Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a controversial topic, with varying answers depending on the family. Some parents choose to co-sleep, while others opt for their babies to sleep in a crib. Establishing a bedtime routine and a safe sleep environment is essential for helping your baby fall asleep in their crib. However, some 9-month-old babies may resist sleeping in their crib due to separation anxiety, growth spurts, teething pain, illness, or new milestones. Understanding the potential reasons for your baby's sleep resistance can help you address the issue and make any necessary adjustments to their sleep environment or routine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Separation anxiety | Baby has to sleep alone |
| Sickness | Teething, digestive pain, illness |
| Bad dreams | Nightmares or night terrors |
| Growth spurts | Increase in appetite |
| New milestones | Rolling over, sitting up, babbling |
| Sleep regression | Setback in nighttime routine |
| Lack of comfort | Crib is too cold |
| Lack of routine | Baby needs a bedtime routine |
| Co-sleeping | Baby is used to sleeping with parents |
| Lack of firmness | Soft mattress, loose items in crib |
| Temperature | Room is too cold or warm |
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What You'll Learn
Separation anxiety
A 9-month-old baby not sleeping in their crib could be due to separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common and natural part of childhood development, especially evident during early childhood. It is a fear or anxiety that children experience when separated from their primary caregivers, which can be a part of their normal development process.
Babies typically first experience separation anxiety around 6 to 8 months of age, which is when they start to understand object permanence—the concept that objects and people continue to exist even when they are not visible. Some babies can start to experience it around 4 months old, and it usually eases up by the age of 2.
- Play Peek-a-Boo: This game is a great way to help ease separation anxiety in babies. When you "disappear" and "reappear," you're teaching your child that even if they can't see you, you're still there. Your return is 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 and tell them you will be right back. Then, step out of sight or out of the room for 15-30 seconds. Gradually increase the time you are away.
- Establish a bedtime routine: The best way to get your baby to like their sleep environment is through a consistent bedtime routine. After feeding your baby and giving them a bath, spend some time in the nursery with them. Tell them a story and give them lots of kisses and hugs!
- Put them down drowsy: Rock your baby and sing to them, but then place them on their back in the crib when they are drowsy but still awake so they learn how to drift off in their own bed.
- Stay nearby: Sit in a chair next to your baby's crib in the dark room after putting them to bed. Stay there until they fall asleep and then leave. You can also gradually step away from the crib night by night while still staying in the room.
- Adjust their nap schedule: If your baby is closer to overtired at nap time than at night, it will be much harder for them to settle. Adjust their nap schedule so they are not too tired at bedtime.
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Illness, teething, or pain
If your 9-month-old is struggling with sleep, illness, teething, or pain could be the cause.
Teething can be a very painful process for babies, and this pain may be preventing your baby from falling asleep or causing them to wake up. You can try giving your baby a dose of Tylenol or Motrin if it's been cleared by their pediatrician. It's important to keep in mind that even after the pain has subsided, your baby may continue to wake up out of habit, depending on how you respond to their night waking.
Illness can also be a factor in disrupted sleep. A stuffy nose or digestive pain, for example, can make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you suspect your baby is unwell, it's important to address the underlying issue and provide any necessary medical treatment or comfort.
Separation anxiety is another common issue that can affect your baby's sleep. Around 8 months old, babies often enter a "regression" period, where they suddenly want more attention and cuddles and have a harder time sleeping alone. This phase typically passes as they get older, but it can be challenging for parents and children alike. To help your baby through this, it's important to be patient, provide reassurance, and establish a consistent bedtime routine that helps them feel safe and secure.
Establishing a bedtime routine can be incredibly helpful in improving your baby's sleep. Consistency and repetition soothe babies, helping them to distinguish between day and night. A predictable series of activities before bedtime can signal to your baby that sleep is coming and prepare their body to wind down. This can include feeding, giving them a bath, spending time in the nursery, reading a story, and giving lots of kisses and hugs.
If your baby is used to falling asleep while nursing, they may have simply developed the habit of needing that closeness to fall asleep. To break this habit, you can gradually reduce the breastfeeding time by a few minutes each night and replace it with other soothing activities that encourage independent sleep.
Lastly, it's important to remember that co-sleeping is a valid option if it works for your family. Some babies simply prefer sleeping near their parents, and that's okay. However, if you want to encourage crib sleeping, you can try sitting with your baby in a dark room until they fall asleep, gradually stepping away a little each night.
