How To Transition From Bassinet To Crib? — 4 Easy Steps

Moving your baby from a bassinet to a crib is a significant milestone in their sleep development. In the first months, a bassinet offers a cozy, safe space.

It keeps your baby close, making nighttime feedings and monitoring easier. However, as they grow, they’ll soon need more room to move and stretch safely.

Moving to a crib can feel like a big adjustment for both you and your baby. Babies thrive on routine and familiarity, so adapting to a new sleep space may take some time.

The open design of a crib can feel unfamiliar after the cozy comfort of a bassinet.

If you’re unsure how to make this transition as smooth as possible, you’re not alone.

Many parents wonder when and how to move their baby in a way that keeps them comfortable and secure. While every baby is different, the key is to approach the transition with patience and a plan.

Now, let’s focus on practical steps to help your baby adjust to their crib with ease.

How To Transition from Bassinet to Crib?

To help your baby move from a bassinet to a crib, start using the crib during naps. Do this before putting them in it for nighttime sleep. Establish a consistent bedtime routine with familiar scents and soothing sounds. Ensure the crib meets safety standards with a firm mattress and proper slat spacing. Keep the room temperature between 68–72°F for comfort.

Now, let’s see how to successfully transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib, step by step.

Step 1: Introduce the Crib Gradually

Don’t rush the transition. Your baby is too young to process sudden changes, so easing them into the crib will make the shift smoother. Start by having your baby take naps in the crib instead of the bassinet.

Do this for a few days or weeks before using the crib at night. This helps your baby adjust, so the crib doesn’t feel like a completely unfamiliar environment when they start using it regularly.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, states: “A gradual transition with familiar bedtime cues helps babies feel secure in their new sleep space.”

A consistent bedtime routine plays a crucial role in the transition.

Create nightly rituals like giving your baby a warm bath, reading a story, singing a lullaby, or swaddling them. These signals help your baby understand that it’s time to sleep.

You can also use the crib during the day for diaper changes, dressing, or short playtime. This helps make the crib feel more familiar.

Step 2: Make the Crib Familiar and Comfortable

One of the best ways to make the crib feel familiar is by introducing your scent. Babies rely heavily on their sense of smell to feel secure.

If your crib is brand new, it might have a neutral or chemical scent. To make it more comforting, place a worn (unwashed) T-shirt or sleep sack in the crib so your baby can smell you nearby.

BabyCenter.co.uk states:

“Your baby has a human sense of smell. Though he can’t yet recognize you by sight, he will know you by your natural scent, and that’s what he will most want to smell. He will also be drawn to the scent of your breastmilk.”
— BabyCenter

Another helpful method is trial and error. Put your baby in the crib and try playing different sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or lullabies. See which ones soothe them best — every baby is different.

Step 3: Ensure a Safe & Comfortable Sleep Environment

A high-quality crib is essential for both safety and comfort. Choosing the right crib matters. A firm mattress and proper spacing between slats can make a big difference.

Some cribs don’t come with a proper mattress, which may create gaps where a baby could get trapped — a serious safety risk.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises:

“A firm, tight-fitting mattress ensures a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib.”
— CPSC

Another common issue is wide crib slats. If the gaps are too big, your baby’s arms or legs could get stuck and cause injury.

According to Nemours KidsHealth:

“The distance between slats must be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) to protect infants from falling out and toddlers from trapping their heads between the slats.”
— Child Health Organization

📺 Watch this video for crib safety guidelines;

Follow CPSC Safety Guidelines:

• Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress to prevent entrapment.
• Make sure crib slats are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart to avoid head entrapment.
• Keep the crib free from pillows, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed toys to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Another factor is paint odor from new cribs. Babies notice unfamiliar smells quickly, which can make them feel uneasy.

📌 Tip: Place a worn (unwashed) T-shirt or sleep sack in the crib to mimic a parent’s scent.

Most babies sleep in a crib until around 3–4 years old, depending on crib size. So, investing in a safe, quality crib pays off in the long run.

