Why Your Baby Cries the Moment You Put Them Down — And What to Do

Dr. Sandip Gupta

The baby cries the moment you put them on the bed, goes quiet as soon as you pick them up, and won't sleep on the bed. This video explains why. In the mother's womb the baby was in a very safe, secure environment where it could feel the mother's heartbeat and voice. When you take the baby in your lap, the baby gets that same feeling — secure and safe — so the baby sleeps. The moment we put the baby on the bed, the baby gets separation anxiety: the baby feels it has been left alone and in a way feels afraid, so it starts crying. Two solutions: put the baby on the bed only once they have gone into deep sleep, and keep stroking them for a little while after putting them down. Second, you can swaddle the baby. Relevant for: parents whose newborn won't sleep on the bed or crib; babies who wake and cry the moment they're put down; babies who only sleep in the lap; and questions about separation anxiety and swaddling. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your pediatrician for guidance on safe sleep and swaddling, or if your baby cries excessively or is not feeding well.