Some newborns will sleep anywhere but in their crib. It’s not uncommon that babies prefer to drift off in their stroller during a peaceful walk, in their car seat while driving or while they lie in their parent's arms. So, you certainly aren’t the first mom or dad to wonder why baby won’t sleep in crib. It’s a common problem and there are lots of different techniques to help your little one sleep peacefully and happily in their crib. Read on, so your arms can get some much-needed rest!

Table of Contents

1. Why won’t my baby sleep in their crib?
2. What to do when baby won’t sleep in crib

Why won’t my baby sleep in their crib?

There are a few different reasons why your baby might be resisting sleeping in their crib. Most often, they have simply become used to falling asleep somewhere else. Whether it’s in your arms, in their car seat or in their stroller, your baby will often develop a preference for what’s familiar to them.

If, on the other hand, baby will not sleep in a crib anymore without explanation, there might be another factor at play. Here are a few reasons why your little one might suddenly start resisting sleep in their crib:

• Teething. Babies can start to experience discomfort from teething as early as 3 - 4 months of age, although the first tooth doesn’t usually appear until 6 months. This can disrupt your little one’s sleep early on.
• Growth spurt. Growth spurts, which increase your baby’s appetite, can also disrupt a sleep routine that was previously working well.
• Illness. Sudden fussiness at bedtime can also be a sign that your child is dealing with an illness or infection. Check for a fever or rash and speak to your pediatrician, if you’re concerned.
• Mobility. If your child has just reached a new milestone, like rolling over, they may be more interested in playing than getting to sleep.
• Sleep regressions. These are common at 4 months, 6 months, between 8 and 10 months and 12 months of age. If you’re noticing a resistance to sleep at these ages, a sleep regression may be the cause.
• Change in routine. When you transition baby to their own room, go on vacation or change your little one’s sleep schedule, you may notice a sudden resistance to the crib.

What to do when baby won’t sleep in crib

Now that we know why your baby might be resisting sleeping in their crib, you’re probably wondering how to get baby to sleep in crib. It’s an important question to ask, because getting your little one to sleep in their crib is in everybody’s best interest. It’s exhausting for new parents, if their child won’t sleep without being held. Always being rocked to sleep will also hold your little one back from learning how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

What should you do, if your baby won’t sleep in their crib? Here are a few of our favorite tips:

• Optimize the environment. Make sure your baby’s crib is a comfortable sleep environment. Often, we underestimate the impact things like light, noise and temperature can have on our sleep. Pick breathable, organic crib sheets or bedding for toddlers, drown out unwanted sounds with white noise and maintain an ideal temperature for your baby’s room.
• Don’t keep your baby awake for too long. If they become overtired, they’ll be much fussier when you try to put them down for a nap. Wake windows are a helpful tool to prevent your baby from becoming overtired. With time, you’ll also learn the cues that your child is getting tired. Once you spot them, act quickly to get them down for a nap.
• Start with naps. If an overnight sleep in the crib feels too daunting, start with something smaller like a nap. This way, your little one can practice sleeping in their crib and become more comfortable with the space before spending a longer stretch of time there.
• Get comfortable with the crib. Your child may need more time to get used to their crib or to develop the skills needed to fall asleep on their own. Start putting your baby down in their crib or bassinet before they fall asleep, so they don’t become accustomed to always falling asleep in your arms. Over time, it’ll become easier for your baby to fall asleep on their own.

• Prepare for sleep. A good night’s sleep starts in the morning. Make sure you have stimulating activities planned for your child throughout the day so, come nightfall, they are ready to snooze.
• Mimic your touch. Try to swaddle your little, before putting them down in their crib. This wrapping technique is soothing for a baby, as it mimics the feeling of being in the womb. As your child gets older, they can transition from the swaddle to a cozy sleep bag.
• Baby steps. You don’t have to take a cut-and-dry approach. If your newborn won’t settle in their crib without you, try some gentle touch. You can stroke their cheeks or place your hand on their stomach until they fall asleep. Over time, as they learn to self-soothe, you can gradually scale back.
• Ask for help. If things aren’t going as planned, call in some reinforcements! Book an appointment with your pediatrician, or talk to other parents about what worked for them. A great suggestion might be just the thing you need to get your little one’s sleep routine back on track.
• Be patient. Your newborn is learning to navigate a whole new world and it’s natural for them to gravitate toward what’s most familiar to them. It may take a few weeks or even months but, in time, the crib will become a comfy space where your child enjoys to snooze. Ride out the setbacks together and know that you’ll overcome them with time.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of why your child is resisting sleep in their crib. Remember, it’s a common issue and you aren’t the first parent to encounter it. As you try different techniques, you’ll find what works best for you and your child, so everyone can get more rest.