Won't sleep in a bassinet or crib- PLEASE HELP!

Lon - posted on 03/02/2010

My son was the same way. At 3 months I finally tried a bedtime routine and after about 2 weeks he would sleep in his bed. Funny thing is, now at 5 months I still can't get him to take a nap in his bed. He will only go in there at night. lol

Billie - posted on 03/02/2010

My daughter is 4mths old now. From about one week old she had terrible acid reflux. I slept her in a carseat a carrier w/ belt pulled back and a blanket to make it more comfortable. People criticized me for it but it helped w/ her reflux. Two weeks ago i moved her from the seat to her crib. She did wonderful. I strongly suggest a night time routine also. Turn the lights down and get her in the bath. I use Johnsons sleep better stuff its in a purple bottle. Equate which i eventually switched too works just as good. The smell almost will put you to sleep. After the bath dress her try to resist the urge to talk silly to her or entertain her this just keeps my daughter active and not sleepy. I then feed my babes and give her reflux meds. By the end of the bottle she is out like a light. Because of the reflux i hold her for about 15 to 20 min. to let the formula digest. This is my routine but honestly what ever the routine just make sure its consistant everynite . Hopefully this will help her and soon she will be sleeping peacefully in her crib.

Kathryn - posted on 03/01/2010

There is this really wonderful thing I found on ebay (it was mentioned in a colic article) called a crib shaker. It vibrates the crib exactly like the vibrating seat vibrates. My son was like your child, not wanting to sleep in his crib (and me being so exhausted from his colic - which turned out to be reflux like so many other responders' kids). The crib shaker attaches to the side of the crib and shakes all night .... it is the most wonderful invention I can imagine. It used to be sold in stores but is no longer, which is why you find it on ebay. Whomever dreamed it up is a pure genius. You can also get the same effect with the vibrating bassinets.

Yamira - posted on 03/01/2010

My son who is 2 months was the same way..until I put a flat but somewhat soft pillow in his bassinet the same size as the bassinet mattress. I know they say not to use pillows but this pillow is flat not ultra plush and he loves it..he finally sleeps a good five hours in his bassinet.

Tonja - posted on 03/01/2010

Angela-I don't believe in the cry it out method either. My daughter is almost 18 months and sleeps in her crib at night without a problem, but for the first month or so after she was born she wouldn't sleep in her bassinett except at naps. Rule out reflux, swaddle (if she likes it), get something that makes womb sounds, and create a bedtime routine. I'd try a bassinett first and keep it next to your bed. Put her down when she is nearly asleep, but make sure you keep her horizontal. If her head drops she will startle herself awake. Good luck! Some adjust to sleeping in a crib faster than others.

Maxine - posted on 02/28/2010

As others have said, try swaddling. Also ride your baby in a sling for as much time in the day as you can - they settle to sleep much easier at night. I would also suggest co-sleeping. And if you can at all help it, do not even think about trying cry-it-out... so stressful for baby and there is evidence now that it impares development of certain parts of the brain.

This might help you, it definitely helped me make up my mind about sleeping arrangements... http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/t071000...

Melisa - posted on 02/28/2010

My second son slept in his swing until he was 4 months, for the same reason. He would sleep all night in the swing, but only bits and pieces in his crib. After 4 months, I decided it was time to get him use to his crib, so I moved him in there and just dealt with about a couple weeks of sleepless nights. But your daughter will gradually get use to it-you just have to be patient. As for now, I would enjoy her sleeping wherever that may be! B/c in the long run, you know she will not still be in here swing when she is 12months!

Elizabeth - posted on 02/28/2010

You should try swaddling her wrap her up like a burrito, it gives her comfort and security. Pick up the book or video " The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp, MD. I swear by it saved me many nights, my son slept much better after swadding him. If you feel up to and you can do it have her sleep with you co-sleep don't worry you won't roll onto her. The crib may feel too big for her right now, just try the swaddling. Good Luck:)

Erika - posted on 02/28/2010

You are so right not to try the cry-it-out method, especially with an infant so young. (I don't believe in it anyways, but at that age, I think it could be very stressful, since the infant is completely dependent on his/her parents).. That said, will your daughter fall asleep in your arms or in a sling? If you lay down next to her, will she fall asleep? Not every baby will fall asleep easily by his/herself & it's actually "normal" that the infant doesn't fall asleep alone, as they are fully dependent on mom (/dad) & therefore have instincts that direct them to stay close to you as much as possible. I nursed/rocked my children to sleep the first year and with my older son, I would lay down next to him & he'd fall asleep & then I could get up later. With my younger son, I still nurse and/or rock him to sleep and he'll typically be asleep in 10 - 15 minutes and transfers to his own bed without problem. My older son got better at going to sleep by himself when he was closer to 4yrs old. Something that resonated with me when I felt frustrated at times with this is that our children need us to parent them at night too, it's not a "day" job. They do learn good sleeping habits, just not as early as some would like us to think is "normal".

