Updated Mar 10th 2023
|
7
min read
It's so typical, you spend hours trying to get your baby to sleep, only to find that they'll only drift off in your arms. As soon as you try to lay them down in their crib or bassinet, the crying begins. This struggle can leave parents feeling exhausted and frustrated, but the good news is that there are solutions. In this article, we'll explore why babies often prefer to sleep while being held, as well as practical tips and techniques for helping your little one learn to sleep independently. So if you're tired of being stuck in a cycle of contact naps, and holding your baby to sleep, read on to discover how to help your baby (and you) get better sleep!
If you’re struggling with getting your baby to fall asleep (unless in your arms), or maybe having trouble transferring your baby to a safe sleep space once they fall asleep, start your FREE sleep consultation and get expert, step by step guidance from the Smart Sleep Coach team to help break this habit.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The science behind why newborns, in particular (and babies in general) like to sleep while being held is largely rooted in their need for comfort, security, and warmth.
Imagine falling asleep in your warm, cosy bed and then waking up on the kitchen floor. This is largely why babies wake so quickly after being transfered to their crib – it’s so starkly different to where they were sleeping.
But you can’t spoil a newborn and you should enjoy these naps (safely) while you can. When you’re ready to start encouraging more independent sleep you can adjust things – just know this change is easier the younger your baby is.
Mandy Treeby, Pediatric Sleep Coach and Co-Founder of the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers
While this sleep habit can be challenging for parents and caregivers, understanding why this behavior occurs holds the key to finding ways help wean your baby off contact naps and sleep support so they can become strong independent sleepers.
SAFETY FIRST:
As cosy as it may be to have your baby sleep on you, if there is any chance that you may also fall asleep it becomes a safety risk as you could accidentally drop your baby or suffocate them. With that in mind always remember: contact naps are great as long as they can be delivered 100% safely, and no matter what, always follow the AAP safe sleep guidelines – which recommend you roomshare (for at least the first 6-months of life), but never bed share.
If you've been holding your baby every time they need to sleep, it can be a challenge to get them to sleep on their own. However, there are a few tips and tricks you can try to help your little one transition to sleeping independently:
By following these tips, you can help minimize reflux symptoms and help your baby get a more restful sleep.
SLEEP CONSULTANT TOP TIP: When you place your baby in the crib, place them down so first their feet, then their butt, then their back and finally their head rests – this helps limit the moro reflex and reduce the risk of them startling and waking themselves up.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, your little one will learn to sleep on their own.
Transitioning from contact naps to independent sleeping can be a challenging process for both parents and babies. It isn’t something that will happen overnight or even after a few days, it takes patience, time and consistency.
During this transition, it is also important to be prepared for some crying and fussiness from your baby. This is a normal part of the process, and it is important to provide comfort and reassurance while also encouraging independent sleeping.
The Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app has supported thousands of parents, like you, through the transition to help babies become independent sleepers. By providing you with a consistent approach and step by step support as you work through this change the app will help you gradually decrease the amount of time your baby spends sleeping in your arms.
With the right approach and support, the transition from contact naps to independent sleeping can be a positive and successful experience for both you and your baby.
Take care not to push your baby’s wake windows (so they don’t end up overtired), create the optimal sleep environment, establish a consistent bedtime routine, use a swaddle (if appropriate) or a sleep sack, stay one step ahead of reflux and gradually diminish the amount of time you spend holding your baby so they are going into their crib or bassinet, drowsy but awake.
