When Should a Baby Start Napping in the Crib?

Parents handle baby sleep habits in a wide variety of ways. Some parents keep a child in bed with them for years, others have baby sleeping in the crib from day one and everything in between. What works best for your family will vary, but if your child has been sleeping in bed with you or in a bassinet in your room, you may be wondering when you should shift her to her own crib.

  1. Age to Move

    • Technically, you can have your baby start napping in a crib at any time of your choosing. However, Parents suggests that a good time for your baby to start sleeping in a crib is at approximately 3 to 4 months old.

    Naps First

    • If you're planning to transition your child into doing all his sleeping in a crib, it's important to do it slowly. Zero To Three suggests that parents get babies used to the crib before starting overnights. In other words, have your child take naps in the crib before doing overnights. If your child won't take naps in the crib at first, don't worry. Just try to lay him in the crib for short periods so he adjusts to being there.

    Indicators of Readiness

    • You can also see if your child is ready for a crib in other ways. For instance, it may be time to start transitioning your child to the crib for naps and overnights when she needs less attention at short intervals. When your little one stops waking for night feedings or cuts down on the number of feedings, it may be a good time for moving into a crib overnight. If your child is on a fairly consistent nap schedule, it may be a good time for having those naps in the crib.

    Safety Issues

    • If your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, it's important that you move her out of it and into a crib or other arrangements by approximately 6 months old, or when she can sit up and become mobile. This is for safety reasons, as bassinets are generally too shallow for a baby who can sit up or pull on the sides. When you do start using the crib for naps, make sure the bed is set on the correct setting. For instance, newborns usually use the mattress in the highest position, sitters use the middle and a baby who can stand in the crib should have the mattress set as low as possible.

    Transition When Life Is Calm

    • Choose your timing carefully. Try not to overwhelm your little one with too many changes at once. Don't try to transition your baby to a crib when you move to a new home, she is just starting day care or you wean from nursing to a bottle. One change at a time is plenty for your baby.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Your 2-Month-Olds Sleep Schedule
      After two months together, you’ve likely started to fall into a rhythm with your baby. You generally know when she tends to be awake and playful, and when she prefers to snooze. But you’ve probably also heard that it’s important to
    • How to Drop From Two Naps to One
      Naps are a must for babies. Deep snoozing sessions during the day help them get the sleep they need and slumber better at night — plus give you a chance to pick up all the toys strewn around the house.But like everything else, nap needs ch
    • How to Get Your Baby to Sleep Anywhere
      Remember the promises you made before you had kids never to let them keep you from traveling? Ha! Now that you’re a parent, you’ve probably noticed how attached babies can be to their beds and schedules, and how challenging it can be to t