How to Transition Baby From Co Sleeping to Crib

Before we get on transition, let’s get some basic clear for all the new and first-time parents.

What is co-sleeping?

As the term suggests, co-sleeping means to have the baby sleep with the parents or parent on the bed.

Why is Co-sleeping not recommended? Co-sleeping often results in sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The blanket, pillow, or parent unintentionally putting their arms on the baby may cause suffocation, which leads to SUDI. 

If you are a parent who is worried about SUDI and wondering how to transition the baby from co-sleeping to crib, then here it goes! 

How to get a baby sleep in a crib?

Babies fall asleep in the arms of parents or a moving car, and why not in a crib? In the arms and in a moving car, there’s soothing sound and movement that comforts them.

In order to replicate that comfort in a solid crib, there are a few things that you have to do to give your baby the best sleep environment. 

Temperature

Maintain the optimum temperature according to where you live. What works for you must work for your baby too. Don’t put on too many clothes on the baby, which may result in overheating.

Crib Sheet

Get a soft crib sheet that doesn’t irritate the baby. Ensure the sheet doesn’t have any overpowering smell. If you are particular about softness and durability, you can go for organic cotton fabric. You can also dress the baby in Organic clothes like a sleeping bag, sleepsuits, or singlets that are highly comfortable and chemical-free. As a baby’s skin is delicate and porous, it’s good to go for Organic fabric.

Sometimes, you can put a soft dress of yours under the baby or the sheet. The scent from your clothes may trick the baby and make him think he is with you. You must ensure the cloth you put doesn’t have any buttons or zips that will hurt the baby or holes where your baby’s hands or head can go in. You can also swaddle your baby, but you should remember that if your baby can roll over, you should give up swaddling. Do not use a pillow and put the baby on his back.

Lighting

Keep the room dim with minimal lights during the night. If your baby likes a complete darkroom, then you can go ahead with that.

Food

We all know where the phrase ‘sleeping like a baby’ comes from. After good food, we all sleep like a baby. Well, babies too. Feed your baby every 2-4 hours.

Try to have a routine

Routine works for all! Try to have a routine to sleep, eat and play, of course. Go to sleep by 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm.

Above all, it is important to ensure if the crib is completely safe for the baby. Have a baby monitor in place and check to see if the crib has anything like nails or coarse objects that can harm the baby. Don’t put any soft-toys or comforter or clothes that have strings on the crib.

If your baby cries when you put him on the crib, don’t lift up and cuddle. Instead, put your hand on his tummy and rub gently to give warmth and comfort. When the baby sleeps off in the crib and cries suddenly, feed him and check if the diaper should be changed. After doing that, put him back to the crib.

You can make the baby sleep by putting him on the bed instead of holding in your arms. Pat him and make him fall asleep. Initially, use the crib even if the baby is awake. Let him play there and get used to it. It’s great if he just falls asleep independently. If not, then use the crib during the day when the baby takes naps. That’s the best way to get him used to it. Then you can progress and make him sleep in the crib at night. 

What’s the best age to undergo the transition from co-sleeping to the crib? 

You can start it when your baby is 4-6 months old and make the baby sleep in a crib that’s in the same room as you are. It is advised that the baby sleeps in the same room as you do for at least the first year. Or wait for him to completely get used to sleeping in the crib before you shift him to the nursery. Till that, you may want to consider co-sleeping with a crib. You can keep the baby in the crib till he is 30 months.

We hope this blog answered your doubts on how to make the transition seamlessly from co-sleeping to crib. 

Good luck and happy parenting!

Contribute By Tinytwig.com.au