Free guide 02
Why won't my baby stay asleep in the cot?
Wakes the moment you lay them down? Only naps on you?
Understand why babies often wake on the way down, what else may be playing a part, and what to look at next.
What's inside the guide
- What waking on transfer can look like
- A put-down, moment by moment: where wake-ups tend to happen
- Why your arms and the cot feel so different to a baby
- Which pattern sounds most like your baby
- Five questions to ask at each put-down
- A simple put-down log to fill in
Who it's for
Parents of babies 0 to 12 months whose baby falls asleep in their arms, feeding or rocking, then wakes when laid in the cot, or who only naps well on them.
Common questions
Why does my baby wake up when I put them down?
Young babies often drift off in a lighter, more active sleep, so being moved can wake them. In the early months the startle reflex can be triggered as they are lowered, and the change from warm arms to a cooler, flatter mattress is something babies notice.
Is it normal for my newborn to only sleep on me?
Yes. Wanting to be held a lot and waking on transfer is normal and expected in the early months. It is not something you need to fix, and the reasons behind it can change as babies grow.
Is it safe for my baby to nap on me?
If your baby sleeps on you, stay awake. Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair is especially risky. For every sleep, day and night, the safest place is on their back, on a firm, flat, clear surface in their own cot or Moses basket.
Does this guide use sleep training?
No. The guide helps you notice what is happening first. The Sweet Night Baby approach is gentle and responsive and never involves leaving your baby to cry.
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