{"id":"70f686151043bbc40bb9ec51d2e56744","slug":"why-does-my-toddler-fall-asleep-during-bedtime-routine-but-wake-up-crying-when-i-put-him-in-the-crib","question":"Why does my toddler fall asleep during bedtime routine but wake up crying when I put him in the crib?","answer":"This is such a common pattern. Your toddler falls into light sleep during your routine, then wakes disoriented when the environment changes — he goes from being held close and warm, to lying flat alone in his crib. He hasn't learned to fall asleep in the crib yet, which means he can't return to sleep if he surfaces during a natural sleep cycle shift.\n\nThe research shows that toddlers who fall asleep independently in their cribs stay asleep longer and wake fewer times overall. The gentlest shift is to put him down drowsy but still awake during your routine, so he learns the crib is where falling asleep happens. It takes patience, but it builds the skill he needs.\n\nIf he's also running a fever, having difficulty breathing, or seems unwell beyond typical fussiness, contact your pediatrician.","sources":"[]","thread_json":null,"topic":"sleep-training","view_count":0,"created_at":"2026-09-06T00:01:11.600Z"}