Why Does Newborn Cry When Put Down?

Babies love to be held, touched and reassured that you're there, so settling in a cot on their own can often be difficult for them. Your baby's missing your touch and attention, and they're letting you know about it (NHS, 2019). From their very first hours of life, babies will cry when separated from their mothers.

Is it normal for a newborn to not want to be put down?

For a newborn, wanting to be held isn't a "habit" — it's a need. Try to look at it from your baby's point of view: After nine months spent nestled inside you, being alone in a big crib with no warm body nearby can come as quite a shock.

Why does my newborn cry every time I put her down?

Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM—a sleep state that houses dreams and shows similar brain wave patterns to being fully awake. As they shift from one phase of sleep to another, they might wake up or cry while still asleep.