Those precious moments when your baby finally drifts off to sleep can quickly turn frustrating when they start crying the moment you try to put them down. If you’re wondering why your baby cries when put down, you’re not alone. This experience is incredibly common and completely natural.
Your newborn has spent months in the cozy, warm environment of your womb, constantly surrounded by your heartbeat, movement, and voice. The transition to sleeping independently is a significant adjustment that takes time. In this guide, we’ll walk through a week-by-week breakdown of why your baby cries when put down and provide practical solutions for each developmental stage.
Understanding why your baby cries when put down can help you find effective solutions
Week 1: Cries When Put Down – Womb Separation & Contact Need
During the first week, your baby is experiencing a dramatic transition from the womb to the world. When your newborn cries when put down, they’re primarily responding to the sudden change in environment and the loss of constant contact they experienced for nine months.
Why Your 1-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Missing the constant contact, warmth, and movement of the womb
- Startle reflex (Moro reflex) causes sudden arm movements that wake them
- Temperature change between your warm body and the cooler crib surface
- Need for frequent feeding (8-12 times daily)
- Difficulty self-regulating their nervous system without your touch
Solutions for Week 1:
Swaddling is one of the most effective techniques for helping your newborn feel secure when put down. A proper swaddle mimics the snug feeling of the womb and prevents the startle reflex from waking your baby.
Need Help With Swaddling?
Read our blog on swaddle techniques for step-by-step instructions and tips to master the perfect swaddle. Read Swaddle Guide
During this first week, expect your baby to have 8-12 wet diapers daily with yellowish poop. Contact naps (sleeping while being held) are completely normal at this stage, so don’t worry if your baby strongly prefers sleeping in your arms.
Week 2: Colic or Need for Closeness?
As you enter week two, you might notice your baby becoming even more vocal when put down. This is when many parents begin to wonder if their baby’s crying is normal or if it might be colic.
Why Your 2-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Early signs of colic may begin to appear (defined as crying for 3+ hours a day, 3+ days a week)
- Cluster feeding periods make them want to stay close to their food source
- Growing awareness of their surroundings makes separation more noticeable
- Gas and digestive discomfort may increase, making lying flat uncomfortable
- Sleep cycles are still developing, making transitions between sleep states difficult
Solutions for Week 2:
During week two, pay special attention to your baby’s feeding patterns. Cluster feeding (frequent feeding sessions close together) is common and can make your baby more resistant to being put down. Expect 6-10 wet diapers daily with yellow, seedy poop.
“Remember that holding your newborn can’t spoil them. Responding to their cries builds trust and security. However, it’s also important for parents to take breaks when needed.”
– American Academy of Pediatrics
If you’re concerned about potential colic, start tracking your baby’s crying patterns. This information will be valuable if you need to consult with your pediatrician.
Week 3: Burping, Gas & Colic Awareness
Week three often marks the beginning of the peak crying period for many babies. If your baby cries when put down during this week, gas and digestive discomfort are frequently the culprits.
Why Your 3-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Colic symptoms typically peak around this time
- Digestive system is still maturing, leading to more gas and discomfort
- Trapped gas can make lying flat particularly uncomfortable
- Increased awareness makes them more sensitive to position changes
- May be experiencing a small growth spurt, increasing hunger and fussiness
Solutions for Week 3:
Effective burping becomes crucial during week three. Try different burping positions to find what works best for your baby:
Over-the-shoulder burping
Hold your baby against your chest with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support their bottom with one hand and gently pat or rub their back with the other.
Sitting burping
Sit your baby on your lap, supporting their chin and chest with one hand while gently patting their back with the other. Keep their back straight to help air bubbles escape.
Track Your Baby’s Patterns
Use our free nap and feeding tracker to identify patterns and potential triggers for crying. Use Tracker
Week 4: Growth Spurt Fussiness
As your baby reaches one month old, they’re likely experiencing their first significant growth spurt. This developmental leap can dramatically affect their sleep patterns and increase resistance to being put down.
