Baby needs constant care and attention even after parents think they’ve got the hang of it. You need to keep checking on your baby all the time, which can be a challenge when you have a hectic day job and other family commitments that you need to coordinate around too.
Don’t worry; leaving your baby in their crib while you run errands or take care of other needs won’t harm them. In fact, there are certain benefits for babies who are left awake, such as developing cognitive thinking skills, learning self-soothing techniques, and understanding the world around them through visual stimulation. Here are some tips on how to leave your baby in the crib awake safely:
Should you leave your baby in the crib if awake but not crying?
If your baby is awake but not crying, it’s safe to leave them in their crib.
If your baby starts crying or fussing, you need to return immediately. Along with the risk of startling them (which can cause them to choke on their own saliva), you also have the risk of disturbing your baby from a deep sleep, which could negatively affect their sleep routine.
When your baby is awake and restless in their crib, it’s best for parents to be nearby so that they can quickly help them settle down. If you don’t have somebody around that can manage this task for you, check out some of our tips on how to calm babies when they are fussy.
How long should I let my baby lay awake in the crib?
The amount of time your baby should be left awake in their crib will vary. Some parents leave their babies in the crib for a short period of time, while others let them stay up for an hour or more. There’s no set rule, but it’s important to consider all the needs of your baby and the family members who will be at home with them.
A general guideline is to leave your baby up to an hour when you’re not around to check on them unless they happen to be sleeping soundly. If they’re fussy or restless, it might be best to give them shorter periods of time and make sure they are comfortable before leaving again.
Is it OK to leave my baby alone in the crib?
Yes, it is okay to leave your baby in the crib alone. Babies are more likely to sleep better when left alone for short periods of time. But, you should still check on your baby frequently.
A quick tip: set a timer for 15-minute intervals
The volume of noises has been shown to increase at increasing intervals throughout the day–the same goes for babies; they tend to wake up more towards evening hours and then again in the morning hours. By setting a timer, you will be able to monitor how long your baby spends awake during different hours of the day and adjust accordingly.
