How Long Can My Baby Sleep In a Bassinet?

When it comes to your baby’s sleep, it’s important to know how long your baby can sleep in their bassinet, and when they need to transition out of their bassinet. At Baby Care Classes, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep for both baby and parents.

Most parents choose to start out with a Bassinet based on the AAP Guidelines of sharing a room for the first 6 months. Bassinets are typically a safe and solid choice for your newborn, but they outgrow them quickly!

Here are some signs that your baby may be outgrowing their bassinet:

1. Your baby is too long, and their head and/or toes touch the edges of the bassinet.
2. Your baby is too wiggly, and can wake themselves up by moving into the sides of the bassinet/making the bassinet shake/move.
3. Your baby outgrows the weight limit of the bassinet.
4. Your baby is showing signs of rolling.

For most babies, at least one of these signs will occur by four months of age. It’s important to transition your baby to a crib or other sleeping arrangement that is safe and appropriate for their size and developmental stage.

How To Transition Into A Crib?

Are you ready to transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, it’s a common concern among parents. The good news is that many babies adjust well to the change.

To make the transition smoother, try to keep the other aspects of your sleep routine the same. Avoid letting your baby get overtired and consider transitioning slowly, such as moving naps to the crib but keeping nighttime sleep in the bassinet, or vice versa. Keep the room dark and cool, utilize white noise and stay consistent with bedtime and bedtime routine.

Sometimes when babies begin to roll, parents have to transition out of the bassinet and transition the baby out of their swaddle at the same time! If you’re also transitioning out of the swaddle, try swaddling one arm in and one arm out during naps to help your baby adjust.

With patience and persistence, you and your baby will adjust to the new sleeping arrangement in no time!