How To Prepare For Transition From Bassinet To Crib? Step-By-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
19 min read

You’ve hit a major parenting milestone: transitioning your baby from a bassinet to a crib. Given how quickly your child is developing, this change will occur before you know it. You’ll find helpful information about making the switch from a bassinet to a crib here.

Making sure there’s adequate room in the room for both the bassinet and crib is the first step in getting ready for this transition.

If it doesn’t, it might be time to look into buying or renting a larger home. Next, talk to your child’s doctor about how long before night you should start using the crib (typically around four months old). Once that is accomplished, the only remaining decision is the amount of time between each sleep cycle, which can range from one to eight hours.

What Is A Crib?

Crib is defined by Merriam-Webster as a small child’s bedstead with high enclosing, typically slatted sides. An older infant can sleep soundly in a crib.

10 Tips To Transition Your Baby to A Crib - Postpartum Party

Cribs occur in many forms, but the four most common varieties are described below.

Traditional Crib

The conventional crib, sometimes known as the “normal” crib, is square in shape. Although these cribs don’t have as many bells and whistles as convertible models, they are still very convenient.

Mini Crib

A micro crib, like a standard crib, is rectangular but much smaller. Standard crib mattresses, such as Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress, measure 28 inches wide by 52 inches long; tiny crib mattresses measure 24 inches wide by 38 inches long.

If you go this route, you might be interested in our portable crib mattress.

Convertible Crib

When your baby outgrows the crib, you can easily transform it into a toddler bed or daybed with the help of a conversion kit.

Convertible cribs need more assembly than standard cribs, but they may be modified to accommodate your child as they grow.

Additionally, a convertible crib will cost you a bit more than a standard crib, but it could end up being money well spent.

Round Crib

It’s not very usual to find a spherical crib.

Due of its one-of-a-kind construction, it is the most expensive of the options we considered. A spherical crib, on the other hand, allows your infant greater room to stretch out and play as they become older.

Crib Pros

  • Durable, solid construction (less risk of tipping)
  • In some cases, it has been in use for years.
  • Mattresses in the typical sizes are widely available.
  • Extensive range of forms, hues, and dimensions

Crib Cons

  • Heavy (can be hard to move)
  • Might not be able to fit in the bedroom.
  • This assembly is more difficult than usual.

Why Need A Crib?

Babies can start sleeping through the night between the ages of 4 and 6 months. They’ve reached the point where they can go without food for several hours at a time, allowing you to sleep for longer lengths at a time. Your infant will develop quickly over these years, therefore you should also ensure that their cot is large enough.

Although it may be difficult to tell, there are a few telltale signs that your baby is ready to move on from the bassinet or crib. For Instance:

  • You may have noticed that your baby has begun to roll over onto their side.
  • They have gained sufficient muscle control to sit up on their own when lying down by holding on hard and then returning to their original position.
  • You’ve started taking naps during the night since you’re more interested in sleeping during those hours.

How To Transition From Bassinet To Crib?

First, make sure there’s enough room for the bassinet and the crib. This is the most important step in getting ready for the move.

If the current quarters are inadequate, the next step is to acquire or secure the use of a bedroom.

Step 3: Make a moving plan. Ask your pediatrician when it is safe to transition your baby to their new crib for the night.

Fourth, position the infant on the new cot.

In the fifth step, you’ll want to make sure the crib provides a secure environment for your infant.

Step 6: Obtain and utilize a baby monitor.

Transitioning From Bassinet To Crib: Tips For Moms

When a baby is initially born, he or she goes through a period of intense change. Changing from a bassinet to a crib: how difficult is it? Indeed, that is possible! Can you do anything to fix it? Absolutely!

Most parents would state their child has outgrown his or her crib by the time he or she is six months old. Depending on how quickly your child is developing, they may already have noticeably longer legs by this age. They are at an age where it is not too risky to introduce something new and larger, such as a Babyzen big boy or big girl mattress set, which can assist ease the discomfort of the growing pains.

Can A Baby Sleep In A Crib Right Away?

Is it best practice for a baby to share a room with his or her parents? Is this safe, and what do studies reveal about the relationship between co-sleeping, cribs, and sudden infant death syndrome? An infant’s safest sleeping environment is in the arms of his or her parents, and this can begin at a very young age.

