263. Baby Cries When Put in Crib? 3 Ways to Help Your Baby Love the Crib

Does your baby start crying the moment you put them in the crib? Whether you're practicing putting your baby down drowsy but awake or starting sleep training, bedtime can feel stressful when your little one protests every time they touch the mattress. In this episode, pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi shares three simple ways to help your baby or toddler develop more positive feelings about their crib. You'll learn why your mindset and facial expressions matter at bedtime, how a consistent bedtime song can become a comforting sleep cue, and why a joyful morning wake-up can help your child associate their crib with happy feelings. Allison also explains what to do when your baby cries as you approach the crib, why it's important to stay consistent with your bedtime routine, and how these small habits can support sleep now and make future transitions, like moving to a big kid bed, easier. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your mindset, facial expressions, and energy can influence how your baby experiences bedtime. How to stay calm and positive when your baby cries during crib practice or sleep training. Why ending your bedtime routine with the same song every night can create a familiar, comforting sleep cue. What to do when your baby starts crying as you walk toward the crib. How a fun, joyful wake-up can help your baby or toddler build positive associations with their crib. Why nighttime interactions should be calm and quiet while morning wake-ups can be playful and energetic. How these simple habits can help establish routines that support future sleep transitions. If your baby cries every time you put them in the crib, start with these three simple changes. You don't have to overhaul your entire bedtime routine to begin creating a more positive sleep experience. Resources Mentioned: Episode 91: A Simple Bedtime Routine That Takes 30 Minutes or Less Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Allison's plan to use Claude as a household manager 03:33 - Three ways to help your baby feel better about the crib 04:01 - Start bedtime with calm energy and a positive mindset 07:21 - Make a familiar song the final sleep cue 09:42 - What to do if your baby protests during the song 11:08 - Why to follow through with placing your baby in the crib 12:28 - Keep the song for the transition to a big-kid bed 13:23 - Make wake-ups joyful, even after a tearful sleep 15:45 - Keep overnight visits neutral and morning greetings upbeat 17:13 - The crib routine's bookends: calm bedtime and joyful wake-up Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube