From Bedsharing to Crib: A Step-by-Step Transition Plan That Works
Moving your little one from sleeping with you in bed to sleeping alone in a crib looks like a big deal, but with a plan and a pinch of patience, it's easily accomplished. Let's walk through a step-by-step plan for this transition to go as smoothly as possible for you and your baby.
Understanding Why to Transition and When to Transition from bedsharing to the crib
First of all, it is important to realize why the majority of parents think of making this transition. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against bedsharing for safety reasons but supports room-sharing at least through the first six months or a year. Interestingly, current research shows that the benefit of room-sharing diminishes beyond four months, and longer room-sharing might increase unsafe sleep practices. (If you want to read more about bedsharing, check out our article: Let’s Talk About it: Bedsharing)
There is no single "perfect" time to transition. It's more a matter of whenever it seems right for your family. Some parents begin the transition at four months, in synchrony with their babies' changing sleep patterns.
Setting the Stage: Familiarity and Routine
Before beginning the transition, it's a good idea to make the baby's new sleeping area comfortable and familiar:
Spend Awake Time in the Nursery: Engage in activities such as diaper changing, play, and reading in your baby's room. This helps your infant equate the room with positive activities, hence making it less intimidating for sleeping time.
Establish a Bedtime Routine: A consistent sequence of events before bedtime—a bath, followed by a story or lullaby—indicates to your baby that it's time for sleep. Consistency matters here.
The Gradual Transition Approach
Transitioning your baby from bedsharing to sleeping in a crib can be achieved with a gradual step-by-step approach:
1. Start with Room-Sharing: Place the crib or bassinet next to your bed. This allows your baby to get used to their own sleeping space while still being close to you.
2. Move the Crib Away Gradually: For several nights, move the crib progressively further from your bed. This gradual process allows your baby to get used to it without a big sudden change.
3. Introduce the Nursery for Naps: Begin to have your baby sleep in their crib inside the nursery during the daytime. It acclimates them to the room, which makes sleeping in the same space at night feel more normal.
4. Daily Bedtime in the Nursery: After your baby is accustomed to napping in the crib, start putting them down for nighttime in it as well. Adhere to your normal bedtime routine to provide them with the reassuring familiarity of knowing what to anticipate.
How to Handle Night Wakings
It is normal for babies to wake at night during their transition to their new sleeping arrangement. When this happens:
Offer Reassurance: Soothe your baby with a gentle voice or a light touch to reassure them that you are close.
Restrict Stimulation: Keep calm and brief interactions to avoid waking your baby fully.
Be Consistent: Don't take your baby back to your bed because it will confuse them and prolong the transition process.
Patience and Flexibility
Keep in mind that each child is different. Some will settle in right away, while others require more time. It is alright to change the pace depending on your baby's comfort. The aim is to ensure that this is an enjoyable experience for them, establishing a feeling of security and autonomy.
When to Seek Support
If you struggle with this process, consider consulting a professional. At Heaven Sent Sleep, we've assisted numerous families in navigating sleep transitions successfully in a way that suits their individual needs.
“Heaven Sent Sleep was a lifesaver in getting our son out of our bed and helped us create and implement a plan to teach him to sleep independently that worked for us.”
For additional guidance and customized support, please visit our resources or reach out to us.
More Resources and Blogs:
For additional assistance with transitioning from bedsharing to crib sleeping, see our blog post: How to Transition from Bedsharing to Crib
In case your baby sleeps only when held, refer to our article Baby Only Sleeps When Held for practical tips on encouraging self-soothing.
Understanding your baby's temperament can also be a strong sleep transition contributor. Read more in our article: Managing Your Sanity with a Clingy Baby (Velcro Baby
Final Thoughts
Breaking up the bedsharing habit and going to sleep in a crib is a big change, but with a planned strategy and empathetic approach, it's completely doable. Reward yourself with small victories along the way, and don't forget that you're not alone on this journey. Here's to peaceful nights for you and your baby in the future!
