Moving Your Newborn from a Bassinet to a Crib: How Long Should a Newborn Sleep in a Bassinet?

How long can your baby safely use a bassinet?

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A bassinet feels like the perfect little nest for those early months—small, snug, and within arm’s reach for easy nighttime wake-ups. It keeps your baby close while following the AAP’s recommendation [2] to room-share (but not bed-share) for at least six months, reducing the risks of suffocation and entrapment. Plus, its compact size saves space, and the firm, flat surface supports safe sleep habits from day one.

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But while the bassinet stage feels like it will last forever, one day, your tiny newborn starts stretching, wiggling, and making it clear they won’t be a newborn much longer. So, how long can they safely sleep in a bassinet? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some babies outgrow theirs around three months, while others use it until five or six months—just as long as they haven’t exceeded the weight limit or started rolling and pushing up.

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Factors affecting how long your baby can stay in a bassinet

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• Baby’s size and weight – Every bassinet has a weight limit, usually 15–20 pounds. If your baby is approaching that limit, it’s time to consider transitioning.
• Baby’s movement and mobility – Some babies are content in their bassinets for months, while others start wiggling and pushing up early. More active babies may need to transition sooner.
• Bassinet design – Some bassinets are deeper and sturdier, while others are shallower and lighter. A sturdier design may allow for slightly longer use, but all bassinets have their limits.
• Baby’s sleep habits – If your little one sleeps well in the bassinet, you may not feel the need to switch quickly. But if they frequently wake up or seem uncomfortable, a crib might provide a better sleep environment.
• Parental preference – Some parents feel more comfortable transitioning to a crib earlier, while others prefer to keep their baby in a bassinet as long as safely possible.

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While bassinets offer a safe and cozy sleep space in the early months, they aren’t meant to last forever. So, how do you know when it’s time to move on? Next, we’ll cover the clear signs that your baby is ready for the switch!

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How do you know when it’s time to move your baby to a crib?

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At first, the bassinet felt like the perfect sleep space—cozy, convenient, and just an arm’s reach away. But as your baby grows, that once-snug haven might start feeling a little… cramped. Maybe they’re stirring more, waking up more often, or suddenly figuring out how to push up on their hands (wasn’t this supposed to happen later?!).

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So, how do you know when it’s officially time to move from a bassinet to a crib? Here are the clear signs your baby is ready for the transition:

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• They’ve hit the weight limit – Most bassinets have a maximum weight of 15–20 pounds. Once your baby reaches that limit, the bassinet is no longer safe or stable.
• They’ve outgrown the space – If your baby looks squished, kicks the sides, or doesn’t have room to stretch, it’s a sign they need more space to sleep comfortably.
• They’re rolling over – If your baby can roll from back to tummy, a bassinet’s shallow sides are no longer safe. A crib provides a more secure sleep setup for their growing mobility.
• They’re pushing up or pulling on the sides – Once your baby starts pushing up on their hands or trying to grab the edges, there’s a risk of falling over the side—a definite sign that it’s time for a crib.
• They wake up more frequently – A bassinet that once soothed your newborn to sleep might not be as comfortable as they grow. If your baby is waking up more, not less, it could mean they need more space to settle in.
• They sleep better elsewhere – If your baby naps better in a crib, playard, or another sleep space, they may already be telling you that they’re ready for the switch.

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If you’re noticing one (or several) of these signs, don’t stress—transitioning from a bassinet to a crib is a natural part of your baby’s sleep journey. And the good news? With the right approach, it can be a smooth and stress-free process. Next, we’ll cover how to make the switch without sleepless nights!

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How do you transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib?

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So, it’s officially time. Your baby has outgrown their bassinet, and now you’re staring at their crib, wondering how to make the switch without turning bedtime into a battle.

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The good news? Many babies handle the transition better than expected (phew!). But for others, change takes a little getting used to. Whether you want to ease into the crib gradually or make the move all at once, there are ways to make this transition smooth and stress-free—for both you and your baby.

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Choose your transition approach

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Not all babies (or parents!) adjust in the same way. Here are two different approaches, depending on what works best for your family:

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• The gradual method – If your baby is still within the safe limits of their bassinet and you’d prefer a gentler transition, start by having them sleep in their crib for just one sleep period per day—such as their first nap. Once they get used to that, add another sleep period in the crib (like bedtime) until they’re fully transitioned.
• The faster method – If you’re ready to make the switch all at once, start by putting your baby in their crib at bedtime and continue all sleep periods in the crib from there. Expect a brief adjustment period as your baby gets used to their new sleep space—but most babies adapt within a few days!

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Tips for a smooth transition

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Moving to a crib is a big milestone—one of the first steps toward independent sleep! While the transition may take a little time, remember that your baby is adaptable. Before you know it, they’ll be sleeping soundly in their new space, and you’ll be celebrating a little more room in your own bed!

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No matter which approach you choose—gradual or faster method, these tips can help make the move from bassinet to crib as easy as possible:

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• Keep your bedtime routine the same – Babies thrive on predictability. Sticking to the same wind-down routine (bath, book, cuddles, white noise) helps signal that sleep is sleep, no matter where it happens. Try these:
  
  • 30 minutes before bed – Give your baby a warm bath or wipe down and dress them in comfortable pajamas.
  • 20 minutes before bed – Dim the lights and turn on white noise.
  • 10 minutes before bed – Sing or hum a lullaby or continue with white noise.
  • Bedtime – Lay your baby down in the crib drowsy but awake.
• Start with an “easy” sleep period – Babies tend to fall asleep more easily at bedtime or during their first nap of the day. Use this natural rhythm to introduce the crib when they’re least likely to resist the change. For the first 2-3 days, put them in the crib for this sleep period only while keeping other naps in the bassinet. After 3 days, add a second sleep period in the crib, and continue until all sleep happens in the crib.
• Make the crib feel familiar – A crib is bigger and more open than a bassinet, which can feel like a big change. Try placing your baby near one end of the crib so your baby feels more enclosed. 
• Let the baby practice in the crib before the transition – If your baby has never spent time in their crib, let them play in it for 5-10 minutes under your supervision or even take a short nap, a few times a day before the transition. This helps them get used to the space without pressure to sleep.
• Recreate the same sleep environment – Babies love familiarity, so keeping their room setup consistent will ease the transition. You can try these:
  
  • Use a firm, flat crib mattress with a fitted sheet (no blankets or stuffed animals).
  • Keep the room cool (68-72°F) and use blackout curtains [3].
  • Turn on white noise to create a consistent sleep cue.
• If using a motion bassinet, wean off the movement – If your baby is used to a rocking or vibrating bassinet, gradually reduce the motion before transitioning. Many modern bassinets have weaning features to help with this. 
  
  • Days 1-3 – Reduce motion by half during naps.
  • Days 4-6 – Keep the bassinet still at bedtime.
  • Day 7 – Transition fully to the crib.
• Try the "chair method" for extra comfort – If your baby seems unsettled in their crib, try sitting in a chair near them as they drift off. Each night, move the chair further away until they’re comfortable falling asleep on their own.
• Consider room-sharing with the crib first – If your baby is still room-sharing, but you’re not ready for a full nursery move, try placing the crib in your bedroom first. This way, the baby adjusts to the crib before also adjusting to a new room.
• Be patient—it’s an adjustment! – Some babies take to the crib right away, while others need a few days to settle in. A little extra comfort (like sitting nearby for a few minutes before leaving the room) can help ease the change.

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Moving your baby to a crib is a big milestone, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Happy Baby gives you step-by-step transition plans, AI-powered sleep predictions, and expert-approved tips tailored to your little one’s needs. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to smoother nights—download Happy Baby today!

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What are the safest sleep practices for your baby?

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As a parent, nothing matters more than keeping your baby safe—especially while they sleep. But with so much information out there, figuring out what’s truly safe and what’s not can feel overwhelming. Should you room-share? What about pacifiers? And is swaddling really necessary?

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The good news? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has clear guidelines [4] to help create the safest sleep environment for your baby—reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.

