- Why does your baby cry when put to bed?
- Common Reasons for Bedtime Crying
- Effective Techniques to Soothe Your Baby
- Cultural Beliefs and Approaches
- Conclusion
Why Does Your Baby Cry When Put to Bed?
Bedtime crying can be an exhausting and emotional challenge for many parents. Babies communicate through crying, and understanding why your baby cries when put to bed is the first step toward addressing their needs effectively. Whether it’s separation anxiety, overtiredness, or discomfort, discovering the reasons and applying targeted solutions can lead to peaceful nights for both you and your baby.
Why Does Your Baby Cry When Put to Bed? Common Reasons for Bedtime Crying
1. Separation Anxiety
Babies often cry when they feel distanced from their caregivers. Between 7 to 8 months, separation anxiety peaks as babies begin understanding object permanence—they know you’re still around even when they can’t see you. This natural developmental phase often triggers crying when they’re left in their crib alone.
2. Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex)
Newborns have a startle reflex that causes sudden jerking movements. This reflex can wake them up abruptly, leading to distress and crying when put down.
3. Overtiredness
Babies who miss their optimal sleep window may become overtired, making it harder for them to settle and leading to excessive fussing.
4. Need for Comfort and Security
Newborns, accustomed to the cozy womb environment, often seek comfort in being held. The transition to sleeping alone can feel unsettling.
5. Discomfort or Physical Needs
Hunger, a wet diaper, or uncomfortable sleepwear can make babies cry when laid down.
Effective Techniques to Soothe Your Baby
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
A predictable bedtime routine—such as bathing, reading a story, and rocking—provides your baby with cues that it’s time to wind down. Studies suggest that routines started before 12 weeks can help babies sleep longer.
2. Gradual Exposure
To ease separation anxiety, allow your baby to spend short, supervised periods in their crib during the day. This familiarizes them with the environment, making nighttime separations less stressful.
3. Swaddling for Newborns
For newborns, swaddling replicates the womb’s security and helps suppress the startle reflex, promoting better sleep.
4. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Ensure your baby’s room is dimly lit, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Some parents find white noise machines helpful.
5. Soothing Techniques
Methods like gentle rocking or using a pacifier can calm babies, while the “5-min carrying, 5-to-8-min sitting” technique has shown promise in promoting sleep.
Cultural Beliefs and Approaches
Western parenting styles often emphasize independence, leading to strategies like controlled crying or ignoring bedtime protests. While effective for some, these methods may not align with every family’s values. Parents should feel empowered to adapt approaches that resonate with their beliefs.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your baby’s crying is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms like fever, poor feeding, or lethargy, consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying medical issues.
Conclusion
Crying is a baby’s primary way of communicating. By understanding their needs and implementing strategies that suit your family, you can help your baby transition to restful sleep. Patience and consistency will help you and your baby navigate this developmental stage smoothly.
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Source:
IGNORING CHILDREN’S BEDTIME CRYING: THE POWER OF WESTERN-ORIENTED BELIEFS:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/imhj.21700
Parenting Advice Books About Child Sleep: Cosleeping and Crying It Out:
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/29/12/1616/2709272
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Crying among Infants:
