Moving Baby to Crib: Transitioning from Bassinet

The bassinet has been your baby's cozy sleeping spot, but they're growing—literally out of it. Moving to the crib is a big transition for many families. Some babies barely notice; others need more time to adjust.

Understanding how to set up success can make this transition much smoother.

When to Move to Crib AAP

Most babies transition between 3-6 months.

Signs it's time:

• Baby is approaching weight limit of bassinet (usually 15-20 lbs)
• Baby is too long for bassinet
• Baby is rolling or trying to roll
• Baby seems cramped or uncomfortable
• Baby is outgrowing the space

Safety rules:

• Never exceed the weight limit of your bassinet
• Once baby can push up on hands and knees, bassinet isn't safe
• Rolling baby needs more space
• When in doubt, move to crib (it's always safe)

AAP recommendation:

• Room-sharing (baby in your room but own sleep space) for at least 6 months, ideally 12 months AAP
• This doesn't mean baby has to be in bassinet
• Crib in parents' room counts as room-sharing

Deciding Where to Put the Crib AAP

Option 1: Crib in Parents' Room

• Continues room-sharing (AAP recommended)
• Baby is nearby for night feeds
• Easy to respond to baby
• May mean both parents wake to baby sounds

Option 2: Crib in Nursery

• Baby has own sleep space
• Parents may sleep better without baby sounds
• Use monitor to hear baby
• AAP recommends room-sharing for 6-12 months, but many families transition earlier

Things to consider:

• What works for your family's sleep?
• Can you hear baby from nursery?
• How often is baby waking for feeds?
• What feels right to you?

No wrong answer:

• Many babies move to nursery before 6 months
• Many families continue room-sharing past 12 months
• Do what works for YOUR family

Setting Up the Crib Safely AAP

Safe sleep environment:

• Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly (no gaps)
• Fitted sheet only—nothing else
• No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys
• No inclined sleepers or positioners
• Baby on back to start

Room environment:

• Dark room (blackout shades if needed)
• Cool temperature (68-72°F)
• White noise (optional but helpful)
• Monitor if baby is in separate room

What NOT to add:

• Bumper pads (suffocation risk)
• Blankets (use sleep sack instead)
• Stuffed animals (not until after 12 months)
• Sleep positioners or wedges

Making the Crib Familiar

Before the transition:

• Let baby play in crib during day (supervised)
• Do diaper changes near crib
• Put baby in crib awake during day to explore
• Make crib a positive, familiar space

Sensory familiarity:

• Use same sleep sack
• Use same white noise sound
• Sleep on crib sheet to transfer your scent (then remove yourself!)
• Keep bedtime routine identical

What helps baby feel secure:

• Consistency in routine
• Familiar sounds and smells
• Same darkness level
• Same temperature

Transition Strategies NSF

Cold Turkey:

• Move baby to crib, commit to it
• Often works fine—babies are adaptable
• Expect 1-3 nights of adjustment
• Don't go back and forth (confusing)

Gradual Approach:

• Start with one nap in crib, then more
• Move to crib for first part of night, bassinet for second
• Gradually increase crib time
• Fully transition once baby is comfortable

Crib in Parents' Room First:

• Move crib to your room temporarily
• Baby adjusts to crib with you nearby
• After adjustment, move crib to nursery
• Two smaller transitions instead of one big one

Which works best?

• Cold turkey is often easiest (less confusing)
• Gradual can help anxious parents
• Crib-in-room works if nursery move is the worry
• Most babies adjust within a week either way

What to Expect During Transition NSF

First few nights:

• Baby may wake more frequently
• May take longer to fall asleep
• Some fussiness is normal
• Baby is adjusting to new space

By end of first week:

• Most babies are adjusted
• Sleep patterns normalizing
• Baby getting comfortable in crib

Some babies don't notice at all:

• If baby transitions easily, great!
• Not every baby struggles
• Don't create problems that aren't there

If Baby Is Struggling

Give it time:

• A full week of consistency before worrying
• First 2-3 nights are often hardest
• Improvement usually comes around night 4-5

Check the basics:

• Is baby overtired? Move bedtime earlier
• Is room dark enough?
• Is room right temperature?
• Is white noise consistent?

Offer comfort:

• You can comfort baby in crib (patting, shushing)
• Pick up if needed, put back down when calm
• Stay consistent with response
• Baby is adjusting, not being difficult

Don't:

• Go back and forth between bassinet and crib
• Bring baby to your bed out of desperation (creates new issues)
• Assume it will never work (it will!)

Naps vs. Nighttime

Nighttime is usually easier:

• Melatonin (sleep hormone) helps at night
• Baby is more tired at bedtime
• Sleepy baby is more adaptable

Nap strategy:

• Start with night transition first
• Once nights are good, work on naps
• First nap of day is usually easiest
• Rescue naps are okay during transition

Don't stress about nap location:

• Contact naps are fine during transition
• One nap in crib, others wherever
• Gradually increase crib naps
• Flexibility is okay

Room-Sharing Logistics AAP

If keeping crib in your room:

• Position crib where you can see baby from bed
• Consider whether partner's snoring bothers baby
• You'll hear every baby sound (might sleep less)
• Easy access for night feeds

Tips for room-sharing:

• Use white noise to mask parent sounds
• Keep phone/devices away from baby
• Be aware baby may sleep better with more distance
• Consider when you might move crib to nursery

Moving to the Nursery

If baby is going to own room:

Before the move:

• Spend time in nursery during day
• Do feedings in nursery
• Make it a familiar, positive space

Safety checklist:

• Working baby monitor (test it!)
• No hazards baby could reach from crib
• Room is babyproofed
• Cords out of reach

First nights:

• Keep routine identical
• Stay for a few minutes after putting baby down
• Use monitor to watch and listen
• Go to baby when they need you

What Other Parents Ask

Q: Is it safe to move baby to nursery before 6 months?
A: The AAP recommends room-sharing for 6-12 months, but many families move baby earlier. If you have a working monitor and follow safe sleep guidelines, many pediatricians support this choice. AAP

Q: My baby loves the bassinet. Will they hate the crib?
A: Babies are adaptable. The crib is actually more comfortable with more room. Most babies adjust within a week. Make the crib feel familiar and be consistent.

Q: What if baby won't sleep in crib but sleeps fine in bassinet?
A: Give it a full week of consistency. Ensure crib environment is similar (dark, white noise, same sleep sack). Baby needs time to adjust.

Q: Should I sleep train at the same time as transitioning to crib?
A: It's often easier to do one change at a time. Transition to crib first, let baby adjust for a week or two, then consider sleep training if needed. NSF

Q: Can I keep the crib in my room until baby is 12 months?
A: Absolutely. This follows AAP room-sharing guidelines. Move the crib to nursery whenever you're ready—there's no deadline.

The Bottom Line

Moving from bassinet to crib is a normal transition that most babies handle well with a little time and consistency. Whether you go cold turkey or gradually, create a safe sleep environment and give baby time to adjust.

Key points:

• Most babies transition between 3-6 months
• Always follow safe sleep guidelines (firm mattress, nothing in crib)
• Make crib familiar with same sounds, smells, routine
• Consistency is more important than method
• Most babies adjust within a week
• Room-sharing in crib or nursery with monitor are both options

Clara is here to help you navigate this transition with confidence.