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A Guide to Transitioning Your Baby from a Bassinet to a Crib: How and When

A Guide to Transitioning Your Baby from a Bassinet to a Crib: How and When

There are many bonuses to having your baby sleeping in a bassinet next to you. It’s more convenient for nighttime feeding and changing since newborns are prone to waking up more frequently. 

 

Since bassinets are smaller and more portable than cribs, they allow parents to room-share with their baby, even in small spaces. With bassinets like the BassiNest® Twin Sleeper, parents of twins can take advantage, too.

 

However, once your baby starts to show signs of rolling, it may be time to transition them to their crib to ensure they’re sleeping safely. If that’s the case, keep reading to learn the signs that your baby is ready to be done with the bassinet and tips for transitioning from bassinet to crib.

 

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Understanding the Transition Timeline

Many parents find that their newborns prefer the snug sleeping quarters of a bassinet over a roomy crib. Transitioning your baby from the bassinet to a crib is a significant milestone in their life and a big step in your parenting journey. It marks a new stage of development and growth for your baby and involves adjustments for the entire family. We’ll break down when, why, and how to make this critical transition, ensuring your baby continues to sleep safely and soundly.

Age Considerations

While the ideal time for a baby to transition from a bassinet to a crib can vary, most babies make this move between 4 and 6 months of age. This timing often aligns with when babies start to outgrow the confines of a smaller bassinet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends safe sleep practices for infants, which include room-sharing with your baby for at least the first six months and ideally up to one year. Room sharing means your baby sleeps in the same room as you on a separate sleep surface, such as a bassinet or a crib.

You’ll want to check to see if the manufacturer of your specific bassinet or crib has an age limit. For example, BassiNest® Swivel Sleeper is not recommended for babies who are able to up on hands and knees or have reached 20 lbs, whichever comes first. 

 

Developmental Milestones

  • When is my baby too big for the bassinet?

While bassinets and bedside sleepers are great for newborns, they only work for a short time. Many come with a weight limit that can range anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds. For example, the weight limit for the HALO BassiNest® is 20 pounds. 

You may also start to notice that as your baby approaches six months, they may begin to seem cramped in their bassinet. Although most bassinets don’t have a height limit, you’ll want to make sure your baby isn’t getting too confined. Does your little one touch the edges when they stretch out? If your little one appears less comfortable or has less space to move, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to transition from the bassinet to a crib.

  • When to stop using the bassinet?

While your baby’s size is one indicator it’s time to transition from bassinet to crib, there are other signs to look for when deciding when to stop using HALO BassiNest®. You’ll want to watch your baby’s mobility, too. The more mobile an infant gets, the more unsafe a bassinet becomes.

Hitting milestones like rolling over and pulling up are huge reasons to celebrate! They also mean it’s time to transition to a crib. When your baby starts rolling over, sitting up, or pushing up on their hands and knees, it's a sign they need more room to explore their newfound skills safely. A crib provides that extra space for them to practice their acrobatics without the risk of rolling out.

Development of motor skills like rolling over and sitting up means a crib's larger space becomes necessary for safe sleep. The reason for this is that bassinets are more shallow. In a crib, you have the option of lowering the mattress, which is not always the case with a bassinet.

Pediatricians recommend making the switch to a crib when your baby seems ready. Look for signs like sleeping through the night more often and getting a little too big for the bassinet (those tiny legs gotta stretch!). Just make sure your little one is feeling healthy—no teething or sniffles during the crib move.

 

Preparing for Transitioning Baby to Crib

HALO SleepSack Wearable Blanket

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Choosing the Right Crib

When it's time to choose a crib for your baby, safety is the most important consideration. Start by selecting a crib that adheres to the latest safety standards.

According to the AAP guidelines, “the baby should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface that, at a minimum, adheres to the June 2021 Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rule.”

Ensure the crib is only equipped with the essentials: a firm, flat mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. The crib’s slats should be close enough together to prevent your baby’s head from getting stuck. Ideally, they should be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart.

Lastly, confirm that the product is specifically labeled for sleep. Products labeled differently, such as loungers or nappers, are not approved for safe sleep according to current safety guidelines.

For a breathable and washable crib mattress, shop the DreamWeave Crib Mattress.

 

Setting up the Nursery

When setting up the nursery, creating a serene and safe environment that promotes peaceful sleep is essential. Start by positioning the crib away from windows and cords to ensure safety and minimize external disturbances.

Use blackout curtains or soft lighting, and maintain a consistent room temperature to foster a calming atmosphere. Using bedding colors or patterns similar to those used in the bassinet can help ease your baby's transition to the new sleep space by maintaining a sense of familiarity.

These thoughtful touches enhance the nursery's aesthetics and contribute to a secure and tranquil environment for your baby.

For more guidance on setting up a safe sleep environment for your baby, visit our BassiNest® page. Our BassiNest® models are designed with safety and convenience in mind, featuring 360° swivel actions and lowering sidewalls for easy access during those late-night feedings.

 

Comfort Items

Comfort items like a lovey or wearable blanket can soothe your baby and make the crib feel more inviting, offering familiarity in the new sleeping space. It's essential to be mindful of crib safety: Ensure that the crib remains free of bumpers, loose blankets, and other soft items that pose safety or suffocation risks, while maintaining a secure environment for your baby.

