What can I do if my little one wakes up right after I put her in her crib?
As babies grow, they often become more likely to wake when placed in their crib. Older infants and toddlers may even resist falling asleep because they know a parent will leave once they are asleep! Young children, like adults, start off in a lighter sleep and gradually progress to a deeper sleep. You can wait to move your child until she is in a deep sleep, breathing slowly and deeply. However, this may take 30 minutes or longer, which can be a long time to sit with your sleeping child. Your child may also take even longer than usual to reach a deep sleep if she is in your arms.
Often a better solution is to put your child into her crib while she is still awake. Children who are placed awake in their crib and put themselves to sleep (self-soothe) are also less likely to wake during the night and cry for an adult. Even if your child is not waking during the night right now, falling asleep independently at bedtime is an important step towards preventing night wakings as she grows. Here are some suggestions on how to help your child learn to fall asleep on her own.
How can I help my baby sleep through the night?
What is the best way to respond to night wakings?
About Dr. Sarah Honaker
