When to transition baby to crib? | Amy Baby Review

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Making the baby transition from bassinet to the crib can be a daunting task for parents. When is the right time to make a move? How can you make it as smooth as possible for your baby? This blog post will discuss how and when to transition baby to crib as easy as possible! So, keep reading!

When to Move Baby to Crib?

Every baby is different and will reach the point of needing their crib at an additional time. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide when your baby is ready for their own space.

If you notice that the baby has outgrown the bassinet, it’s time to move them to a crib. The first few months, with growth spurts, the baby grows rapidly. You don’t want your baby to bang their head against the sides of the bassinet and wake up crying.

Most babies make the transition to cribs around the age of three to six months. Once your baby can roll, they will be more comfortable in the crib rather than the bassinet.

But if you notice the baby is still sleeping peacefully in the bassinet, you don’t need to rush for the transition to a crib. However, the longer you wait, the more difficult moving the baby to the crib will be.

Transitioning from a bassinet to a crib might be simpler for a younger baby. An older baby that has become accustomed to sleeping in the bassinet would be considerably more challenging to shift into the crib.

You should also avoid transitions when there’s a significant change in the baby’s surroundings, such as a holiday or moving into a new home.

We have a detailed guide on what is the right time to buy a crib for your baby? You may also read it for further information.

What are the key things you need to transition baby to crib?

The crib is often the next stop for a baby after the bassinet. It’s a big step, and there are some key things you need to make the transition go smoothly. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises the following as a guide to help you transition your baby to the crib:

– You will need a full-size crib to accommodate growth spurts throughout the months. A full-size crib is flexible and spacious enough, so your child doesn’t feel confined.

– A firm mattress to help the infant sleep better and prevent aches. If you use a soft mattress, the baby may not be able to push away from it, cutting off the air supply, so they suffocate. The firm mattress would keep the baby from falling into a risky position during the night.

 – The crib should be placed in an area where the baby can see you, and you can easily keep an eye on them.

– Make sure the height of the crib is correct. It should be set so that their hands are still below the top rail when the baby is standing up in the crib.

– The crib should be free of any toys or objects that could potentially cause the baby to become injured.

– Do not put pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other soft items in the crib with the baby.

– When you are putting babies to bed, always place them on their back. This is still the safest position for them to sleep in. It also reduces the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs) and encourages your baby to sleep without interruption.

– If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so until the baby is at least six months old. After that, you can start giving them solid foods and gradually transition them to sleeping in their own bed.

– It may take a little bit of time for the baby to get used to sleeping in the crib. Be patient and consistent with them, and they will eventually get the hang of it.

How to Transition Baby from bassinet to crib?

As we mentioned earlier, transitioning a baby to a crib can be a daunting task for new parents, but it can be smooth with little preparation. Here, we will discuss the best way to get your baby ready for the big move and make the transition as smooth as possible!

Prepare the crib:

Before you even think about transitioning your baby, make sure that the crib is ready. This means making sure that the mattress is at the correct height and there are no hazards in the surrounding area.

The mattress should not be so cold. Else, it might make the baby wake up. A sleep sack might be helpful in this situation. It’ll keep the crib warm and safe while keeping the baby comfortable. The baby will enjoy a sound sleep.

Furthermore, you may sleep in the crib sheets for a while. Thus they will smell like you. The baby will believe the mom is with her, which will make her feel safe and get to sleep better.

Transitions Should Be Gradual:

One of the most important things to remember when transitioning a baby to the crib is to do it gradually. This means slowly removing the bassinet and replacing it with the crib.

Start by putting the crib in the same room as the bassinet. It’s because the little one should feel secure in the crib, and it will not develop overnight. It will take some time for the baby to adapt to sleeping in the crib space, so be patient.

You may also try out the baby to sleep in the crib during the day before transitioning to bedtime at night. Another good idea is to stay in the room for a while during the early stages of transitioning until your baby falls asleep and gradually reduce the time it takes for your baby to fall asleep without you being there.

