How to Help a Baby Learn to Sleep in a Crib

Getting your baby to nap or sleep in their crib can be a very challenging task. Just as you may worry about leaving your baby alone, your baby also worries when you are away. Teaching them that it's okay to sleep in their crib by creating an environment that feels safe for them is key to ensure they stay sound asleep in their crib. It takes a lot of time and patience to teach your baby to sleep in their crib, but in the long run it is very beneficial to their independence and gives you more opportunities to relax.

Things You'll Need

  • Crib bumpers
  • Comfort blanket
  • Baby video monitor

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a consistent routine. Aiming to have feeding times, nap times and bed times at the same time each day will create a routine in your baby's mind. They will learn what to expect next. This will ensure that they can relax and sleep through the appropriate times, not getting upset that you're not there. They know you will return just like you did the last time.

    • 2

      Enclose your baby in the crib so they feel more secure. Oftentimes when you first lie your baby in their crib they are upset at the open space with the added addition that you are not there. Crib bumpers are a great tool that you can use in this case. They securely fit onto the crib acting as wedges to create a smaller environment.

    • 3

      Give your baby a comfort blanket. A comfort blanket should be very light weight and small. This blanket will symbolize to your baby relaxation. Whenever you feed your baby, make sure they are holding onto or are wrapped within their comfort blanket. Also, when you lay your baby down to rest or sleep, make sure the blanket is underneath them or allow them to hold it if their mobility level allows them to control their own neck so as not to suffocate in the blanket.

    • 4

      Assure your baby that you are there. Allow them to sleep in their crib rather than in your arms, but rub or pat their back until they fall asleep to comfort them. Once they fall asleep leave the room. If they begin to wake up and cry because you're not there, comfort them once again allowing them to still remain in the crib. Be patient and consistent as it may take some time before they realize they can comfortably sleep on their own.

    • 5

      Ease your fears. Parents are often nervous to let their baby sleep on their own. To ease your fears, make sure to have baby monitors or baby video monitors by your baby's crib.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Time Should a Baby Go to Sleep?
      Its not difficult to get your baby to fall asleep, but it can be challenging to keep her asleep long enough. Adequate slumber is essential for the normal growth and development of your child. The amount of sleep your little one needs varies depending
    • Differences Between Toddler Mattresses and Baby Mattresses
      Babies spend up to 18 hours a day in their first weeks of life sleeping, which makes buying a crib or toddler bed mattress is about as important, if not more so, than buying the crib or bed itself. Knowing the differences between baby and toddler mat
    • How to Make a Baby Fall Asleep Fast
      Taking care of a baby takes a lot of patience and hard work. In addition to feeding and changing her diaper frequently, parents must also put their babies to sleep. While some babies fall asleep easily, others are more fussy and may wake up in the mi