5 Tips to Get Baby Asleep in Crib
A common complaint among new mothers is that the baby always prefers to sleep in their arms and tends to wake up whenever you place them in the crib. In this article we will discuss 5 ways to help you make the transition and get the baby sleeping well in the crib.
It is important for parents to understand that as their baby begins to grow, they can no longer get proper rest that they require in parent’s arms. It is critical for baby to get used to sleeping independently in the crib otherwise they will wake up more often and will be cranky throughout the day. Let’s review some tips to get the baby settled in the crib quickly.
Tips to Get Baby Asleep in Crib
1) Get Baby used to Crib
The first and most important step is to make sure that baby gets comfortable with the feeling of being in the crib. Parents should lay the foundation by putting the baby in the crib when they are awake and let them play. Be close to the crib initially and play along with the baby as they is settle into the new environment
2) Stay Close Initially while They Sleep
For first few times, stay close to baby as you put them in the crib. Pat them on the stomach as necessary so they know that you are close and only leave once the baby is fully asleep. Gradually as baby gets used to sleeping in the crib, put baby down in the crib when they start feeling little sleepy and check-up on them every 5-10 minutes till they are asleep.
3) Give your Baby enough Time to Sleep
Once baby is asleep and you have left the crib-side, In case the baby wakes up, do not rush to soothe them. Give the baby some time to get used to you not being there and go back to sleep. If they do not sleep after some time, only then go up to the crib.
4) Make Crib feel like a Mother’s Lap
One main reason why babies do not initially like crib is because they are used to warmth and softness of their mothers bodies. Try to provide similar atmosphere to the baby by swaddling, feeding, and easing the baby into the crib.
5) Gradually get Rid of all other Sleeping Rituals
A mistake that lot of parents make is to have their baby get used to sleeping while in the swing or on your shoulder while you walk. While this might seem like a good solution to get the baby sleeping quickly, it is a very bad idea in the long term because babies get used to motion very quickly and it will be difficult for you to get them away from this habit. As soon as possible, try to first get them away from this habit and sleep while you are stationary and after a few days gradually transition to crib.
Do you have any other tips that you would like to share with us ? Please let us know through your comments below.
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