If you were co-sleeping with your little star and now you’re wondering how best to transition them into their crib, then you are in the right place. Moving from bed-sharing to crib can occur out of necessity for sleep space or because it is developmentally time. This is the ultimate guide on transitioning your baby as gently as possible through this period.
The Basics- Bed Sharing vs CoSleeping
To be specific, let me first explain what we mean by these terms. Bed-sharing means that your baby shares your bed with you while cosleeping refers to a situation whereby your baby sleeps in a separate location such as a bassinet or a crib. Both have pros and cons, but if you are reading this article then most probably you want your little one become more independent in his/her sleeping habits.
Get Ready To Move Your Baby Out Of Your Bed
To begin with, ensure that the crib is welcoming. It should be cozy and safe with a firm mattress fitted sheet and nothing else. The AAP recommends room sharing until babies are 6 months old but most research shows everyone sleeps best in their own space. If you'd like to move your baby out of your bed but continue roomsharing, it's perfectly fine to do so. Or you can move baby into their own separate room.
Gradual Shift: BedSharing – Crib
If going straight from bedsharing to crib seems overwhelming consider the gradual shift approach. Commence by using a pack n play in your room then transition them to a cribs in their own room. In this way, the infant can get used step-by-step to sleep independently while making the transition more gradual.
When Baby Turns 1 Year: Transitioning Baby to Crib
By twelve months old most children are ready for independent sleeping however they may not accept it instantly. Brace yourself for resistance; give some extra hugs and maintain bedtime rituals they know well enough will always be there. It makes the child sure that the crib is a secure and comforting place.
New Sleep Associations: How to Get Baby to Sleep in Crib After Bed-Sharing
For this reason, since your baby associates sleep with you being next to them, it is time that he/she learned new sleep cues. This may encompass a special blanket (above one year old babies), white noise or a dim night light. Such items should therefore be used as part of bedtime routine consistently so that they can signal sleep time even in a different environment.
Good Timing and Tolerance: Transitioning Baby From Bedsharing To Crib
Start when you don’t have other major changes such as starting daycare or weaning. Expect regressions—it’s normal. During slow nights, patience will be the best adviser for you.
Shifts from Sleeping on Parents in Bed into Crib
In an actual sense it may be helpful to stay around until your baby dozes off for first few nights when the transition has just started. Gradually increase how far away from the cot you are until finally leaving the room completely. The gradual retreat helps your infant gain confidence in sleeping alone.
Night Waking Problems: how to get baby to sleep in crib after bed-sharing
If your child wakes up at night, instead of bringing them back into bed with you try to soothe them back to sleep within their crib consistently every evening. This implies that no matter what time you wake up during the night; make sure that your baby goes back to his/her own bed after rocking him/her back to sleep again because it is only while at rest here that sleep occurs most effectively for any individual person
Special Considerations: Bed Sharing to Floor Bed
A mattress on the floor (floor bed) is a viable option for those who are not comfortable with conventional cribs. This way you give your toddler the freedom and security as they can climb in and out of bed without falling off. It’s an appealing alternative for families that are just transitioning from bed-sharing.
Celebrating Milestones: From Co-Sleeping to Crib
Every little milestone towards independent sleep is important to celebrate. Whether it’s the first night your baby falls asleep autonomously or the first time they manage to soothe themselves back to sleep, pay attention to these moments and pat yourself in the back. You’re doing alright!
Transitioning from bed-sharing to crib is more than just changing where your baby sleeps; it fosters independence and growth in your child's sleeping habits. With adequate preparations, a consistent routine, love abounds, making this change an opportunity for a better sleep pattern among your family members. Sweet dreams little one as you take on this new sleep adventure.