Newborns naturally love snoozing in cozy quarters. But now that your baby is getting bigger, you may be wondering when to switch from one sleep setting to another. Babies sleep in the bassinet for the first few months due to the need for constant care and feeding schedules. But babies grow so much in the first year, and they outgrow bassinets and start to learn to sit up. It makes you think that it’s time for a change for some sleeping arrangements for your baby’s safety. So, how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet? Read on.
At What Age Are Babies Allowed in Bassinets?
Many newborn babies start their sleeping life in a bassinet. It provides convenience for new moms and dads since you can comfort and feed your infant in the middle of the night easily. But most babies are ready to switch to their crib by 3 or 4 months, at this age, they’re often too big for their bassinet already. Once your baby can already sit up, most bassinets or cradles will be too shallow to keep them from pitching over the side. For safety, your baby should be sleeping in a crib before then.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about when babies should go into their crib and not allowed in bassinets anymore. But between six months and a year, however, most babies outgrow their bassinet, and many parents want to reclaim their bedroom.
So, how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet? Once your baby reaches six months of age, you don’t have to kick them out on their right away, though. Even if he or she’s still in a bassinet, as long as he or she’s not sitting up or rolling over yet poses a danger, he or she’s safe to stay there a little longer. If things are steadily going smoothly and everyone is sleeping soundly, there’s no rush for a new sleeping place.
How to Tell It’s Time to Move Your Baby Out of the Bassinet
The ideal time your baby moves to a crib from a bassinet depends on several significant factors. As yourself the following questions to help you decide when to make the switch. It also answers how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet.
How Heavy Is Your Baby?
Bassinets are great for newborns but usually have a weight limit. Most can accommodate 10-20 pounds of baby weight. If you’re not so sure of the weight capacity, refer to the written instruction manual or go over the manufacturer’s website.
Does Your Baby Look Cramped?
Look closely at your baby the next time you put them down the bassinet if he or she looks cramped or not. If the head or feet seem to be bumping throughout the bassinet’s sides, it might be ideal for giving them a little more space.
Can Your Baby Roll Over or Sit Up Already?
It is more dangerous for your baby to sleep in bassinets when your baby can roll over or sit up already because bassinets are shallower compared to cribs, which means that a baby may roll over or sit up, and might be able to flip themselves out of bed.
Tips in Transitioning Baby from Bassinet to Crib
How long can a baby sleep in a bassinet? Some babies won’t likely care much about their new sleeping site, and they will comfortably sleep wherever you put them. But if it worries you that any change to the bedtime routine will cause your little one to have trouble sleeping, there are tips in transitioning your baby from bassinet to crib.
Make the Switch in Stages
Let your baby nap in the crib during the day for a couple of weeks until he or she gets used to it. Slowly complete the transition to encourage your baby to sleep in their crib all the time.
Create a Bedtime Routine
If you haven’t yet established some nighttime rituals such as a regular bath, book reading, snuggling up, and sleeping, now is the ideal time. As you repeat these activities before bed each night, the rituals hint your baby that the crib is awaiting.
Baby Room Sleep Over
Another way to guide your baby into giving up the bassinet and sleeping in the crib is to go with him or her. If there’s a bed or couch where you can sleep on, spend a few nights bunking with your baby.
Linger for a While
It is advisable to give your baby a chance to settle down gradually and get comfortable in a new crib while you’re still in the room. Try to sit in a chair or on the floor next to the crib as your baby starts to feel sleepy, then sit a little farther away the next night until you’re out the door, and he or she’s delighted on their own.
Add Some Comfort
Until your baby reaches 12 months or older, do not put things such as big stuffed toys, pillows, or blankets into the crib. Make the room more comfortable with the use of dim lights and turn on some white noise.
Conclusion
Don’t let the idea of transitioning your baby from bassinet to crib become a struggle for you. Now that you know how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet, you will be more watchful and comfortable guiding your precious little into a sound sleep moment without a hassle. You may be a few tired nights in the future, but ultimately, this transition should be good for the entire family. Your baby will eventually learn to sleep in their place and one day, so don’t miss your precious bedtime routine while they’re still little. Know more about baby cribs.