We talk all the time about babies waiting in the crib until it's time to get up but, how do you make that happen? At Sleep Baby, we think about sleep skills like a pyramid - each ones builds on the one before. At the top of the pyramid is ‘Waking up Calmly.’ This skill comes after baby learns to self soothe and connect sleep cycles but also supports them continuing to sleep well, even when there are disruptions. When your baby can wait calmly in their crib after they take a short nap or wake early, their body is still getting rest and, if they need it, they are able to let their body take over and lull them back to sleep. What a dream!

Here are five ways to keep your baby calm in their crib while they are waiting for the right time to wake up.

Remember, naptime isn't over just because baby woke up. Use these strategies when they wake early from a nap or early in the morning. Teaching their body when they are supposed to be sleeping is just as important as teaching them how to sleep! Each one of these strategies helps reinforce the sleep shaping you’re doing with your baby’s schedule by keeping them in their crib when they are supposed to be sleeping!

1. Drop in a few quiet or soft toys. If your baby is interested in toys, you can drop in a few to help entertain their hands and distract their mind so they can give into their body’s drive to sleep. Think about a teether or other quiet toy that isn’t going to stimulate them too much.

2. Change their white noise. If their sound machine has more than one sound option, changing it can also create a little distraction for your baby. Yet another reason why we love the Hatch Rest - you can do this on your phone!

3. Offer soothing in the crib. If your baby is crying and won’t settle on their own, try soothing them without taking them out of the crib! Teach their body they can get calm in their own sleeping space, not just in arms.

4. Practice with 1-2 minutes and work up from there - you don’t have to start by asking baby to stay in their crib for 30 minutes. Get them started with just a few minutes!

5. Teach them to self soothe - remember how we said that the sleep skills are a pyramid? Self soothing is the foundation! Without this skill, your baby cannot be expected to put themself back to sleep after a short nap or an early morning wakeup. Start at the beginning!

If you’re ready to teach your little one to self soothe, sleep through the night, or take great naps, we would love to help! Our team of incredible sleep consultants loves coaching families on how they can teach their babies how to sleep so the whole family can be well rested.

We have local consultants in Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; and Jacksonville, FL and do virtual consultations with clients all over the world. Our 1-on-1, custom consultations will have you empowered and ready to teach your little one incredible sleep habits!

Contact Us here or view our baby sleep consulting packages.