How do I get my 5 week old to sleep in his cradle?

How do I get my 5 week old to sleep in his cradle?

My son is 5 weeks. Ever since I have brought him home he will not sleep in the cradle. I put him down once he is asleep and eventually once he has been put in there he cries. He will stop once I get him out. Is it too soon to let him cry it out?

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How do I get my 5 week old to sleep in his cradle?

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Jul 11, 2009
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A Little Too Early, But There's Still Hope
by: Heather ;-)

Dear Friend,

The first 8 weeks of a newborn are (in my opinion) the hardest. Eating...sleeping...it's new for both of you (no matter how many kids you have). The whole family is adjusting.

However, 5 weeks is too early to let him cry it out. He's still trying to adjust to his new surroundings. (After all, he spent 9 MONTHS in there!) Crying at this age is needs-driven (not wants driven) and should prompt parental attention.

Elena was exactly like that. It was really difficult those first several weeks. My husband would allow her to sleep on his chest on the couch.

You have a few options. First, wait a little longer after he "falls asleep" before putting him down. I would say about 30 minutes after it seems he's asleep.

Second, you could purchase a SAFE co-sleeper. One that is a separate box that sits in your bed, or one that attaches to the side of your bed would be best. However, most likely it's your body warmth, smell, and heart beat that's soothing him. (Things he won't get in a co-sleepr if he doesn't get them in his cradle.)

Here's the good news: At around 7-8 weeks you can start adjusting him to a more regular feeding/sleeping schedule. At this point, it would be fine to allow him to cry for a few minutes at first, as he adjusts. (You're almost there!) More than 15 minutes for a baby this young would be too long. (However, that time can lengthen as he gets older and starts crying because he's mad - not because he needs anything.)

I create my infant schedules loosely around the ones used in Babywise. Personally, I don't think it's organized very well (a review of this book is coming), but it does have some good nuggets of information and scheduling tips I use pretty regularly with every baby.

Finally, I would encourage you to know your limits. A constantly crying baby is very stressful. I'll admit there were times with Elena that I felt frustrated. (I spent all this time getting her to sleep, and then put her down and WHAM! she's crying again!)

Those are the times Cameron (my husband) would step in and I'd go for a walk or head into another room for some "get away" time. (And vice versa for him.)

If you're a single mom, put him down when you feel your stress level rising and walk away. (Put in some ear plugs if you have to! I did!). It is better for you to get some composure and for him to "cry it out" (no matter the age) so you can go back in and hold him than to have a moment of uncontrollable rage where you do something you regret for years to come (like shake him).

As a mother and former social worker, I know that we are ALL potential "baby shakers". The difference between those who make that mistake and those who don't has everything to do with knowing limits. It's not about getting the baby to stop crying. It's about getting yourself under control to meet the baby's needs in a calm and loving manner.
I hope this helps, feel free to write back if needed!
much, much care,
Heather

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Jul 11, 2009
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Submitted by: Heather ;-)

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Dear Friend, The first 8 weeks of a newborn are (in my opinion) the hardest. Eating...sleeping...it's new for both of you (no matter how many kids you have). The whole family is adjusting. However, 5 weeks is too early to let him cry it out. He's still trying to adjust to his new surroundings. (After all, he spent 9 MONTHS in there!) Crying at this age is needs-driven (not wants driven) and should prompt parental attention. Elena was exactly like that. It was really difficult those first several weeks. My husband would allow her to sleep on his chest on the couch. You have a few options. First, wait a little longer after he "falls asleep" before putting him down. I would say about 30 minutes after it seems he's asleep. Second, you could purchase a SAFE co-sleeper. One that is a separate box that sits in your bed, or one that attaches to the side of your bed would be best. However, most likely it's your body warmth, smell, and heart beat that's soothing him. (Things he won't get in a co-sleepr if he doesn't get them in his cradle.) Here's the good news: At around 7-8 weeks you can start adjusting him to a more regular feeding/sleeping schedule. At this point, it would be fine to allow him to cry for a few minutes at first, as he adjusts. (You're almost there!) More than 15 minutes for a baby this young would be too long. (However, that time can lengthen as he gets older and starts crying because he's mad - not because he needs anything.) I create my infant schedules loosely around the ones used in <i>Babywise</i>. Personally, I don't think it's organized very well (a review of this book is coming), but it does have some good nuggets of information and scheduling tips I use pretty regularly with every baby. Finally, I would encourage you to know your limits. A constantly crying baby is very stressful. I'll admit there were times with Elena that I felt frustrated. (I spent all this time getting her to sleep, and then put her down and WHAM! she's crying again!) Those are the times Cameron (my husband) would step in and I'd go for a walk or head into another room for some "get away" time. (And vice versa for him.) If you're a single mom, put him down when you feel your stress level rising and walk away. (Put in some ear plugs if you have to! I did!). It is better for you to get some composure and for him to "cry it out" (no matter the age) so you can go back in and hold him than to have a moment of uncontrollable rage where you do something you regret for years to come (like shake him). As a mother and former social worker, I know that we are ALL potential "baby shakers". The difference between those who make that mistake and those who don't has everything to do with knowing limits. It's not about getting the baby to stop crying. It's about getting yourself under control to meet the baby's needs in a calm and loving manner. I hope this helps, feel free to write back if needed! much, much care, Heather

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