Question
What's the best way to coax my 6-month-old into sleeping in his crib rather than his carrier?
Answer
Many babies and children have difficulty returning to a sleep position or pattern when there's been a change. Often when families travel and have different sleeping arrangements than at home, it can take some time to resume original routines and patterns. It's helpful that your
baby does like a pacifier and a blanket, as they should help with this transition, even though it hasn't been successful so far. I would suggest, based on opinions of sleep experts, that you put him in his crib without the carrier, but with his blanket and pacifier. When he wakes again, try to wait at least 10 minutes before you attend to him. If the crying continues, check on him, offer his blanket, and leave him again. I know this is disruptive to your sleep, but if you are consistent in your approachnot using the carrier as a bed and just consoling him as neededhe'll probably be back to his former routine in a week or so. Sleeping in the carrier will be a safety issue as he gets bigger and stronger. So keep working at it, and good luck!
