How can I get my baby to sleep in the cot?

You’ve just gotten your baby to sleep and carefully place them onto their back in the cots, sneak out of the room and … BAM your baby is wide awake again!! We’ve all been there and it can be so frustrating when you baby is flat out refusing the sleep in their own bed. 

Firstly, I want to start with reassuring you that it is normal for your baby to want to be close and comforted by you. Babies spend 9 months growing in a warm, dark, secure environment where they can constantly feel your touch and hear your heartbeat. So, it is no surprise that when they come out into this bright, quiet and cold world that they don’t want to be away from the only thing they know – you!! It is normal for our babies to want to be close to us for nutrition, comfort, love and development both in the day and the night.

Keeping it in mind that it is normal for your baby to want to be held and be close to you, helping your baby feel comfortable and secure in their cot can help you get more rest during the postpartum period.

How can you get your baby to sleep in the cot?

Well, there is no magic way as our babies will learn over time that they are safe and secure in their cot and thus sleep better in there. Here are some tips and tricks that you can try to help your baby feel comfortable and secure in their own safe space.

1. Make sure that your baby has been well fed and is not hungry. A good way to know this is to feed your baby until they fall asleep, then wake them up by changing their nappy and then feeding them again. This will ensure that they have as much as they can and that they aren’t falling asleep before they’re full.
2. Make sure that your baby is swaddled tightly using a jersey cotton swaddles, these are great as they are super stretchy so they can help your baby feel nice and secure. If your baby is showing signs of rolling it is important not to swaddle them anymore and to move onto baby sleeping bags.
3. Use white noise while you are feeding your baby and when you put them down. This reminds babies of when they were inside the womb and hearing your heartbeat.
4. When you lower your baby into their cot, make sure to lower them in very gently feet first. If you try to lower your baby horizontal it may initiate their startle reflex and wake them up. Make sure that you always place your baby at the base of the bassinet.
5. Make sure that your baby is not too hot or too cold and that this is the cause of them waking.
6. Stay with your baby gently patting and shushing them in their bed to help them feel safe and secure in their new environment.

Please note - It is essential that you follow the Red Nose Guidelines for safe sleep for all day naps and night sleeps.  

Remember, it is normal for your baby to want to be close to you and it will take time for them to learn how to sleep in their bassinet. Take each day one at a time and celebrate the little wins. Your baby will eventually learn how to sleep and feel safe in their own space.

 One Mama Midwife