Putting your baby to sleep in their cot alone for the first time may be hard. They get used to the things you do to put them to sleep and they don’t exactly look forward to having to do it alone. So it may not be the cot that is the problem directly, but perhaps your child.
Here are a few things you can do to help make this transition go smoothly for both parties.
Play things
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Many parents have found this idea to be lucky for them. During the day when your baby is wide awake, place some toys in their cot. Have your baby reach in to get the toys out to warm them up. Once they find that part amusing, place the toys back in and try putting your child in the cot too to play with the toys. Soon your baby will start thinking of their cot as a fun place and will feel more relaxed about going to sleep in their cot.
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Friends to help sleep in their cot
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Finding a good sleeping buddy for your baby can help them sleep in their cot. Once they see their favourite toy or stuffed animal in the cot, they will feel safer. This will help your baby to not hate their cot so much and get some much-needed sleep.
Be careful not to let them sleep with anything that may be sucked into their mouth. This will cause a choking hazard for your baby. Experts advise not to allow them to sleep with anything that has a tie or ribbon on it, also no loose buttons or zippers. Keep your baby’s safety in mind first.
Sitting with them
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When you first put your baby into a cot, they may feel separation anxiety. They are used to being rocked to sleep or falling asleep while eating, this whole idea of sleeping by themselves is new.
You may need to set a rocking chair in their room so that at least they will know you are there. This way they still have the comfort of their mummy being there but are still falling to sleep in their cot. This will go a long way in helping them feel safe in their new bed.
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There are many reasons why your baby will not sleep in their cot. It is a big step for them to sleep by themselves. Most babies may not even be ready for it. There is no set age limit as to when you should move your baby to a cot, so take it slow.
The faster you move the more terrified your baby may become. Take your time and get them used to the idea first before you just put them into that big old cot by themselves.
Did these tips help you? We’d love to hear feedback from you! For more on putting your baby to sleep in a cot, watch this video: