When to Move Your Baby to a Crib
- Niharika Prinsloo
- Feb 18
- 5 min read
Figuring out the right time to move your baby from a bassinet or co-sleeping arrangement into a crib can feel overwhelming.
You want your little one to be comfortable, safe, and sleeping well, but you’re not sure if the timing is right or how to handle the transition.
In this article, I’ll talk about common signs your baby may be ready for a crib, tips to make the switch easier, and how to keep everyone sleeping more soundly through the process.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to do next—and why moving your baby to a crib can actually be a great step forward for the entire family.
I’ll Cover
Let’s dive in!
Why Move Your Baby to a Crib?
There are lots of reasons parents decide it’s time for a crib transition:
Safety Most bassinets or bedside sleepers have weight or mobility limits. Once your baby starts pushing up, rolling over, or becoming more active, a crib often provides a safer environment.
Space to Grow Babies can outgrow smaller sleepers quickly, and a crib gives them room to stretch, roll, and get comfy.
Better Sleep Some babies actually sleep more peacefully with their own dedicated space—fewer accidental pokes or movements from parents, especially if you’ve been co-sleeping.
For more on the pros and cons of shared sleep, see Co-Sleeping or Independent Sleep.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready for a Crib
Getting Too Big for the Bassinet If your baby’s feet or head are close to the edges, or if the bassinet starts to feel cramped, that’s a big clue.
Rolling or Sitting Once babies roll around, the sides of a bassinet might not be tall enough. This can lead to safety issues.
Check out Safe Sleep Practices for Infants to learn more about keeping active babies secure.
Frequent Wakings If your baby suddenly starts waking more at night for no obvious reason (like hunger or teething), it could be they need a little more personal space.
You’re Ready Sometimes it’s as simple as you feeling like it’s time. Parenthood is full of instincts—if your gut says “move to the crib,” you might be onto something.
When to Make the Move
Most parents transition somewhere between 3 to 6 months, but it really depends on your baby’s readiness, their size, and your family’s preferences.
For newborns, a bassinet or close sleeping setup might still be ideal. If you have a tiny newborn, check Sleep Schedule for Newborn Baby for tips on establishing healthy patterns early on.
Some families wait until about 6 months when night feeds have possibly decreased. Others switch earlier because the baby’s outgrown the bassinet.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. The key is to choose a time when:
Your baby is healthy and not going through major disruptions like illness or intense teething.
Family stress is relatively low—big changes like moving house or returning to work can complicate sleep transitions.
You have a plan for how you’ll handle fussiness or extra wake-ups.
How to Make the Transition Easier
Set Up a Safe, Cozy Crib Space
Proper Mattress Height
Keep the crib mattress at a height that’s safe for your baby’s development stage.
No Loose Items
Remove blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys that could pose a risk. For guidance on bedding alternatives, see Choose Between Swaddling and Sleep Sacks.
Dark and Calm
Make the room soothing. Calm and Safe Sleep Environment for Baby shares simple ways to create a peaceful sleep space.
Practice During the Day
Try letting your baby play or nap in the crib for short stretches at first. This helps them get familiar with the new environment before bedtime.
If you’re aiming for better daytime naps, check out Help Your Baby Nap Longer During the Day.
Keep a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A reliable routine signals “sleep time.”
You might include a warm bath, pajamas, a gentle lullaby, or a feeding. Consistency helps your baby understand what’s coming next.
Consider a Gradual Approach
If you’ve been co-sleeping, a sudden switch to a crib in another room can feel like a huge change for your baby.
You might try placing the crib next to your bed initially, then slowly moving it further away. For a gentle approach, check Gentle Approach to Better Baby Sleep.
Tackle Night Wakings Consistently
Babies often wake up naturally during sleep cycles.
If your baby cries for you at night, keep your response consistent—whether that’s a quick cuddle, a “shhh” and pat, or letting them soothe themselves for a few moments.
If frequent wake-ups persist, see How to Stop Frequent Night Wakings.
Stay Flexible but Firm
Your baby might fuss more the first few nights in a crib. That’s normal. Offer comfort, but do your best to follow through with the new plan.
If your baby is especially fussy due to teething or a growth spurt, you can adjust bedtime slightly or provide some extra soothing. Still, try to keep the crib as the main sleep space.
Common Hiccups and How to Handle Them
Sleep Regressions Around 4 months or later, babies may go through phases of disturbed sleep. This can coincide with learning to roll, crawl, or pull to stand. The crib transition might get bumpy.
To learn more, read What Are Baby Sleep Regressions & How to Manage Them.
Travel or Big Changes If you have a trip coming up or are moving homes, the crib transition might get paused.
See Baby Sleep Routine While Traveling for tips on keeping routines consistent away from home.
Baby Prefers Your Bed If co-sleeping has been the norm, your baby might strongly protest sleeping alone. A step-by-step approach and plenty of reassurance can help.
If you get really stuck, check out When Nothing Works for Baby for extra suggestions.
When to Seek Professional Help
Moving your baby to a crib doesn’t have to be a battle. But if you’re struggling with:
Excessive Night Wakings
Your baby is up every hour without improvement.
High Parental Stress
You’re feeling overwhelmed, losing sleep, or worried about your mental health.
Medical Concerns
Reflux, allergies, or other health issues complicating sleep.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatrician or a sleep consultant. Sometimes just a little tailored advice can make a world of difference.
How MyBabySleepConsultant Can Help
MyBabySleepConsultant offers step-by-step guidance if you’re feeling unsure about the crib transition:
Customized Sleep Plans Every baby is different. We create a plan that suits your baby’s age, temperament, and your family’s lifestyle.
Gentle, Science-Backed Techniques We focus on approaches that help babies (and parents) feel supported, not stressed.
Ongoing Support We’re here to walk you through challenges—like teething, travel, or growth spurts—that might happen during the crib transition.
Future Steps Once your little one is settled in the crib, we can also guide you through the next stages, like eventually moving to a toddler bed.
Final Thoughts
Moving your baby to a crib can feel like a big leap, but it’s often the next natural step in helping them develop strong, healthy sleep habits.
By looking for signs of readiness, setting up a safe and cozy space, and remaining both patient and consistent, you can ease the transition.
Yes, there might be a few bumps in the road, but with a clear plan—and plenty of reassurance—you’ll likely see better rest for everyone.
Ready to help your baby sleep better? Schedule a consultation now with a certified baby sleep consultant.
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