My baby only naps in my arms — how do I move naps to the crib?
⚡ Short answer: It's very common for babies to wake up when you put them in the crib after they've been sleeping in your arms.
Anonymous
bir anne · Sleep
My daughter only sleeps deeply in my arms, waking up when I put her down. How do I get her to take daytime naps in the crib?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
It's very common for babies to wake up when you put them in the crib after they've been sleeping in your arms. The main reason is that the environment where baby fell asleep (your arms' warmth, your movement, your heartbeat) is different from where she wakes up (cold, still crib). To ease the transition:
First, try putting baby in the crib when she's in deep sleep. Signs of deep sleep: loose arms, open fists, regular and slow breathing, completely relaxed face (no grimacing or twitching). This usually happens 10-20 minutes after being picked up.
Pre-warm the crib surface (with a hot water bottle, then remove it) — sudden temperature change causes waking. When placing baby down, contact in order: bottom first, then back, then head last. Keep your hand on her chest for a moment, press gently, and make a "shushing" sound to smooth the transition.
If she wakes, don't immediately rush to pick her up frantically — try calming her with your hand for a few seconds. Daytime naps are easier to shift than nighttime ones, so start with one nap. If you stay consistent for 3-5 days, the new habit will start to settle in.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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