Your little one has been sleeping soundly in their bassinet since you brought them home from the hospital. But now they’re getting bigger, and you know they’ll soon outgrow their little bed. If you’re wondering when to transition your baby to a crib, keep reading.
This guide will help you know when it’s time to make the switch. We’ll discuss the signs to watch for, provide some basic age recommendations, and empower you with tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- Newborn bed basics
- When to transition your baby to a crib: Readiness signs
- When to transition your baby to a crib: Age recommendations
- Planning the transition to a crib
- How to transition your baby to a crib
- Other sleep tips to set your baby up for success
Newborn bed basics
If you choose a crib for your newborn right from the start, you won’t have to worry about helping them transition. Your baby will already feel comfortable sleeping in a crib, and they’ll be able to stay there for a long time. However, many parents opt for a bassinet or cradle for the first few months.
These smaller beds can be placed beside a parent’s bed, making nighttime feedings and comfort sessions easier. They also provide a more confined sleeping space for your newborn, which can help them feel more secure and comfortable.
While bassinets and other newborn beds are helpful, they’re not designed as a long-term sleeping space. They only work for a few months. Once your baby outgrows theirs, you’ll need to transition them to a crib.
When to transition your baby to a crib: Readiness signs
There’s no set age for transitioning your baby to a crib. Every baby is different, and they reach developmental milestones at their own pace.
So, how do you know when it’s time to make the switch? Here are three readiness signs to watch for.
Rolling Over
Once your baby can roll over, it’s no longer safe to leave them in a bassinet because they’ll soon start making other movements that could end with them falling out or otherwise injuring themselves.
As soon as your little one rolls over for the first time, switch them to a crib, even if they haven’t reached their bassinet’s weight limit.
Pushing up on their hands and knees
Bassinets are designed for newborns who don’t move around much. They aren’t meant to contain active babies.
If your little one starts pushing up on their hands and knees, it’s time to move them. A crib will give them more space to move around without hitting their head or face on the sides.
Approaching the weight limit
All bassinets and cradles have weight limits. For example, the Newton Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper has a 20-pound limit. However, many other beds have lower limits. You’ll need to check your owner’s manual to see how much weight your baby’s bed can safely handle.
Depending on how big your baby was at birth, they could reach this limit sooner than you think. It’s not uncommon for a large three-month-old to outgrow their newborn bed. The opposite is also true. If your baby was born prematurely, they could stay in their newborn bed longer.
It’s important to remember here that milestones matter more than weight. So, for instance, if your baby begins pushing up on their hands and knees before they reach the weight limit, it’s time to transition them to a crib.
Sitting up
Newborn beds don’t come with tall sides. Once your baby can sit up, they can easily topple over the edge. There’s just not much there to keep them inside. To avoid the risk of falls, transition your baby to a crib once they show signs of sitting up, such as:
- Leaning forward and balancing on their arms when you put them into a sitting position
- Sitting with support for a few moments
These skills indicate that your baby is ready for a different bed.
When to transition your baby to a crib: Age recommendations
Typically, babies with the skills listed above will be in the three to six-month age range. But your little one may be ready slightly before or after this window.
The most important thing is to watch the developmental milestones above and make the transition when you feel it’s safe for your baby. However, if your baby is approaching six months and you want to keep using the bassinet, ask their doctor if it’s still safe.
Planning the transition to a crib
Now that you know when to transition your baby to a crib, let’s discuss how. Thinking through the process in advance means you won’t be left scrambling when the big day comes.
1) Review safe sleep guidelines.
The good news is that safe sleep guidelines remain the same from the newborn bed to the crib, so you don’t have to worry about making major changes in this area.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check and make sure your crib meets the current safety standards before use.
And, of course, you’ll want your baby to sleep:
-
On their back
- On a flat surface
- Without any pillows or blankets
- With a snug-fitting, firm mattress
The Newton Crib Mattress can give you peace of mind. It’s ultra-breathable, as you can see in this video:
2) Create an environment conducive to sleep.
Moving your baby into the crib doesn’t mean you have to move them out of your room yet. If you have space for a crib, it’s perfectly acceptable to keep room sharing for several more months.
However, many people do use the transition to a crib as an opportunity to move their baby into their own room. If you choose to make this change, try to create an environment best suited for sleep ahead of time.
Here are a few things to consider:
Anchoring the furniture
Although your baby may not be moving yet, they will be soon enough! Secure their dresser, changing table, and bookcases to the wall.
