Moving a Baby From the Bassinet

Many parents have their newborn babies sleep in a bassinet, and babies can stay in the bassinet for their first few weeks or months. Eventually, however, your baby will need a bigger, more secure place to sleep. These steps can make the transition easier for the entire family.

When to Move Your Baby

First, check the specifications for your bassinet. Many have a weight limit. Most babies are too big for a bassinet by the time they are 3 months old. As your baby grows in length, he may get increasingly uncomfortable in a bassinet. If your baby is able to move and belly crawl, or lift himself up on his arms, it is definitely time to move him into a crib. A bassinet has lower side bars and is not sturdy enough to hold a baby safely once he becomes more mobile. A crib will provide your baby with more room and is much more secure.

How to Move Your Baby to a Crib

When your baby is ready to be moved into a crib, it probably will be a bigger change for you than for him. Before you introduce your baby to sleeping in the crib, try to make his room a familiar place. Go into the his room once or twice a day to play so he becomes familiar with the room, and try sitting him in the crib with you in the room. Don't leave him alone in the crib just yet--this exercise simply gets him used to being in the crib.

When you're ready to make the transition to the crib, continue the same bedtime routine as when you were using the bassinet. When your baby is ready to go to sleep, simply place him in the crib as you did in the bassinet. Keep any loose blankets, stuffed animals, toys or padding completely out of the crib. Such items pose a suffocation hazard.

Getting Your Baby Adjusted to the Crib

If your baby wakes and seems startled by his new surroundings, go in and console him. Once he is calmed down or back asleep, place him back in the crib to sleep. It is important for your baby to know that when he cries or becomes afraid, you will be there to comfort him.

If your baby is having trouble adjusting to the crib, try adding music. A mobile or music soother will play lullaby music for 5 to 10 minutes (sometimes longer) to help your baby drift off to sleep. You could also try a sound machine that plays the sound of rain, ocean waves or other nature sounds.

Once you start using the crib, do not go back to using the bassinet. This will only make it harder to get your baby to sleep full time in the crib. While it may take a few days for you and your baby to get used to the new routine, this is a step that will help your baby become more independent and comfortable sleeping on his own.

References

• BabyCenter