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Here’s what you need to know:

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1. Room-share, but don’t bed-share

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Keeping your baby close but on a separate sleep surface is safest. However, bed-sharing (having your baby sleep in the same bed as you) is not recommended due to the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and accidental falls.

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• Best practice: Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet within arm’s reach of your bed for easy soothing and feeding—without the risks of bed-sharing.

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2. Never let your baby sleep on unsafe surfaces

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While a sleepy newborn snuggled on your chest might look adorable, couches, recliners, and armchairs are extremely dangerous for infant sleep. Sleeping in these places increases the risk of suffocation by up to 67 times.

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• Best practice: If you feed or cuddle your baby in bed, always return them to their bassinet or crib before you fall asleep.

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3. Keep the crib free of soft objects

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That cozy-looking crib setup you see on social media? Not safe. Babies should sleep alone on a firm, flat mattress—with no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals [5].

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• Best practice: If you’re worried about your baby being cold, dress them in layered clothing or a wearable sleep sack instead of using blankets.

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4. Pacifiers may help reduce SIDS risk

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Studies show[6] that offering a pacifier at bedtime and naptime can reduce the risk of SIDS. If your baby is breastfeeding, introduce a pacifier after breastfeeding is well-established (typically after 3-4 weeks). If the pacifier falls out after the baby falls asleep, it is unnecessary to put it back in.

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• Best practice: Offer a pacifier at sleep times, but don’t force it if your baby refuses.

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5. Skip the at-home heart rate and oxygen monitors

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Wearable baby monitors may seem like a good safety measure, but research shows they do not prevent SIDS. These devices are marketed as wellness tools, not medical-grade monitors, and can sometimes create a false sense of security.

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• Best practice: Instead of relying on a monitor, focus on creating a safe sleep environment following AAP guidelines.

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6. Start tummy time early

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Tummy time is essential for developing neck and upper body strength—and the sooner you start, the better.

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• Best practice: Start with 1 to 2 minutes, up to two times a day for younger infants. As your baby grows, gradually increase tummy time to 3 to 5 minutes per session. Always supervise your baby during tummy time, and as they get older, they’ll be able to stay on their tummy for longer periods. [7]

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7. Avoid exposure to smoke, alcohol, and drugs

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Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy and after birth greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Secondhand smoke exposure is also dangerous, as it can affect your baby’s developing lungs and breathing.

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• Best practice: Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free, and talk to your doctor if you need support in quitting smoking or substance use.

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8. Keep up with vaccines and prenatal care

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Routine vaccinations have been shown to lower the risk of SIDS, and good prenatal care during pregnancy supports your baby’s overall health.

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• Best practice: Follow the AAP and CDC immunization schedules, and attend all prenatal and well-baby checkups.

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Tips for better sleep

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Creating a safe sleep environment is easier with the right support. Happy Baby provides expert-backed guidance, personalized sleep schedules, and real-time tips—so you can feel confident that your baby is sleeping safely every night. Download the Happy Baby app today and take the guesswork out of safe sleep!

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When is the right time to move your baby to their own room?

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In the early months, keeping your baby close makes those nighttime wake-ups easier. But as they grow, you might wonder—when is the right time to transition them to their own room?

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The AAP recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months, as this significantly lowers the risk of SIDS [1]. Beyond that, the decision depends on what works best for your family. Some babies move to their own room at six months, while others stay longer. The key is to make the transition smooth and stress-free for both you and your baby.

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How to transition your baby to their own room smoothly

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• Start with naps in their crib – Before moving to bedtime, let your baby nap in their room for a few days so they can get used to the space gradually.
• Keep their sleep environment the same – Use the same white noise machine, room temperature, and bedtime routine to maintain consistency.
• Use a gradual approach if needed – If your baby struggles with the transition, spend a few nights in their room (on a separate sleep surface) before making a full move.
• Use a baby monitor for peace of mind – This allows you to check in without disturbing their sleep.
• Be patient – Some babies adjust right away, while others need a few nights. Stick to the plan, offer comfort as needed, and trust the process.

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With time and consistency, your baby will settle into their own space—and you’ll both sleep better for it!

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