How to Move From a Co-Sleeper to a Crib

Transitioning your baby to a crib requires patience.

Putting a new baby to bed in a co-sleeper can be the perfect balance for parents who want the closeness of co-sleeping without the possible dangers. A co-sleeper attaches to the parent's bed so that the baby is within arm's reach all night. Because of the height, the baby will need to be transitioned to a crib by 6 months of age. Once the baby is able to sit up, the co-sleeper is no longer safe. Slowly transitioning your baby will help her become more comfortable with his new environment.

Instructions

1. Place the baby's crib in a corner of your bedroom.

2. Put your baby down for her nap in the crib, but continue to put her to sleep at night in the co-sleeper. Continue this practice until she is sleeping through her naps without fussing.

3. Remove the co-sleeper from your bedroom and place the crib directly next to your bed. Put your baby to sleep in the crib next to your bed. Once again, continue until your baby is sleeping without too much fuss.

4. Move the crib back to the corner of your room.

5. Move the crib into your baby's bedroom. Sleep on the floor or on an air mattress for the first couple of nights to help your little one get used to her new room.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient in your baby's transition. The entire process can take as little as a week or as long as a couple of months.

• Keeping with a familiar bedtime routing will help your baby transition.

• Give your little one a T-shirt that you have worn. The smell of mommy can help comfort her to sleep in a new place.

References

• Kids' Health: Cosleeping and Your Baby
• What to Expect: Calling it Quits to Co-sleeping