When a baby is on the way, families are often eager to do anything and everything they can in order to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Sometimes, before they are even born, babies have accumulated necessities that span through their first year of life, and maybe longer. The crib is one of the first, and possibly one of the most important, items that is used. That being said, it’s important to have a well-rounded understanding of how to get your baby to comfortably and safely sleep in their crib. 

When Should Baby Sleep In A Crib?

Families often wonder when the right time is for their baby to sleep in a crib. While factors like the baby’s age, home environment, and parental preferences play a role, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends having baby sleep in a crib in the same room as the parents until at least 6 months to a year of age. 

Setting up the crib in the parent’s bedroom when the baby first comes home can sometimes help parents adjust to the baby’s sounds and sleeping patterns before moving them to their own room. This helps parents to identify and distinguish between noises they will hear in the future on the baby monitor. 

Transitioning To Crib 

According to Parents.com, families sometimes feel as though their infant only wants to sleep in their arms, in an infant carrier, or in the swing or car seat. If this is the case for you, it can be helpful to find ways to make their crib feel more like the place your baby currently prefers to fall asleep in. 

If Your baby prefers to sleep in your arms or a wearable infant carrier, try swaddling your baby to replicate that warm tight feeling. Since the swing and the car seat produce motion, you can try placing them in the swing for supervised naps without turning it on, to slowly transition to sleeping without being rocked, before placing them in the crib. Always make sure that your baby is secure and safe where you put them to sleep. 

Regardless of your baby’s sleep preference, it may make the transition easier if you attempt any new sleeping habit when your baby is noticeably sleepy. Transitioning babies can take time, so remain patient and don’t give up. 

Sleeping Safely In The Crib

Follow these safety precautions when putting your baby to sleep:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat sleeping surface, and only cover infant mattresses with a size appropriate fitted sheet.
• Keep your baby near you while they sleep for first 6 months to a year. 
• Never add blankets, pillows, or toys (or anything that may harm or suffocate your baby) to the baby’s sleep area.

Help Them, Help You!

Referring to experts, like your child’s pediatrician, before introducing new behaviors to your baby, and following infant sleeping safety guidelines, can help any parent learn how to help their baby sleep safely, comfortably, and successfully in their crib. Ultimately, anything you do to help your baby, also helps you. Patience is key when it comes to babies and always remember to ask for help from a family member, your doctor, or your child’s doctor if you ever need it!