Transitioning your baby from the cozy confines of a bassinet to the crib can feel like a significant milestone. For many parents, it marks the end of the “newborn” phase and the beginning of infancy, a time filled with new challenges and exciting developments. While this transition can be bittersweet, it’s also a sign that your baby is growing and thriving. At Albee Baby, we understand the importance of making this transition as smooth and joyful as possible for both you and your little one. With a little preparation and patience, moving your baby to a crib can be a less stressful experience for your family. These are our best tips to ease the transition and ensure your baby (and you) can look forward to peaceful slumbers in their new sleeping space.
When to Transition to a Crib
If your baby sleeps in a bassinet, you’ll need to move them to a crib . . . eventually. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, most babies can sleep in bassinets until they reach four to six months of age. Before making the move, keep these questions in mind:
- Is your baby too big? Every bassinet has a weight limit—usually under 25 lbs. If your baby is tipping the scales, it’s time to move to the crib. Similarly, some babies will outgrow the bassinet length before maxing out the weight. You are to transition as soon as one condition is met (either too tall or too heavy, do not wait for both). And . . . if your baby looks cramped, you guessed it, begin transitioning to the crib.
- Is your baby rolling over? When your little one begins showing signs of increased mobility, like rolling over, pushing up on their hands, or pulling themselves into a sitting position, it’s your cue that it’s the right moment to transition to a crib. Once your baby can roll over, sleeping in the bassinet isn’t safe—they could fall out or tip the bassinet over.
Knowing when to transition your baby to a crib can be tricky, but paying attention to your baby’s cues and motor development are the best indicators. And trust your intuition—you know your child best.
When Should Your Baby Move to Their Own Room?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises room-sharing with your baby for the first six months, preferably throughout their first year. Room-sharing can significantly lower the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is a safer alternative to sharing a bed.
However, additional AAP research demonstrates that after four months, room-sharing results in more sleep interruptions (for everyone) and an increase in unsafe sleep practices, like bed-sharing. If you’re unsure about the right choice for your family, always consult your pediatrician for guidance.
In our experience, many Albee parents use the bassinet-to-crib transition to move their baby into their own room. If your bedroom space permits, consider moving the crib into your room for a few nights. You can push the crib back to the nursery once your little one has adjusted to their new sleep space.
How to Transition Your Baby to a Crib
Switching from bassinet to crib will be easy for some babies (may the odds be ever in your favor!). But for others, it takes more time and patience. Be ready for some challenges and be open to trying different approaches to ensure a smoother transition.
Timing is Everything
Is your baby—by “your baby,” we mean everyone—enduring the four-month sleep regression? Have you recently switched formulas? Has your family moved homes? Is a primary caretaker returning to work? For many babies, suddenly introducing more than one significant change won’t set you up for success (on either front). When possible, avoid moving your little one out of the bassinet (unless they’ve exceeded the height or weight requirements) if they’re already busy tackling another major milestone or experiencing any other disruptions to their routine.
Familiarize the Space
Preparing your baby for transitioning from a bassinet to a crib involves more than just a physical move—it’s about helping them adjust emotionally and mentally to their new sleeping environment. Here are our best tips on how to make this adjustment period as smooth as possible for your family:
- Create Positive Associations: Before the big move, begin introducing your baby to their new room in a way that builds positive associations. Spend quality time together in the room during the day—think playtime, storytime, or even tummy time (if they don’t hate it!). Engaging in fun activities and having meaningful one-on-one time will help your baby view their room as a safe, reassuring space.
- Integrate Everyday Activities. Incorporate routine activities into the new room. Changing diapers, dressing your baby, or even feeding in the room can all be part of this process. When done in the new room, these familiar activities help bridge the gap between the old and new environments. It lets your baby know this new space is also a place for caretaking, comfort, and attention.
- Introduce the Crib. Initially, you might place your baby in the crib for short, supervised periods while they’re awake. Allow a few minutes of playtime, or let them observe you putting away laundry and straightening up. The idea is to let them get used to the sights, sounds, and feel of the crib without the pressure of having to sleep there right away.
- Respect Your Baby’s Pace. Every baby adjusts to change differently. Some may easily take to their new room and crib, while others may need more time to feel comfortable. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and go at a pace that suits them. If they seem particularly unsettled, taking a step back and spending more time on the gradual introduction before making the overnight switch is okay.
By taking the time to familiarize your baby with their new sleeping environment in a gentle, supportive way, you’re laying the foundation for a smoother transition. This approach helps mitigate potential stress or anxiety your baby might feel and promotes a positive sleep association with their new crib and room.
Maintain Your Routine
Babies, like all humans, thrive on routine and familiarity. A consistent bedtime routine is essential during this transition (and if you don’t have a bedtime routine, now’s the time to establish one). Whether it’s a warm bath or a snuggly storytime, maintaining these reassuring rituals can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down, regardless of the change in sleeping arrangements.
Recreate the Same Environment
Again, babies are creatures of habit. Create as much consistency between your room and the nursery as possible. So, anything you use to help put your baby to sleep—nightlights, sound machines, air purifiers, etc.—should make the move, too.
Use a Sleep Sack
Even if your little one is physically ready for the crib, it’s a much bigger space than the cozy confines of a bassinet. A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that provides a snug environment for infants who have outgrown swaddle blankets—they can help your baby feel secure while adjusting to their new crib.
Ensure Comfort and Safety
Your baby’s comfort and safety in his or her crib is paramount. Invest in a firm crib mattress with a snugly fitted sheet, and ensure the sleeping environment is free from loose blankets, pillows, and toys. The room should be comfortable for sleeping, ideally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with adequate airflow.
Always follow safe sleep guidelines—a safe crib:
- Have a firm mattress that fits snugly against the crib (there shouldn’t be any gaps).
- Is flat—don’t use sleep accessories that position your baby upright, even if they have reflux.
- Is free of any objects beside a fitted sheet and pacifier.
Practice Gradual Introduction
If your baby seems resistant to napping or sleeping in the crib, begin transitioning gradually. Start with naps—in our experience, the first nap of the day is ideal, before your little one becomes overtired and more challenging to settle. Once your little one has mastered a single fuss-free nap in the crib, add another nap, and so on, until they’re no longer sleeping in the bassinet.
Use a Reliable Baby Monitor
Purchasing a high-quality baby monitor can significantly ease the transition of moving your baby to a separate room. With features ranging from crystal-clear audio and video to temperature monitoring and two-way communication, baby monitors can reduce the stress associated with this change. Seeing your baby from a different room can offer serious reassurance and help maintain a sense of connection.
Keep a Comforting Presence
If a gradual transition is your goal, but fitting your baby’s crib in your room isn’t possible, consider staying in the nursery with them until they fall asleep. Sometimes, just having you nearby is enough to provide the comfort and security they need to drift off.
Night by night, you can gradually move farther from the crib or reduce the time you spend with with your child. Before you know it, he or she will be able to fall asleep on their own without any issues.
Be Patient and Flexible
Remember, every baby is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this transition. Some babies adjust to their new crib within a few days, while others may take several weeks. Be patient and flexible. If your baby is having a particularly tough time adjusting, it’s okay to slow down the process or go back to the bassinet briefly before trying again.
Bassinet to Crib Transition FAQ
Q: When’s the right time to switch from bassinet to crib?
A: Look out for when your little one is getting too big for the bassinet or shows off their new moves like rolling or sitting up. If they hit those milestones or max out the bassinet’s size limits, it’s crib time!
Q: Is moving to a crib going to be tough?
A: It’s different for every baby. Some might snooze in their new crib like it’s no big deal, while others might take a bit to settle in with some night-time fussing. Just roll with it, and be ready to try a few tricks to smooth things out.
Q: What if my baby only snoozes in my arms?
A: Got a clingy sleeper? You are not alone. Your warmth, smell, and the sound of your breath rising and falling are familiar and soothing. Swaddling or a sleep sack might give them that snug feeling they crave, making the crib less of a shock.
Q: Can my newborn go straight into a crib?
A: You can start with a crib from day one. But lots of parents find a bassinet handy for keeping baby close to their bed in those first few months, especially for middle-of-the-night feedings.
Q: How do I know it’s time to move on from the bassinet?
A: Generally, by 4 to 6 months, it’s time to transition. But also keep an eye on your baby’s size compared to the bassinet’s limits. If they’re getting a bit snug, it’s time for a change.
Q: How long can my baby hang out in their bassinet?
A: Stick with it until your baby starts getting more mobile or they’re nearing the bassinet’s weight or height cap.
Q: Help! My baby isn’t taking to the crib. What now?
A: Keep calm and carry on! Some babies need a bit more time to get used to their new digs. Try hanging out in the crib during awake times for a gentle intro, and stick to your bedtime rituals for consistency.
Q: Is sneaking into my bed okay for now?
A: It’s understandable to want to bring your baby into bed with you, especially when they’re having trouble settling back to sleep, and you’re facing an early start. It can also simplify nighttime feedings.
But what’s the downside? Though it may seem practical, sharing your bed with an infant carries risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safe sleep guidelines outline that co-sleeping is a leading risk factor for infant fatalities under three months old. It’s safest to steer clear of it altogether.
Considering co-sleeping because it feels right for your family? It’s wise to wait until your baby is older. As they grow, babies and toddlers can better avoid situations like entrapment or suffocation on their own.
Moving your baby from a bassinet to a crib is filled with tiny steps, gentle adjustments, and lots of love. Following these tips and listening to your baby’s needs can make this transition a smooth and positive experience for your family. Remember, the goal is to create a safe, comforting environment where your baby can thrive and grow. So, embrace this milestone with confidence, patience, and excitement for the many adventures to come.
As you navigate this transition, remember that Albee Baby is here to support you every step of the way, offering advice, encouragement, and the baby gear you need to make these moments as sweet and seamless as possible. Here’s to happy, healthy sleep for your little one in their new crib and to you, the incredible parents guiding them through each new phase with cuddles and extra TLC.
Finding What’s Right for You
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