How to get newborn to sleep without being held?

My niece would only sleep on my shoulder. What worked for us was putting her down when she was drowsy but still slightly awake. If you wait till they are dead asleep, they realize the touch is gone and wake up crying immediately.

Honestly, if anyone finds the secret, please tell me too. My back is completely broken from holding my daughter all night, and I think my arms have permanently shaped into a cradle. Right now, I am typing this with one hand while she sleeps on my chest.

This is a very common issue because babies love the mother's heartbeat and warmth. Try holding them for about 15-20 minutes until they enter deep sleep, and then slowly transfer them. You can check if they are in deep sleep by gently lifting their arm; if it falls back limp, they are ready to be put down.

You can try playing soothing white noise or natural sounds in the room to mimic the womb environment. However, if the baby constantly cries in pain the moment you lay them down, it could be a medical issue like silent reflux. Definitely consult your pediatrician if they seem in constant discomfort.