Making your baby sleep in a bassinet of their own is a great idea. It minimizes the possibility of SIDS & ensures that your baby gets a comfortable sleep without being bothered.
But sooner or later on, your little one will outgrow the bassinet, and you will have to shift them into the crib.
This process is not as straightforward as it may appear at first. This is because babies tend to make everything habitual.
Once they get used to the feel and comfort of their bassinet, it may be challenging to have them switch over to a new bed.
But still, you can do it with a bit of patience and consistent effort. Also, the American Academy Of Pediatrics recommends timely moving the baby from bassinet to crib for their safety.
But the question is when to transition from bassinet to crib? At what age should a baby sleep in a crib? and how to transition the baby to a crib?
Well, if these are your question too, then you are in the right place. This ultimate guide will help you make a valuable decision to transition your baby from bassinet to crib.
So, let’s start checking some evidence that strongly suggests you when you need to take action.
When to Move Baby from Bassinet to Crib?
Transitioning from bassinet to crib is depends on three factors are Rolling, Age, and Weight. If your baby starts rolling in a bassinet, it means it’s time to switch. Or if they cross the recommended age & weight limit set by the bassinet manufacturer, that means it’s time to stop using & start moving the baby from bassinet to crib.
We already explain this in-depth, When to stop using a bassinet? With evidence that lets you know when you have to stop using it,
But for those who did not read It yet, here I a quick explanation.
- Baby Starts Rolling: Suppose your roll in the bassinet & his face touches the bassinet sidewall. Baby don’t have the strength to turn back, So it increases the risk of suffocation.
- Bassinet Age Limit: Most of the bassinet you can use for up to 4 to 6 months. However, some can be used for longer. It all depends on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Using a bassinet after the age limit is not safe for a baby. As it does not provide enough space for comfortable sleep.
- Weight limit: A bassinet can hold weight depends on its material strength. All manufacturers mention the product’s weight limit. Using it beyond the limit can collapse the bassinet and lead to serious injury.
Note: Some babies grow faster & some at a lower rate; it depends on many factors. For example, premature babies grow at a slow pace. So discarding the bassinet after six months is not the solution.
I recommend reading on the guide: When to stop using a bassinet? to make a more valuable decision.
How to Transition Baby From Bassinet to Crib?
Making the transition to a crib is no easy feat. Your baby is used to the bassinet and is familiar with its smell and its feel. But it is not impossible. Read through our guide to see how you can make your baby switch from a bassinet to a crib.
Here are my tips and tricks that help you to easy transition your child from bassinet to crib.
Tip #1: Make the Crib Familiar & Feel Like Mom:-
Don’t make a fast move. Your baby is far too young to process the change, especially one that is sudden and drastic. So, to reduce the gravity of the change, Try to make your baby take naps in their crib instead of the bassinet.
Please do this for a few days or weeks before making them sleep in the crib during the night.
This will help your baby adjust to the crib. So it does not feel like a completely alien environment when you finally start using the crib.
Bedtime routine plays a huge role in it. Create nightly rituals.
These include giving your baby a warm bath or reading to them, singing a lullaby, and swaddling them. These give your baby signals that it is time to sleep.
The process will condition your child into knowing that it is their bedtime.
You can also use the crib many times in the day. You can do diaper changes there, get the baby dressed, and let them play on the floor for a while.
The process will condition your child into knowing that it is their bedtime.
You can also use the crib many times in the day. You can do diaper changes there, get the baby dressed, and let them play on the floor for a while.
This thing makes the crib a familiar and safe place for the baby to sleep.
The second thing is how you can change the crib’s scent. As it is essential to transition baby from bassinet to crib.
If you have a premium crib, you will not find any scent of chemicals or wood in it; it’s neutral.
So, What I did when I switch my baby from bassinet to crib is. I place a few of my cloth in the crib to create the illusion of my scientism so that he feels secure and doesn’t fare.
Baby only sleeps alone if he feels sure and comfortable.
BabyCenter said:
….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……
Watch this video to understand how babies get this scent from you.
I hope now you can understand the importance of your presence near the baby for sound sleep.
What other thing you can do is, use Hit & trail method. Place your baby in the crib and place some music that your baby love to listen and try to understand their need. For example, Are they like White Music, Or natural sound, Or Lullabies, etc.?
