How To Get My Newborn Baby to Sleep in the Crib
You’ve just given birth to your beautiful bundle of joy who was baking for nine months. The snuggles are wonderful — they help you bond and give your baby comfort. But if your newborn will only sleep in your arms, it can also feel exhausting and discouraging.
Does your baby cry whenever you put them down? Do they only nap while being cradled, in the stroller, or in the car seat? If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone — and I can help.
Why does my newborn wake when i put them down?
This is one of the most common (and frustrating!) questions new parents have. You finally manage to get your baby to sleep, and the moment you lower them into the crib — their eyes pop open, and they’re wide awake again.
Here’s what’s happening: your baby is experiencing a sudden shift in their environment. They fall asleep snuggled in your warm arms, and then they’re moved onto a cool, flat surface that feels completely different.
What can you do so your newborn sleeps in the crib?
If you’re not already doing so, I highly recommend swaddling your baby in the first few weeks. Your newborn spent months in a snug, cozy space — so being tightly wrapped mimics that familiar comfort. In contrast, an open crib can feel very exposed and unsettling.
I personally find the traditional swaddle method most effective in the early weeks, then switch to an arms-up swaddle from around 3–4 weeks onwards. Swaddling also helps with the Moro (startle) reflex, which can otherwise jolt your baby awake even when they’re not hungry or uncomfortable.
Is it safe for my baby to sleep in my arms?
It’s perfectly fine for your baby to nap in your arms while you’re awake and keeping an eye on them. But it’s not safe to fall asleep while your baby is sleeping on you.
I know how easy it is to drift off — especially when you’re running on very little sleep — but it’s important that your baby always sleeps on a firm, flat surface designed for infant sleep, such as a crib or bassinet..
How to help your newborn sleep in the crib
If your baby only sleeps while being carried, try these gentle steps to help them transition to the crib:
1. Observe wake windows
Make sure your baby isn’t overtired. Newborns have very short wake windows, and much of that time is spent feeding. An overtired baby often struggles to fall and stay asleep. Keeping an eye on wake windows and following a consistent rhythm can make a big difference.
2. Establish a simple routine
A short, predictable routine signals to your baby that it’s time for sleep. For example, I like to swaddle, sing a short song, and say “Goodnight, [baby’s name]” before placing my baby in the crib — something I still do with my three-year-old! These small rituals cue your baby’s brain that sleep is coming.
3. Swaddle for comfort
As mentioned above, swaddling can help recreate the snug, cozy feeling of being held. My personal favourite is the arms-up style swaddle once your baby is a few weeks old.
4. Create a dark, calm environment
Once your baby’s day-night rhythm is established, I recommend doing all naps and night sleep in a dark, cool room. Darkness helps boost melatonin and sleep pressure. Adding a white noise machine can mask sudden sounds that might otherwise wake your baby.
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If your newborn still prefers being held, don’t worry — this phase is temporary. With gentle consistency and the right environment, most babies learn to feel safe and settled in their cribs over time.
You’re doing an amazing job, and with a few small adjustments, restful stretches of sleep will come soon — for both of you.
