Is your little one outgrowing their bassinet, but you’re not sure how to make the switch to a crib?
Moving your baby to a crib is a big milestone—one that can feel exciting and a little nerve-wracking at the same time. You might be wondering when the right time is, how to make the transition as smooth as possible, and whether your baby will actually sleep in their new space.
The good news? With the right approach, your baby can learn to love their crib just as much as their bassinet. To make the process easier, we’ll talk more about how to help your little one adjust, and the sleep essentials—like cozy crib sheets, swaddles and wearable blankets—that can make all the difference. Let’s make this transition easy for both you and your baby.
When to Move Baby out of the Bassinet
So, when is the right time to make the move? Is it three months, six months a year? The truth is that every baby is different, but most little ones outgrow their bassinet between three to six months old. So, if you notice that your baby is starting to look cramped, they’re rolling over or waking up more often due to lack of space, it’s probably time to make the move. Many bassinets have weight limits, too. So, for your baby’s safety, be sure to check those limits as well. If your baby is getting close to that, it’s a good idea to start the transition to a crib.
Bassinet vs. Crib: Why Make the Move?
So, why should you even move your baby? The bassinet might seem like the perfect sleep space—small, cozy and conveniently placed right next to your bed so you can check on your little one with ease. In those early weeks, having your baby close by makes nighttime feedings and soothing so much simpler. We talked about it a little bit above, but as your baby grows, a bassinet can quickly become too snug. This can limit their ability to stretch, roll and move comfortably.
It can also be safer to have them in a crib after a certain point. As we said, most bassinets have weight and mobility limits, meaning once your baby starts rolling over or pushing up on their hands, it’s no longer the safest option for them. A crib can provide more space, offer better long-term support and meet updated safety guidelines. This can help to keep your baby secure as they grow. Plus, transitioning to a crib can help your little one establish healthy sleep habits in their own dedicated space.
While the idea of making the switch can feel like a big adjustment, it’s actually a great opportunity to create a soothing sleep environment that encourages them to have longer, more restful nights. With the right crib setup, you can make the transition easier and more comfortable.
Preparing the Crib for a Cozy Transition
So, you’re probably wondering about the best ways to make the crib more comfortable for your baby. Here are the things to pay attention to when setting up the crib:
- Crib safety first: As tempting as it can be to fill a crib with lots of soft items, this is not safe. The crib should not have pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers or any loose blankets in it. These can increase the chances for SIDS and other problems. So, an empty crib is the way to go when it comes to crib safety.
- Comfortable sheets: The one thing your crib can have besides the mattress is a well-fitted crib sheet. Our fitted crib sheets are 100% cotton sateen, and they’re soft. So, they’ll provide a comfy place for your baby to sleep.
- Wearable blanket: If you’re concerned about keeping your baby warm, you can get them a wearable blanket. Wearable blankets are made from soft, breathable material that allows babies to be warm and cozy without the dangers of a loose blanket.
- Baby Monitor: It can be really difficult to have your baby move to a new room. Being able to hear and see them can give parents peace of mind–so add a baby monitor to your nursery. You’ll be able to hear and see your little one without needing to go in the room and possibly wake them up.
Creating a cozy, safe sleep space for your baby is all about finding the right balance. By keeping the crib simple and focusing on essentials like soft, breathable crib sheets and a cozy wearable blanket, you’re ensuring your baby has a comfortable environment while still prioritizing their safety. Remember, a safe sleep space promotes better sleep for both you and your baby, and setting up the crib this way is a great first step in making the transition from bassinet to crib as smooth as possible.
How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Crib
So, how do you get your baby to sleep in a crib? Making the move from bassinet to crib can be a bit of a process and can be emotional for parents, too. After all, your little one is growing up quickly! However, with a little patience and consistency, your baby will start to feel right at home in their new sleep space—and you’ll feel better once they are settled. One great way to ease the transition is by starting with daytime naps in the crib. This helps your baby get used to the new environment during the day when they’re a bit more awake and alert. Gradually, this will make the crib feel like a familiar place when it’s time for nighttime sleep.
Another tip is to use familiar scents or sounds to create a calming atmosphere. White noise or soft lullabies can also work wonders for mimicking the sounds your baby is used to hearing while in the bassinet, which can help them better relax and sleep.
The big thing is to keep your bedtime routine consistent and only use the crib for sleeping. That way, your baby will be able to better understand the cues of needing to go to sleep. They might resist at first, but over time, they’ll snuggle in and sleep—just stay consistent with them and be patient.
When it comes to transitioning a newborn to a crib, there’s no one-size-fits-all advice. It’s dependent on so many factors, including your comfort, their developmental phase, health, safety and more. If you’re unsure, it’s always good to talk to your pediatrician and get their unique take on your baby’s situation. Otherwise, trust your gut—you’ve got this!