Babies want to feel secure and comfortable when sleeping in a crib. There are a few things that you can do to help your baby feel this way, but just remember you can't change a baby's routines overnight. Try these suggestions for at least a week. Don't give up after only one or two nights.
 
Make the crib feel smaller by putting rolled up blankets in a circle, making it feel smaller to the baby. Newborn babies like to have something soft close to their heads. They have poor vision and are used to sleeping in the enclosed space of the womb, so the crib may seem like a vast open space to an infant. Make sure that you don't put anything in the crib that can cover the baby's face.
 
Roll up a piece of unwashed clothing, such as a top, and put it close to baby's head as a part of the smaller circular bed you're making for them inside the larger crib. If the baby smells mum, they are more likely to feel safer.
 
Warm the new sleeping place with a warm (not hot) water bottle or something similar, before putting baby down. If you use a water bottle or bean bag, make sure to take it out before putting your baby in the crib. Or perhaps even better, use a sleep bag for your baby and they will stay comfortable and consistently warm. Sleep bags are excellent in many ways. They open easily for nappy changes. You might even be able to change nappies without waking baby since they won't get cold.
 
If your baby is between newborn and a few months old, you may want to consider swaddling them.
In the first few weeks you can swaddle the whole body, but around six weeks of age, baby's arms should be free. This is the time when the baby may start using their hands for communicate hunger by sucking them.
 
If babies are full, happy and tired they can often be put to bed while still awake. This works for many babies at around three weeks of age. This is more difficult with older babies because they are more aware what's happening around them. You might consider placing a musical mobile on the crib so the baby will have something to entertain them. The “cry it out” method is not recommended for very young babies. If baby starts crying, cuddle them in the crib first. If that doesn't work, let them fall asleep (or almost asleep) in your arms. Then put them down in the crib.
 
Changing a baby's sleep routines doesn't happen quickly. Be Persistent. Implement the recommended tips. Always put your baby in their crib, even after they have fallen asleep in your arms. They will learn, be it fast or slow, that the crib is their place to sleep.
 
Another option is to consider co-sleeping. Many babies sleep a lot better with their mum during their first few months. However, co-sleeping can be very dangerous for the baby if either you or your husband smoke or have consumed alcohol, or the bed is very soft.

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