of the crib, and only cover them up to their chest.
Sleepwear
Dress your baby in a sleeper that fits snugly, with no loose strings that could entangle their toes. The weight of the fabric should be suitable for the room temperature. You can add a swaddle or sleep sack for additional warmth or security, but remember to stop swaddling once your baby is able to roll over. Ensure that sleepwear and sheets are flame retardant.
Soothing
Sing songs or play peek-a-boo to help your baby feel comfortable in the crib. You can also sit in the room with them in the dark until they fall asleep.
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Room-sharing and SIDS risks
Sharing a room with your baby can help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and support breastfeeding. Studies have shown that when babies are close by, it can help reduce the risk of SIDS. The ability to wake easily is important and may be critical in preventing SIDS. The waking up that happens with room sharing may be the exact thing that protects the baby. It is recommended that babies sleep in their parents' room but not in their bed for at least the first six months of the baby's life, and ideally for the first year.
However, room sharing doesn't mean that babies can't have a consistent bedtime and bedtime routine. It may be tempting to keep the baby awake until the parents go to bed, but it doesn't have to be that way. The benefits of room sharing diminish when room sharing becomes bed sharing, or when other rules of safe sleep (like no pillows) are broken. Safe sleep and good sleep routines should happen no matter where a baby sleeps.
If room sharing is causing parents to lose sleep because they are woken by every baby whimper, this is not good for anyone. It is important that parents know the recommendations and the facts behind those recommendations. If room sharing is not possible, there are other ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. For example, always place your baby to sleep on a flat, firm surface to reduce the risk of sleeping-related infant death. Additionally, keep the room cool as overheating is a risk factor for SIDS.
If your baby is struggling to sleep in their crib, there are some tips you can try to ease them into it. You can start by getting your baby to take their first nap of the day in the crib, and once that is working, add another. You can also create a positive experience surrounding their time in the crib by allowing them to spend quiet time in the crib with board books and music playing while you're nearby. You can also try to keep nap and nighttime routines similar, as knowing what to expect can give your baby a sense of security that can make transitions easier.
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Separation anxiety
An eleven-month-old baby can sleep in a crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that a baby's sleep environment is bare, with only a fitted sheet, for the first 12 months. They also advise that babies sleep on a flat, firm surface to reduce the risk of sleeping-related infant death.
There are several ways to help your baby through separation anxiety:
- Play Peek-a-Boo: This game teaches your baby that even if they can't see you, you're still there. It's both fun and reassuring, helping them understand that you'll always come back.
- Play "I'll Be Right Back": Place your baby in their crib or another safe spot, tell them you'll be right back, and then step out of sight or leave the room for 15-30 seconds.
- Establish a bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help your baby prepare for separation. It doesn't have to be extensive—reading a short book, feeding them, giving them cuddles, and then putting them into their crib can be enough.
- Create positive associations with the crib: Spend some time during the day playing with your baby in their crib with board books and music. This will help them view it as a happy and secure place.
- Loveys and comfort objects: Once your baby is at least 12 months old, you can introduce a soft lovey or comfort object to help them through separation anxiety. Just make sure it doesn't have any loose parts or choking hazards.
- Be persistent: It's important to be consistent and persistent in convincing your child that they will fall asleep in their crib. Don't give in and let them sleep in your bed, as this will only prolong the separation anxiety.
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Bedtime routines
Establishing a bedtime routine can help prepare babies for sleep. It should be relatively short and start about 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. It should include relaxing activities, such as a warm bath, putting on pajamas, and reading a book. Singing or playing soothing music can also be a part of the bedtime routine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for the first 6 months of a baby's life, as it significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Cribs are a safe place for babies to sleep and can be set up in the parents' room. It is important to ensure that the crib mattress is firm and covered with a snug-fitting sheet. Keep soft objects, such as pillows, blankets, and toys, out of the crib to maintain a safe sleeping environment.
If your baby is 11 months old, you can start by putting them in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them get used to their surroundings and prevents the feeling of falling when they are transferred to the crib. You can offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, as it has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS.
If your baby wakes up during the night, offer them food and comfort, but return them to their crib as soon as possible. It is important to be persistent and consistent with the bedtime routine and sleep training.
If your baby resists sleeping in the crib, you can try some tips to ease them into it. Offer some daily playtime in the crib to help your baby develop positive associations with it. You can also spend more time in their room during the day and co-sleep in their room at night to help them feel comfortable in the space.
Additionally, you can try getting your baby to take their first nap of the day in the crib. Once they are comfortable with that, you can gradually add more naps in the crib. It is important to be patient and understand that it may take time for your baby to adjust to sleeping in the crib.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe for an eleven-month-old to sleep in a crib. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing until the first birthday or for at least the first six months when the risk of SIDS is highest.
It is recommended to establish a bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, singing, feeding, and cuddling. You can then put your baby in the crib while they are drowsy but still awake. If they startle or fuss, place a hand on their belly and softly shush or sing to them.
If your baby is 6 months or older, you might allow them 30-45 minutes to work on falling asleep before taking a break and trying again.
Choose bedding that appeals to your baby or allow them to help you choose. Allow them to spend quiet time in the crib with board books and music playing while you’re nearby. You can also offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don’t force it.
Babies this age often experience separation anxiety and may get upset when they are not with their parents or caregivers. They may also be teething, or not be developmentally ready to make the transition to a crib.
