Herbie Murray
It can be frustrating when your newborn won't sleep in their crib. There are many reasons why this might be the case, such as the anxiety of separation, teething, or digestive pain. It is important to remember that newborns have very different sleep cycles from adults, and it is normal for them to wake up every hour or so. While it can be challenging, there are several strategies you can try to help your newborn sleep in their crib, such as establishing a bedtime routine, swaddling, and reducing distractions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby's age | Newborns wake up every hour or so, but this is normal. Most babies can sleep through the night by 5 or 6 months. |
| Baby's health | Teething, digestive pain, or sickness can prevent a baby from falling asleep properly. |
| Baby's sleep cycle | A newborn's sleep cycle is very different from an adult's. Their sleep is broken up into short periods every few hours throughout the night and day. |
| Baby's sleep environment | A baby might not sleep in a crib due to a major shift in their environment. |
| Baby's sleep habits | A baby might not sleep in a crib if they have not learned to self-soothe. |
| Baby's sleep position | A baby might be used to falling asleep in a parent's arms, a car seat, or a stroller. |
| Baby's sleep associations | A baby might be used to falling asleep while nursing. |
| Baby's sleep distractions | A baby might be distracted by light or noise and struggle to sleep in a crib. |
| Baby's sleep location | A baby might be used to co-sleeping with their parents. |
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What You'll Learn
Separation anxiety
At this age, babies become aware that their parents are still nearby but not in the same room, causing them to cry out for them or want them to return. Separation anxiety can make bedtime challenging, as babies may feel hesitant or nervous about being left alone. This anxiety can be exacerbated if they are not tired enough or if the room temperature is not ideal.
To alleviate separation anxiety, parents can implement strategies such as:
- Playing Peek-a-Boo: This game teaches babies that even when their parents disappear from view, they will come back. It helps reinforce the concept of object permanence in a fun and reassuring way.
- "I'll Be Right Back" Game: Place your baby in their crib or a safe spot, tell them you will be right back, and then step out of sight or leave the room for a short period, gradually increasing the time away. This helps your baby understand that you will return and that they are safe even when you are not in the same room.
- Bedtime Routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help soothe babies and distinguish between day and night. A routine that includes feeding, bathing, spending time in the nursery, and storytelling with hugs and kisses can make the crib a more welcoming environment.
- Gradual Reduction of Nursing Time: If your baby is accustomed to falling asleep while nursing, gradually reduce the breastfeeding time by a few minutes each night. This will help your baby understand that they can fall asleep independently.
- Favourite Toy or Blanket: If your baby is older than one year, allowing them to have a favourite toy or blanket in the crib can provide a sense of security and comfort when falling asleep.
- Distraction: Offering a distraction, such as a mobile above the crib, can give your baby something to focus on and help settle them down as they get sleepy. Just ensure it is out of their reach.
It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and the duration of separation anxiety may vary. This phase is a normal part of their emotional development, and with patience, reassurance, and the implementation of appropriate strategies, you can help your baby through it.
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Sickness or teething pain
Sickness
If your baby is sick, it is important to understand the cause of their discomfort. Check if they need feeding, a diaper change, or whether they may be feeling unwell. Ensure that the room temperature is cool but comfortable for your baby, and that they are dressed appropriately for the temperature. You can also try playing white noise or soothing sounds using a baby sound machine or by turning on a fan pointed towards a wall. A night-light may also help your baby feel more comfortable sleeping in the crib.
Teething pain
Teething can cause discomfort and pain for newborns, which may disrupt their sleep. To help soothe teething pain, you can offer your baby chewable objects designed for teething, such as teethers, soft foods like applesauce, or gentle gum massages with a cool washcloth. Homeopathic tablets, oils, and ibuprofen can also help manage the pain. It is important to note that fever, diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, and congestion are not reliable indicators of teething and may require further medical attention.
General tips for helping your newborn sleep in a crib:
In addition to addressing sickness or teething pain, here are some general tips to help your newborn sleep in a crib:
- Establish a bedtime routine: Consistency and repetition can soothe your baby and help them distinguish between day and night. Spend time with your baby in the nursery, tell them a story, and give them plenty of kisses and hugs before putting them down in the crib.
- Put your baby in the crib when they are drowsy but still awake: This will help them associate the crib with falling asleep.
- Be patient and understanding: If your baby still refuses to sleep in the crib, remain calm and patient. Getting angry or upset will only increase their feeling of insecurity. Reassure your baby and let them know that you are right next to them.
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Sleep environment
The sleep environment for a newborn is crucial to their growth and development. While newborns can sleep in a variety of places, such as in their parent's arms, in a stroller, or a car seat, it is important to establish good sleep habits early on. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a crib is the safest and best place for a baby to sleep.
Crib Safety
It is important to ensure that the crib itself meets safety standards. Always complete and return the warranty card for newly purchased cribs and check for safety recalls with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Crib Setup
A baby's crib should be set up in a cool, dark room with minimal distractions. The room should be kept as dark as possible, even during the day, to prevent light from stimulating the baby and disrupting their sleep. A sound machine can also be used to help block out any noise that might wake the baby.
Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial to helping your baby fall asleep in their crib. This can be as simple as feeding, diaper change, putting on pajamas, swaddling, singing a lullaby, and placing the baby in the crib. Swaddling can help replicate the cozy feeling of being in a parent's arms and calm the moro reflex that can startle them awake. It is important to transition out of swaddling once the baby shows signs of rolling.
Self-Soothing
Some babies are able to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own without parental help. For those who haven't learned this skill, it is normal for them to fuss and cry when placed in the crib. In these cases, it is recommended to practice putting the baby down awake and allowing them to fall asleep independently. This increases the chance of a consolidated and restorative nap.
Sleep Position
It is recommended to put babies to sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, with no loose blankets, toys, or other objects in the crib. Pillows, cushions, and soft mattresses designed for adults or older children are unsafe for babies.
Sleep Schedule
Newborns have different sleep patterns than adults, with their sleep broken up into short periods every few hours throughout the day and night. It is normal for newborns to wake up frequently, but by 5-6 months, most babies are able to sleep through the night.
In summary, creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment, establishing a bedtime routine, and practicing self-soothing techniques are key steps to helping your newborn sleep in a crib.
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Sleep routine
Understanding your newborn's sleep
Newborns spend most of their days asleep, but their sleep is broken up into short periods every few hours throughout the night and day. It is normal for newborns to wake up every hour or so in their crib, and this is a natural part of their sleep patterns.
Creating a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine is one way to cue your baby's brain that sleep is coming. Even before your baby begins to recognize the routine, the calming effects can be helpful in keeping your baby from becoming overstimulated. A bedtime routine can be as simple as feeding, diaper change, putting on pajamas, swaddling, singing a lullaby, and placing your baby in the crib.
Swaddling
Swaddling your baby with their arms in and snug can replicate the cozy feeling your baby gets while in your arms. It can also calm the moro reflex that can startle them awake. However, when your baby shows signs of rolling, it's time to transition out of the swaddle.
Reduce distractions
Keep the room dark for sleep. As newborns become more alert and aware, light can be distracting and stimulating. Do your best to get the room as dark as possible for both nights and naps. Consider adding a sound machine to help reduce any noise that might wake them up.
Practice
For many babies, being able to fall asleep and stay asleep in their crib takes practice and time. It can be helpful to practice laying them down awake for bedtime and at least one nap a day. Even 5-10 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference.
Responding to your baby
When your baby wakes up and cries in the night, your response can impact their comfort in their crib. Give them what they ask for, reassure them, and then leave the nursery, explaining that you are right next to them and that everything is fine.
Other tips
- Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime: Research has found that babies who are put to sleep with pacifiers have a lower risk of SIDS.
- If your baby has reflux, consider using a carrier or sling. The upright position can make for a happier, less fussy baby.
- If your baby is unwell, this can prevent them from falling asleep properly. Teething and digestive pain are common causes of sleeplessness.
- If your baby is a sleepy eater, they may snack all day, making it hard for them to get the calories they need to sleep well.
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Self-soothing
Babies typically learn to self-soothe at around 4 to 6 months old. Before three months old, babies don't develop habits or expectations, so you're not in danger of embedding bad sleep habits. As your baby reaches 4 months, they will develop the capacity to self-regulate or self-soothe to sleep. However, the age at which babies are able to self-soothe can vary depending on the baby and their sleep environment. Newborns are not typically capable of self-soothing, and encouraging them to do so can be harmful, as their sleep patterns are irregular, and they need to eat frequently to gain weight.
Establishing a sleep routine and healthy sleep habits from birth may help the baby sleep well later on. Parents and caregivers can try putting the baby to bed at the same time each night in a quiet, dark room, establishing a bedtime routine, and being warm and affectionate at bedtime so that the baby feels safe.
It's important to remember that self-soothing is a developmental skill. Like all development, it is a process of building on skills to form new skills. In the early days, your baby will depend on you to help settle them to sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns often wake up when laid in a crib because of the major shift in environment. They might only sleep soundly in your arms, the car seat, or the stroller. It's important to make sure your baby is sleeping in a crib because it is the safest place for them to sleep.
Establish a bedtime routine. A routine is one way to cue your baby's brain that sleep is coming. It can be as simple as feeding, diaper change, putting on pajamas, swaddling, singing a lullaby, and placing your baby in the crib.
Make sure your baby is truly awake before intervening. Newborns are active sleepers, so sometimes we jump in thinking they're awake when they're actually still sleeping. You can also try reducing any distractions by keeping the room dark and using a sound machine to help them sleep.
Be patient and don't get upset. Your baby does not feel secure in the crib for reasons they don't understand. Getting angry will only increase this feeling of insecurity. Give them what they ask for, reassure them, and explain that you are right next to them.