 

How to Transition Your Baby From a Bassinet to Sleeping in a Crib

HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Luxe

Featuring HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Luxe

 

Daytime Naps

Transferring from a co-sleeper to a crib is a big transition! To help your baby get used to the new sleeping environment, start using the crib for daytime naps. This low-pressure setting lets your baby gradually become familiar and comfortable with the crib. Begin this practice in the first few weeks, or as soon as you feel ready, by allowing your baby to nap in the crib 1-2 times daily. This practice will build their comfort and familiarity with the new sleep space.

Bedtime Routine Adjustments

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to develop a consistent bedtime routine. This could include baths, books, and cuddling. Babies thrive on routine, and repeating these activities will start to signal to your little one that it’s time to sleep. And of course, make the crib part of this bedtime routine, especially if you've been co-sleeping. 

Move the crib into your room temporarily. For some babies, two big changes at once are too much! It might be easier to make just one change at a time, so consider placing the crib (if there is space) in your room for a few nights.

Maintaining consistency is key. Follow the same pre-sleep activities to signal bedtime, whether it's in the same room or eventually in the nursery. This familiar routine will help your baby understand that it's time to sleep, just in a new space—the crib instead of the bassinet.

Incorporating White Noise

white noise machine can be a helpful tool for your baby's sleep. It creates a calming sound that masks disruptive noises from the house, allowing your baby to sleep more soundly. Consider using a white noise machine and dimming the lights to create a peaceful sleep environment for your child.

Using a Swaddle or Sleep Sack

Even if your baby is size-wise or developmentally ready for transitioning to a crib, the crib still feels huge to them! Using a swaddle like the HALO SleepSack® Swaddle can help them feel snug and cozy in their new bed. But if you’re transitioning your baby to a crib because they’re starting to roll over, you also want to transition from the swaddle to a wearable blanket. To help your little one still feel secure, we recommend using a sleep sack like the HALO SleepSack® Wearable Blanket

 

Dealing with Challenges

Sleep Regression

Expect a few bumps along the way when you transition your baby to a crib. It’s perfectly normal for their sleep to be slightly off during this time. The key here is to keep up with your usual bedtime routine and maybe squeeze in extra snuggles if things get tough. Remember, consistency is your best friend during this phase, and a little patience goes a long way.

Separation Anxiety

It’s not unusual for babies to feel a bit more clingy when they start sleeping in a new space—away from mom or dad for the first time. To ease their worries, hang around in the nursery during bedtime. You may even want to sleep in the baby’s room temporarily. This does NOT mean getting into the crib, though. Remember that your baby should always sleep alone on a flat surface. We suggest you sleep on an available couch, bed, or air mattress instead. Then, gradually spend less time there as your baby gets used to the new setup.

Night Wakings

When your little one wakes up in the middle of the night, keep your cool and offer gentle reassurance right from their crib side. Try to resist picking them up immediately. Consistency in how you respond is crucial and helps them learn that their crib is a safe and comfortable place to fall back asleep.

 

Safety Tips for Transitioning Baby From Bassinet to Crib

Featuring HALO SleepSack Wearable Blanket Ideal Temp in Oatmeal Pink

 

Crib Safety

Make sure the crib mattress fits snugly without any gaps around the edges. Keep the crib free from pillows, blankets, and toys to ensure a safe sleeping environment. Instead of loose blankets, consider using HALO SleepSack® wearable blankets to keep your baby warm and secure.

Sleep Position

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation is clear: Back is Best.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, as this is the safest position and significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

When babies sleep on their backs, the risk of SIDS decreases dramatically compared to stomach sleeping, which can obstruct breathing and lead to dangerous situations. 

Remembering the ABCs of safe sleep—Alone, Back, Crib—can help ensure that your baby has the safest sleep environment possible

  • ALONE: Your baby should always sleep alone
  • BACK: Your baby should be put to sleep on their back
  • CRIB: Your baby should only sleep in a crib or bassinet

 

Monitoring Devices

Consider using a baby monitor to keep a close watch on your little one while they sleep. Opt for a monitor with clear audio and video to ensure you can see and hear your baby clearly, even from another room. This tool can provide peace of mind, making you feel connected and responsive to your baby’s needs without continuous physical presence.

 

Embracing Patience During Your Baby's Crib Transition

Managing Expectations

Every baby is unique, and each will adapt to sleeping in a crib at their own pace. Parents need to be patient and maintain flexibility throughout the transition process. Adjust your expectations and recognize that while some babies may adapt quickly, others might need a little more time.

Realistic Timelines for the Transition

Set realistic goals for when you expect your baby to adjust to the crib. Transitioning can vary widely among babies—it could take days or weeks for your baby to become comfortable sleeping in a new environment. Be patient and allow your baby the time they need to adapt.

Encouraging Flexibility and Adaptability

Embrace flexibility in your approach to transitioning your baby to the crib. If one method isn't working, be open to trying different strategies that make the process smoother for both you and your baby.

Seeking Help

If you find the transition challenging, don’t hesitate to seek help. Asking for support from family, friends, or professional sleep consultants can provide relief and additional strategies to ensure a successful transition. It’s okay to ask for assistance when you need it—doing so can make a significant difference in your and your baby’s well-being.

 

Wrapping up: How to Transition Baby to Crib?

Remember, transitioning from a bassinet to a crib might be effortless for some babies, but for others, it can be a lengthy and challenging process. Be ready for potential setbacks and be  willing to try different strategies to make the transition smoother.

Room sharing creates a special bond between parents and their new baby, yet moving to the next life stage is equally exciting. Transitioning your baby from the bassinet to the crib may require some adjustment (for everyone!), but this change ultimately benefits your family.

Commonly Asked Questions About Transitioning Baby from Bassinet to Crib

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