How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib

Getting your newborn to sleep in a crib—especially if they’re used to being held or rocked—can feel like a big transition. But with time, gentle routines, and a safe sleep environment, it’s possible to help your little one settle in comfortably.

Whether you're wondering "Can a newborn sleep in a crib?", "When to put a newborn in a crib?", or you’re simply looking for ways to help when your baby won’t sleep in a crib, this guide offers practical tips to make the process smoother.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• When and how to introduce the crib

• Common reasons why your infant doesn't want to sleep in a crib

• Simple strategies for crib sleep success

• Safety tips to keep in mind at every stage.

By the end, you’ll have a better idea of how to get your baby to sleep in a crib—and the tools to make it a positive experience for both of you.

Should Babies 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. While it's common for parents to wonder if newborns do sleep in cribs right away or if a bassinet would be better, ultimately, both are safe options, and the choice depends on what works best for your family.

When to Start Using a Crib

Your baby’s crib is an essential item, but when should they start sleeping in it? Many parents begin using a crib from day one when they bring their newborn home from the hospital. Others prefer to start with a bassinet during the first few weeks because it’s smaller and easier to keep close during 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.

Can a newborn sleep in a crib? Absolutely. It's both safe and common for newborns to sleep in a crib from day one, as long as it meets safety standards and has a firm mattress and fitted sheet with no soft bedding.

When to Stop Using a Crib

Along with asking when to start using a crib, parents also wonder how long babies sleep in cribs. There’s no standard age for outgrowing a crib and switching to a bed, as all children grow at different rates. Consider the following to determine when to stop using a crib for your child:

• 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 you buy your crib, as there may be 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

When you put your little one down for a nap or bedtime, cries and protests may feel frustrating—but they don’t always mean your baby won’t sleep in a crib. More often, they’re expressing a natural reaction to separation. Babies thrive on closeness, and being apart from you, even briefly, may feel unsettling for them, especially in the early months. In many cases, your infant doesn't want to sleep in a crib because they’ve grown used to falling asleep in your arms or in a different environment, like a swing or stroller. This association could make the transition to the crib a bit more challenging.

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.

If your baby refuses to sleep in a crib, know that a little crying before falling asleep is normal. Many babies settle after a few minutes. Gentle sleep training methods may also help, gradually encouraging your baby to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, with plenty of reassurance along the way.

If the crying feels excessive or something seems off, consult your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out any underlying concerns.

Need more support? Get helpful strategies, expert-backed tips, and checklists with the New Parents’ Guide.

Helping a Baby Sleep in Their Crib

When getting your baby to sleep in a crib, timing can make a big difference. Experts recommend placing your baby in the crib at the first signs of drowsiness—not after they’ve fallen asleep. This helps your baby associate the crib with falling asleep, not just waking up in it. 

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

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

1. Is your baby comfortable? Check that the room temperature is cool but comfortable for your baby to sleep and that your little one isn’t over- or underdressed. Try Pampers Swaddlers Overnights for extra absorbency and softness to help keep your baby dry and sleeping longer.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Does your baby need something to look at? Believe it or not, one of the tricks on how to get your baby to sleep in a crib is to offer some distraction! A mobile above your baby’s crib may give your little one something to look at, which could help settle them down as they get sleepy. Just remember to keep it out of your baby’s reach!

Learning how to get your infant to sleep takes time, but every small step helps. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider getting support from tools designed for real parents like you.

For a step-by-step guide tailored to your baby’s sleep, try the Smart Sleep Coach app by Pampers. Co-developed with pediatricians and sleep experts, it offers curated sleep classes, routines, and gentle methods on how to get your baby to sleep in a crib or settle at night.

Take the FREE sleep assessment to get started today!

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 follow key safety guidelines. A crib (or bassinet during the early weeks) is the safest place for your baby to sleep, if it's set up correctly.

• Check the mattress fit. Use a firm mattress with a tight-fitting bottom sheet. There should be no gaps between the mattress and the crib sides.

• 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. 

The Bottom Line

Helping your baby adjust to sleeping in a crib takes time, but simple steps—like room-sharing early on, swaddling, and creating a calming routine—can make it easier.

Always follow safe sleep guidelines: place your baby on their back and keep the crib clear of pillows, blankets, and toys. With consistency, your baby will begin to associate their crib with sleep, making naps and bedtimes more restful for everyone.

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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.}