Step 4: Make One Change at a Time

Having mom or dad nearby is incredibly comforting for your baby. The first few nights in the crib might be tough, but simply staying in sight can ease their anxiety.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for at least 6–12 months to help lower the risk of SIDS.

Dr. Rachel Moon, Chair of the AAP Task Force on SIDS, states:

“The AAP recommends that infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the first six months.”
— AAP Publications

Dr. Claire McCarthy, Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, also emphasizes the importance of room-sharing (not bed-sharing):

“He should sleep in his own crib or bassinet (or in a co-sleeper safely attached to the bed) but shouldn’t be in his own room until he is at least 6 months, better 12 months…”
— Harvard Health Publishing

Keeping the crib in your bedroom may feel a bit inconvenient at first, but it helps your baby adjust more smoothly.

Remember: don’t change the sleep space and sleep location at the same time. That can feel overwhelming to a baby.

Some babies adjust quickly. Others may take longer. If needed, keep the crib in your room for a few nights — then move it to the nursery when your baby seems ready.

📺 Watch this helpful video by Intermountain Moms:

Key Takeaways for a Smooth Transition:

• Choose the right time based on your baby’s development and comfort
• Create a safe and familiar crib environment
• Minimize stress by taking gradual steps instead of sudden changes

The tips and examples above are designed to make the crib transition easier for both you and your little one.

Want more help? Read our guide on how long a baby can sleep in a bassinet to make an informed decision.

Word of Advice!

There’s no exact age or weight for moving your baby from a bassinet to a crib. It all comes down to watching your baby’s cues and trusting your instincts.

Here are a few key factors that affect the timing:

• The age and weight limits of your bassinet
• Your baby’s growth and mobility
• Your own comfort level with making the switch

If your baby is starting to move more, roll over, or looks cramped in the bassinet, it’s a good sign that it’s time to transition.

Now, It’s Your Turn! When and how did you transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — I’d be happy to answer!

And don’t forget to share this article — because sharing is caring!

Q: How Long Should It Take to Transition a Baby to a Crib?

A: The transition to a crib varies for each baby, taking anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Factors like temperament, gradual vs. sudden transition, and parental consistency play a role. To help with the change, start by keeping the crib in your room. Then, offer comfort with gentle pats. Also, stick to a steady bedtime routine.

Q: What If My Baby Won’t Sleep in a Crib?

A: If a baby resists sleeping in a crib, start with naps in the crib before transitioning to nighttime sleep. Use a sleep sack for comfort. Place a worn T-shirt nearby for familiar scents. Play white noise or lullabies to soothe. Staying patient and consistent will help your baby adjust over time.

Q: Is It Okay to Let My Baby Cry It Out in Their Crib?

A: Letting a baby cry for a short period is normal, and some settle down on their own. If crying persists, comfort them with shushing or gentle patting without picking them up. Gradual sleep training methods help babies learn to self-soothe. For example, you can extend the time before you intervene. This way, babies feel supported while they adjust.

Q: How to Transition from Bed-Sharing to Crib

A: Start by having your baby take naps in the crib. Then, transition to nighttime sleep in the crib. Keep the crib in your room initially for familiarity. Stick to a regular bedtime routine. Add calming things like white noise or a soft T-shirt with your scent.

Q: How to Transition from Co-Sleeping to Crib

A: Transition from co-sleeping to a crib by making gradual changes. Start by moving the crib next to your bed before shifting it to the nursery. Keep a regular bedtime routine. Comfort your baby with gentle pats or soft music. Consistency is key for a smooth adjustment.

Q: What Age Should Baby Move from Moses Basket to a Cot?

A: Move a baby from a Moses basket to a cot at around 3 to 6 months or when they exceed the basket’s weight limit. Signs of readiness are: rolling over, outgrowing the basket, and disrupted sleep from lack of space. Ensure the cot meets safety standards for a secure transition.

Q: My Baby Is Too Big for Bassinet but Not Ready for Crib

A: If a baby is too big for a bassinet but not ready for a crib, consider a mini crib or a playard as an intermediate step. Use a firm mattress and keep sleep surroundings familiar. Gradually introduce the full-size crib with naps before transitioning completely.