Why Your 4-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Growth spurt increases hunger and need for comfort
- Day-night confusion may still be present, making nighttime sleep difficult
- Beginning to form sleep associations (like being held to fall asleep)
- More alert periods mean more awareness when being put down
- Increased sensitivity to environmental changes (temperature, sounds, light)
Solutions for Week 4:
Movement can be particularly soothing during this growth spurt period. Consider these motion-based soothing techniques:
- Gentle rocking in a rocking chair before attempting to transfer to the crib
- Baby-wearing in a carrier for daytime naps if your baby resists being put down
- Gentle swinging motion while holding your baby before putting them down
- Walking while holding your baby against your chest or shoulder
To help with day-night confusion, keep daytime interactions bright and engaging, while keeping nighttime feedings and diaper changes calm, quiet, and minimally stimulating.
Week 5: Cluster Feeding & Overstimulation
At five weeks, many babies enter another growth spurt period, which often brings increased cluster feeding and heightened sensitivity to stimulation. If your baby cries when put down during this week, they may be experiencing overstimulation alongside their growth needs.
Why Your 5-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Growth spurt increases hunger and frequency of feedings
- Developing sensitivity to environmental stimulation
- More alert periods mean more awareness of surroundings
- Digestive system still maturing, potentially causing discomfort
- Beginning to develop stronger sleep associations
Solutions for Week 5:
Baby massage can be particularly effective during this period, helping to relieve tension and digestive discomfort while providing the touch your baby craves.
Signs of Overstimulation vs. Hunger
Overstimulation signs: Turning away, arching back, frantic movements, glazed look
Hunger signs: Rooting, bringing hands to mouth, smacking lips, increased alertness
During this week, you may notice changes in diaper output as your baby’s digestive system matures. Breastfed babies may have fewer but larger bowel movements, while formula-fed babies typically maintain a more consistent pattern.
Week 6: Separation Awareness Starts
At six weeks, many babies experience what developmental experts call their “first mental leap.” This cognitive development brings increased awareness of separation, which can make your baby more resistant to being put down.
Why Your 6-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- First cognitive leap increases awareness of separation
- Colic symptoms often peak around 6 weeks
- Stronger preference for body contact and movement
- May be more sensitive to environmental changes
- Beginning to form stronger associations between certain conditions and sleep
Solutions for Week 6:
Creating a calm environment becomes increasingly important as your baby becomes more aware of their surroundings:
- Reduce stimulation before sleep attempts (dim lights, reduce noise)
- Consider using white noise to mask household sounds
- Maintain a consistent pre-sleep routine, even if brief
- Try warming the crib sheet with a heating pad (remove before placing baby down)
- Place a worn t-shirt with your scent near (not in) the crib
“The peak of crying in healthy babies usually occurs around 6 weeks of age and then gradually improves, with most babies crying markedly less by 3-4 months.”
– American Academy of Pediatrics
Week 7: Body Contact Preference
By week seven, many babies develop a strong preference for body contact, making them particularly resistant to being put down. This is a normal developmental stage as your baby’s tactile sensitivity peaks.
Why Your 7-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Heightened tactile sensitivity makes contact more important
- Beginning to recognize parents more clearly, increasing preference for them
- Sleep cycles becoming more defined, making transitions between cycles challenging
- May be experiencing another small growth spurt
- Increased awareness of temperature changes when put down
Solutions for Week 7:
Motion and rocking can be particularly effective during this period of heightened body contact preference:
Rocking Techniques
Try different rocking motions to find what your baby prefers – side-to-side, up-and-down, or circular movements. Continue the motion for a few minutes after they fall asleep before attempting to transfer them.
Transfer Tips
When transferring to the crib, maintain contact with your baby’s back for a minute after putting them down, then slowly remove your hand. This gradual transition can help prevent the startle that often wakes them.
Remember that contact naps are completely normal at this age. If your baby only sleeps well while being held, consider using a carrier for some naps while working on crib transfers for others.
Week 8: Emotional Need for Holding
At eight weeks, your baby is developing stronger emotional connections and can more clearly recognize their primary caregivers. This emotional development often intensifies their desire to be held and can increase crying when put down.
Why Your 8-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Stronger recognition of parents increases preference for being held by them
- Developing emotional needs alongside physical ones
- More defined sleep cycles make transitions between cycles challenging
- May be more sensitive to being alone
- Beginning to develop specific sleep associations
Solutions for Week 8:
White noise and sleep aids can be particularly helpful at this stage:
- Consistent white noise machine use can help mask environmental sounds
- Consider a crib-safe lovey (for supervised naps only) that carries your scent
- Try a swaddle transition product if your baby is showing signs of rolling
- Establish a consistent, brief bedtime routine that signals sleep time
Track Your Baby’s Mood Patterns
Try our 8-week mood tracker to identify patterns in your baby’s emotional needs and crying triggers. Try Mood Tracker
Week 9: Light Sleep & Crying Mid-Nap
At nine weeks, many babies begin experiencing more defined sleep cycles, which can lead to waking and crying mid-nap or when initially put down. This is often mistaken for a sleep regression but is actually a normal developmental progression.
Why Your 9-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- More defined sleep cycles make transitions between cycles challenging
- Increasing awareness of surroundings makes sleep transitions more difficult
- May be experiencing early signs of the 3-4 month sleep regression
- Growing ability to connect sleep associations with falling asleep
- Increased physical abilities may cause more frequent startling
Solutions for Week 9:
This is an excellent time to begin working on sleep transitions and helping your baby connect sleep cycles:
Crib Transitions
Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake for at least one nap per day. Stay nearby and offer gentle reassurance like a hand on their chest or soft shushing if they fuss.
Mid-Nap Support
If your baby wakes after 30-45 minutes (one sleep cycle), try providing brief support like gentle patting or shushing to help them transition to the next cycle.
Week 10: Craving Attention & Comfort
By ten weeks, your baby is becoming increasingly social and may cry when put down simply because they want to interact with you. Their wake windows are lengthening, but they may still need help transitioning to sleep.
Why Your 10-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Increasing social awareness makes interaction more desirable
- Longer wake windows may lead to overtiredness if missed sleep cues
- More aware of surroundings and changes in environment
- Developing stronger preferences for how they fall asleep
- May be experiencing another growth spurt
Solutions for Week 10:
This is a good time to begin introducing gentle sleep habits while still being responsive to your baby’s needs:
- Watch for early sleep cues (eye rubbing, ear pulling, decreased activity)
- Begin a consistent pre-sleep routine that can be used for both naps and bedtime
- Consider introducing a comfort object during supervised awake time
- Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake, staying nearby to offer reassurance
At this age, you can begin introducing simple toys during awake time to provide stimulation and help your baby learn that independent play can be enjoyable.
Week 11: Heightened Smell, Voice Sensitivity
At eleven weeks, your baby’s sensory development continues to advance, with particular sensitivity to familiar smells and voices. This can make them more resistant to being put down away from the comforting scent and sound of their parents.
Why Your 11-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Heightened sensitivity to familiar smells makes separation more noticeable
- Strong preference for parent’s voice over other sounds
- Increasing awareness of being alone
- More defined sleep cycles continue to make transitions challenging
- May be experiencing early teething discomfort (though actual teeth won’t appear for months)
Solutions for Week 11:
Kangaroo care and scent-based soothing can be particularly effective during this period:
Kangaroo Care
Practice skin-to-skin contact for at least 15-30 minutes daily. This not only provides comfort but has been shown to regulate baby’s breathing, heart rate, and temperature.
Scent Transfer
Sleep with a small blanket or cloth, then place it near (not in) your baby’s sleep space to provide your comforting scent. Ensure it’s safely positioned where it can’t cover their face.
