No matter how well you’ve planned, it’s always a surprise when your baby starts to sleep through the night. But if your newborn doesn’t seem to be making the transition from all-night feedings to bona fide bedtime (at least by 10 p.m.) after two months, it may be time to take action. Here are some ways to train a baby to sleep in a crib:
1 – Put Her Down Drowsy
Try to place your baby to sleep when she’s drowsy but not completely asleep. This will encourage her to put herself to sleep, which is the first step in learning how to fall asleep by herself.
2 – Stall Before Checking In
If your usual routine is to go in and check on the baby every few minutes — always using the same words or phrases — start lengthening your intervals by five to 5 minutes each night until you reach 10-minute gaps before checking on her again. If you go in and comfort her each time she cries, she’ll learn that getting agitated will get her your attention.
3 – Be consistent
Have consistency in your approach, This will teach her to expect your presence if she calls out in the night or wakes up for a middle-of-the-night feeding.
4 – Reassure Her With a Soothing Word
No matter how many times your baby wakes up, after several months, she’ll start to expect that you’ll come to her. Be Consistent And Patient Your baby needs time and practice before she learns anything new — including sleep. So don’t get discouraged if it takes a few weeks for things to start working smoothly
5 – Up the Playtime
Playtime helps babies develop motor skills and stimulates their brains, so before heading into the crib for sleep, engage her in a little playtime to help her pass the time until lights-out. Tummy time is also a great option, as it helps babies develop the back and neck muscles they need to sit up later. Be present there with your baby when you endeavor in activities like tummy time.
6 – Stick With Firm Surfaces
Experts recommend sticking with firm mattresses and flat sheets (no bumpers) for as long as you can keep your child in a crib. Babies who start sleeping on soft surfaces like waterbeds, pillows, and other such bedding will eventually develop bad habits — like rolling over. Not only that, sleeping on waterbeds, pillows, toys, quilts, bassinets, etc is not recommended. If you must use them, do so while you are there with them.
7 – Avoid Swings
You should not let your baby fall asleep in any infant seating device like bouncy chairs, swings, and carriers, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For your baby’s first year of life, it is risky to let them sleep anywhere but on a flat, firm surface, on their backs.
8 – Use a Swaddle or Sleep Sack
Babies are soothed by being swaddled, so if you’d like to put your little one down with her arms enclosed, use a cloth wrap called a swaddle. If she’s older, try using a wearable blanket called a sleep sack instead. And remember: no matter how much she kicks and wiggles, don’t take her out! She’ll settle herself back into slumber before long.
9 – Check the Temperature
A baby’s room should be kept at a temperature that’s comfortable for an adult, around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 ˚C). This will not only help her fall asleep but also stay sleeping through the night without waking up in need of warmer covers or clothing.
10 – Sleep routine
Routine helps allow your little one to understand what is happening. Try to create a routine that you can follow any time you are preparing for sleep — not just for bedtime
11 – Dark Soothing Room
Maintain a dark, soothing atmosphere. Use blackout curtains during the day to help you sleep. For checking on your baby or changing diapers, use nightlights or low-wattage bulbs.
12 – Hunger
Everyone has trouble sleeping when they’re hungry, and newborns are constantly hungry. Feed every 2 to 3 hours, 8 to 12 times per day.
Did you know babies who don’t get enough rest may become cranky, fussy, and irritable? And they’re more likely to cry for no reason at all. But it’s not just the parents who are affected by this problem. If you want to raise happy children, start with giving them plenty of sleep.