How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in the Crib

There's a reason parents devote so much time to selecting the right crib: It's where your little one gets much-needed sleep that helps their growth and development. Unfortunately, though, some babies scream and cry whenever you put them in their crib. They might only sleep soundly in your arms, the car seat, or the stroller, making you tempted to just leave them so you can get a few moments of peace.

However, it's very important to make sure your baby is sleeping in a crib, because according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleeping guidelines, it's the safest (and best) place for your baby to sleep. Plus, establishing good sleep habits now will translate to better sleep as your baby grows, too.

"After babies hit the 6-month mark, their napping and nighttime habits become harder to change," says Jodi Mindell, PhD, associate director of the Sleep Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and author of "Sleeping Through the Night."

And according to a study in Sleep Medicine, babies get less sleep and wake more often when they're not in their crib, so you have a serious incentive to act now. Learn more about your baby's preferred slumber habits, and get pointers for how to get your newborn to sleep in the crib.

Why Won't My Baby Sleep in Their Crib? 

Babies don’t usually 'hate' their crib—"they might cry because they don’t want to separate from their parent and they're tired and want to fall asleep," says Patti Ideran, OTR/L, CEIM, a pediatric occupational therapist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

Sure, some babies fall asleep and settle in their crib when put to bed, without difficulty. "Most likely these babies have been put down in their crib or bassinet drowsy from early on and have learned to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own without parental help," says Ideran. However, it's normal for babies who haven't learned to self-soothe to fuss and cry and want to be picked up after they're placed in the crib.

With time and patience, you can help your baby learn to be comfortable sleeping in their crib, says Hilary Stempel, MD, MPH, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a pediatrician with Children's Hospital Colorado. "Remember, you’re doing such an important role for your baby’s healthy development when you guide them to learn to sleep in their crib."

If Your Baby Only Sleeps in Your Arms...

Young infants understand the world in a very sensory fashion, which is why they find the warmth and softness of your arms so soothing, says Polly Moore, PhD, a neuroscientist, sleep expert, and author of The 90-Minute Baby Sleep Program.

Indeed, research shows that a baby can tell if they're being held by a parent or someone else, says Moore. "[They] know what Mommy feels and smells like."

Try this:

Make the crib feel more caregiver-like, says Dr. Moore. "One reason a baby gets upset when you try to transition [them] to the crib is the drastic change in temperature. [They] go from the heat of your body to a relatively cold bed."

However, you should never place a blanket, pillow, or lovey in the crib with your baby because this greatly increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Instead, if your baby is under 3 months, swaddle them, feed them, and ease them into the crib.

For babies who are beyond the swaddle, try a sleep sack. If your cutie still protests, stand next to the crib for a few minutes with your hand on their tummy to soothe them, adds Dr. Mindell. "A belly rub is fine, but avoid picking [them] up. It will confuse [them]." These comforting tips should get your newborn to sleep in the crib.

If Your Baby Only Sleeps in the Infant Carrier...

A carrier or sling is a bliss-inducing trifecta, says Dr. Mindell. "First and foremost, there's the chest-to-chest contact. That kind of kangaroo care is very calming for infants. Add to that the warmth and smell of your body and the motion from walking around," and it's no wonder your baby refuses their crib!

Plus, if your child has reflux, the upright position can make for a happier, less fussy baby. Gravity helps keep stomach acid down; lying down does the opposite.

If your baby only sleeps in an infant carrier, here are some things to try.

Try this:

The best way to wean your baby off the carrier, according to Dr. Mindell, involves a few tears. "It's easiest to start with bedtime. Put them down in the crib when they're awake but sleepy. Then check on them as frequently as you wish, say, every five to 10 minutes. The goal is for them to fall asleep on their own."

And when the crying starts? "Remind yourself that a baby who sleeps is a happier baby," says Dr. Mindell.

Once bedtime is going well, put your baby down awake for one nap during the day but keep the others as usual, so they don't become cranky or overtired. Master that first nap and then tackle the next.

Also, if naptime is a challenge and your baby is crying a lot, check on your baby after a predetermined amount of time and say, "I guess naptime is over! You must not be sleepy." Once they show signs of tiredness again, you can try the routine once more.

If Your Baby Only Sleeps in the Swing or Car Seat...

Swings and car seats both involve motion, which is calming in and of itself, says Dr. Mindell. The movement is often similar to what it felt like in your belly, and your baby might like the confined, secure space. If your baby appears to sleep only when they're moving, here are some things to try.

Try this:

Start by eliminating the movement, suggests Dr. Mindell. "Put them in the stroller but don't stroll it. Pop them into the swing but don't swing it. Buckle them in the car seat but don't drive anywhere." Once they fall asleep, immediately move them to a safe sleep environment (a firm, flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard).

When your baby is used to that, put them in the crib when they're tired but not completely exhausted. "Each step will probably take three or four days, so it's a process," says Dr. Mindell. "But be consistent. And try these steps only when you're ready. If you keep changing the routine, you'll confuse your baby and prolong the whole thing."

Other Tips for Getting Your Baby to Sleep in Their Crib

Sleep is incredibly important for the whole family, so it's important to find solutions to your baby's sleep issues. But know that you’re not alone if your baby refuses to sleep in their crib, says Dr. Stempel. "Trying to get a crying baby to sleep in their crib can feel daunting, [but] there are effective methods you can try to help the process along."

Pay attention to sleep cues

Tuning into your baby's personal rhythms and signals is key, says Dr. Stempel. "I suggest watching for early sleepy cues, like rubbing eyes or starting to zone out, as a sign to put your baby in their crib. It’s helpful for them to be in their crib when they're just starting to get tired and are still calm so that they will learn to fall asleep on their own."

Sometimes, babies will gently drift off or fuss for just a few minutes before doing so. Other babies may protest loudly, sometimes for long stretches. All of this is normal, she says. "Give them time to see if they’ll remain content and learn to self-soothe to sleep."

Create a sleep-conducive space

Make certain your baby’s sleep zone is set up for quality sleep. There should be nothing else in the crib and limited distractions (babies older than 3 or 4 months may be distracted by mobiles). The room should be dark, cool (68 to 72 degrees), and quiet. Finally, be sure to put your baby on their back for safe sleep, says Dr. Stempel. Also note that while holding your sleeping baby is safe, bed-sharing is not.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend bed-sharing as our comfy beds with soft pillows and blankets are not safe for babies," says Dr. Stempel. "Room-sharing with your baby in their crib or bassinet is the safest zone for your baby to sleep."

Have patience

Remember that it may take time for your baby to learn to fall asleep on their own, says Dr. Stempel. "Practicing sleeping in their crib is important for setting up a habit for safe and high-quality sleep."

However, if you do pick up your crying baby and rock them to sleep, don't despair, she says. "Especially with a newborn, if your baby falls asleep on you and not in their crib, that’s OK! There’s plenty of time for your baby to learn to sleep in their crib."

Consult their pediatrician

If you're struggling to get your baby to sleep in their crib, reach out to their pediatrician or health care provider for advice.

"Having an appointment with your pediatrician just about sleep can be very positive to discuss all the factors involved in sleep and come up with a plan to practice at home," says Dr. Stempel.