How to Make Crib More Comfortable for Baby?

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Do you have a baby at home? If so, you know that it can be difficult to get them to sleep through the night. One way to help them get more rest is by making sure their crib is comfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can make your baby’s crib more comfortable. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right crib mattress for your child. So, keep reading!

how to make baby’s crib more comfortable?

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so it’s important to make sure their crib is as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips on how to make a crib more comfortable for a baby:

Use sleep sacks or swaddle wrap:

Babies like to be cozy and snug, so using a sleep sack or swaddle wrap can help them feel more comfortable in their crib.

As you can’t use a blanket in the crib to keep your baby warm because it’s a suffocation hazard, a sleep sack or swaddle wrap is a great alternative.

White noise or soothing music:

Playing white noise or a soothing music in the background can help calm and relax a baby. This can help them fall asleep and stay asleep for longer periods of time.

It eliminates outside noises and distractions that could potentially wake up a sleeping baby. So, soft baby lullabies or a white noise machine can create a calming environment for your baby to sleep in. 

Offer a pacifier: 

Sucking is a calming and soothing reflex for babies. As you can’t put anything in the crib with your baby, offering a pacifier can help them self-soothe and feel more comfortable.

According to a new study, pacifier usage during sleep decreased the incidence of SIDS by 90 percent.

“If you use a pacifier, that baby’s risk disappears,” says De-Kun Li, a reproductive epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif.

So, if your baby is having trouble sleeping in the crib, offering a pacifier could be a helpful solution.

Crib mobile:

Hanging a mobile above the crib can help soothe and calm a baby. The movement and colors of the mobile can be visually stimulating for a baby and help them drift off to sleep.

Maintain appropriate room temperature:

It’s essential to make sure the room your baby is sleeping in isn’t too hot or too cold. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal room temperature for a baby’s sleep environment is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the room is too hot or too cold, it can make it difficult for a baby to sleep. So, maintaining a comfortable room temperature is important for a good night’s sleep.

Make sure the crib is clean and clutter-free:

A clean and clutter-free crib will help your baby feel more comfortable and relaxed. Remove any toys or stuffed animals from the crib, as these can be a suffocation hazard.

Also, make sure the sheets and blankets are clean and free of any wrinkles or creases. This will help your baby to have a comfortable surface to sleep on.

Following these tips can help make sure your baby is as comfortable as possible in their crib and help them to get a good night’s sleep.

Also read: How long can a baby use a mini crib

Why Do Babies Refuse to Sleep in Cribs?

There are many reasons why babies may refuse to sleep in cribs. It may be due to the fact that they are not used to sleeping in them, or it may be because they find the cribs uncomfortable. Additionally, some babies simply do not like being confined to a small space.

Here, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why babies may refuse to sleep in their cribs.

It is something new: 

For many babies, the crib is a new and unfamiliar environment. They may have only ever slept in your arms or a bassinet by your bedside. The crib can feel like a cold, hard, and impersonal place compared to your body’s warmth and close proximity.

You can try to help your baby feel more comfortable in the crib by following the above tips and tricks.

Babies become overtired and are unable to sleep: 

If your baby is overstimulated, they may have difficulty falling asleep in their crib. It’s important to create a calm and relaxed environment for your baby at bedtime. This means avoiding loud noises, bright lights, and stimulating activities before they go to sleep.

Additionally, you should make sure that your baby is getting enough daytime sleep. If they are overtired, it will be more difficult for them to fall asleep at night.

The crib is uncomfortable:

If your baby’s crib is uncomfortable, they may not want to sleep in it. Make sure that the crib mattress is firm and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the side of the crib. Additionally, check to see if the sheets are clean and comfortable.

Your baby may also be more comfortable sleeping in a sleep sack or swaddle. This can help them feel warm and secure, which may encourage them to sleep in their crib.

Your baby is sick:

If your baby is sick, they may not want to sleep in their crib. This is because they may feel more comfortable sleeping in your arms or on your chest. Additionally, they may not want to be in a crib if they are experiencing pain.

If your baby is sick, it’s important to consult with their doctor before making any changes to their sleep routine.

Your baby is teething:

Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for your baby. They may not want to sleep in their crib if they are experiencing pain. You can try giving your baby a teething ring or pacifier to help ease their discomfort.

Additionally, you may want to consult your baby’s doctor about using pain relief medication.

The baby is scared of the dark:

Some babies are scared of the dark and may not want to sleep in their crib if they cannot see you. You can try leaving a nightlight on in their room to help them feel more comfortable.

You may also want to stay in the room with your baby until they fall asleep. This can help them feel more secure and may encourage them to sleep in their crib.

Your baby is not ready for a crib:

Some babies simply are not ready to sleep in a crib. This may be due to the fact that they are not yet developmentally prepared or because they are used to sleeping in your arms.

If your baby is not ready for a crib, you can try using a bassinet or cosleeper. This will allow your baby to sleep close to you while still being in their own space.

Additionally, you can try slowly transitioning your baby to the crib by starting with naps. This will allow them to become more accustomed to the crib before they have to sleep in it for an extended period of time.

Also read: How to keep baby warm in crib without blankets

Things You Should Consider in Making a Crib Safe

Babies often sleep 14-16 hours a day throughout their first year of life. With this in mind, babies will be spending a considerable time in the crib; thus, as parents, we must ensure that the crib meets all safety standards to provide us peace of mind.

