How do I switch naps from a car seat to a crib?
Your baby might only fall asleep for naps in a car seat – usually because you’ve been pushing them around in the stroller or driving them around in the car. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends that all babies sleep on a firm, flat surface to reduce the risk of SIDS. Therefore, it is best to make the transition as quickly as possible.
Now you want him to start falling asleep for naps in his crib instead. What you need to do is get rid of that association he has with falling asleep while moving (or simply being in the seat) and develop the habit of falling asleep for naps in his crib. First, get your baby on a schedule that is consistent. Initially, make sure you are doing what you usually do to get him to nap consistently at naptime. Second, start doing a short naptime routine right before those naptimes. Next, do that routine where he usually sleeps overnight, placing him in the crib drowsy but awake. If he has more than one nap, start by making changes to the first nap of the day, then moving on to the second.
If your baby younger than 12-months-old happens to fall asleep for a nap in a carseat or stroller with a seat that sits upright while you are out of the house, the AAP recommends placing them into their crib once you arrive at home so they can sleep on a safe, firm, flat surface as quickly as possible.
Finally, if he still needs to work on falling asleep on his own at bedtime, starting there will likely be easiest.
About Dr. Lisa Meltzer
