sleep issue -- advice needed

Becky19

So James will STTN (yay!) if swaddled and in his bouncer. However, if swaddled and placed in his crib, he will wake up several times at night. The same is true with naps - he naps much better in the bouncer than crib.

I really want to get him in his crib but it is so tempting to just continue with the bouncer for the time being because he sleeps so well in there. He is still so young that I feel like it is too early to worry about setting up bad habits. What do you all think? Let him sleep in the bouncer still for a bit longer and then try the crib again when he is a bit older? We do have a bedtime and naptime routine and actually put the bouncer IN the crib to make it seem more "legit."

crownedbee

Have you tried elevating one side of the crib and placing him in the center of some rolled up receiving blankets so he feels like he's still in the bouncer?  That might give him the feeling of the incline and being 'hugged' in the bouncer.

oh-zysbaby

Personally, I think 3 months is early to worry about habits. However, as you get closer to 6 months you could really set up some bad ones. I did, completely by accident.

I'd just keep trying, while continuing to do what makes him (and you) sleep. Maybe start to force the issue more at naptime. As he gets to be more like 5 months, you might have to work harder at it. Maybe sooner, because the bouncer will be less stable as he gets heavier. The swaddling should make the differences between the two pretty small...is the crib mattress maybe uncomfortable? I mean, they are all uncomfortable...maybe a mattress pad?

Becky19

crownedbee:

Have you tried elevating one side of the crib and placing him in the center of some rolled up receiving blankets so he feels like he's still in the bouncer?  That might give him the feeling of the incline and being 'hugged' in the bouncer.

That's a good idea- thanks. Haven't tried it.

Becky19

Thanks ladies- very helpful.