Emily - posted on 02/28/2010

Our daughter slept in her swing for MONTHS, and if she wasn't in her swing she was in bed with us. Some babies just don't like to sleep alone, and a swing gives the illusion of not being alone because it is moving (sort of like she was moving all the time when she was inside of you). Try co-sleeping...there are inserts you can buy for cheap at babies r us to put into your bed if you are afraid of rolling on top of her. She will eventually graduate to sleeping on her own in her own bed, but this time in her life goes by very fast (take it from a mother of 2). Cherish every moment you have to cuddle and snuggle and enjoy the fact that she WANTS to be with you.

Kayla - posted on 02/28/2010

hi im kayla my baby girl is now 5 months old and i had the exact same problem as ur going through what i found worked was i would give her a nighttime bath snugul with her and read a story that would calm her down and she would be nice and relaxced than i would lay her in her crib and give her a bottel and talk softly to her with soft relaxing lulabies or clasical music playing quietly on her stario and i would hold her hand till she slowely started diffting off to dream land than when she was asleep i wold put her toottie(soother) in her mouth and she sleeps by erself in her crib from 7:30pm till 4:40 am she only wakes up at 4 for her next bottel than she sleeps till bout 9 in the morning try it it realy works

Bev - posted on 02/28/2010

I have a similar problem with my son, he is good during day time naps at sleeping in his crib but at night he has had 3 months on the bed with mummy or daddy, which I should not have done but I did the same with my eldest daughter too. Now we are concentrating at getting him into his bed which is a constant battle, we do daytime naps and evening after his bottle at about 7pm, we also swaddle him for extra comfort. The crying out method (controlled crying) i did with my daughter and she is now in a brilliant routine of bed at 7pm with no fuss what so ever, so it does work and we will be doing it on my son soon after 6months if not before (they do recommend 7-8months ave). I know you say you are against the crying method but I do recommend it, it is hard but it does work. The way we did it with my daughter was stay with her till she cried herself to sleep for the first week or so, then less the time each few days, to say 30mins then 20mins etc till you get to nothing and she drifts of by herself within 10mins. If you got a supportive partner you can do it be strong, I am a softy at heart with my kids hate them crying for more than 2mins but I did it and I will again soon, it does work. Hope I have been of help to you.

August - posted on 02/28/2010

try the carseat. I let my son take naps in it and then he sleeps in his bed at night. He sleeps longer and better. I love it. Buckler her in a put a blanket on her just like normal, pull the shade over her and rock her. She'll cry a little but eventually will fall asleep. Works like a charm with my son

Sara - posted on 02/28/2010

Oh wow!! I am amazed at how much your baby sounds like mine!! My girl does not like to sleep in her crib and acts terrified too...not sure if it is a separation anxiety thing or not...I think she may have had acid reflux when she was smaller(she is now 20 mo) and didn't feel good when she slept...I ALSO DO NOT believe in the cry it out method as in letting them cry for as long as they will...mostly because I don't know how many hours that would end up being for my girl...not sure of the solution...but I just wanted you to know you are not the only one with that problem...let me know if you find a solution....

Dominica - posted on 02/28/2010

My son had reflux and had the same problem. If he did by some miracle fall asleep in his crib he would wake up 20min later screaming. I ended up putting him in a swing for naps and bed time for a whole month. The movement would soothe him to sleep and being a little proped up would keep him sleeping. Trust me, I was so worried that he wouldnt be able to fall asleep on his own, but when he grew out of the swing I had no other option and to my very happy surprise the first night I put him down in his crib to sleep he rolled to his side and fell right asleep with no peep. I still have him sleep proped up in his stroller for naps (I don't rock him, I just let him fall asleep on his own) because I can tell the reflux still bothers him if he doesn't. And as added comfort, my mother-in-law had five kids which she put in a swings for naps until they were too big for them, and now my husband falls asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow :)

Brooke - posted on 02/27/2010

I let my son sleep in his bouncer untill he was like 4 mo. it helped with gas too.

Shonna - posted on 02/27/2010

My two month old son will not sleep for over 1/2 hour unless he is swaddled. Have you tried to swaddle her. It worked miracles for my little one.