When buying a crib, you must:

• Ensure that the gap between the crib slats does not exceed two and a half inches so that your child’s body does not fit between the slats.
• Confirm that the crib paint is harmless. Cracked or peeling paint might potentially harm your infant.
• Be aware of cribs that are more than ten years old since cribs manufactured before 2011 may pose a safety risk.
• Check for any cutouts on the baseboard or headboard where your baby’s arms, legs, or head may get trapped.

Before placing your infant in a crib, make sure it is appropriately assembled:

• Screws should not be loose, misplaced, or missing.
• Brackets and other materials must also be placed appropriately, and there should be no missing parts.
• If you notice that some materials are missing when building the baby’s crib, it may be tempting to merely DIY it or purchase something from the hardware shop. Otherwise, you can contact the manufacturer to see if anyone can give you the missing parts.

Also, you can inspect the crib regularly to verify that nothing has come loose and that no damage might pose a safety hazard.

Also read: How do I stop my baby from eating paint off crib

Things You Should Consider in Making a Crib Mattress Safe

You have mastered the crib safety, now let us proceed to the mattress.

Choose a mattress that fits comfortably within the crib and is sturdy enough not to indent if you put your palm into it.

Moreover, another thing to keep in mind is to stay up to speed on product recalls. The simplest method to accomplish this is to enroll your crib or mattress with the supplier when you buy it to get responsibility for safety or product recall problems.

Size

Mattresses must be at least 27 and 1/4 inches by 51 and 1/4 inches size, with a thickness of no more than 6 inches.

The two-finger test may be used to ensure that your mattress fits snuggly within the crib. If you can squeeze two fingers between the crib and the mattress, your mattress has failed the snug test.

Firmness

We’ve talked about mattress firmness, but how can you measure it?

When you press on the mattress with your palm, it should remain firm and spring back. Your palm must not fall and imprint the mattress, indicating that it is overly soft and plush.

Also read: Mini cribs for small spaces

What Else Can You Put in Your Baby’s Crib That Is Safe?

When you were delivering your baby, you most likely had the crib wrapped with soft blankets and elegantly arranged with little cushions and charming little pets for your little one to cuddle with.

While the sight may seem beautiful, the truth is that your infant needs a basic, unadorned bed during their first year.

They’ll grow to adore their plush animals in no time!

Blankets

Blankets are also not suggested for use on cribs since they might increase the risk of asphyxia. Instead of blankets, use wearable blankets, swaddles, or sleepers for your baby.

Crib Bumpers

Crib bumpers are intended to make the cot more comfortable while also reducing the possibility of your baby banging his head or other parts of his body against the hard crib.

In addition, crib bumpers are also a suffocation threat, and if your baby can stand, he may attempt to stand up on the crib bumpers and tumble off the crib.

Stuffed Toys

Soft plush toys may seem appealing to place in your baby’s bed to keep him company as he sleeps; however, it is a big no-no.

Pillows and cushions might suffocate your kid and harm them.

Why Does Your Baby Refuse to Sleep on a Firm Mattress?

It may seem like the infant dislikes the mattress, and it may be tempting to replace it with something comfier.

No matter how appealing it may seem, a firm mattress is the safest choice for your baby.

In this situation, having a regular nightly schedule would be really beneficial. Newborns and kids are very flexible. As long as you maintain your steady pattern of placing the baby on a hard mattress, they will get used to it.

Why Do Babies Dislike Lying Flat on Their Backs?

Whenever it comes to child sleep, one key point to remember would be that “Back is Best.” But what if your kid refuses to sleep or lie flat on their back?

When the baby falls asleep in a different position, move him so that he is flat on his back, which is the safest and lowers the chance of SIDS.

If your infant is frequently sobbing and refuses to lie down on their back, this could be an indication of acid reflux; then you should see your physician.

More Tips You Should Consider

• Consider whatever babies like — Consider what they like — is it sound or motion? Look for methods to include such activities into their time in the crib if they routinely fall asleep in a noisy room or while you are driving. Buzzing mattress coverings or white noise devices may be used to recreate the things they find calming.
• Your norm is different —It is alright if you do not do what everyone else does. If your baby is quiet in the stroller, you may integrate a brief stroller ride into your nighttime routine, even if it’s only around the living room. Make the transition to the crib once they’re peaceful.
• Do not use the crib as a kind of time-out or punishment.
• Check if the crib is appropriate for their development and age. Keep an eye on their development and make sure to lower the mattress and keep stuff out of their reach as they change and grow. You cannot add cushions and blankets until the child is developmentally mature.

Babies need sleep since most of their development happens while they sleep.

Furthermore, getting your infant to sleep in his or her crib, like other aspects of parenting, is a constant learning process for the both of you. Embracing what works, inventing your unique practices, and being consistent may help make the crib more comfortable for the baby.

Wrapping up:

Thanks for reading the complete guide on how to make crib more comfortable for baby. We hope you’ve found this guide helpful and informative.

To wrap up, we just want to mention that making your crib more comfortable for baby is a process, and it may take some time to get everything just right. But with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll get there eventually.

Thanks once again! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help you in any way we can.

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