How to Transfer a Sleeping Baby

If you've ever held your breath while slowly lowering your sleeping baby down into their crib, only to have them wake up right away, you're not alone! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to transfer a sleeping baby to their crib:

1. Wait until they're deeply asleep

   Wait until you can see your baby is deeply sleeping – including slow, deep breathing and relaxed limbs. One way to check? Gently lift their arm and let it drop—if they don’t react, they’re likely in a deep sleep and ready for transfer.

2. Lay them down bum first, with chin tucked

   The startle (Moro) reflex is often activated by sudden movements. To prevent this, lower your baby into their sleep space by placing their bum down first, followed by the rest of their body, with their chin tucked to their chest as you do so. You can also lay them fully on their side on the crib mattress and then roll them to their back from there. Keep them close to your chest while you do this.

3. Keep a heavy hand on them

   Once your baby is in their crib, place a hand on their chest and keep it there for a little while. If you remove your hand and they start to fuss, put your hand on them again. Repeat until you can remove your hand without them waking.

4. If they wake up, soothe them in their sleep space

   If your baby won’t stay asleep after the transfer, you can try to assist them to sleep by soothing them while they remain in their crib. Here are some ideas for that:

   1. Lightly pat or rub their chest or stomach

   2. Speak softly or sing to them

   3. Offer a pacifier if they use one

Alternatively, you can experiment with laying them down awake and just responding to them until they are asleep, versus trying to put them to sleep, if they are really fighting the assistance.

Bonus Tip: Warm the sleep space

You can warm their sleep space ahead of time, like by putting their bassinet/crib sheet in the dryer (ensure it has cooled enough before the baby is due to sleep).

Here's a video demonstration of the transfer:

Disclaimer: This guide does not demonstrate a safe sleep surface (and it’s also not a real baby). All sleep decisions should follow safe sleep guidelines.)

Be Patient & Keep Trying!

Successfully transferring a sleeping baby takes patience and practice. Some days will go smoothly, while others may be more challenging. The best times to try this are at bedtime and during the first nap of the day, as these are when sleep drive and hormones are strongest.

Celebrate any time they are sleeping in their crib – even if it’s just 10 minutes. You can start their sleep time in the crib and then hold them if needed, and know that they may just need you to hold them for other naps in the day. Over time, they’ll get more comfortable sleeping independently, and you’ll gain confidence in the process.

Remember: Baby steps are still steps! Keep practicing, and soon enough, both you and your baby will get the hang of it.