When Should You Stop Using A Bassinet?

Can you give me an estimate of how long this will take? Yes! Time constraints do exist. Is it safe to keep a baby in a bassinet for longer than the manufacturer suggests? When the infant is old enough to roll out of the bassinet on their own, you can cease using it.

Can I Put My Baby In His Own Room At 1 Month?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping a newborn close by for the first six months, after which time the baby can transition to a separate room. You, however, have your own set of priorities, and it’s crucial that you take into account the practical considerations of other families like yours before making any final choices.

What Can I Use Instead Of A Crib?

The top alternatives to crib are as follows:

  • Babies’ Playards
  • Sofa Sleeper
  • Portable Baby Crib
  • Conjoint Sleeping Arrangements
  • Cradle, or Bassinet
  • Basket of Moses
  • Cozy Spot
  • The Playground or the Backpack-N-Play

Can My Baby Sleep In A Crib At 2 Months Old?

Is your infant old enough to sleep in a crib without you? Although your baby is just 1 month old, that doesn’t mean they can’t be left in the crib alone. As long as parents are vigilant and present at all times, there is no reason these children won’t adjust.

How to Prepare For Transition From Bassinet To Crib - Krostrade

The 8 Best Baby Cribs of 2022

Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Pros

  • There are a total of four different mattress heights available.
  • From infancy to early childhood.
  • Multiple color choices

Cons

  • Unable to reach full size
  • Costly

Because it may be utilized for multiple stages of your child’s development, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed is our top pick. This top selection converts effortlessly from a cot to a toddler bed to a daybed with the provided conversion kit, all at a reasonable price and with a timeless design.

The metal mattress platform crib can be adjusted to four different heights to suit your child as they develop. The six color selections range from single standard colors to two-color combinations, so they may be easily matched to any existing nursery decor.

Weight: 54 oz. Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 35 in. Maximum Weight: 50 lb.

Best Budget: IKEA Gulliver Crib

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Makes into a bed for a little child

Cons

  • You can only get it in one color.
  • There are only two possible heights.

A timeless crib at a reasonable price can be found at IKEA. Simple yet elegant in design, this crib can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed by just removing one side. This affordable crib comes in a single color option.

Weight: 44 pounds | Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 33 inches | Maximum Child Weight: Not Stated

Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Pros

  • Multiple color choices
  • The four possible forms are:

Cons

  • The necessary conversion kits are available for purchase independently.
  • The assembly process can be challenging for some people.

When a child will be spending a considerable amount of time in their own room, it makes sense to invest in a convertible crib. You can easily adapt the bed to their changing needs as they become older. This alternative is built to last, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-sized bed (toddler and full-size bed conversion kits sold separately).

Weight: 50 pounds; Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches; Maximum Child Weight: 50 pounds

Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib

Pros

  • Slats made entirely of transparent material
  • Folds down into a toddler bed
  • Durable

Cons

  • Separately available conversion kit
  • Costly

Acrylic cribs stand out from the crowd since they are a completely contemporary take on the traditional baby crib. The transparent slats give the bed a light, airy look that complements the white walls and crisp white bedding in the nursery. There are just two options for mattress height on this crib, and a toddler conversion kit is available for purchase separately.

Weight: 83 pounds; Dimensions: 54 by 30 by 36.5 inches; Maximum Weight: 200 pounds; Ages: 2 and up

Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

Pros

  • Modest in size
  • Chemical-free paint and stain
  • Different transformations for each of the four

Cons

  • Choice between two hues
  • The necessary conversion kits are available for purchase independently.

A micro crib is a secure resting option for infants from birth to around 18 months, and can be used in a parent’s room, a small nursery, or anywhere else. While compact, this alternative is hardly lacking in sophistication. The convertible 4-in-1 crib may be converted into a twin bed, a day bed, or a toddler bed (conversion kits sold separately). Mattresses and bedding specifically made for compact cribs can be found at specialty retailers.

Weight: 40 pounds | Dimensions: 39.75 x 26.5 x 35.5 inches | Recommended Age: 2 years or 35 inches in height

Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Pros

  • Portable
  • Conveniently quick to set up

Cons

  • Sheets are not included in some packs.

While away from home, make sure your infant has a warm, safe, and pleasant area to sleep. Many parents express their satisfaction with this convenient alternative to a permanent cot. Parents who have reviewed it have praised its portability and how quickly it sets up.

