Can newborns sleep in a crib?

Yes, newborns can safely sleep in a crib. While many parents prefer using a bassinet at first to keep their baby close, others choose to start with a regular crib right away. “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in their parents’ room for at least the first six months of life, in either a crib or a bassinet,” says Jess Ellsworth, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant at Summer Health.

Why is it difficult to get a baby to sleep in a crib?

Many babies find it challenging to sleep in a crib because it feels very different from the snug, comforting environment of the womb or from being held in a parent’s arms. The wide, flat surface of a crib can seem unfamiliar and less secure to a newborn who’s used to warmth, gentle motion, and close contact.

Just like with most parts of parenting, helping your baby learn to sleep in a crib takes time, patience, and consistency. Over time, your baby will gradually adjust as they begin to associate the crib with comfort, safety, and rest. Using soothing bedtime routines, gentle rocking before laying them down, or offering a pacifier can also help make the transition smoother.

5 tips to help your baby sleep in a crib

Here are some expert-approved tips to help your baby sleep in a crib:

1. Create a bedtime routine

While there's no need for a strict bedtime just yet, establishing a bedtime routine can help prepare babies for sleep. This might include a warm bath, a gentle infant massage, and singing lullabies before placing them down into their crib for the night.

2. Put your baby to sleep while they are awake

This might sound counterintuitive, but placing your baby in the crib while they're awake helps familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.“It can be alarming for them to fall asleep in another place (like their caregiver’s arms) and wake up in their crib,” Jess explains. Over time, this practice teaches your baby that the crib is a safe and comfortable place to fall asleep on their own.

3. An overtired baby will do anything but sleep

If your baby is overtired, they might have missed their optimal window for sleep, making it harder for them to settle in a crib. Pay close attention to wake periods and watch for signs that they're getting sleepy. It might take a bit of practice, but keep these sleepy cues in mind:

• Yawning

• Eye rubbing

• Flushed eyebrows

• Fussiness

• Staring

4. Practice planned moments of separation

If you suspect that separation anxiety is making it difficult for your baby to sleep in a crib, incorporating planned moments of separation into your daily routine can help. It can help your baby learn that you'll always come back. Jess suggests starting with something simple, like a game of peek-a-boo, and gradually increasing the duration of time you step away. Over time, these small exercises can build your baby’s confidence and make crib sleep feel less intimidating.

5. Set up a peaceful sleep space

Make sure your baby’s room is set up for optimal rest. Use blackout curtains or shades to keep the room dark, add a white noise machine to drown out distracting sounds, and keep the bedroom temperature between 68°F and 72°F.

FAQs: Baby sleep

Here are some frequently asked questions about baby sleep:

What are some other safe places for babies to sleep?

“Bassinets and pack ‘n plays are safe,” says Jess. “If you don’t have any of those options, the safest space would be a cardboard box with a thin mattress.”

When shopping for a crib, what features should I avoid?

• No cutouts in the headboard or footboard

• No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats

• No corner posts over 1/16th inch high

• No drop side cribs

Jess advises avoiding these crib features to prevent little hands and feet from getting stuck and to prevent clothing from getting snagged.

When should I stop using a crib?

“Wait as long as you can before transitioning your child out of the crib,” says Jess. “Young toddlers are still learning impulse control, which is required for staying put in bed.” If your child attempts to climb out of the crib and it becomes unsafe, switch to a bed for their safety. In most cases, wait until your child is three before making the transition.

Are bedtime routines important?

Bedtime routines can signal to your baby that it's time for sleep and it’s also a great way to bond and connect with your child.

Does sleeping in a crib reduce the risk of SIDS?

A safe sleep area reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), whether it's in a crib or bassinet.

What are some safe sleep practices?

Here are just a few safe sleep practices:

• Always place your baby to sleep space on their back

• Babies should sleep alone

• Sleep surfaces should be firm, with a flat mattress with a tight-fitted sheet

• Keep the crib free of toys, stuffed animals, blankets, linens, or anything else besides the baby during sleep time.

• Babies should not sleep in inclined sleepers, bouncers, or baby loungers.

Do pacifiers reduce the risk of SIDS?

If your baby is willing to take a pacifier, consider offering it to them at naptime and bedtime. While the exact reasons are not fully understood, pacifiers have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who use pacifiers during sleep might experience lighter sleep and may find it easier to wake up if they have trouble breathing.

If I'm putting my newborn to sleep, which blanket should I use?

Instead of blankets, which can be dangerous for babies, choose a snug-fitting swaddle to keep your baby cozy. There's a wide range of swaddles available, from wrap-style to zippered or velcro designs. Choose one that's easy for you to use and ensures your baby stays securely wrapped without wriggling free.

Why should I share a room with my baby?

The AAP suggests room sharing with your baby, ideally for the first six months, because it significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Room sharing and placing your baby's crib or bassinet near your bed makes it easier to keep an eye on and hear your baby during the night. Plus, it makes those middle-of-the-night feeds much more manageable.

Why is bed sharing unsafe?

Always put your baby to sleep in their own crib or bassinet. While sharing a bed with your baby, also known as co-sleeping or bed-sharing, might seem cute and cozy, it poses a risk of accidentally rolling onto your baby and causing suffocation.

Bed sharing includes sleeping in your bed with a baby placed in a baby pod, cushioned mat, or Dock-A-Tot. These products are also not intended for sleep and should not be used for sleep time.