How to successfully transfer your baby from arms to cot
You’ve rocked, bounced, fed, and finally they’re asleep in your arms. But now comes the hardest part… transferring them into the cot without waking them.
Whether you’ve been stuck in the trap of contact naps or just had one too many failed transfers lately, this guide is here to help. And no, you're not doing anything wrong. This transition is a delicate dance, and with a few simple tweaks, it can go a whole lot smoother.
1. Wait for deep sleep
If your baby has fallen asleep in your arms, don’t rush the transfer.
Look for signs they’ve entered deep sleep:
Limbs feel heavy and floppy
Breathing is slow and rhythmic
They don’t startle when you move slightly
This stage usually happens around 15–20 minutes after they’ve first fallen asleep. Trying to transfer before this can cause an immediate wake-up.
2. Warm the cot first
One of the most common reasons babies wake up when transferred is the temperature change, especially if they've been snuggled up against your warm body.
Try this:
Place a lukewarm wheat bag or folded towel in the cot for a few minutes while you're holding them. Ensure it is not too hot, and please check temp before lowering them in
Remove it just before placing them down
Never leave heat packs or warm items in the cot with your baby
This takes the chill off the mattress and makes the cot feel a little more like your arms.
3. Lower bottom first, then head
The how of the transfer matters just as much as the when. Here’s the smoothest sequence:
Lower your baby's bottom first, then gently lay their head down
Keep one hand on their chest or belly for a few moments once they're lying down
This helps prevent the startle reflex and gives them a sense of connection as they adjust to the new surface
If they start to move around a bit, you can begin to very gently rock them back and forth for a minute or so until they are asleep again
4. Add familiar cues
Think of your baby’s sleep space like their little sleep sanctuary; it should feel safe, calm, and familiar.
Use consistent cues like:
White noise (on during the transfer and throughout sleep)
Dark room or blackout blinds
Sleeping bag or swaddle (depending on age)
Familiar smells or textures, if age-appropriate
These cues help bridge the gap between your arms and the cot, so the environment feels known and secure.
5. Shush, pat, or gently rock the mattress
As you place baby down, you can also add:
Gentle patting on the chest or bottom
Shushing quietly
A slight rocking of your baby back and forth
This motion mimics what they felt while being held and can smooth the transition.
6. Practise drowsy but awake (when you're ready)
If your goal is to eventually have your baby self-settle, start experimenting with placing them down drowsy but still awake once in a while.
You don’t have to do this all the time; even just one nap a day can be a great way to practise.
Stay close, offer comfort, and don’t stress if it doesn’t go to plan.
7. And If It doesn’t work? Reset and try again
You are not failing if the transfer doesn’t go smoothly.
Some days your baby will go down like a dream, other days they’ll wake the second their head touches the mattress. That’s normal.
If it fails:
Pick them up
Take a breath
Reset with some cuddles or a feed
Try again in 5–10 minutes
It’s all part of the process, and you're doing a beautiful job.
A note on sleep associations
It’s worth mentioning: while this transfer method can be a lifesaver, it can also become a sleep association. If your baby falls asleep in your arms but wakes in the cot, they may become confused or unsettled because they're no longer in the place where they fell asleep.
Over time, this can lead to more frequent night wakings or shorter naps.
The good news? One of the most helpful ways to move past this is to teach your baby the skill of falling asleep and resettling in the same place they’ll stay asleep, like their cot or bassinet.
That’s what self-settling is all about. And no, it doesn’t mean leaving them to cry alone; it can be responsive, gentle, and tailored to your baby’s temperament and your parenting style.
Cot transfers are one of the most delicate parts of baby sleep, and honestly, they’re hard. There’s no perfect technique, but with consistency, patience, and a few practical strategies, it does get easier.
You’ve got this. And if you’re stuck in a rut with catnaps, contact naps, or bedtime battles, I’m here to help.
Need support with sleep?
Book a 1:1 consult or DM me on Instagram @planbsleepconsulting, let’s make sleep feel doable again.