Dear @Malini, please note, holding VK inyour hand, procedural formalities does not matter; what matters is your intention, gesture, in hindi we may term it – Bhav. After requesting you may slip VK under the child’s pillow.
If playing or crying then the child seems irate and not ailing. So if he is not giving you space to carry out Rakhi ji’s advise (which is ideal), you may just request "Sound Sleep to <baby name>", for 3 times and slip VK under his/her pillow.
Share your experience then please.