My baby won't sleep in his crib, what can I do?
When evening comes, it’s time for everyone in the family to wind down and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
But your little one has other plans — they'd much rather spend more time with you!
In short, your baby won't sleep in the crib.
And they’ll try anything to make it happen. At first, it’s all about crying and screaming. As they grow, more creative excuses start to appear: "I’m thirsty,” “I need a cuddle from Mommy… and Daddy… and Mommy again,” “The door is making a weird noise,” and so on.
So, why does your baby refuse to sleep in their crib? Should you give in or stay firm when the tears start flowing? Let’s take a closer look at this tricky phase every new parent goes through.
Baby’s Room: A Tough Choice for Parents!
Baby sleep is one of the trickiest parenting topics.
Should your baby sleep in their own room or is it okay if they share your bed for a while? Ask five families, and you’ll get five different answers — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
It’s up to you to decide what feels right — based on your instincts, lifestyle, and of course, your baby’s comfort.
👉 Some parents, especially those who sleep like a rock and have a spacious bed, won’t mind if their baby climbs into bed with them in the middle of the night.
👉 On the other hand, light sleepers or insomniacs might prefer to help their baby learn to sleep independently.
Whichever option you choose, there’s no right or wrong answer. Don’t feel guilty if your baby sleeps with you — or if you decide it’s time they fall asleep without Mommy or Daddy by their side.
Helping your baby sleep is a tough milestone for every family. Just remember — one day, you’ll be the one trying to wake your teenager up at 11 a.m.!
Why Won’t Baby Sleep in the Crib?
Whether or not your baby sleeps in your bed is a personal choice — but understanding why your baby cries in the crib can make all the difference.
Right now, your baby doesn’t have the full set of tools to express themselves.
Crying and fussing are the only ways they can tell you something’s wrong.
To better understand your baby’s tears, here are some common reasons:
- Separation anxiety: Remember, you're a team — but at bedtime, your baby has to fall asleep alone, which can be scary.
- Baby is unwell or uncomfortable: Teething pain or tummy troubles can keep your little one from falling asleep peacefully.
- Nightmares or night terrors: Your baby may need comfort. Between 0 and 9 months, it’s hard for them to tell dreams from reality. Waking from a bad dream can be very unsettling.
- Feeling unsafe: A strange sound or unfamiliar object in the room might be frightening and prevent your baby from drifting off.
- Overstimulation or stress from the day: Big emotions or new experiences can also make it harder to settle down at night.
Whenever possible, try to figure out why your baby refuses to sleep in the crib.
If your baby wakes up frequently after a nightmare, it could mean that something is bothering them emotionally.
Also check for noises that might disturb your baby’s sleep at the same time each night — like a neighbor’s loud TV.
Baby Refuses Bedtime: Is It a Sleep Regression?
Around 8 months old, many babies go through what's known as a sleep regression.
Even if your baby used to fall asleep on their own, suddenly they can’t bear to be without you at bedtime.
This phase is completely normal — and actually part of healthy development. Separation anxiety tends to peak, and your little one needs extra comfort and reassurance. It can be a challenging time for both baby and parents!
The key is to be patient and help your baby feel safe and secure.
If there’s no external reason and you're past the regression phase, your baby’s bedtime resistance might simply be a habit — or just part of their unique personality.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep in Their Own Room
Of course, it’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly what’s keeping your baby from sleeping — especially after a night or two of poor sleep!
But there are a few tips that can make things easier.
Pay attention to the little details.
Keep the room temperature between 18 and 20°C, and make sure the mattress supports your baby’s back properly. Avoid overheating and skip oversized stuffed animals that could disturb their sleep.
Consider using a nightlight, and let a bit of natural light in come morning so your baby can recognize their surroundings when they wake up.
Not only is it a special moment you share together, but consistency and repetition each night help soothe your baby and teach them the difference between daytime and nighttime.
After dinner and right after bath time, spend a few calm minutes together in the nursery. Read a short story and shower your baby with hugs and kisses!
However, after 5 months (depending on your baby’s individual sleep patterns), they’re usually capable of sleeping for longer stretches at night.
It’s not that your baby doesn’t want to sleep alone — they just don’t know they can.
Here too, a solid bedtime routine will be your best ally in helping them gradually let go of this habit. Try reducing nursing time by a few minutes each night. As soon as you notice those heavy eyelids starting to close, it’s time to tuck them in!
But most importantly — don’t get frustrated! Try to stay calm and understanding.
Your baby may not feel safe in their room, even if they can’t explain why. Getting angry will only heighten their anxiety.
Give them the comfort they’re asking for, reassure them gently, then leave the room while letting them know you’re just nearby and everything is okay.
The Controlled Crying Technique (CCT):
Many pediatricians and parents refer to the popular 5-10-15 method, or what’s known as gradual waiting. The idea is to wait 5 minutes before going into the baby’s room the first time, then 10 minutes, and finally 15.
You restart the sequence each night. While this technique can show results within 3 to 7 days, it remains controversial. It’s usually best to avoid the 5-10-15 approach with babies under one year, and instead use shorter intervals — something closer to 1-3-5 minutes.
Helping your baby sleep is something every family faces.
Sleep difficulties affect up to 20–30% of babies.
This is a natural stage in your baby’s development, but it can feel overwhelming — especially when your own days are already full and exhausting!
If you feel the need, don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatrician, or consider getting a full night’s rest by asking a trusted family member to look after your baby for an evening.
To learn more about the different types of sleep challenges babies may face, check out our article: Baby Sleep Troubles Explained.
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I bought REMI for my 4-year-old son who didn’t want to sleep alone anymore after his little sister was born. Thanks to the remote wake-up system and bedtime stories I can play from a distance, the issue is completely resolved! I 100% recommend this purchase!
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