How to Get a Baby to Sleep in a Crib: 11 Key Steps

You know those nights when your baby just won’t settle in the crib? You rock, you sing, you tiptoe, and the moment you lay them down, their eyes pop open again. Every parent has been there. That’s exactly what makes how to get a baby to sleep in a crib such a common question for new parents.

To get a baby to sleep in a crib, you have to make the crib feel safe, warm, and familiar for your baby. Use gentle steps, a calm bedtime routine, and a cozy sleep space. These small changes help your baby slowly accept the crib as their favorite place to sleep.

If you’ve been struggling, don’t worry. Ahead, we’ll talk about easy tricks, realistic steps, and simple ways that truly work because peaceful nights are possible.

Why Babies Don’t Like Sleeping in a Crib

Some babies don’t like cribs because they feel new, cold, or far from you. They are used to your warmth, heartbeat, and cuddles. That’s why many parents say their newborn won’t sleep in a crib or that their newborn won't sleep unless held. The crib feels strange at first, and that’s okay. It just takes time for them to adjust.

Sometimes babies cry because they need comfort or are adjusting, and our guide on why babies cry explains it simply.

11 Steps on How to Get a Baby to Sleep in a Crib

Let’s show you some detailed steps on how to get a newborn to sleep in a crib.

Step 1: Create a Calm Sleep Space

Make your baby’s room quiet, dark, and cozy. Use soft lighting or a dim nightlight. Keep the temperature comfortable, not too hot, not too cold. A calm space helps your baby relax faster and feel safe in their crib.

You can use blackout curtains and a white noise machine. Babies sleep better when they don’t hear sudden noises or see bright lights. It also helps if your baby wakes up when put down because it creates a peaceful, steady background.

Step 2: Start with Daytime Naps in the Crib

Let your baby nap in the crib during the day first. This helps them get used to the new spot when they’re not too tired or fussy. Day naps make the crib feel normal and safe. Small move, big change.

Step 3: Make the Crib Smell Familiar

Babies love familiar smells, especially yours. Try placing a fitted sheet that you’ve slept on for one night. Your scent helps your baby feel close to you, even when you’re not in the room. 

Step 4: Swaddle or Use a Sleep Sack

Babies love feeling snug. A sleep sack or swaddle helps your baby feel warm and secure, like being held. This is helpful when your newborn won't sleep unless held. Just make sure it’s safe. No loose blankets or extra stuff in the crib.

Important: Stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling. Then switch to a baby sleep sack instead.

Step 5: Follow a Simple Bedtime Routine

Babies feel safe when things happen in the same order every night. A short, sweet routine helps them know it’s time to sleep.

Here’s an easy bedtime routine on how to get a newborn to sleep at night:

1. Warm bath

2. Fresh diaper and soft pajamas

3. Short cuddle or story

4. Lullaby or gentle humming

5. Lights off

This calm flow makes the crib part of their nightly rhythm. The routine trains their body to expect sleep at the same time.

Step 6: Use White Noise or Soft Lullabies

Soft background sound comforts babies. It reminds them of the gentle whooshing noise they heard in the womb. White noise machines or baby lullaby playlists help mask sudden sounds and make sleep longer and deeper. This trick calms the baby and prevents wake-ups from small noises.

Step 7: Lay Your Baby Down Drowsy, Not Fully Asleep

This is one of the best tricks for crib sleep. When your baby looks sleepy but not yet fully asleep, gently put them in the crib. This teaches them to fall asleep on their own, right in the crib, instead of waking up and wondering where they are.

Step 8: Try Gentle Touch and Soothing Voice

If your baby cries when you put them down, stay close. Pat their chest, rub their tummy, or softly shush them. Let them know you’re near. Slowly reduce your presence each night so they learn to feel safe alone. The more they trust that you’ll return, the easier they rest.

Step 9: Keep the Crib Safe and Simple

A safe crib means:

• Firm mattress

• Fitted sheet

• No pillows, bumpers, or stuffed toys

This reduces risks and keeps your baby comfortable. Babies actually sleep better in a clear, open space. Keeping it simple is a big part of learning how to crib safely.

Step 10: Stay Consistent

Consistency is key. Babies take time to form habits. If you switch methods often, they get confused. Stick to your bedtime routine and gentle approach. In a few days or weeks, you’ll see real progress. Babies love predictability.

Step 11: Be Patient and Positive

Babies can sense frustration. Keep calm, smile, and talk softly. Some nights will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Every baby learns at their own pace. 

If your baby suddenly starts waking up again, it could be a sleep regression. No worries, stay patient. You’re building a healthy sleep habit that will last.

Bonus Tricks That Really Help Sleep in a Crib

There are some extra tricks you can follow, too.

• Warm the sheet for a minute before laying your baby down (remove the heat source first). The sudden cold can wake them.

• Try a pacifier if your baby likes it. It can help them self-soothe.

• Use a comfort object once your baby is old enough, like a small soft blanket.

• Keep nighttime feeds calm and dark. No bright lights or loud talking.

• Don’t rush in at every little noise. Sometimes babies fuss a bit before falling asleep again.

These tiny steps add up and really help if your infant wakes up when put down.

When to Move from Bassinet to Crib

Most babies move to a crib around 3 to 6 months. You can move earlier if your baby outgrows the bassinet or starts rolling. Just make sure the crib mattress is firm and set to the lowest safe height.

Can Newborns Sleep in a Crib?

Yes, absolutely. Newborns can sleep in a crib from day one. Just keep the crib in your room for the first few months so you can easily check on them at night. 

How Long Does It Take for a Baby to Adjust to the Crib?

Adjusting to the crib usually takes one to two weeks for most babies. Some may take longer. Stay patient, keep routines steady, and give plenty of comfort. They’ll get there. If your newborn won't sleep unless held right now, remember that will change. These small, steady steps will make the crib a place they love.

Common Mistakes Parents Make 

Avoid the below-mentioned mistakes and help your baby learn to sleep longer and better in the crib.

• Moving too fast from bassinet to crib

• Letting the baby fall asleep only while feeding

• Changing sleep spots too often

• Over-soothing with rocking or picking up every time

Keep Baby Essentials Handy with the Swaddle Tote Diaper Bag

When you’re setting up a calm bedtime or those late-night diaper changes, having everything within reach really helps. The Swaddle Tote Diaper Bag keeps all your baby’s must-haves, like diapers, wipes, a sleep sack, and even a spare onesie, perfectly organized. 

It comes with two bags: a big one for longer days out and a smaller one for quick trips. There’s even a built-in changing pad for easy changes anywhere. It’s clean, simple, and makes bedtime routines smoother both at home and on the go.

You can also check out the best diaper bags for moms in all stages of parenting to find what works best for every stage.

Wrapping Up

So, that’s all about how to get a baby to sleep in a crib. Getting your baby to sleep in a crib takes time, love, and small steps. Every baby is different. Keep your routine calm and consistent, and soon your little one will sleep soundly on their own.

And remember that good sleep for your baby means better sleep for you, too.