Herbie Murray
It can be frustrating when your newborn won't sleep in their crib. It's important to remember that every baby is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are several strategies you can try to help your newborn adjust to sleeping in their crib. Firstly, it's crucial to establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your baby that sleep is approaching. This can include activities such as reading a book, feeding, and providing cuddles before placing them in their crib drowsy but awake. Additionally, creating a calm and soothing environment with white noise or soft lighting can aid in relaxing your baby. It's also recommended to place your baby in the crib at the first signs of drowsiness to help them associate the crib with sleep. If your baby protests or cries, try staying close by, offering a comforting presence without picking them up. These techniques, along with patience and persistence, can help your newborn transition to sleeping soundly in their crib.
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What You'll Learn
Establish a bedtime routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial to helping your newborn sleep in their crib. Here are some tips to create an effective bedtime routine:
Understand your newborn's sleep needs
Firstly, it is important to understand that a newborn's sleep cycle is very different from that of an adult. Newborns spend most of their day asleep, but their sleep is broken up into short periods every few hours. This means that it is normal for newborns to wake up frequently, even during the night. Understanding these sleep patterns can help you set realistic expectations and tailor your bedtime routine accordingly.
Create a consistent routine
Consistency is key when establishing a bedtime routine. Try to follow a predictable series of activities before bedtime. This could include giving a bath, reading a book, feeding, and providing cuddles. By following a consistent routine, your newborn will learn to associate these activities with sleep time.
Start with a calming environment
Before initiating the bedtime routine, create a soothing atmosphere in the room. Dim the lights or turn them off completely. Play some soft music or white noise, which can be calming and reminiscent of the sounds they heard in the womb. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable, as newborns can lose body heat quickly.
Encourage self-soothing
Place your newborn in the crib when they show the first signs of drowsiness. This helps them associate the crib with sleep. Allow them to fall asleep independently, as it increases the chance of a consolidated and restorative nap. If they startle or fuss, place a hand on their tummy and softly shush or sing to them. You can also try giving them a pacifier, which has been linked to a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Gradual exposure to the crib
If your newborn is used to falling asleep outside of their crib, such as in your arms or in a stroller, gradually increase their exposure to sleeping in the crib. Start by giving them opportunities to take naps in the crib during the day. Once they are comfortable with that, you can transition to nighttime sleep in the crib.
Remember, it is normal for newborns to take some time to adjust to sleeping in a crib. Be patient, consistent, and always consult your paediatrician or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your newborn's sleep habits.
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Replicate the womb with white noise and movement
If your newborn won't sleep in their crib, one strategy is to replicate the comforting environment of the womb with white noise and movement.
White noise machines can effectively recreate the constant, comforting sounds of the womb, such as blood flow and heartbeats. In fact, in utero noises can reach up to 91 decibels, which is louder than a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer. White noise can also mask other sounds, like traffic in a city, that might otherwise disturb your newborn's sleep. Research has shown that 80% of newborns were able to fall asleep after five minutes of hearing white noise. You can also create white noise by turning on a fan pointed toward a wall. However, it is important to be cautious when using white noise machines, as some machines can reach unsafe volume levels that may damage your baby's hearing and cause auditory developmental delays. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the volume of white noise machines at 50 decibels or lower for infants.
In addition to white noise, you can also use movement to replicate the womb environment. For instance, you can try gently nudging your newborn's back or bottom to stimulate movement. Alternatively, you can try quick, vigorous exercises like jogging in place to wake your newborn up.
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Soothe your baby with touch and sound
If your newborn won't sleep in their crib, you may want to try soothing them with touch and sound. Here are some tips to help you with that:
Touch
Touch is an essential way to soothe and comfort your baby. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is very calming for newborns. The warmth and smell of your body, along with the motion from walking around, can be soothing for your baby. Holding your baby close to you in a sling or carrier can also provide the comfort and closeness they need, especially if they are experiencing separation anxiety.
If your baby is breastfeeding, you can let them suckle at your breast, as sucking can lower their heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. You can also try gently massaging your baby, keeping the room warm and talking to them soothingly. Be sure to avoid using any oils or lotions during the massage until your baby is at least one month old.
Sound
Creating a soothing sound environment can also help your baby relax and fall asleep in their crib. White noise or soothing sounds, such as those produced by a baby sound machine or a fan pointed towards a wall, can be calming for your baby. These sounds mimic the constant hum of noise they experienced in the womb, triggering a neurological response that keeps them relaxed. However, not all white noise is created equal; hissy fans and ocean sounds may not be as effective as they lack the consistent, rumbly quality of womb noises.
You can also try playing gentle music or using a mobile above the crib to provide a visual distraction. A quiet, cool, and dark room can also help your baby fall asleep.
Remember, it's important to give your baby time to settle and allow them to learn self-soothing techniques as they grow older. Consult your baby's healthcare provider if you have any concerns about their sleep habits or patterns.
