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You’ve tried EVERYTHING. You’re at your wits’ end. No matter what you try, baby won’t sleep in crib. This happens more often than you might think, but knowing this information isn’t going to make things any easier for you. So what can you do when baby won’t sleep in her crib?
In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons why baby won’t sleep in the crib or bassinet and what you can do to make the transition easier.
Help! Baby Won’t Sleep in Crib
There are several reasons why your baby may not be sleeping in his crib.
1) Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons babies refuse to sleep in their cribs. It is a natural reaction that occurs in infants when they are separated from the people with whom they have the strongest attachment.
Separation anxiety in children begins around 8 months of age and is often accompanied by other behaviors such as clinginess, fear of strangers, or sleep disturbances.
A baby with separation anxiety may resist transitioning to a crib because he or she prefers to have you close, and even a baby who previously slept in a crib may begin to refuse to do so because of this anxiety.
2) Sleep regression
Sleep regressions occur at approximately 4, 12, 16, and 24 months. They often coincide with certain developmental milestones. Sleep regressions often result in sleep disturbances.
Further reading
The Ultimate Guide to Managing Two Year Old Sleep Regression
3) They resist change
Some babies won’t sleep in their cribs because, well, they’re against it. And they’re not afraid to let everyone know! They’ll cry and scream all night long if it makes you remove them from their crib. Baby won’t sleep in bassinet? Well, they may not be ready.
The good news is that some simple strategies can make it easier for your baby to accept sleeping in the crib. Here are five things you can do today to help.
Five Things to Help When Baby Won’t Sleep in Bassinet
1) Help them overcome separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a natural and common stage that most babies go through, but it is also a sign of your child’s need for security.
Simple strategies like helping them get used to separations, respecting and validating their feelings, being honest (don’t say you’ll be back in five minutes when you know you won’t), and being predictable (like establishing a goodbye routine) can help them overcome separation anxiety.
After the 1-year milestone, giving your child a stuffed animal or blanket can help them feel safe.
2) Establish a routine
Sleep routines are the easiest way to help your baby feel safe and understand what to expect. The more regular and consistent your routine is, the better the chances are that it will work. Remember that different children thrive on different routines, so be willing to try different things to find out what works best for you and your family.
3) Take gradual steps
If you’re transitioning your baby to a crib for the first time, don’t rush it. Start by familiarizing them with the crib or the room where the crib is located. For example, start spending time playing in the room a few weeks earlier. Before you expect your baby to spend all-nighters in the crib, you can also start encouraging him or her to take naps in it.
4) Provide a calming environment
The more soothing your baby’s environment, the more likely she is to stay in her crib AND get a good night’s rest. A calming environment means making sure that the room is cool, quiet, and dimly lit.
White noise machines are a really good option that have been shown to help babies sleep better. You can also try strategies to distract your child, such as using a baby mobile.
Keep in mind, however, that while some mobiles are designed to stimulate your baby, others are designed to soothe him or her to sleep. We love this one because it has really great options, you can use it for years, and it is sleep expert approved.
5) Try sleep training
If your baby is at least 4 months old, you may want to try sleep training.
Final Thoughts
Baby won’t sleep in bassinet and you don’t know what to do? Be patient. Babies are known to take their time. Be present, reassure them, and then choose a strategy and stick to it.
Remember that babies are also creatures of habit, and the more regular and consistent you are with your strategy, the more likely you are to succeed.
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