Develop A Routine:

One of the best ways to make the transition easier is developing a routine. Babies have a standard sleep cycle and do better when they stick to a schedule.

Being consistent is wonderful for your baby. By sticking to a routine, you’ll be able to anticipate your baby’s needs better and make the transition smoother.

Make a sleep routine based on your baby’s habits. Determine what works best for your little one and stick to it to make the transition as simple as possible.

Prepare yourself for the challenge and be brave:

Transitions can be challenging for both parents and babies, so it’s important to brace yourself and stay strong. There will likely be times when your baby cries or doesn’t want to sleep in the crib, but with time and patience, they will eventually adjust.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and the transition process may take longer for some than others.

You should observe the baby without getting emotionally involved, and you should not enter the room every time you hear the infant cry. You may always check on the baby using the baby monitor to ensure everything is fine and that the infant is simply cranky.

Don’t forget that the goal is for the baby to learn to fall asleep without anyone’s help. Unless there is a medical reason, babies will fuss for an extended period.

Baby Monitors And Sound Machines:

While your baby is transitioning, it’s a good idea to use a baby monitor and a sound machine. This will help you keep an eye on them and make sure they’re doing well. The baby monitor allows you to track the baby’s sleep pattern and make sure they’re not getting too lonely.

The white noise from the sound machine keeps them calm and prevents your baby from waking up at every sound in the house.

If the baby is already accustomed to a specific white noise, utilize it as a sleep aid. The white noise would help drown out any other distracting noises and guarantee the infant gets a good night’s sleep.

The time it will take to complete the transition:

The length of the transition process will vary from baby to baby. Some may take only a few days, while others may take weeks or even months. It’s important to be patient and let your baby take their time adjusting.

With a little patience and preparation, you can make the transition from bassinet to crib smoothly!

What Not to Do While Moving Your Baby to Crib?

There are a few things that you should avoid doing when moving your baby to a crib. Here are three of the most important ones:

• Do not let your baby cry it out. This can be extremely stressful for both parents and babies and is not an effective way to get them to sleep in the crib.
• Do not use punishment as a means of getting your baby to sleep in the crib. This will only create negative associations with the new sleeping arrangement and make it more difficult for them to adjust.
• Do not force your baby to sleep in the crib if they are not ready. If your baby is not prepared to transition from bassinet to crib, there is no rush. Wait until they are ready, and they will make the switch on their own terms.

When should I stop using a bassinet?

There is no definitive answer to this question as every baby is different. Some babies may be ready to transition from bassinet to crib at around six months of age, while others may not be ready until they are a year old or older.

The best way to know when your baby is ready for the switch is to watch their development and listen to their cues. If they are consistently trying to get out of the bassinet or starting to move around more, then it may be time to transition to a crib.

My Baby Is Still So Little. Should I Get A Small Or Standard-Sized Crib?

When choosing a crib for your baby, it is essential to consider their size. If your baby is still very small, you may want to get a crib that is specifically designed for premature or newborn babies. These cribs are typically smaller in size and have more flexible mattress options.

If your baby is already a few months old and has outgrown its bassinet, you may want to consider a standard-sized crib. This will give them more room to grow and play in. Keep in mind that most cribs can be converted into toddler beds once your baby is ready for a bigger bed.

Wrapping up:

Thanks for reading the complete guide on when to transition baby to crib. We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative. To sum up, we just want to mention again that the most important thing to remember when transitioning your baby to a crib is to go slow and be patient.

Babies often take time to adjust to new changes, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few weeks for them to feel comfortable in their new space. Stay for a while in the baby’s room for the first few days, or keep the crib in your bed room for the first few days to keep the baby calm and positive.

This will help them feel reassured and comfortable in their new space. If you get stressed out or frustrated, your baby will pick up on this, making the transition more difficult for them.

Thanks again for reading! Be sure to share this blog post with your friends and family. And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We love hearing from our readers. 

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