Soft music or singing can also be particularly effective at this age. Consider creating a consistent bedtime playlist or lullaby routine that your baby will begin to associate with sleep time.
Soothing Sounds for Sleep
Listen our curated bedtime playlist designed to help calm sensitive babies and ease the transition to sleep. Listen Bedtime Playlist
Week 12: Emotional Development & Early Separation Anxiety
At twelve weeks, your baby reaches an important milestone. While full separation anxiety typically develops around 8-9 months, many babies show early signs of it by three months as they become more aware of their attachment to caregivers.
Why Your 12-Week-Old Cries When Put Down:
- Developing attachment makes separation more noticeable
- Beginning to understand cause and effect (being put down means being separated)
- More aware of surroundings and changes in environment
- Sleep patterns continuing to mature and organize
- Increasing physical abilities may make them more resistant to being confined
Solutions for Week 12:
At three months, you can begin introducing more structure while remaining responsive:
- Establish a simple but consistent sleep schedule based on appropriate wake windows
- Introduce independent floor play during awake times to build confidence
- Practice brief separations during awake time (leaving the room briefly while talking)
- Consider a sleep training approach that matches your parenting philosophy
By twelve weeks, many babies are developmentally ready to begin learning to fall asleep more independently, though they’ll still need plenty of support and reassurance through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my baby to cry every time I put them down?
Yes, this is completely normal, especially during the first three months. Babies are biologically programmed to want close contact with caregivers for safety and survival. Your baby crying when put down is not a sign that something is wrong or that you’re doing something incorrectly – it’s a normal developmental phase that will gradually improve as they mature.
When should I worry about excessive crying?
While crying is normal, contact your pediatrician if your baby:
- Cries for more than 3 hours a day and is difficult to console
- Has a cry that sounds unusual or high-pitched
- Shows signs of illness like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Is less active or responsive than usual
- Isn’t feeding normally
Trust your parental instincts – if something seems wrong, it’s always better to check with your doctor.
Can white noise help reduce crying when my baby is put down?
Yes, white noise can be very effective for many babies. It mimics the constant whooshing sounds they heard in the womb and can mask household noises that might startle them awake. For best results:
- Place the white noise machine at least 6-7 feet away from your baby
- Keep the volume moderate (around 50-65 decibels, or about the volume of a shower)
- Use consistently for all sleep periods to build association
- Consider a portable option for on-the-go use
What tools help track baby crying patterns?
Tracking your baby’s crying patterns can help identify triggers and communicate with healthcare providers. Useful tools include:
- Baby tracking apps that record feeding, sleeping, and crying
- Paper logs or journals dedicated to tracking patterns
- Voice memo recordings to document cry types
- Weekly tracking sheets that can reveal patterns over time
Our downloadable cry tracker is specifically designed to help identify patterns in when and why your baby cries when put down.
Free Resources for Parents
To help you navigate the challenges of a baby who cries when put down, we’ve created some free tools which you can use according to your babay needs:
Week-wise Cry Tracker
See patterns in your baby’s crying to identify triggers and effective solutions for each developmental stage.
Newborn Diaper Log
Track diaper output to ensure your baby is healthy and getting enough nutrition during these early weeks.
Swaddling & Holding Techniques
Illustrated guide to effective swaddling and holding positions that help soothe a crying baby.
Understanding Your Baby’s Unique Needs
Remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The week-by-week breakdown provided here offers general patterns, but your baby may develop at their own pace.
The most important thing to remember is that your baby crying when put down is not a reflection of your parenting skills. It’s a normal, biological response as they adjust to life outside the womb and develop secure attachments.
With patience, consistency, and responsive care, most babies gradually become more comfortable being put down as they mature. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to accept help from others so you can get the rest you need.
Try Our Interactive Tool
Use our “Why Baby Cries When Put Down” week-based tool to get personalized insights and solutions for your baby’s specific age and crying patterns.Try Our Interactive Tool