Transitioning a baby from arms to crib can be one of the most challenging things to do. It’s a milestone not only for the newborn but also for the parents. However, it might seem at first, with some patience and consistency you can help your baby accept their new sleep space easily. Here is how you can gently get your little one used to sleeping in their own bed.
Why Crib Sleeping?
Before we jump into ‘how’, let us understand ‘why’. There are many benefits associated with cribs for babies including safety and establishing a routine that promotes longer periods of sleep. Cribs and bassinets are designed according to strict safety measures so they provide a safe flat surface for sleeping which reduces risks related to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
A Sleep-Inducing Environment
The surrounding environment plays an important role in helping the newborn feel safe and secure enough to fall asleep faster. Ensure that the room where you place your child’s crib or bassinet is quiet and dimly lit at all times of day or night. Consider getting white noise machines designed specifically for this purpose as they mimic sounds heard by babies while still inside their mother’s womb. These should have firm mattresses covered with fitted sheets only; no pillows, blankets or toys should be put into them.
Creating Bedtime Routines for Newborn to Sleep in Crib
When it comes to sleep training consistency is key so establish habits early enough to understand the repetition. You may want introduce warm baths followed by gentle massages then sing lullabies softly until he falls asleep on his own.
Timing is Everything
Teaching your newborn how to sleep in his or her own crib requires good timing skills on part of parent(s). Watch out closely when the baby starts getting drowsy but not yet asleep then take advantage of such moments by placing him or her inside without making much fuss about it so that he associates this particular act with falling asleep ultimately. With time, baby will come realize that crib is comfortable place where one can go and take nap hence reducing stress during bedtimes for both parties involved.
Swaddling Technique
Swaddling helps most newborns feel safe just like they did when still in their mother’s womb because it gives them a sense of security which cannot be achieved through any other method at this stage. It also prevents babies from waking up due to startle reflexes thus making transitions from one place to another easier especially if done properly while observing safety precautions always? But parents should stop swaddling once they discover signs indicating that their child can roll over without help.
Daytime Naps in the Crib
Allow baby spend some hours playing or resting inside his/her new sleep area as often possible during daytime so that he/she gets accustomed to its surroundings gradually overtime hence becoming more comfortable with it even before trying long overnight sleeps there alone?
Separation Anxiety
Many infants experience separation anxiety when left alone somewhere unfamiliar especially during night hours thus finding themselves crying loudly until someone comes back close by offering comfort immediately? To overcome such challenges try cuddling together frequently throughout day thereby creating bond between two of you then develop certain rituals which you always do every evening before saying goodnight followed by gentle patting plus shushing whenever wakes up crying instead picking up straight away?
Patience and Persistence
Moving to sleep in the crib doesn’t happen overnight and may take a lot of patience. If you put down your baby and they cry, wait for some minutes to see if they can settle themselves. If the crying continues, comfort them and try again. It might take many tries before they get comfortable with their new sleep area.
Special Conditions
When babies have reflux or other medical conditions, you may need to change their sleeping position. For babies with reflux, it may help to keep the head of the crib slightly elevated. However, always consult your pediatrician for advice based on your child’s health requirements.
Transitioning a newborn into a crib is a big deal for parents as well as infants. Every baby is different so what works for one may not work for another. Be prepared to be flexible and try different things; trust that eventually your little one will adjust to his or her new sleeping arrangements at which point he or she will sleep more soundly through nights allowing you get much-needed rest too!