How to Lessen a Child's Fear of a Crib

Getting your baby or toddler to sleep in his crib may seem like a nightmare. Separation anxiety and nighttime fears can cause your child to fear and reject sleeping in his crib, making bed time a struggle and consistent sleep a challenge. You can help your child come to see his crib as a welcome and soothing place, which will promote a good night's sleep for your whole family.

Things You'll Need

  • Sleeping bag or air mattress
  • Security item like a stuffed toy or blanket
  • Shirt or blanket with your scent on it

Instructions

    • 1

      Put your baby in his crib during the day for play time. Spending some non-sleep time in the crib can help your baby feel more comfortable in it. Play time in the crib can help your baby associate the crib with good feelings, which can transfer over to night time.

    • 2

      Focus your efforts on nap time to start. It may be easier to encourage your baby to sleep in his crib during the day, especially if he associates a fear of the dark with sleeping. Once he becomes accustomed to peaceful sleep in his crib during the day, he can begin to see the crib as a welcoming place and you can work on transferring that association to night time.

    • 3

      Establish a consistent and soothing night-time routine. Children thrive on consistency. When they know what to expect, they feel more secure. By creating a consistent bed time routine, you can help your child welcome bed time instead of fearing it. Focus on soothing activities, such as taking a bath, reading stories or cuddling together.

    • 4

      Place a shirt or blanket with your scent on it in the crib. The familiar scent may be soothing to your baby and help him to sleep. Remove the shirt or blanket once your baby falls asleep if he is under 1 year old, as it can prevent a suffocation risk. Older children can continue sleeping with these items.

    • 5

      Stay close to your baby during sleep. Obviously, you can't fit in the crib with him. However, you can sleep in a sleeping bag or on an air mattress for a few nights while your baby becomes more comfortable in the crib.

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