How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib

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Can Newborns Sleep in a Crib?

If you're preparing for your little one’s arrival, one of the first questions you might have is, “Can a newborn sleep in a crib?” The short answer is yes—a crib is a safe sleep environment for a newborn baby from day one, provided it meets current safety standards. 

Many parents also wonder, “Do newborns sleep in cribs regularly, or is a bassinet a better option?” Both are considered safe, so it’s often a matter of what fits your space and lifestyle. Cribs may be less portable than bassinets, but they offer long-term use and can help establish a consistent sleep environment from the start.

Do you need extra support with crib sleep or bedtime routines? Download the Smart Sleep Coach app for personalized guidance, expert tips, and tools to help your little one sleep better—from naps to nighttime.

How to Get a Newborn to Sleep in a Crib?

Learning how to get a newborn to sleep in a crib can take time and patience, especially in those early weeks when your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. Some babies take to the crib right away, while others need a little more support to feel safe and comfortable in a new sleep space.

If you’re figuring out how to get an infant to sleep in a crib, keep in mind that consistency matters. A soothing bedtime routine, a firm mattress, and a quiet, dimly lit room can all make the transition smoother. Avoid placing any loose bedding, pillows, or toys in the crib, and always place your baby on their back to sleep for safety.

When to Start Using a Crib

Your baby’s crib is a key piece of nursery gear, but when should a newborn start sleeping in a crib? Many parents begin using a crib from the very first night after being discharged from the hospital. Others start with a bassinet in their bedroom, especially during the early weeks, because it's smaller and easier to access for nighttime feedings. Getting your baby to sleep in a bassinet follows similar principles to getting your newborn to sleep in a crib, so it’s fine to start wherever you feel most comfortable.

So, when should a newborn be put in a crib? There’s no single rule—your little one can sleep in a crib from day one if it meets current safety standards and includes only a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

Whether you begin right away or make the transition over time, it’s all about what works best for your family—safely and consistently.

When to Stop Using a Crib

Along with asking when to start using a crib, many parents also wonder when to transition from a crib to a toddler bed. There is no exact age, as babies grow at different rates, but there are a few key signs to help guide the decision.

• By the time your child is about three feet tall, they should no longer sleep in a crib, according to experts.

• Check the manufacturer's guidelines when purchasing your crib, as it may have a maximum height, weight, or age limit.

• To ensure the crib is safe during both babyhood and toddlerhood, you’ll need to lower the mattress height from time to time. This will prohibit your toddler from climbing out or falling over the rails.

Before your child can climb out—even with the mattress at its lowest level—it’s best to transition to a toddler bed. Many modern cribs convert into toddler or full-size beds, making the change a little easier for both you and your little one.

Possible Reasons Why a Baby Won’t Sleep in Their Crib

If your baby won’t sleep in a crib, you're not alone—and there’s often more than one reason behind it. Crib sleep can feel very different from being held, rocked, or cuddled. Here are some of the most common reasons babies may resist sleeping in their crib:

Separation from you

Babies crave closeness, especially in the early months. Being placed in a crib—even just a few feet away—can trigger fussiness or crying because it feels unfamiliar or distant.

Sleep associations

If your newborn won’t sleep in a crib, only in arms, they may have developed a strong association with falling asleep while being held, rocked, or fed. The quiet stillness of a crib may feel like a big adjustment.

Sleep regressions are another common cause

As babies grow and reach new developmental stages, their sleep patterns may temporarily shift, leading to more fussing or frequent wakeups in the crib.

Napping struggles

Some babies may sleep well in their cribs at night but struggle with daytime naps. This may happen because daytime sleep is lighter and more easily disrupted by noise, natural light, or overstimulation, making it harder for your baby to nap in a crib.

If your baby refuses to sleep in a crib, know that brief crying before falling asleep is a normal part of the sleep cycle. Most babies settle within a few minutes. Gentle, responsive sleep training methods may help over time, encouraging your baby to feel more secure falling asleep on their own, with your support every step of the way.