Every baby is different and needs special care. We can recommend things, but is it work for you, baby or not? It depends on your baby’s taste and resistance to things.
Tip 2: Safe & Comfortable Sleeping Environment:-
You will transition your baby from bassinet to crib, then make sure you have a premium quality crib. Since they provide a safe & comfortable sleeping area to infants.
There is a lot of crib in the market to buy but having a good one will create a vast difference, How?
Some cribs do not come with a quality mattress.
Meaning they do not provide enough comfort & also leave a gap between the bed and crib. A baby can get trapped in that and can harm itself.
Consumer Product Safety Commission said:
A firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib.
Having a significant gap in the bar can also cause accidents. Your baby’s legs and limbs are not strong enough; they can get stuck in the bar to lead to serious injury.
Child Heath Organization said:
The distance between slats must be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters). This protects infants from falling out and toddlers from trapping their heads.
Another thing is the chemical paints on the frame that produce a smell. Your baby is familiar with your smell. Having a different small in the crib is uncomfortable for him, as I explain above.
Your baby will sleep in it up to the age of 3-4year depending upon your crib size.
If you are not investing in a quality crib, then you might be compromising the quality of your baby’s safety.
Now, how you can make them feel comfortable in a crib.
Well, make sure they don’t feel too cold or hot. The optimal sleeping environment between 68 to 72 degrees F.
But how can you achieve it on a cold, freezing night? Well, here is a handy guide for you: How To Keep Bassinet Or Crib Warm In Winter?
The bassinet is designed to feel like someone is hugging them. But it is not possible in the crib due to the enormous size.
This large size makes your baby feel insecure in their new bed, but still, there are many things you can do to make his sleep area more comfortable and cozy.
Tip 3: Make One Change At a Time
The big move to a big bed, which is what the crib is for your bundle of joy, does not have to be an anxiety-inducing process. Having mommy or daddy nearby is very comforting for the little one.
Sure the initial nights will be hard for your baby.
The crib is a novel environment, and it will take time. But if you are in sight, then your baby will be slightly more at ease.
APP also recommends placing a crib in your room to reduce the risk of SIDS up to the age of 6-12 months.
Harvard Health Publishing said:
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. Studies have shown that when babies are close by, it can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
This does not have to be permanent, as you can always move the crib to the baby’s nursery. It will be cumbersome but worthwhile in assisting your baby in the switch.
Yet, when you train your baby to sleep in a new bed, a familiar surrounding is helpful. This is again related to easing your baby into the crib rather than making all the changes at once.
Some babies handle it like a rockstar. Others need a little more time to adjust. Changing beds and changing rooms at the same time might be a lot for your little one!
Watch this video by IntermountainMoms.org
Consider making one change at a time by putting their crib in your room for a few nights. They’ll have a familiarity of sleeping in the same room while adjusting to their crib. Later, move their crib into the nursery.
Final Word of Advice!
To summarize, there is no age or weight set in stone. When it comes to deciding when to have your baby transition from a bassinet into a crib, it is your intuition.
The decision and timing will be influenced by many factors. The age and weight limit on the bassinet, your baby’s growth and mobility, as well as your own subjective opinions. Observe your baby.
If they are moving about more often and feel confined in their bassinet, it is good to start the move.
You must know when is the best time for the switch and work towards creating the right circumstances. This will ensure that the transition occurs smoothly.
Minimizing the anxiety and stress on your baby is critical. Our article provides some great insights into how you can pull off the task successfully. Following a few simple tips and tricks will make your efforts more effective.
Some FAQ
a.) How Long Should It Take to Transition a Baby to a Crib?
There is no fixed time for the transition process, and it could range from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on how gradual the process is. It could also depend on the baby’s readiness or resistance in moving to nighttime sleep in the crib.
b.) Crib Safe Sleep Guidelines!
Watch the below video to understand the safe sleeping guidelines for crib.
Now, it’s your turn. I love to hear from you; When & How you Transition your baby from Bassinet to Crib? Put your question in the comment box. I love to answer your query.
Don’t forget to share the article because sharing is caring.
Dr. Sakshi Patel
Senior Content Writer
Dr. Sakshi Patel, an expert in Human Development and Family Studies, combines her academic knowledge with personal experience as a mother to twins. She provides comprehensive articles and meticulous reviews on baby essentials, offering accurate and up-to-date information to help parents make informed decisions. Read more.
