How to get baby to sleep in crib from pappasan seat?

[tnunnall]

At 4 weeks old, after a night of getting 1 hour of sleep -- using the baby whisperer techniques -- we used the baby papasan (sp?) as an alternative to the bassinet.
Now 11 weeks he will only sleep in his papasan (night) and swing (day time naps) -- they aren't turned on, so it isn't the motion. He sleeps VERY well in them. He doesn't have reflux so that isn't it. My theory is he likes feel cuddled and I think the crib feels vast and scary. He instantly crys and flails his arms & legs when we put him down flat to sleep.

How to get baby to sleep in crib? Is there anything safe I can put in his crib to help him feel "cuddled"? Any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks so much!!!!

[Anonymous]

You might try a swaddler, one of those blankets with velcro to wrap them up. That doesn't last forever, but you can probably do it at that age.

Usually it takes time for babies to adjust to changes, so your best bet is to be persistent.

[tnunnall]

Thanks Anonymous.

We tried swaddling him in the bassinet before moving him to the chair. Alas, I don't think it will work. Because (1) he self-soothes by sucking on his hands and (2) he likes to have his hands up by his face (the way he was in the womb). He will wiggle and wiggle until he hands are free of the swaddling blanket. The unintended and unpleasant consequence is that he also works his diaper down his bum so there are blow-outs. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

I had the same thing, OP. My dd would sleep in swaddled in her boppy when she was a newborn, but hated the crib or the cradle for a long time.

Have you tried a sleep positioner? I put my baby to sleep on her side in it, but with enough space that she rolls onto her back when she falls asleep. It is great. She isn't a huge wiggler and always stays in place, even though the positioner doesn't hug her tightly. We got one with velcro attachment by Early Years. Helps our baby feel secure and she sleeps like a dream now at 4 months.

[Anonymous]

Try swaddling him with one arm out, then he will feel snug and cuddled but still be able to put his hand up by his face and suck on it. My son does the same thing and this has worked well for us

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP about using the sleep positioner. We did that for a while and I think it was a good transition into the crib because it made the crib seem smaller and cozier to her. Once she learned to roll over, we really couldn't use the sleep positioner any longer because we were afraid that she would push herself into the velcro attachments and not be able to breathe. But by then (at 4 months old), she was used to the crib and able to sleep without the positioner. Also, we give her a little lovey -- one of those small soft blankies that are SIDS-safe. At first she barely noticed it but now she likes to clutch it and put it in her mouth and I think it makes her feel more secure in the vast crib.

[Anonymous]

another vote for the sleep positioner. we're finally transitioning our 7-week-old DD to the crib/cradle/bassinet and she won't sleep on her back without one. I took another one into daycare for her crib there. (Until recently, she would only sleep on mom or dad, not including short naps in the boppy or pappasan.)

you may also have to adjust the angle of the positioner even higher. you're not supposed to use blankets/sheets in the crib due to the suffocation risk, so I propped up the positioner with my copy of "What to Expect." Totally works.

an alternative is these crib wedges they sell that angle the entire mattress.

good luck!