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Baby and toddler

Drowsy but awake

Laying a baby down in the crib when they're sleepy but still awake, so they practice falling asleep on their own.

What It Means

Drowsy but awake means putting a baby into the crib once they're sleepy and calm, before they've actually fallen asleep. HealthyChildren.org, the AAP's site for parents, recommends it because a baby who drifts off in their own bed learns to fall asleep without being rocked or fed to sleep. Cleveland Clinic notes that every sleep trainingSleep trainingTeaching a baby to fall asleep on their own, both at bedtime and after waking in the night, using a planned, consistent method. See more method starts from this same point: a tired baby who isn't asleep yet.

Try It: Is Now the Moment to Lay Baby Down?

Pick where your baby is right now and see what the AAP's parent site suggests.

What to do

This is drowsy but awake. Lay your baby in the crib now.

Every time: on the back, on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet.

How Parents Say It

  • "Put her down drowsy but awake, like the pediatrician said."
  • "He was almost out, so I laid him down."
  • "She only falls asleep if I'm rocking her."

The Breakdown

How it fits by age

AgeWhat the sources saySource
NewbornNewbornA baby in the first 28 days of life, the stage doctors also call the neonatal period. See moreSleep is short and night feeds are still needed, so newborns shouldn't be sleep trainedCleveland Clinic
Around 4 monthsMany babies are ready to start learning to settle themselves; some are ready a bit earlier, others nearer 6 monthsCleveland Clinic
About 6 monthsWaking in the night and resettling after a few minutes is normal, so there's no need to rush inHealthyChildren.org
4 to 12 months12 to 16 hours of sleep in 24, naps includedAASM, endorsed by the AAP

How to practice it

  1. Run the same short bedtime routineBedtime routineThe same short series of calm steps a child goes through each night before sleep, such as brushing teeth, reading a book and lights out at a set time. See more each night.
  2. Watch for the moment your baby is calm and heavy-eyed.
  3. Lay them in the crib on their back while their eyes are still open.
  4. Give them a few minutes to settle before going back in.

When to talk to the doctor. If your baby can't settle at all, seems unwell, or you're unsure whether they still need night feeds, bring it up with your pediatrician. Cleveland Clinic also suggests checkingChecking accountA bank or credit union account for everyday money going in and out, used by debit card, checks, transfers and direct deposit. See more with the pediatrician before starting any sleep training.

Good to Know

Safe sleepSafe sleepThe AAP's rules for lowering the risk of SIDS and suffocation: baby on the back, alone, on a firm flat surface in their own sleep space, every sleep. See more still applies at every bedtime and nap. The AAP says babies should sleep on their back, in their own sleep space, on a firm, flat surface with nothing but a fitted sheet. HealthyChildren.org adds that starting solid food early won't help a baby sleep through the night, and it advises against solids before about 6 months.

FAQ

What does drowsy but awake mean?

It means your baby is sleepy and relaxed but their eyes are still open when you put them in the crib. They finish falling asleep on their own, which HealthyChildren.org says helps them learn to do it.

At what age should I start putting my baby down drowsy but awake?

Cleveland Clinic says many babies are ready to learn to settle themselves around 4 months, some a little earlier and some closer to 6 months. Newborns aren't ready for sleep training, so ask your pediatrician if you're unsure.

What if my baby wakes up as soon as I lay them down?

Give them a few minutes to settle, since HealthyChildren.org advises against rushing in. If crying goes on, check that everything's all right, keep the lights dim and leave again once they're calm.

Do It in Buhata

Reminders and Notes

Set a Reminder in Buhata for the start of your baby's bedtime routine each evening, and jot down what worked in Notes (Premium).

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Related Terms and Categories

  • Sleep training

    Teaching a baby to fall asleep on their own, both at bedtime and after waking in the night, using a planned, consistent method.

  • Wake window

    The stretch of time a baby stays awake between one sleep and the next, often used as a rough guide to when the next nap is due.

  • Safe sleep

    The AAP's rules for lowering the risk of SIDS and suffocation: baby on the back, alone, on a firm flat surface in their own sleep space, every sleep.

  • Nap schedule

    The usual pattern of a baby's or toddler's daytime naps: how many, roughly when and for how long, which shifts as the child grows.

  • Bedtime battles

    The nightly struggle when a child stalls, protests or keeps getting out of bed instead of settling down to sleep at bedtime.

  • Newborn

    A baby in the first 28 days of life, the stage doctors also call the neonatal period.

Baby and toddler

Sources

HealthyChildren.org (AAP), "Getting Your Baby to Sleep"; Cleveland Clinic, "Sleep Training Your Baby: When and How"; Mayo Clinic, "Baby naps: Daytime sleep tips"; HealthyChildren.org, "Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?"; AAP, "Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation"

Last updated .