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Consult a paediatrician if you think there's something more going on
If your newborn won't sleep in their crib, there are several tips you can try to help them adjust. For example, you could try playing white noise or soothing sounds, using a baby sound machine, or creating white noise by turning on a fan pointed toward a wall. You could also try a night-light, or offering some distraction, such as a mobile above the crib.
However, if you've tried these methods and your baby still won't sleep in their crib, and you think there might be something more going on, it's important to consult a paediatrician. They can help you identify and address any underlying issues that may be causing your baby's sleep difficulties.
For example, if your baby has reflux, they may prefer sleeping in an upright position, such as in an infant carrier or your arms. In this case, the paediatrician may recommend ways to elevate your baby's head while sleeping in the crib or suggest other reflux treatments.
Additionally, if your baby was born prematurely or spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they may need extra support when transitioning to sleeping in a crib. The paediatrician can provide guidance on how to make this transition as smooth as possible.
It's also important to consider your baby's sleep schedule and whether they might be overtired. Newborns have different sleep patterns than adults, with most of their days spent asleep in short periods every few hours. If your baby is overtired, it can be harder for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. The paediatrician can help you establish an age-appropriate sleep schedule and provide guidance on creating a bedtime routine.
Remember, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby's sleep habits or overall well-being.
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Create a positive association with the crib by making it fun and placing them in it at the first signs of drowsiness
It is important to create a positive association with the crib for your newborn. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Firstly, make the crib as comfortable and fun as possible. Choose a firm, well-fitting crib mattress that provides a snug fit without gaps for safety and comfort. You can add soft jersey-type sheets and a great knitted blanket to make the crib cozier. Additionally, consider introducing a comfort item, such as a teddy bear or blanket, that your baby can associate with sleep and naptime. This comfort item can become a familiar object that provides a sense of security when your baby is in the crib.
Secondly, you can make the crib a fun place by playing lullabies or soothing sounds. White noise, ocean waves, or calming music can create a relaxing atmosphere. You could also try using a mobile above the crib to give your baby something engaging to look at, helping them settle down as they get sleepy. Just ensure that the mobile is out of your baby's reach for safety.
Thirdly, timing is critical. Place your baby in the crib at the first signs of drowsiness instead of waiting until they have fallen asleep. This helps your baby learn to associate the crib with sleep. By allowing your baby to fall asleep independently in the crib, you increase the chances of them having a consolidated and restorative nap.
Finally, you can introduce your baby to the crib during the day. Have some playtime in the crib, sing to your baby, or talk to them while they're in it. This helps develop positive associations with the crib before they start using it for sleep. If possible, you can even bring the crib into your room initially, so your baby gets accustomed to sleeping in it while still being close to you.
Remember, it's normal for newborns to cry when put down in their cribs due to separation anxiety. They might prefer the comfort of your arms, but with consistency and these positive associations, they will gradually adjust to sleeping in their crib.
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Frequently asked questions
Your newborn might not be sleeping in their crib due to various reasons, such as:
- They are used to falling asleep outside of their crib, for example, in your arms or in a stroller.
- They are hungry. Newborns get hungry often and need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, 8 to 12 times a day.
- They are not tired enough.
- They are not comfortable.
- They are not used to sleeping in the crib and need more time to adjust.
Here are some tips to help your newborn sleep in their crib:
- Establish a bedtime routine. A quick and consistent routine can signal to your baby's brain that sleep is approaching.
- Make sure your baby is comfortable. Remove any restrictive clothing or accessories, and ensure they are dressed comfortably for sleep.
- Create a positive experience surrounding their time in the crib. Allow them to spend quiet time in the crib with books and music while you're nearby.
- Expose your baby gradually to the crib and offer opportunities to sleep there.
- Play white noise or soothing sounds using a baby sound machine or create white noise by turning on a fan pointed toward a wall.
- Keep the lights dim or off, and ensure their environment is quiet.
- Place your baby in the crib at the first signs of drowsiness and not when they are already asleep. This helps them associate the crib with sleep.
- Consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider for advice if you are concerned about your baby's sleep habits.
Here are some important safe sleeping guidelines for newborns in a crib:
- The crib mattress should be firm and flat, with tight-fitted sheets designed for cribs.
- Keep the crib free of any loose objects, such as toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals.
- Share the room with your baby but not the bed. Sleeping in the same room as your baby is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, but only after they are consistently breastfeeding and gaining weight.
- Ensure the crib is placed in a cool, dark room.
To help your newborn fall asleep independently in the crib:
- Lay your baby down awake. This increases the chance of a consolidated and restorative nap.
- Avoid picking them up when they are crying or fussing. Instead, stand next to the crib and place a hand on their tummy to soothe them.
- Be patient and persistent. It might take a few nights for your baby to adjust to the new routine.
