How can I get my 4 month old to sleep in his crib?

Question

My little boy just recently turned 4 months old, and since the day he was born, he simply refuses to sleep in his crib. As soon as his back hits that mattress, he tosses and turns, and for about the last 2 weeks, he starts screaming now. I have allowed him to sleep with me since he was about 2 months old because that was the only way either of us were getting any sleep. (Please refrain from leaving your negative remarks about this.) He sleeps best when laying on my chest. He still wakes up 2-3 times during the night to be fed, but as soon as he is done, he will curl up next to me and fall asleep. I don't think it's the sleeping part he has trouble with, just the place he is being put to sleep. I have debated using the cry-it-out method only because I can't think of anything else left to try. He is getting to be too big and too heavy to sleep with me, (I'm only 5"0, 100lbs.) and I believe it's time to go to his own bed. Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

If he is used to falling asleep on your chest, try laying him down face down since that's what he's used to.  When you put him in his crib, if he is laying on his back, he will wake up because he's used to sleeping on his stomach when on your chest.  I know I will get negative remarks from saying this, but you know your baby best, and some kids really just can't sleep on their backs.  Plus, since he's 4 months old, he is probably starting to roll over so it's okay.

Answer 2

you've got to do this in stages.  Let him cry for 5 minutes and come back and sooth him.  Do this however you can.  If that means picking him up and rocking him then do it.  Then let him cry for 10 minutes before you come back in.  Try to make it longer times and then try to soothe him by not picking him up.  Perhaps rubbing his back or cheek.  then maybe just by looking at him and singing him a soft song or just using a soothing voice.  Soon try staying further away from his crib to do this.  try this every night.  You may still end up with him with you to sleep for a while but by doing this every day you will be training him to be comfortable in his crib.  it may seem that he will never get comfortable with it but don't give up.  He will in time.  Even when you have him with you in bed, slowly get him off of your chest and get used to being next to you not on you.  you will still be there for him but teaching him independence too.  Also try to get him used to a soft cuddly toy too.  My MIL just bought my 15 wk old son a teddy/blanket thing and he's taken to it like he hasn't to anything else.  It's easy for him to hold because it's just a small blanket with a teddy attached but I give it to him every time I try to get him to sleep.  I'd tried other things before but nothing has worked.  Getting him attached to something other than you will help too as he will be able to find comfort in something else giving you some freedom that you likely REALLY need.

good luck!  don't give up... he'll get the hang of it eventually.  Just be consistant and persistant!

Answer 3

My son slept on my chest too!  At 5 months, it did controlled cry it out.  It took a week and he has slept like an angel ever since- he's 2 now.  This method works well for some babies and others not so much.  The only way to see is to do it.  A lot of families don't believe in this and that is fine too, but, if you want your son to sleep in his crib, you need to at least give it a try.  Start a bedtime routine.  It may seem early to do this, but it really does help.  I did bottle, dinner (if giving solids), bath, pj's, cuddle time or rocking, and then bed at 6:30 (or whatever time is good for you).  Put your son down, give kisses and leave the room.  He will cry.  Let him cry for around 5-7 minutes.  It will seem like eternity.  Go in and comfort him without picking him up.  After he is settled, give kisses and leave.  He will cry.  Try to wait a minute longer this time.  Continue this until he sleeps.  The first night is the worst.  Of course he will still wake in the night for his bottle or feeding.  When he does, go in and feed him in his room or a dark, quite, area and then put him back in his bed.  My son needed some rocking in the night, but, not too long.  You want to put him in his bed while he is still a bit awake.  You may have to do the 5 minute check and leave again.  Every night should get a bit better.  Whatever you decide to do, stick with it, don't flip back and forth-like, don't start cry it out one night and then pick him up when he cries the next.  Be consistent and patient.  You will be tired for a week or so, but, then it is so much better and your son will be getting a good nights sleep.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

i know im young but i have two younger siblings, just lay her in the crip and leave her to scream, it will bother you at first but let it go, but you must feed her during the night at some point

Answer 5

If you don't want to try him sleeping on his stomach maybe try letting him fall asleep and lay him on his side. My 3 month old hates bein layed on his back but if I lay him on his side he will fall right to sleep and eventually roll onto his back. Good luck!

Answer 6

mine is 8 years and when is with me ,he sleep with me lol

Answer 7

you have just described my son completely. he is 15 weeks old right now. i hope you get some good advice that i can borrow.

Answer 8

If you dont feel comfortable having your baby cry it out. then dont do it. You know your baby better than anyone!

Try to let the baby fall asleep on your chest with the blanket in between the two of you. when he has been asleep for about 10 15 minutes, try to lay him in his crib on his side with the blanket right beside him, this may work because it will smell like you and he will think your still there.

i went through this as well and all of a sudden he just started sleeping in his crib. Just keep trying. It will happen soon enough.

Good luck!!!

(if this does help, try getting a bouncy chair for the baby, this is what my son used for about 2 months. It forms to them so they feel like their being held.) OR where ever the baby sleeps during the day. just putting him down there. see what happens. Good luck!