Today I wanted to talk about how to transition a baby to a crib. In just the first year, we can obviously see how babies change so much from those early newborn days. It feels like the moment you nailed down the nights and naps, they outgrow their bassinets already! Then you realized that you now need to find strategies on how to transition baby from co sleeping to crib
Transitions for babies can be rough, but they don’t have to be. For many of us, the transition from bassinet to crib felt like an eternity. For others, it’s a breeze. But either way, we all want to make the process as easy on our little ones as possible.
So I’ve compiled a list of some of the best strategies for to help you transition a baby to a crib. These tips will help you and your baby make the transition as painless as possible.
How to transition a baby to a crib
Preparation For Transition
It is so significant to do all the best that you can in order to set an environment wherein your baby can reach an optimal sleep. One of the most important thing to keep in mind is the safety of the baby. Keep in mind that babies need to be on their back as they are being put to bed, with no loose items, and on a firm surface. The timing as well is very important. It is vital to know when to transition baby to crib in own room. The moment you can identify when to move baby to crib, you are good to go!
I got inspired by the idea of Cubo Ai Article: How to Transition baby to crib which made me come up the following preparations:
The Night Before
One vital thing that you need to prepare the night before transition is the crib itself. Make the crib as if the baby can feel that it is a little like you, especially if the baby used to fall asleep in your arms. Few days before the day of transition, sleep with a baby’s pacifier or swaddle. Before moving her into the crib, sleep on her crib sheets.
The Day Of The Transition
You can’t expect your baby to sleep well being left alone in her crib when both of you never hang out in the nursery. You have to keep that in mind. During the day, spend time playing along with your baby in the nursery.
Snuggle her, feeding her, and changing her in that room. While she is inside the crib, place some baby toys and play with your baby inside. By doing this, your baby will become familiar with the room’s smells and sight and will be able to help you better on how to get baby to sleep in crib after co sleeping.
The First Night
Keep in mind during the days of transition, you need to start a bedtime routine along with your baby. It will help your baby to wind down and know good sleep habits. It enables the baby to associate the routine with sleeping. It can include giving a bath, reading bedtime stories, or giving goodnight kisses. The baby will be able to know that bedtime will be next! This will also help her be at ease in the crib and the new room.
The Next Few Nights
There are various sleep training methods out there so choose what works for you and your baby’s personality. Always be consistent in whatever you decide as an approach. The baby will just become comfortable and familiar the more she is exposed to the crib. Give your baby time to settle down and avoid rushing the transition. Take it one step at a time!
Lastly, Install Smart Baby Monitor
It is highly recommended to install a smart baby monitor during this time of transition. By using a smart baby monitor, you will somehow have a peace of mind in a way that you’re able to see your baby all the time if you want to. You don’t have to wake them up just because you walk inside to check on them because of being worried about what they’re up to. If you can, install a baby monitor!
Bonus Tip!
Before they will sleep through the night, you can actually transition your baby in sleeping into a crib bit by bit. For instance, after their 3am feed till morning, this is the time when they are at their loudest, you can start placing them into the crib.
By doing so, they probably will go back to sleep in the crib effortlessly since they can be half-asleep and tired during that time. During that stretch, you can be able to let them sleep in the crib and it might take about a week or two.
Conclusion
There are many strategies that we can think of when it comes to transitioning. Always choose what you think is best and fits well with your family lifestyle. Get excited for your baby’s transition from co-sleeping to her own crib and room. It will not be easy but it will surely be worth it in the end! Found this post useful? Why not check out our bouncer seat safety tips or our guide to baby teething remedies.
