Transitioning Your Baby to a Crib or Independent Sleep Space: Tips and Things To Think About
Let’s talk about transitioning your baby to a crib or their own sleep space. First things first: room-sharing is recommended for the first year of life to help reduce the risk of SIDS. That said, if you’re thinking about making a change, take a minute to figure out why. If it’s because your baby’s outgrown the bassinet and it’s no longer safe, then yep, it’s time. But if you’re feeling pressured by friends or family to stop bedsharing and you’re all happy as is, know that you’re in charge. You can bedshare as long as it works for your family—there’s no magic time for transitions.
Even if you decide to transition when your baby is a toddler, it’s not going to be the impossible task people make it out to be. By that age, a floor bed might even be a better option since they’ve never used a crib.
Start by making the crib a happy place. Let your baby hang out in the crib during the day and keep it fun. Turn the lights on and off, do silly faces, play peek-a-boo, or even put on a little puppet show. The goal is to create positive vibes around the crib so it feels like a cool and happy space. If they don’t enjoy the crib during the day, bedtime won’t magically be different.
Incorporate the crib into your bedtime routine. Maybe you put your baby in the crib while you read a story, sing a song, or get ready for bath time. These small steps help your baby see the crib as part of their nightly rhythm instead of a place of isolation, which can make bedtime transitions easier.
It’s helpful to consider your baby’s temperament. For more sensitive babies over 9 months who haven’t slept in a crib before, the transition can be a little tougher, especially for those who don’t adapt to change easily. In these cases, a floor bed can be a great option to ease everyone’s stress and make the process feel more natural. If you have more of an easy-going babe this transition could be easier.
If your baby is still in a bassinet, you could try placing it inside the crib for naps, but ONLY when you can supervise. We need to always keep safe sleep in mind. This introduces the crib as a familiar space while keeping things safe. Another gentle strategy is starting with just the first stretch of sleep in the crib. Even if it’s only 15 minutes, that’s a win! Gradually increase the time as they get used to it, always being patient with the process.
For families with convertible cribs, turning the crib into a side-car setup can work wonders. By removing one side and attaching it to your bed, your baby can get used to their crib while still feeling close to you. It’s a great way to ease into the transition without completely changing their sleep environment.
Warming the crib mattress before placing your baby down can also make a big difference. Use a heating pad or warm towel to heat the mattress, then remove it right before laying your baby down. This little trick helps mimic the cozy feeling of being held. The cold firm feeling of the mattress can be quite startling.
If the crib still isn’t working, consider baby-proofing the room and using a floor bed. This allows you to bed-share next to them for a while until they’re comfortable sleeping on their own. It’s a great way to test if they’re ready to transition and helps them adjust to their new space gradually.
Always keep safety in mind. Check for gaps between the mattress and crib sides to avoid entrapment, and make sure the room is baby-proofed if you’re using a floor bed or side-car setup. Following safe sleep guidelines is essential for everyone’s peace of mind.
Every baby is different, and transitions take time. Trust your instincts and go at a pace that feels right for your family. Whether it’s silly crib games, cuddles on a floor mattress, or a side-car solution, you’ve got this!