If your baby seems unusually upset or the crying feels excessive, check with your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out any possible medical issues.

Helping a Baby Sleep in Their Crib

Getting a newborn to sleep in a crib may take time, but a few minor adjustments can make a big difference. One of the most effective tips is to focus on timing—place your baby in the crib when they’re drowsy but still awake. This helps them connect the crib with the process of falling asleep, not just where they wake up.

Sometimes, your baby won’t sleep in a crib (or anywhere) because they need something. Check whether your little one needs a feeding or a diaper change, or if they may be feeling unwell.

Here are some tips on how to put a baby to sleep:

Is your baby comfortable?

Ensure the room temperature is cool but cozy, and your baby is neither overdressed nor underdressed for sleep. Choosing a diaper that suits your baby’s stage and sleep needs can make a big difference.

For newborns, daytime changes, and good sleep, Pampers Swaddlers are soft and breathable, helping to minimize up to 0% skin irritation. For longer stretches overnight, Swaddlers Overnights offer added absorbency and help keep your little one up to 3x drier, supporting more restful, uninterrupted sleep—not to mention they’re the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand based on a 2023 survey of U.S. and Canadian pediatricians.

Have you tried soothing sounds?

If your baby won’t sleep in their crib, try playing white noise or soothing sounds using a baby sound machine or creating white noise by turning on a fan pointed toward a wall.

Would a night-light help?

Every baby is unique, but your baby might prefer having a night-light on as they fall asleep. A night-light could also provide enough illumination for middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes, so you avoid disturbing your baby by turning on the bedroom lights.

Does your baby need something to look at?

A soft, slow-moving mobile above the crib can offer a calming visual distraction. Just be sure it’s securely attached and out of reach!

If you're wondering how to train your baby to sleep in a crib, be aware that the process requires consistency and time. Start with one crib sleep a day, like a nap, and build from there. Over time, your little one will learn that the crib is a safe and familiar place to rest.

Crib Safety Tips and Advice

Now that you know how to get your baby to sleep in a crib—and when to start and stop using one—it’s important to keep safety top of mind. A crib (or bassinet in the early weeks) is a safe sleep space, but only if set up properly.

Here are some essential crib safety and safe sleep practice tips:

Use a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet

The mattress should fit snugly in the crib, with no gaps along the sides. Soft or loose surfaces increase the risk of suffocation.

Keep the crib bare

Avoid blankets, pillows, bumper pads, toys, or loose bedding. These items may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or suffocation.

Room-share for the first 6 months

Keep your baby’s crib in your room to help reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50% and make nighttime care easier.

Always place your baby on their back

This is the safest sleep position during the first year. Once your baby can roll both ways, you don’t need to reposition them during the night.

Safe sleep isn't just about the crib—it's about keeping sleep simple, flat, and supervised. Following these basics can help protect your little one while supporting healthier rest.

FAQS AT A GLANCE

How can you encourage your baby to sleep in a crib?

Establish a calming bedtime routine and put your baby in the crib while drowsy but still awake. Over time, this helps them associate the crib with falling asleep—an important part of crib training and developing healthy sleep habits.

Why is your baby suddenly refusing to sleep in the crib?

If your baby won’t sleep in a crib, it could be due to a sleep regression, a developmental milestone, or separation anxiety. Changes in routine or sleep environment can also disrupt rest. Stay consistent and offer comfort to help ease the transition.

At what age should my baby sleep in a crib?

A baby can sleep in a crib from day one, if it meets current safety standards. Some start with a bassinet, but most toddlers move to a bed once they reach about three feet tall or begin climbing out.

The Bottom Line

Helping your baby sleep in a crib doesn’t happen overnight—but with gentle routines, swaddling for comfort, and room-sharing during the early weeks, you can create a safe and soothing sleep space your baby learns to love. Over time, the crib becomes a place of rest, not resistance.

Always follow safe sleep guidelines: place your baby on their back, use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, and other soft items. These simple steps support healthy sleep and peace of mind.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}