How to Make a Baby Sleep: 7 Parent-Tested Tips!

Does your baby fall asleep in your arms but then wake up when you lay them down? Moms in the ParenTeam community shared their specific, gentle techniques for this exact moment. 

• When you slowly lay your baby down, don't let go right away.
• Keep one hand on your baby's head and your other hand on their feet or tummy, so they feel as if you're still there and hugging them.
• Mommy Kat uses a pillow to elevate the baby's head during the transfer, then slowly removes the pillow when she's sure her baby is in a deep sleep. (More on safe sleep tips below.) 

4. Swaddle to Mimic Your Hug 

A snug swaddle gives your baby that same secure feeling as your hug ("para pakiramdam nya karga pa din sya," says mommy Jen). It can also help prevent their startle reflex (when their arms suddenly flail) from waking them up between baby sleep cycles. 

While swaddling can be effective at calming a fussy baby because it mimics the womb, Harvard Health notes that you need to use it safely. 

• Stop swaddling when they show signs of rolling since this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Always put your baby on their back, even when swaddled.
• Keep the swaddle loose at the hips and legs to be able to bend up and out (like a frog), preventing hip problems.
• Watch for signs of overheating, and that your baby isn't sweating or flushed, as a swaddle is an extra layer of clothing. 

5. Check for Kabag 

Sometimes, the problem isn't the routine at all. You can do all the steps perfectly (dim lights, swaddle, white noise), but if your baby is still crying, they might be uncomfortable.

Before you try another sleep trick, check for kabag (colic or gas), shares Diana, a first-time mom. A gassy, bloated tummy can be painful, making it impossible for your baby to settle, no matter how tired they are. Gently feel their tummy or try burping them again.  

6. Ask for Help from Your Support System 

You're not meant to do this alone. A good support system is incredibly important, especially when you're exhausted, advises Cheska, a mom of two. This can be your partner, a yaya, or anyone who can take over for you. In their sleep training plan, her husband did night duty specifically to give her a break. 

A 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that a father's nighttime involvement directly reduced the mother's insomnia. It also indirectly improved the child's sleep by boosting the mom's relationship satisfaction and parenting confidence. (It's worth noting the study was self-reported by moms and shows a link, not a direct cause.) 

7. Practice Patience, Calm, and Acceptance 

This is all about your mindset. Be patient, as this is just a phase. But also practice acceptance; you have to accept that it won’t always go smoothly. Your baby's first year will have regressions, teething, and sick days that will mess up the routine. 

This is also why staying calm is key. Your baby can feel your stress, making it harder for them to settle. If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath and tag in your partner. 

A Quick Note on Safe Sleep 

While you're trying all these wonderful tips, it's critical to remember the rules for safe sleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), once your baby is in the crib or bed and you walk away, the sleep space must be empty. 

• Back is Best: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Firm and Flat: Use a firm, flat crib mattress with only a fitted sheet.
• Empty is Safest: Their sleep space should be empty. No pillows, no blankets, and no soft toys once your baby is left to sleep. 

Remember, learning how to make a baby sleep might take some time. Every baby is different. What works for one may not work for you. If you’re still struggling with baby sleep problems, be patient with yourself and your little one. But know that you're not alone in this, and you’re doing a great job.

Connect with other parents who’ve gone through the same challenges! Join the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your tips on how to make a baby sleep.