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A change in sleep environment
Firstly, safety is the top priority when it comes to your baby's sleep environment. Ensure your baby is sleeping on their back on a firm, flat surface, with no loose items in the crib. Soft mattresses, sheepskins, bumpers, blankets, or stuffed toys may increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping the crib in your room for at least the first 6 months and ideally, the first year.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial. A cool room is preferable, as overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Keep the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and consider using a fan to improve air circulation and provide white noise. You can also dress your baby in a sleeper to keep them comfortable in a cool room. Ensure the sleeper fits snugly and doesn't have any loose strings that could pose a safety hazard.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential. A routine helps your baby understand what is happening and provides familiarity and comfort. Include activities such as reading a book, feeding, and giving cuddles before placing your baby in their crib drowsy but awake. If they fuss or startle, offer reassurance by placing a hand on their belly and softly shushing or singing to them. Be prepared to repeat the cuddles and putting them down multiple times, as this is a learning process for both you and your baby.
If your baby is accustomed to falling asleep in your arms, you can gradually transition them to the crib. Start by putting them in the crib when they are calm and drowsy but not yet asleep. If they wake up and protest, offer comfort by returning to them at progressively increasing intervals, using soft words, but avoid picking them up unless necessary. Each night, return at slightly longer intervals than the previous night.
Additionally, consider the potential reasons for your baby's resistance to the crib. It could be due to growth spurts, teething pain, illness, or milestones such as sitting up or babbling. Understanding these factors can help you address any specific concerns and adjust the sleep environment accordingly.
Remember, each baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Trust your instincts and adapt these tips to suit your baby's needs and your family's preferences.
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New skills and milestones
A baby's sleep cycle is very different from an adult's. While newborns spend most of their day asleep, their sleep is broken up into short periods every few hours throughout the day and night. As they develop, their sleep patterns change.
Sleep regressions are temporary disruptions in a baby's sleep caused by developmental milestones. When a baby is mastering a new skill, it is normal for sleep to be disrupted. Most babies experience a rough patch in sleep sometime between 8-10 months. This regression usually passes within 1-2 weeks.
Around 6-12 months, babies may start learning new skills such as sitting independently, crawling, pulling to stand, and taking a few steps. They also start making more sounds and saying more words. These milestones can lead to sleep disruptions.
The transition from a crib to a toddler bed is a milestone that can disrupt sleep patterns. Babies may also experience separation anxiety, teething, or illness, which can impact their sleep.
It is important to remember that sleeping through the night is a learned skill that takes time and practice. Parents and caregivers can follow recommendations to teach healthy sleep behaviors, such as putting babies to sleep on their backs and on firm, flat surfaces. Keeping the crib free of toys, blankets, and other loose objects is also important for safety.
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Overtiredness or regression
Overtiredness
Overtiredness can be a reason why a 9-month-old baby won't sleep in their crib. Babies who are overtired may experience difficulty falling asleep and frequent night wakings. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as teething, illness, or not being developmentally ready for the transition to a crib.
To address this, parents can follow evidence-based recommendations to teach healthy sleep behaviours and help their babies sleep more easily in their cribs. This includes putting babies to sleep on their backs, ensuring they sleep on firm, flat surfaces, and keeping toys, blankets, and other loose objects out of the crib.
Regression
Sleep regression is a common phenomenon that occurs when a baby who previously slept well in a crib starts to resist sleep or wakes up more frequently at night. This is often observed in babies around 8 to 10 months old, including at 9 months, and is characterised by increased fussiness at bedtime, more frequent overnight wake-ups, trouble settling down to sleep, and new milestones like crawling, standing, or talking.
Regression is associated with the baby's brain being busy learning new things and developing, which can temporarily impact sleep. During this time, it is important to maintain a consistent yet flexible daily routine, as developmentally, the baby is learning about object permanence, which can lead to separation anxiety.
To help your baby through this phase, it is recommended to have a consistent bedtime routine, including feeding, bathing, and spending time with them in the nursery. You can also gradually reduce the breastfeeding time by a few minutes each night if your baby has become accustomed to falling asleep while nursing.
Additionally, some parents have found it helpful to place a chair or stool next to the crib and sit there in the dark until the baby falls asleep. While this may not work for every baby, it can be a useful strategy to try.
Remember that this regression phase is usually short-lived and will pass more quickly with consistency and patience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your 9-month-old might resist sleeping in their crib. Separation anxiety is common at this age, and your baby may be asking for more attention and cuddles. They may also be learning new skills, which can cause sleep disruptions. It's important to establish good sleep habits and a bedtime routine to help your baby fall asleep independently in their crib.
Establish a bedtime routine with soothing activities like a warm bath, stories, and singing. Put your baby in the crib when they are drowsy but still awake to help them fall asleep independently. If they cry, stay away for a few minutes to give them a chance to settle down. You can also try offering some daily playtime in the crib to help your baby view it as a happy and secure place.
Make sure the crib is set up for quality sleep. The room should be cool, dark, and quiet, and the crib should be free of distractions and loose blankets. Dress your baby comfortably for sleep, and make sure they are placed on their back on a firm, flat surface. You can also try gradually reducing the amount of breastfeeding time at night if your baby is used to falling asleep while nursing.
