The joy of being a parent comes with many challenges, such as making the newborn sleep peacefully in his crib. If at first he falls asleep with you, while you nurse him or rock him, as he grows, it's time to think about how to make him sleep alone in his crib. Here are some tips that will help you in this regard.
When is the right time for the baby to sleep alone in the crib
Immediately after birth, your baby needs constant care and attention for calming and breastfeeding. That's why many mothers end up staying only in the presence of their babies when they get home from the hospital.
However, at some point you should allow your little one to move quietly into his crib and rest properly. You will know that it is the right time for this, if you consider the following 3 factors:
- age. In general, it is a good idea for babies to sleep alone in their crib starting at 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you stay in the same room with your little one for the first 6 months. Whether it is in a basket, in a portable cot or a fixed cot or a co-sleeping cot , if you sleep in the same room with your little one you will be able to halve the risks of sudden sleep death syndrome.
- size and weight. If you notice that the baby is bigger and needs more space, it's time to help him sleep only in his crib.
- mobility. Is your baby already learning to roll over or stand up? If so, it could move more during the night. A sturdy, fixed cot will help him sleep much better than a narrow basket.
- For co-sleeping cots click HERE
How do you help the baby to sleep alone in the crib?
You might feel like this is an impossible mission, but there are ways you can be successful. Keep these tips in mind:
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1. Prepare the crib and the baby's room
It maintains the feeling of warmth and comfort to which it is accustomed. The bedroom should have a comfortable temperature. Avoid placing the baby on a cold mattress. If he is under 3 months old, you can swaddle him or put him in a sleeping bag. Remove from the crib any loose bedding or toys that could represent a danger to his health.
- For the Medium Cots category, click HERE
2. Make the transition smooth
When you want to help the baby to sleep alone in his crib and in his room, it is absolutely necessary to keep your patience. Try to put the baby to sleep during the day, so that he learns to associate sleep with the crib. Do this every day for several weeks before fully installing it in his room.
3. Create a bedtime routine
Establish a routine to prepare him for sleep. For example, you can bathe him, nurse him and dress him in pajamas. The more consistently you practice this routine, the faster you will be able to implement the change.
4. Stay with the baby and calm him down with your presence when needed
At first, the baby may feel restless and may wake up several times a night. Then stay next to his crib, caress him gently and calm him down with your presence so he can fall asleep again.
5. When you put him in the crib, make sure he is sleepy, but still awake
Experts recommend putting your baby in the crib before he actually falls asleep. If you let him fall asleep in your arms, then he might perceive the change of environment and wake up again.
What do you do if you can't convince the baby to sleep in his crib?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your baby simply won't want to leave you and sleep in his crib, in his room. While this is frustrating, it's important to remember that, as with most milestones (such as talking, reading, or accepting solid foods), each child moves at their own pace. Your little one could end up sleeping alone in his crib and in his room somewhere between 3 months and 1 year.
Until what age does the baby sleep in the crib?
This varies from child to child, but usually this happens by age 2 or 3. The best indicator is this: when the baby starts to stand up by himself and even wants to climb the crib by himself, it is clear that you have to make the transition to a bigger bed. There are children who end up using their cot so dearly until they are 4 or even 5 years old (the condition is that it has a removable side or an entrance door).
It is normal to think how to make the baby sleep alone, in his crib and in his room. However, the process is one that requires patience and paying special attention to your comfort level. If you've tried everything and the baby doesn't want to sleep alone in his crib, try using a co-sleeping crib and postpone the idea of making him sleep alone in his room.
