How to Move a Baby From a Bassinet to a Crib

While it's not necessary to put a baby in a bassinet to sleep, many babies prefer a bassinet to a crib when they're younger. However, once baby starts moving around, and especially when she starts sitting up, bassinets become dangerous due to the risk of a baby falling out and hurting herself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start the baby in the crib. Some babies prefer the crib to the bassinet. If the baby starts out in the crib, it won't be necessary to move him later.

2. Avoid putting anything in the crib with baby. Although at first a baby may seem lost in the larger crib, don't put anything besides a light blanket to cover him up. Due to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation, stuffed toys, bumper pads and thick blankets should be left out of the crib.

3. Put a baby in the crib for naps. One way to get a baby adjusted to the crib is to put him in there for daytime sleeping first. After a week or so of this routine, sleeping in there at night will be much easier for her to handle.

4. Play with him in the crib during the day. Put him in there with a mobile or another one of his favorite toys while cleaning the room. This gets him used to his new environment.

5. Use a baby monitor. This eases the parent's minds more than anything else. Since baby has been in their room for so long, sometimes a baby monitor can help make the adjustment easier for them, too.