Getting Baby to Sleep In Her Own Crib

Believe me I know what it's like! I am a mother of two and I made the mistake of allowing my first child to sleep with me. I brought her home from the hospital and thought nothing of it when I fell asleep holding her in my arms while lying in my bed. Sure other mom's warned me not only of the dangers, but of the fact that it would be harder to get her to sleep in her crib if I let her get used to sleeping with me. I didn't listen though! I was afraid my baby would wake up and I wouldn't hear her, and scared that if I let her sleep in her own bed she might stop breathing! These are fears all new mothers face. I believed I could prevent it all if she slept with me, plus I loved cuddling with her! So I continued to let her sleep with me until the age of 18 months! By then she was sleeping through the night, however I either couldn't sleep or slept very poorly so I decided it was time to get some use out of the crib!

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The Baby Sleep Solution Audio Program
Sign Language For Babies And Beyond!
Baby Sleep Tonight.
10 Ways to Soothe Your Baby
Out of the Mouth of My 3 Year Old

I never dreamed getting my 18 month old daughter, who had begun talking, out of my bed and into her own would be so tough! The first night I put her in bed she screamed for 5 minutes straight! It was terrible! "Mommy Mommy" I couldn't take it any longer and I gave into the crying and allowed her to sleep in my bed one more night.

Mistake #1
Don't let your child know that if she screams she can get what she wants!

So the next night I tried it again, but I had my mom come over to help me stand strong. My daughter cried for 2 hours straight! Blood curdling screams! I went in to check on her which made her scream even louder, but I wanted her to know that she was alright.

Hint #1
It's okay to check on your child when they are crying as long as you don't give in. You can even give them a hug if they are standing or pat them if they are laying down.

She finally fell asleep, so I went to bed. I didn't sleep very well the first night because, like her, I was used to sleeping with this little person!
The next night it was a little better. She only screamed for about an hour. I knew she was okay and let her know it and she finally went to sleep. I also slept a little better that night.

Hint #2
If your child is used to sleeping with you, when you are training her to sleep alone try keeping her crib next to your bed for the first week and maybe even the second. You can slowly start moving your child's crib closer and closer to the door until your child is out of your room. Then you can move her to her own room. Or wherever your child's permanent sleeping place may be.

As the days and weeks went by she cried less and less. After around a month she barely, if at all, cried and screamed! VICTORY!!

Hint #3
This process could take as little as 3 days or as much as 3 months, but hang in there! It's well worth it! Just remember- "This too shall pass!"

Now my daughter is 5 and she sleeps in her own bed, in her own room! Although there are some nights she crawls into bed with my husband and me to cuddle, she is capable and willing to sleep in her own bed!

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There are many dangers to letting your child sleep with you. Here are some of those;

Suffocation
You could accidently roll on top of your baby, or she may get suffocated by your pillows or blankets.
An infant is not yet able to roll over on her own therefore if her face gets stuck in a pillow while you sleep she will suffocate. She can not breathe as well as older children or adults.

Falling off the Bed
Your child could easily fall off and hit her head which could potentially cause brain damage or serious injuries.

Getting Out of Bed
As your child gets older and learns to crawl and walk she could get out of your bed and get into things she could get hurt by. (Cleaners, toilets, etc.)
She could also sneak outside while you sleep.

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Reading to your child is not only a great way to lull your child to sleep, but it is also a great way to teach your child new things. It opens new doors into a world of imagination, and teaches life skills that they will use for the rest of their life!

You can also find great recommendations on this page, Great Books to Help Your Child Read!!

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