Why won’t my baby sleep in the crib?

You’ve done it, after a feed, some snuggles, and your best rocking chair skills, your baby’s eyelids finally flutter shut. You tiptoe to the crib, holding your breath like a stealth ninja, gently lower them down… and bam! Eyes wide open. Arms flailing. The sweet dream you had of finally getting a break? Gone.

If this scene feels like your life on repeat, you’re not alone. Parents all over the world type “why won’t my baby sleep in the crib?” into Google every single day. This is one of the most common sleep struggles I see in my work as a pediatric sleep consultant, and it’s fixable.

In this guide, we’re going to dig into:

• Why babies resist the crib (hint: it’s not because they’re stubborn!)

• How to troubleshoot step-by-step

• Ways to build positive crib associations

• The difference between normal adjustment and a bigger sleep habit issue

• When to get extra support

By the end, you’ll have a plan you can start using tonight to help your baby settle into their crib, and stay there.

Why the Crib Feels “Wrong” to Your Baby

First, let’s clear one thing up: your baby isn’t trying to make your life harder. They’re not spoiled, “high maintenance,” or “too attached.” They are wired — biologically wired — to crave closeness and safety.

For nine months, they were snug inside your body, warm and gently rocked with every move you made. Now they’re in the big, wide world, and their survival instincts still tell them that being close to you = safe.

The crib? It’s flat. It’s still. It’s firm. It’s not you.

And here’s the kicker: a baby’s sensory system is on high alert during those first few months. They notice the temperature difference between your arms and the mattress, the change in sound when they leave your heartbeat and enter the stillness of a room, even the subtle shift from movement to no movement.

This doesn’t mean they can’t learn to love their crib, but it does mean we need to be thoughtful about how we make that transition.

The Top Reasons Babies Won’t Sleep in the Crib (and How to Fix Them)

1. They’re Used to Sleeping on You

This is the #1 reason. If most naps and nighttime sleep happen in your arms, in a carrier, or on your chest, the crib feels unfamiliar and maybe even a little “unsafe” to your baby’s instincts.

Solution:

• Start small. Choose one nap a day to happen in the crib and gradually increase from there.

• Use a consistent pre-sleep routine: swaddle or sleep sack, white noise, dim lights, a few minutes of soothing, then into the crib.

• Consider a “hands-on” crib transfer — instead of pulling your hands away immediately, keep them gently resting on your baby’s chest or legs for 30–60 seconds to help bridge the change.

2. The Crib Is a Totally Different Sensory Experience

Firm mattress. Different smell. Cooler temperature. No heartbeat or chest movement. To your baby, these differences are big.

Solution:

• Wash crib sheets in the same detergent you use for baby’s clothes.

• Tuck a small piece of fabric (like a burp cloth) in your shirt for a few hours, then place it near — but not under — your baby in the crib (for scent familiarity).

• Warm the mattress with your hand or a heating pad before laying baby down (remove heating pad before putting baby in).

3. The Startle Reflex Is Waking Them Up

The Moro reflex can make babies fling their arms out suddenly, which often wakes them right after a transfer.

Solution:

• For babies under ~8 weeks, use a safe swaddle to help prevent startling awake.

• For older babies, try a transitional swaddle or sleep sack that allows some movement while still offering security.

• Place them in the crib drowsy but awake so they settle in the sleep space from the start.

4. The Timing Isn’t Right

If you try to put your baby down too early, they may not be tired enough. Too late, and they’re overtired — which can make crib settling harder and lead to more night wakings.

Solution:

• Follow age-appropriate wake windows. For example:

  • Newborn (0–2 months): 45–60 minutes

  • 2–4 months: 60–90 minutes

  • 4–6 months: 1.5–2.5 hours

  • 6–9 months: 2–3.5 hours

• Watch for early sleepy cues: zoning out, slower movements, loss of interest in toys.

5. The Crib Has Become the “Sad Place”

If your baby only gets put in the crib when they’re already upset, they may start to associate it with distress.

Solution:

• Make the crib a happy place by letting baby have playtime in it when they’re awake. Lay them down with a soft toy or mobile for 5–10 minutes while you stay nearby.

• Smile, sing, or talk to them in the crib so it’s linked with positive feelings.

The Role of Sleep Associations

One of the sneakiest reasons your baby resists the crib is because they’ve learned to fall asleep in a different way. If they always drift off while being rocked, fed, or held, the crib isn’t part of their falling-asleep process, so when they wake between sleep cycles, they’re confused about where they are.

The solution here isn’t to stop comforting your baby — it’s to slowly help them learn to connect falling asleep with being in the crib. That might mean putting them down drowsy but awake or using a gentle sleep training method that matches your parenting style.

Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Plan

Here’s a 5-day approach you can start right now:

Day 1–2:

• Choose one nap per day for the crib.

• Use a short, predictable pre-nap routine (same steps, same order).

• Put baby down drowsy but awake; offer gentle touch or shushing if needed.

Day 3–4:

• Move to two naps a day in the crib.

• Introduce brief happy play sessions in the crib between naps.

Day 5 and beyond:

• Transition bedtime to the crib if not already there.

• Begin laying baby down more awake than asleep to help them self-settle.

What to Avoid When Teaching Crib Sleep

• Inconsistent responses — changing your approach nightly makes it harder for your baby to learn.

• Prolonged soothing in arms before transfer — this can deepen sleep association with being held only.

• Over-stimulating pre-bed — avoid rough play or screen time in the hour before sleep.

Safe Sleep Reminder

No matter what, the crib should always follow safe sleep guidelines:

• Firm, flat mattress

• Fitted sheet only

• No pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals until age-appropriate

• Baby placed on back to sleep

When to Get Extra Help

If you’ve been consistent for two weeks and crib sleep is still a battle — or if your baby’s night wakings are constant — it might be time for a personalized sleep plan. Every baby is unique, and sometimes you need tailored tweaks to your routine, timing, or method.

This is where I step in. I work with families to create step-by-step crib sleep strategies that are gentle, doable, and actually work. We look at the whole picture , naps, bedtime, feeding, routines, environment — so you’re not just trying random tips from the internet.

📅 Schedule a free 15-minute call with me to talk about getting your baby sleeping happily in their crib (and you sleeping through the night).

Final Reassurance

Crib struggles don’t last forever. With consistency, patience, and a little bit of strategy, most babies can transition beautifully to sleeping in their crib. You don’t have to rush it, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Remember: your baby’s resistance isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a sign they love you and feel safe with you. Your job is to help them feel just as safe in their crib… and you can start today.