Using cordless blinds
Once your baby is mobile, you don’t want to have to worry about them accidentally wrapping a cord around their neck.
Hanging blackout shades
Darkness is a great cue for sleep. If your baby is distracted by sunlight, blackout shades are a great way to calm their nervous system and help them settle.
Investing in a sound machine
So many new sounds, like people talking or cars going by, can distract your baby when they’re trying to fall asleep. A sound machine both blocks out those sounds and simulates the acoustic environment inside the womb.
Important note: Be sure to keep the volume at or below 50 decibels, and place the sound machine several feet away from the crib.
Adjusting the heat
If your baby has been sleeping with you, the transition to their own room might make them feel cold. Be sure the temperature is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). Old-school method: if you need a hoodie, it’s probably too cold!
Being mindful with decor
As you consider the aesthetics of your little one’s new room, be mindful of where you put wall hangings and artwork. Keep them away from the crib and the changing table to prevent your baby from pulling them down. This goes for mobiles, too.
Installing window guards
To prevent falls, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends installing safety guards on windows. Keep chairs and other climbable furniture away from windows, too. Babyproofing the room: Make sure cords are out of reach, and outlets have covers.
Ensuring your baby has a proper sleep environment can help you both get what you need: more shut-eye!
3) Get the crib ready.
Cribs aren’t always easy to assemble, especially when you’re working alone. Grab a friend or partner and work together to set up the bed if possible.
Do this a few days before you want your baby to sleep in it, if you can. That way, you can slowly introduce them to the crib, giving them time to get used to it before they start sleeping there.
When assembling the crib, make sure all the screws and bolts are tight. Put the mattress at the proper height for your baby’s age and double-check that there aren’t any gaps around the edges. Then lock the bed’s wheels or casters if it has them.
Next, put on a Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad and a sheet. The crib is ready for your baby!
How to transition your baby to a crib
Once you’ve assembled the crib, pick a day to begin the transition process. If safety issues aren’t a concern quite yet, you’ve got time to make a more gradual transition. But if you need (or want) to move your baby into a crib more quickly, you can do that, too.
Gradual method
If your baby hasn’t outgrown their bassinet and they aren’t showing signs of sitting up yet, you can try a slower transition to the crib. This is especially appealing if your baby typically needs extra time to embrace change.
Follow these steps for a smooth, gradual transition:
- Choose one sleep session to begin: On the first day, try putting your little one in the crib for one nap, but have them sleep in their bassinet for the rest of their naptimes and bedtime sleep.
- Add another sleep session: After a few days, add another sleep session. For example, you might put them in their new crib for both their first nap and bedtime sleep. (By the way, those are often the easier sleep sessions for transitions!)
- Continue adding sleep sessions: Gradually add more sleep sessions, one at a time, until your baby is using their crib full time.
Bandaid method (short and sweet!)
If your baby has exceeded the weight limit of their bassinet or they’re becoming too active, you may have to make the transition quickly. Or maybe you know that a fast change works best for your baby. Or you!
If that’s the case, you might want to try this:
- Start with bedtime: Put your baby in their crib at bedtime the first night. After a full day of activity, this is often the best time to introduce a new sleep space.
- Add the remaining sleeps: Put your baby in the crib for every subsequent sleep session. Don’t worry if they resist sleep initially. This is common and should pass in a few days.
General transition tips
Follow these tips to help your baby learn to sleep in a new space:
- Start early: Change is hard for some kids. If you think your little one will balk at sleeping in a new place, start the transition sooner rather than later. Then, you won’t feel as pressed for time, and you’ll be able to go at a pace that works for your baby.
- Establish a bedtime routine: Consistency is key when establishing healthy sleep habits. Create a calming bedtime routine that’s simple enough to do every night, such as a bath, a book, and a lullaby.
- Go slowly: Start with their shorter sleeps during the day, and once they’re comfortable napping in their new space, you can put them in the crib for bedtime.
- Prepare for sleep regression: Unfortunately, big changes often lead to sleep regression. Be
- prepared for disrupted sleep patterns for a few days. Offer extra comfort and reassurance during this time, and know it won’t last forever.
- Be patient: Babies need a little time to adjust to new environments. Be patient and understanding as they learn to sleep in a crib. Soon, they’ll feel comfortable in this space, and it won’t be as scary.
