One of the first purchases of soon to be new parents is a crib. The vision of your new bundle of joy sleeping peacefully in the crib is heartwarming. But as a newborn, it is recommended that the baby starts out in a bassinet close to Mom and Dad’s bed; this allows for the parents to be “on call” for any nighttime needs and it also allows the baby to sleep in a smaller space, more like the mother’s womb.
When is the “right” time to transition the baby to the crib? Most babies make the big move between 3 and 6 months. Critics say you will know the appropriate time as either the baby will get too big for the bassinet or the baby’s sleep patterns will not be as peaceful.
5 Tips for Transitioning Baby to Crib
When the time is right, here are some tips for Parents to make the transition to the crib safe and more successful:
- Start with a full size crib that has sides that do not move; older cribs have sides that slide up and down and this is considered dangerous, especially as the baby becomes more mobile.
- A firm mattress is very important as it will offer more support. A soft mattress might allow the baby to get into a position that could hamper proper breathing, especially when the baby is new to the crib; their little bodies are still developing the strength they need to move their necks and body upon their command.
- It is not recommended to use “baby bumpers” as your baby could get tangled up in them. A clear sleeping space with no pillows or blankets will allow your baby to stay safe regardless of any movement.
- The safest sleeping position for your baby is on the back! This is a must as it decreases the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- An optimal sleeping temperature for the baby’s room is between 68-72 degrees. Not too cold and not too hot makes for a better quality of sleep.
If your baby starts with a good sleep environment and develops healthy sleep habits, parents and baby will all be happier. Care Options for Kids' Pediatric-specialized Clinicians work with children of any age who struggle with sleep problems. Please contact Care Options for Kids if this is an area of concern for your family.
