Your baby’s evening wind-down may entail a bath, some singing and one last feeding before the lights are dimmed. And if she conks out toward the end of this routine, you probably just slide her into the crib and tiptoe away, right?
Actually, in the long run, it’s best if you strive to put your infant in the crib when she’s drowsy but still awake. For some help with what that really means, as well as how to do it and what to do if it’s just not working out, read on.
What does "drowsy but awake" mean?
Drowsy but awake means putting your baby down for a nap or at night before she’s sleeping soundly. The reason parents are urged to put their babies down this way is that it teaches infants a useful skill: how to fall asleep on their own.
Cuddling your sweetie and letting her drift off to dreamland in your arms may feel warm and cozy, but if she wakes up later on, she may fuss when she realizes that you're no longer there.
Wondering how to figure out whether your baby is drowsy? Try to spot some of the common sleep readiness signs, and you’ll be on your way. A baby who’s drowsy but awake will clue you in by yawning, rubbing her eyes, fussing or crying, or pulling her ear.
When should I start putting my baby down when she's drowsy but awake?
There's no set age for starting down the "drowsy but awake" path — you can start from birth, or introduce it even if you’ve been rocking your little one to sleep for months. Give it a shot as part of your regular evening schedule. You can also use the tactic as part of sleep training.
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Keep in mind that leaving her drowsy but awake may mean hearing a few cries, but allow her some time to settle in, and she’ll soon learn how to fall asleep on her own.
How do I start putting my baby down drowsy but awake?
Learning when to put your baby in the crib while she’s drowsy but still awake is a matter of watching for sleep patterns and cues. Here's how to start the process:
- Track her sleep patterns. From birth to around 3 months, infants sleep about 14 to 17 hours a day, including naps. If you can recognize a pattern over time, you’ll be able to anticipate her sleep needs and when she’s ready to go down. Pay special attention to your baby's "wake windows" (the amount of time your baby can be awake based on age and stage). Babies shouldn't be awake for more than 45 to 120 minutes between naps at this stage, depending on how old they are.
- Watch for sleep clues. Eye rubbing, yawning and some fussiness are all classic signs your baby is ready for bed. She might also suck her thumb or pull on her ear.
- Stick to the routine. Whether it’s naptime one or the longer evening version with a bath, feeding and a massage, both signal to your little one that it's time to tuck in.
- Try to separate eating from sleeping. If your baby regularly falls asleep at the bottle or breast, she’ll come to expect that every time. Instead, move the feeding to the beginning of your nap or bedtime routine.
- Wait before entering. If she starts to cry overnight, hold off for a few minutes before entering her room — she may fall back to sleep by herself.
- Keep visits brief. When you do go in, offer some quick comfort with a pat on the head or a tummy rub, but don’t linger or pick her up, as she may come to expect it at each waking.
What if "drowsy but awake" isn’t working out?
Does the goal of drowsy but awake seem impossible? Even if you think it’s not working out, each attempt at putting your baby down before she’s asleep is probably helping. Not every drowsy baby tuck-in will result in blissful Zzzs, but try not to give up too soon.
Consistency is key with this process and if you give your baby some time, she’ll likely get the hang of what you’re trying to teach her and will be able to fall asleep — and stay that way — without needing your assistance or reassurance.
As with any new skill, practice makes perfect when it comes to getting your baby to fall asleep after putting her to bed drowsy but awake. Soon enough, you’ll have shown your little one that she’s more than capable of self-soothing in the crib, and you can place her there every night with confidence.
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