Maria - posted on 02/27/2010

SWADDLE her! This really helped my daughter out. Make sure that her bassinett or her crib is at a little bit of an anble to help reduce reflux. I had my daughter sleep in her car seat until 3 months. She was swaddles very tight and she liked the tight quarters of her car seat. The added bonus is that the car seat is at an incline. She will let you know when she is ready to outgrow this stage by sleeping vertical....hope this helps Angela.

Jenny - posted on 02/27/2010

With James, when I fed him bottles I rocked him even when I thought he was asleep. I waited 10 more minutes still lightly rocking him and then transfered him from my arms to the crib as gently as I could and was able to start him in the crib that way. I almost always had to give it extra time to make sure he was good and asleep first. Otherwise he woke up when I was trying to transfer him!

Andrea - posted on 02/27/2010

I am a Mom of four and my last little one had this problem too! He would wake himself up because his reflexes were so strong. He slept in his carseat for the first six months and my pediatrician said this was fine. It is what he recommends for babies with reflux. Rory is now 9 months and has been sleeping in his crib without a problem since 6 months. Hang in there and find what works for your baby. Bedtime is a special time for bonding so relax and enjoy they get big so quick. My mommy mantra is 'This too shall pass', when things rough.

Crying is okay for a few minutes but no more than 10 and a routine is very important. Also, be careful about propping the bassinet too much it can cause a baby to slide down and puts them at risk of SIDS. Good luck!!! :)

Amy - posted on 02/27/2010

My son slept in his car seat until about 4 months then we transitioned him to his crib and we had no problem. up until 4 months just make sure they are comfortable then around 4-5 months start them on a "normal" sleep routine. if you think about it they are curled up in a ball in a dark place, why would they come out liking to sleep flat on their back?!

Melanie - posted on 02/27/2010

My daughter is the same way.. The DR told us about 3-4 weeks ago and i told the dr tha ti have been putting her in her boppy pillow and it seems to be helping...But I have her spoiled by not wanting to sleep in teh crib because she wants to sleep with mommy and daddy. That is my fault yes i know but when she does sleep in her crib she sleeps in the boppy pillow because she has REFLUX adn the dr put her on zantec and it works wonders for her!! I hope it all works out for u!! Hang in there it will get better!!

Melanie

Gabrielle - posted on 02/26/2010

Mine had the same problem, he grew out of it in a week at about 2.75 months.

Marissa - posted on 02/26/2010

I just went through this with my now 4-month old! She slept in her vibrating chair or her swing every night and every nap for the first 2 months. Doctor said it was ok, and diagnosed her with reflux and gave her some meds. I started putting her down in her crib for daytime naps after the meds kicked in a few weeks later, the first time she was only in there for a few minutes then when she would fuss I would put her in the swing (which I put next to her crib in her room) for the rest of her nap. Eventually I worked up to more and more time until she would nap in the crib for like 30 mins at a time. Meanwhile I developed a bedtime routine at the same time every night (tummy time/play time, warm bath, bottle, swaddle and then to sleep) and would put her in the swing to sleep. Once she was used to the routine and was sleeping well at night for 6 or more hours at a time, I just put her in her crib instead of the swing one night and surprisingly it worked! The first night she slept there for a few hours and then when she would wake up to feed I would put her in the swing for the rest of the night. Gently I worked up to putting her back in the crib. You just have to be patient and gradually increase the time in the crib and make sure her room is a nice calming relaxing environment. Every time my daughter sleeps in her crib I put a baby bedtime cd on repeat on a very low volume and I think it helps TONS. Also the strict bedtime routine definitely helped because it made her realize that after everything, it was time to go to sleep, no matter where I laid her down. Good luck, be persistent!

Alesha - posted on 02/26/2010

Put her in her crib to play and stay there with her. If she starts to get upset, talk to her and smile at her so she will know it is ok. Try it when she is awake and alert so she knows you are not trying to leave her there.

Jenna - posted on 02/26/2010

have u tried lettin her sleep in the bed with u

Lynette - posted on 02/26/2010

I do believe in the cry it out method but not for that age. just keep trying, once she goes to sleep put her where you want her to sleep, she will get used to it. I also liked Erica's comment about having towels under the mattress to help with any stomach issues. Good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 02/26/2010

It's important that babies this young lie flat to sleep as sitting upright hinders there spinal development. Try swaddling her, propping one end of the crib up so she's at a slight angle or wait until she's asleep then put her in her crib.

Tara - posted on 02/26/2010

I had the same problem with my son. I would let him fall asleep in his vibrating bouncer then put him in his bassinet. Naps and bedtime. After he started waking up in it, I think he slowly got over his "crib fear". It took a little while though, don't give up. My son did not like being swaddled either. By the look of the responses it seems like it's a common thing. Good Luck!!

Sativa - posted on 02/25/2010

you might just have to give it time there to young to get on a routine i would just put the swing in the room my daughter got over it really fast she's would stay up tell 5 or 6 in the morning untell we got the swing. now sleeping the the crib at 4 months (shes to tall for the bassinet) i hope that i helped a little and she could have colic or GERD

Stephanie - posted on 02/25/2010

My daughter is the same way. She will only fall asleep in her swing, floor bouncy seat or on her boppy ( which yes I know is bad but we put a blanket ontop of it so she can't scoooch down and suffocate onthe pillow). So to get her used to her crib I started with a bedside sleeper and putting her in the boppy. For nap time I put her in the crib propped up. It seems to be helping a little bit but she still will not go to sleep flat.
Good Luck

Melissa - posted on 02/25/2010

My son was like that and I put him in his bouncy chair then put the bouncy chair in his crib so he was getting used to being in there but not laying flat and more comfortable. When he started to outgrow his bouncy I was able to start laying him in his crib and since he'd been sleeping there the whole time he was ok with the idea. It still took a couple of nights before he was completely used to it.

Stephanie - posted on 02/25/2010

My first child hated being enclosed and hated being laid down flat,everytime we started to tilt her back into a carrycot or just to feed her she went mad later she was diagnosed with acid reflux at around 4 wks and the hospital she was being treated at told me to let her sleep in her car seat,she did for about 5 months. Actually she virtually lived in her car seat and i know the whole issue now is about laying your baby flat but this was not possible for my daughter because her reflux was so bad and it was all done under medical supervision. When i eventually put her into her cot i tilted the ends up with phone directorys to keep her tilted,nowadays you can buy little feet things that go under your cot feet and they stack up. Maybe you should try tilting her a bit,my other 2 children both have bad reflux aswell but i bought a carrycot that they could sleep in with an adjustable back so they were both tilted up but still flat,i found this really helped.

Wendi - posted on 02/25/2010

Propping one end of the crib or bassinett should work and make sure you have a set bedtime routine for her as she will adapt to the routine. I understand you don't believe in the cry it out method but all babies do need to learn to self sooth, ask any pediatrition and they will tell you that. It's not being mean and I am not saying let your baby cry for hours, but babies do need to learn to fall asleep on their own without the use of swings, bouncy chairs etc. Sooner or later your baby is not going to be able to use a swing or bouncy chair and then what are you going to do. You need to set a bedtime routine and let her self soon sometimes, its hard i know as i have a 7yr old boy that didn't sleep much for the first 4 years and just had twin girls April 09, but they do need to find their own way to fall asleep. Best of luck :)

Stephanie - posted on 02/25/2010

Our little girl was the same. We swaddled her and then put this seahorse that sings in the bassinet. Worked perfectly.

Kellie - posted on 02/25/2010

iv heard it was a bad habit, but if you let her fall asleep on ur chest n then lay her down, also try to play the "womb" sounds, to make her feel more comfortable. Im sure you do it, but if you dont try swaddling, tight but not too tight.. I also DO NOT believe in the cry out method because they need your reassurance n affection.. Hope everything works out for you...

Cherie - posted on 02/25/2010

My daughter has the same issue. She slept in her chair until about a week and a half ago. She started on medicine for acid reflux which may be helping, but we have moved her in to our bed inside a safe and secure sleeper we bought. After she wakes for her 5am feeding we move her to her crib in her safe and secure sleeper and she goes back to sleep for another few hours. We are hoping that in a few days time we will be able to transition her 100% to the crib and then when she hits 3 months we can get rid of the safe and secure sleeper and she will be used to her crib. You just have to keep trying the crib, but I wouldn't really worry too much until atleast 3 months. If she sleeps in her chair then leave her there at night and maybe keep trying the crib for daytime naps. Good luck.

Mary - posted on 02/24/2010

Have you developed a bedtime routine? If not that seems to help my little guy. He had crib fear also and wanted to sleep in bed with us. Part of our routine is rocking him until he is almost asleep and then placing him in his crib. I then rub his head gently for a few more minutes until I know he can handle being in there. I hope that helps. Good luck and hang in there.

Erica - posted on 02/24/2010

Maybe she is having problems with acid reflux and doesn't like to be laid down on a flat surface. Mabye that's why she likes her chair and swing. Try propping up one end of her bassinet and crib and maybe you will have better luck. I put towels under one side of my daughters mattress because she had stomach issues. Good luck!