Do you or someone you know, have trouble sleeping in hotels. It’s a foreign place. It’s not your bed. It’s not even your house. Well, this is how baby feels about their new crib. That big crib is a new place they are not used to. Imagine waking in a large box in a new place for the first time. You may find yourself shouting, “I’m Lost!!!” then proceed to shout until someone finds you.
Cover image courtesy of Dani Adams Barry Photography
Same goes for baby in the crib. They awake to a new unfamiliar setting and cry for help. Just as we would. (Because we find ourselves waking in strange boxes often) With that said, it’s not uncommon for most babies to have a difficult time settling in.
Routine, Routine, Routine
With this in mind, it’s up to you to make this change a smooth one. One of the best ways to introduce your baby to a new sleeping routine is to keep is consistent. When you go about the same motions on a daily basis, every evening, baby will recognize this. Once your baby is familiar with this night time routine, bedtime will not come as a shock. Rather, your little one will know its time to wind down for sleep.
If you don’t already have a night time routine, today is a great day to start one. Establish a routine and stick to it! We have a routine of a bath, book, bottle then bed. Feel free to incorporate night time habits that fit your family. Some parents love to add a little bedtime yoga in theirs.
Set The Stage
You have your routine in place an the crib is ready. The next step for co-sleeping to crib success is introducing the crib. A day before you decide to implement your transition period. Introduce the room and crib that baby will be in. Just like a hotel room, this is a new place for baby. In order for them to see it as a comfort, they need to get to know the setting.
During the day, place your baby in the crib and allow them to get comfortable with the space. Let them lie in the crib awake. Let them play in the crib and stand next to them while they check it out.
Step Away
If you find that your baby is quite content in the crib, get them used to the idea of being in the crib independently. While humming or singing, leave the sight of your baby while they are still hanging out in the crib. Just out of sight, but where they can still hear your voice.
Only leave for a moment, about 30 seconds. Then return. If they are still happy and content. Leave again for a bit longer, one minute. Again, if they are still content. Leave the room again, but don’t make a sound. This will help build confidence in your baby and aid them on the path to self soothing.
If this process did not work well. Try again later. Take these steps slower. Be sure to pay special attention to your baby’s comforts while in the crib. Are they stressed or scared? You want to build their trust. If they trust that this new place is a good place, the switch will come easily. Encourage them to see this place as a safe space. If they feel threatened or frightened, the idea will be rejected.
Affirmation
This is why this step is so important. Would you sleep in a house if you knew you were not safe? No, that would be ridiculous. People don’t take naps in a lions den or sleep on a skyscraper. (Well, willingly) Those are not safe places to rest, unless you work at a zoo and those are your lions….and you fed them. Your baby needs to know their crib is a safe space just as you would like to know you’re safe as well.
Take time to familiarize your little one with this space and new surroundings. This will make a HUGE difference when its time to make the switch.
Alright, the next post covers the big day! Keep an eye out for the next jam packed post of co-sleeping to crib goodness.
Until the next post, happy slumber!
DID YOU MISS DAY ONE? EASILY FIND IT BELOW!
CO-SLEEPING TO CRASH COURSE
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
8 Comments
Thanks for these tips! Sleeping has been a struggle with my little one since day one! I’m starting to come to terms with the fact she doesn’t need as much sleep as I would like!
I can totally relate! My first born will stay awake all night and day if I let him. I swear he never runs out of fuel.
Fantastic advice! I’ve been there with 5 kids so I know that each one is different and for some, it’s harder than others. Just be consistent. 🙂
Agreed. Its easy to want to give up and just do what makes them happy then and there. However, its worth it in the long run to stick it out
Routine is crucial with things like this! I have to have a set routine with my four little ones or things get crazy.
I hear ya. Without our routine it would be madness over here too.
We just recently started “bed weaning” and it’s been a JOURNEY! And were doing two kids at the same time! haha! The familiarity thing was a HUGE help! We actually took down the crib and just have the kids sleep on mattresses on the floor. Not sure why but this really helped both of them!
What an awesome plan! I can only imagine attempting two children at once. What a ride that must be. I love your idea about placing the mattress on the floor for both little’s.