It includes a mattress, mattress cover, and portable storage bag, and can be used from birth until around age 3 (or until your child can climb out).

Maximum child weight: up to 3 years old Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches Weight: 13 pounds

Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Pros

  • Wheels that can swivel but lock in place
  • Adjustable side panel fits a variety of crib sizes

Cons

  • Costly
  • The design of a crib prevents the use of a standard mattress.

This unusual oval crib is created in a style reminiscent of that found in Scandinavia. The mattress foundation can be adjusted to a few different heights, and the crib itself has lockable swivel wheels for easy transport from room to room. Once your infant reaches the exploratory toddler stage, you can make getting in and out of bed much simpler by removing one side of the bed.

The oval Stokke mattress that goes with it is necessary because of the shape of the bed.

Having a weight of 44 ounces and a size of 29.1 by 33.6 by 50 inches, the dimensions are impressive. Maximum Weight for a Child: 176 Pounds

Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib

Pros

  • Wheels that come off
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Thin mattress pad

If you need to store a crib temporarily, whether at a relative’s house, a guest house, or your own, a foldable model is a convenient option. It’s convenient for tight quarters because it collapses and rolls on lockable wheels.

The infant mattress can be adjusted to three different heights, so it may grow with the child. The 1.5-inch mattress pad that comes standard with this crib folds flat inside the crib when it’s not in use. An extra mattress for the crib needs to be purchased.

Weight: 36 pounds; Dimensions: 38 by 26 by 36 inches; Maximum Weight: 50 pounds

What to Look for in a Baby Crib

Size

Make sure the crib will fit in the room it will be placed in before making a purchase. Mini cribs are normally between 24 and 28 inches wide and 36 to 43 inches long, whereas standard cribs are usually approximately 28 inches wide and 52 inches long.

Standard vs. Convertible

Even though you won’t know for sure until your baby is born, you should consider how your child will utilize the crib and whether or not you currently have beds of a higher size. There are a wide variety of cribs available, and it’s crucial to find one that suits your needs and those of your baby.

A normal crib has dimensions of about 28 by 52 inches and may not be expandable to a larger bed size. A typical crib can be used from the moment a kid is born up to the time that he or she reaches certain developmental milestones, such as climbing out of bed. If it doesn’t have the option to convert to a toddler bed, you’ll need to buy one independently.

Multifunctional: a convertible crib can serve as a crib, a toddler bed, and eventually a full-size bed. These are great if you want to stretch your dollar as far as possible, as they can be used by children and adults alike.

Mini: Mini cribs are not intended for use with children who are heavy for their size and can only accommodate infants up to a specific weight limit. It’s time for a new bed if your child reaches the specified age or weight. Mini cribs, on the other hand, are ideal if you require a compact and safe sleeping environment for your baby.

After dozens of infant deaths were linked to the use of dropside cribs, their use was outlawed a decade ago. Even used ones are unsafe, and it is against the law to sell them.

Bar Spacing Safety

In the same way as evaluating the size of the crib is essential, so is checking the distance between the slats. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the distance between the crib’s slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). Having a look at the distance between the bars to be sure your child’s body won’t fit through is a good idea. Also, check for broken or missing slats frequently.

Mattress Height

If you’re worried about your baby falling out of their crib and hurting themselves, measure the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib’s side rails. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a distance of at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress to the top of the crib’s side rails.

6 Simple Steps to Transition from the mamaRoo sleep® bassinet to the C | 4moms®

FAQs

When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

Converting a bassinet into a crib is a personal decision that should be made based on the family’s needs. Some infants go straight to sleeping in their cribs, while others may use a bassinet or play yard first. Between the ages of three and six months, the majority of newborns are ready to transition to a crib.

How long should a baby stay in a crib?

Babies vary from one another in many ways. Some children are perfectly content to use a crib until they are well into their preschool years, while others may start to fuss about it as early as 18 months old. Keep your child in a crib for as long as possible for their own safety, as transitioning to a big kid bed all night requires maturity and good sleep habits.

Conclusion

Where you choose to have a kid depends on your values as a family. Some families let their kids stay in their rooms for years, while others push them to share a space with friends or get their own place as soon as feasible.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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