Best way to transition 4 month old from bed to crib?

Question

I've let my 4 month old son sleep with me in my bed, and I want to transition him to his crib finally. I let my older son sleep in the bed with me until he was 3, and I had a lot of trouble getting him to sleep in his own bed. I want to avoid the same problem. Our bedroom will be small, so a co-sleeper that attaches to the bed isn't an option. My fiance has willingly slept on the couch for 4 months because he is afraid of SIDS, but I have tried explaining to him that it's still a risk with the baby in bed with me, not to mention rolling off the bed. I don't have any fluffy bedding, pillows, or thick blankets in his crib as a precaution. Any advice? I'd really like my fiance back in the bed without us worrying through the night.

Answer 1

The Seperation Technique-Place baby in crib and sit by baby's side until he/she falls asleep, if he/she gets up, stands up or sits up, don't say anything put a little, gentle "shh". Next night, move a little further and wait until baby falls asleep, next night, a little farther, and a little farther until you can just walk in, put baby down and walk out of the room. This may take a couple of weeks. It is routine, and what babies know best is routine. It may be exhausting, but keep in mid of the payoff in the end. It worked for me. Hope it works for you.

Answer 2

Start with a week or so of day-time sleeping in the crib. And then, when that seems to be going well, put him in the crib at night. Expect a bit of fuss the first few nights, but once you´ve made the decision, stick with it. Don´t let your son fall asleep in bed with you, and then move him to the crib. How would you feel if you went to sleep in one place and realized later that you´d awakened in another? And, this doesn´t allow your son to learn how to go to sleep by himself, in his own crib. Definitely get him into the crib at night before separation anxiety starts (about 12 months)...or you´ll have him in your bed until age 3 like your older son.

Answer 3

You could start by putting the baby to sleep in your bed, if this is how you usually do it, and then transfer him to the crib. Its harder on the mom than the baby. If he wakes up, start all over again. It may take a week or so, but he'll get used to it. Good luck.

Answer 4

I had a friend who made the bottom draw in the dresser into a temporary crib. The baby was still able to hear them breath (or snore) and was content. Then put the baby into his own crib with a baby monitor.

Answer 5

Set up the cot in your room if you can. If not then set it up in the babies room, make sure it's nice a cosy for him, (usual no bumpers, quilts big toys), try swaddling to start with, maybe put in a nightie of yours that you've slept in (stay with me on this one!!), sometimes the smell of you can comfort them. Patience (as you know) and see how it goes....good luck with it all.