How to Put a Sleeping Baby Down Without Waking Her

Make sure your baby is in deep sleep before placing her in the crib.

You've walked, hummed and rocked your baby, and now she's finally asleep. The next trick is laying her in the crib without waking her up. Babies don't sleep as deeply as adults, so a small change, such as movement while laying her down, may wake her up -- and keep you up. Have a few tactics handy to ease your little one into her crib without waking her.

Things You'll Need

• two hands

Instructions

1. Make sure the baby is fully asleep. As babies fall asleep, their eyes close, but they still may make suckling motions, and their limbs may not be completely relaxed. Wait for the limb relaxation before trying to place the baby in the crib.

2. Keep the bottle or breast in your baby's mouth as you put her down.

3. Use a pillow next to the baby to mimic your body until you're sure she's asleep. Remove the pillow before leaving the baby.

References

• Ask Dr. Sears; Everytime I Put Down My Sleeping Baby Wakes; Dr. Bob Sears
• Ask Dr. Sears: 8 Infant Sleep Facts Every Parent Should Know

Resources

• The Sleep Lady
• Dr. Sears
• Baby Center