How to Transfer a Sleeping Baby to Their Crib Without Waking Them

Transferring a sleeping baby from your arms to their crib without waking them can be a real challenge. If you’ve been through the cycle of baby sleeping peacefully only to stir as soon as you lay them down, you’re not alone. Thankfully, baby sleep consultant Alice Bloomfield shares a simple trick that might help.

The Secret: Feet First

Bloomfield’s key tip for transferring a baby without waking them is to lower them feet first into the crib. This slow, intentional movement can prevent the startle reflex (also known as the Moro Reflex) from being triggered. The Moro Reflex is activated when babies feel sudden, jarring movements, especially when their head falls backward too quickly.

How to Do It:

1. Start with the Feet: Begin by lowering your baby feet-first into the crib.
2. Support the Head: As you gently roll your baby down (from feet to bum, to stomach, neck, and head), make sure to support their head throughout the motion.
3. Swaddle: Wrapping baby in a snug swaddle can also help reduce the startle reflex, keeping them calm as you lay them down.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alice Bloomfield | Baby Sleep Consultant (@cozybabysleep)

Why It Works

By making the transition slow and gradual, the risk of startling baby is reduced, and they’re more likely to remain asleep. The key is the controlled movement and making sure their head doesn’t move too suddenly, which often triggers the startle reflex.

Parents Share Their Experiences

While many parents have found success with this method, it’s not foolproof. Some have shared that their babies weren’t as impressed with the new technique:

• “This would have been useful information 8 years ago,” one mom joked, acknowledging the challenges of figuring out sleep tricks.
• “My baby stared at me like ‘nice try,’” shared another parent, highlighting that not every baby will cooperate.

Final Thoughts

Though this method might not work every time, many parents have found it to be a game-changer. It’s a simple, no-gadget approach that might help you get a few extra hours of sleep without the hassle of repeated transfers. If this doesn’t work for your baby, other techniques, like creating a soothing sleep routine, might help.