How to Transition from Bassinet to Crib Without Losing Your Mind

(The step-by-step plan that actually works — no 3-hour scream sessions)

Your baby is 4–6 months, hitting the bassinet weight limit, and starting to roll.

The idea of moving them to the big crib feels like a sleep apocalypse.

It doesn’t have to be.

Here’s the exact transition plan that worked for thousands of parents — gentle, predictable, and usually done in 5–14 days.

When It’s Time (The Real Signs)

• Hits weight/height limit of bassinet
• Rolling or sitting up
• Waking more because they feel cramped
• You’re ready (you matter too)

Quick science: Babies who room-share until 6–12 months have up to 50 % lower SIDS risk. Moving to a crib in your room is still safe sleep — just a bigger space.

(Source: AAP Safe Sleep 2022)

“We waited until 7 months. He had so much room he slept 11 hours the first night.”

— Mom in r/sleeptrain

The 4 Transition Methods That Actually Work

1. Cold Turkey (Fastest — 3–7 nights) Bassinet out, crib in the same spot. Same routine, same sound machine. Most babies adjust in 3–5 nights.
2. Gradual Move (Gentlest — 10–14 days) Day 1–3: naps in crib, nights in bassinet Day 4–7: one night feed in crib, rest in bassinet Day 8+: full crib
3. Side-Car Crib (Easiest for breastfeeding moms) Lower one side of the crib and push it flush against your bed — same height as mattress.
4. Dream Feed + Same Room Keep crib in your room (AAP recommends until at least 6 months anyway). Do a 10 p.m. dream feed for the first week.

Gear That Made a Difference for Parents

• Newton Baby breathable crib mattress “No worries when he face-plants. Worth the splurge.”
• Guava Lotus as temporary crib (sets up in 15 seconds) “Used it in our room for the transition — so easy.”
• Hatch Rest+ with okay-to-wake light “Kept the exact same sleep cues in the new spot.”

Your Transition Checklist

• Same sleep sack/swaddle
• Same sound machine + volume
• Same bedtime routine
• Crib in your room first (6–12 months is still safe sleep)
• Blackout curtains + same temperature
• One method, stick to it 2 weeks

You’ve got this.

One new sleep space, one longer stretch, one proud “my baby’s growing” moment at a time. ❤️