How Do I Get My Baby to Sleep in the Crib?
A Gentle Guide to Making the Transition with Confidence
You’ve lovingly set up the cot or crib — soft neutral bedding, calming tones, perhaps even a mobile spinning softly overhead. And yet... every time you try to lay your baby down, they startle awake or cry to be picked back up.
Sound familiar?
At Neutral Nest, we believe in supporting parents through these delicate transitions — not with rigid rules, but with calm, responsive guidance. Helping your baby sleep in their crib isn’t about tough love or forcing independence. It’s about creating trust, safety, and rhythm over time.
Here’s how to approach it gently — and in tune with your baby.
First, Know This: It's Normal
Babies are biologically wired to seek closeness. Your baby may prefer sleeping on you, next to you, or in your arms because that’s where they feel safe. The crib? It’s new. It’s quiet. It doesn’t smell like you. It takes time.
This isn’t a sign of “bad habits” — it’s a sign of attachment. And attachment is a good thing.
Why Your Baby May Resist the Crib
A few common reasons include:
Startle reflex (Moro reflex) that wakes them when laid down
Separation anxiety (even in newborns — your presence is soothing)
Crib feels too open or unfamiliar
Used to motion or contact during sleep (e.g. contact naps, pram walks)
Understanding the why helps you respond with empathy — not frustration.
Gentle Ways to Encourage Crib Sleeping
1. Make the Crib Feel Familiar
Babies sleep best in environments that feel known and safe.
Lay a muslin cloth with your scent in the crib (remove before sleep for safety)
Warm the sheet with a heat pack before laying baby down (remove before baby goes in)
Use a snug, breathable swaddle or sleep sack for comfort
2. Try a Gradual Transition
Instead of going from full contact sleep to crib in one leap, take small steps:
Start with daytime naps in the crib while you stay nearby
Place baby in the crib after they’re drowsy but not fully asleep
Sit next to the crib, patting or soothing them as they settle
Gentle, consistent exposure builds comfort.
3. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Rhythm and routine build sleep associations. This could include:
A warm bath
Baby massage
A soft lullaby or white noise
A quiet cuddle or feed
A familiar bedtime phrase: “It’s time to sleep now, I’m right here.”
The more consistent your routine, the more your baby begins to recognise when it’s time to rest.
4. Respond When They Need You
Gentle parenting doesn’t mean leaving your baby to cry alone. If they’re distressed, respond. You can comfort them in the crib or pick them up to soothe and try again.
Over time, they’ll begin to understand: this space is safe. You still come when I need you.
5. Use a Bedside Crib as a Bridge
If your baby isn’t quite ready for their own room, a bedside crib is a great transitional option. It allows closeness while giving your baby their own sleeping space — the best of both worlds.
At Neutral Nest, we love options like the Shnuggle Air Lite Bedside Crib for its breathable mesh sides and gentle incline, especially in those early months.
When It Feels Hard (Because Sometimes It Does)
Some babies take to the crib quickly. Others need weeks or even months. You’re not doing anything wrong if your baby still prefers your arms. Progress can be slow — and that’s okay.
You’re not just teaching sleep. You’re building trust.
If you need to pause and return to contact naps for a while, do that. If your baby sleeps better next to you, and it’s safe and intentional, that’s okay too. There is no single “right” way — only what works for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts
Getting your baby to sleep in the crib isn’t about mastering a trick — it’s about helping them feel safe, seen, and soothed in a new space. With time, calm routines, and responsiveness, you’ll get there — together.
And remember: it’s not just about where they sleep. It’s about how you feel about it. Trust your instincts. Let go of pressure. Your baby doesn’t need perfect — they need you.
At Neutral Nest, we’re here to support you through every nap, every wake-up, and every night that feels a little too long — with essentials, resources, and gentle encouragement.