Pay attention to your baby and see how they’re doing throughout the process. If they seem uncomfortable and upset, it’s OK to take a step back and try again in a few days.
You may also want to consider other options. For example, you could use a play yard or mini-crib instead of moving your baby straight to a crib (as long as the play yard meets CPSC sleep standards and is used with the original manufacturer mattress).
These beds are an excellent transitional step since they’re larger than a bassinet or cradle but smaller than a full-size crib. This can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable while adjusting to the new sleeping arrangements.
Other sleep tips to set your baby up for success
In addition to making sure your baby has a solid bedtime routine, here are some other ideas for giving your baby a leg up when they’re transitioning from one bed to another.
Put them into the crib awake.
While it may seem initially easier to lay your baby down after they’ve fallen asleep, it’s not the best way to transition them into their crib. Waking up in a different place from where they fell asleep can be disorienting.
Instead, put your baby down in the crib while they’re sleepy but awake. This allows them to get used to their new space. As it becomes more familiar, they’ll become more comfortable.
Make sure your baby isn’t overtired.
Putting your baby into their crib when they’re tired is optimal. But putting them down when they’re overtired can backfire. If they miss their optimal sleep window, they may have a harder time settling down for sleep.
Watch for signs that your baby is beginning to get tired so you can put them in their crib at the ideal time. You might see them:
- Yawning
- Rubbing their eyes
- Fussing
- Feeling frustrated
- Getting a “second wind” and revving up
Try putting them down in their crib when you notice any of these signs.
Practice separation.
If your baby has been sleeping in a bassinet or co-sleeper in your room, they may experience some separation anxiety when they move into their crib. If this is the case for your baby, try some simple separation activities to help them acclimate to being alone.
Playing peek-a-boo is an easy and effective start. Try stepping away next (making sure your baby is in a safe space) and gradually increase the time you’re gone. Building your baby’s confidence and sense of safety will make the transition to the crib easier.
From bassinet to crib, Newton is here for you.
Knowing when to transition your baby to a crib can be daunting for new parents. But by keeping an eye out for readiness signs and using their age as a guideline, you’ll know when the time is right.
And no matter what bed your little one is in, Newton is here to provide a safe and comfortable sleep environment. With our breathable and washable crib mattress and other nursery essentials, you can feel confident that your little one is getting the best sleep possible.
So don’t stress about the transition from bassinet to crib. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you. Happy sleeping!
Frequently asked questions
Will my baby ever sleep soundly in their crib?
It can be rough to transition your baby from their bassinet to a crib. They have to get used to all sorts of new things, and acclimating to change can take time.
You can most likely expect your little one to adjust in a few days, but don’t forget that babies follow their own unique timelines. So, if your baby takes longer, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal.
Whether your baby feels comfortable in their crib right away or they need time to adjust, there will most likely come a point when they’ll sleep well through the night.
Why is my baby waking up frequently now that they’re in a crib?
The first thing you need to do if your baby is waking up frequently in their crib is to try determining the reason why. Your baby may be:
- Overtired
- Missing their sleep associations, like feeding right before bed, being rocked, or being held.
- Sick or uncomfortable (as a result of teething, for example)
- Going through a developmental sleep transition (like a regression)
- Hungry (especially if they’re in a growth spurt)
A disruptive sleep is most often a normal occurrence. You may be able to address the cause and fix it, or your baby may just shift into a smooth sleep on their own. But if you feel worried or sense something is off, it’s always a good idea to contact your pediatrician.
Where is the best place to put the crib in my baby’s room?
The best layout for your baby’s nursery ultimately depends on your preferences and aesthetics. However, a popular place to situate a crib is against a wall by the door. This placement makes it easy for you to get to your baby in the middle of the night.
Wherever you decide to place the crib, make sure it's not near a window or outlets and cords. In addition, keep it away from hanging objects, like paintings or a mobile.
How do I transition my baby into a crib if I’m breastfeeding?
If you’re breastfeeding your baby during the time you make the transition from a bassinet in your room to a crib in theirs, you need to establish a consistent routine that focuses on feeding. You can best do this by giving your baby time in the crib when they’re awake.
Once your baby feels comfortable in their crib, you can begin to put them in it at bedtime. At the same time, start shifting your breastfeeding schedule so it’s a little farther away from sleep time. Ideally, your baby then goes to sleep when they’re both full and drowsy.
