The Best Ways to Transition a Baby From a Swing to a Crib

One of the most challenging things about being a parent is helping your baby to transition from sleeping in a swing to sleeping in a crib. If your child sees the crib as a harsh sleeping environment compared to the cozy confines of his swing, don't ignore these feelings. Instead, use these tips to work with your baby and ease the transition from a swing to a crib.

  1. Co-sleeping

    • If your baby fears being left alone in the crib, sleeping with you may be the temporary solution you need. Buying a co-sleeper (a small bed for your child that you can place next to your bed) allows your child to feel securely close to you. Being in her own bed, yet close to you, slowly allows your child to develop a sense of empowerment about sleeping on her own.

    Patting your Baby

    • If a co-sleeper isn't for you, try patting your baby's back. Speak softly and rock him. Hold him close to you and pat his back until he falls asleep. Continue this for about five minutes or so and place him in his crib. If he wakes up, pat his back and speak softly or sing to him while he settles down to sleep in his crib.

    Vibration

    • Sometimes, the swing is soothing because of the vibration. If this is the case, purchase a vibrating mechanism and place it under the crib. Keep the intensity of the vibration on the lowest setting. If your baby won't stay sleeping when you put him down, the constant, gentle vibration of his crib may do the trick.

    Swaddling

    • Wrap your baby tightly in a soft blanket. Hold him close to you so that he can hear your heartbeat. The tight wrap mimics the tight quarters of the womb, and your child may feel more secure this way.

    Routine

    • If you've been trying to make this transition for a long time, examine your nighttime routine. A predictable set of events before bedtime signals your child when it is time to go to sleep. Keep bath time, meals, story time and other nightly events at the same time and in the same order to help her feel more secure about sleeping on her own. .

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