Newborns often enjoy snug and cozy sleeping quarters. But then, what happens when they get bigger and have to move from their warm bassinets to more oversized cribs?
Most parents of newborns have a tough time getting good sleep, which is understandable, considering how the baby might make a fuss all through the night. So, parents schedule sleeping times, hoping that everyone, including the newborn, will sleep through the night.
In their first year, a lot of changes occur, and it appears that as soon as you figure out a workable sleeping schedule, your baby’s bassinet becomes too small, and you have to reschedule another sleeping pattern.
Moving a baby from a bassinet to a crib may seem tedious, but you shouldn’t sweat too much about it. In this article, you will discover everything about how long babies should sleep in bassinets, the right time to make a move, and answers to other frequently asked questions about switching.
How Long Can A Baby Sleep In A Bassinet
What is a Bassinet
A bassinet is a baby bed designed for babies from birth. They are typically designed as sturdy baby furniture to carry about or prop up on other tables.
Usually, parents move their babies from bassinets after a few months, considering that some babies start to feel cramped in the small space after a while.
There are several types of bassinets, but they fall into two broad categories:
– Light & Portable Bassinets
– Studier Bassinets
Both bassinets are designed as sleeping areas for babies, and you can either leave them on the spot or carry them around.
Usually, parents who use bassinets at home prefer to elevate them on a stand to avoid straining over to attend to the baby. Some parents also attach wheeled frames to double the bassinets as prams.
At What Age Should You Move Your Baby Out of The Bassinet
Typically, newborns begin their sleeping experience in bassinets in their parents’ room because of how convenient it is for parents to watch and feed the baby at night without moving to and fro at midnight. Also, professional Pediatrics recommend that babies and parents remain in the same room for the first few months or even a year.
There isn’t a specific rule as regards the perfect time to ditch the bassinet. It depends on a variety of factors, such as the baby’s weight compared to the weight limit of the bassinet and the rate of the child’s development.
To help you determine the perfect time to move your baby out of the bassinet, here are a few tips that can help you decide on whether or not to switch.
Size of the baby
Bassinets are tremendous for newborns, but a lot of them have weight limits. For some bassinets, the weight limit is below 10 pounds, while some others go a bit higher to about 20 pounds.
To understand the weight limit of your bassinet, check the manufacturer’s website or the manual for details. If you don’t have access to the instruction manual or their website, it is best to make the switch once your baby weighs 15 pounds.
Is the baby comfortable
Even if your little one has not reached the mark of the weight limit, the bassinet might be getting a bit uncomfortable for the baby. If your baby looks cramped in the bassinet or her head or feet are in contact with the bassinet’s frame, you may have to create a bigger sleeping space for the baby.
Is the baby moving around already
Parents get excited to watch their babies grow to roll around and even sit up; however, this makes sleeping in a bassinet riskier.
Considering that bassinets are pretty shallow, a rolling baby or one trying to sit up may flip out of the bassinet and sustain injuries. It is best to move the baby out of the bassinet once she starts to roll over in the bassinet or sit up.
Moving From a Bassinet to a Crib
Some babies may not bother too much about the move; they will settle for wherever you place them for the night.
But if you are concerned about whether your little one will have difficulty sleeping in a crib, here are some ideas to ease the transition process:
Don’t make the switch sudden
Let the baby get used to the crib first before you make the switch.
To do this, you can encourage the baby to take naps there for a few weeks. After a while, she will get accustomed to the crib without stress.
Keep the baby company
Another great way to transition from bassinet to crib easily is to spend time with the baby in her room. It is not advisable to join the little one in the crib; however, you can hang around on a couch or a mattress for a few nights to help the baby adjust to her own space.
Bottom Line
Moving a baby to her room can be a tough decision for parents to make. It may take a while for both parents and baby to adjust to the change; it is, however, for the betterment of the entire family. With your baby sleeping in her room, you as parents can have your room all to yourself.
In this article, we have made a list of valuable tips and guides to help you know how long your baby should sleep in a bassinet and how to switch to a crib easily. By following these tips, you will have a hitch-less transition. Visit the Ram Research homepage for more expert information & advice.
