There’s often chatter about transitioning your baby to a crib by the six-month mark, the minimum amount of time that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing. Moving from a bassinet to a crib may also mean the end of room sharing if a crib does not fit in your bedroom.
Should you make the change?
If your family’s approach to nighttime sleep is working well, and there are no safety concerns like exceeding the height and weight limits of the bassinet, it’s okay to keep on. However, if your baby has outgrown their bassinet, moving them into a crib is a good idea.
You can transition to a crib and still room share.If space allows, you can continue to room share by moving the crib into your room or moving an extra mattress for you in their nursery.
You can transition to a crib in separate rooms.You can also safely transition your baby into their nursery while remaining in your bedroom at night. However, it’s typical that babies still wake to feed at six months, so this may mean that you have to get up and walk to their nursery at night to feed.
Some families skip a crib entirely.While not endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, some families opt for a family bed setup. If bedsharing is something you’ve already been doing, please consider safer bedsharing practices.
Tips for saying goodbye to the bassinet
Keep it gradual.For example, try introducing your baby to the concept of their crib by starting with naps first.
Instill familiarity.Make the crib a cozy and familiar space by infusing continuity, such as dressing your baby in their usual nightwear and including their favorite pacifier. Also, keep their existing bedtime routine the same. If you’ve been doing a “bath, bottle, book” routine to signal sleep time, keep those same building blocks beforehand.
Create positive associations.Encourage positive associations with the crib by allowing your baby to explore it during the day. This helps them see the crib as a safe and enjoyable space.
Above all, try not to get discouraged when the transition feels hard. Transitions are hard, and this doesn’t mean you’re failing! With time, comfort, and reassurance, you can get through this adjustment in no time.