Wondering when to transition from the bassinet to the crib? The UPPAbaby REMI can help!
Transitioning our babies to a new phase is bittersweet. Of course, it means they are growing and developing, which is exactly what we want. But it can almost feel like the moment we get into a good rhythm with our little one, that rhythm has to change. And as parents, we often have questions about how to make these transitions smoothly without too much disruption to their schedule and routines.
Making the transition out of the bassinet is one of those transitions that can leave you with questions about how and when it is the right time to do this. If that’s a question on your mind, I’ve been there myself. I love having my baby close, and it’s easy to do that when they are in a bassinet, but much harder once you make the transition into a crib.
And while there isn’t a magic age that tells you when your baby is ready to graduate from the bassinet, there are a few signs that can help you feel confident it is the right time.
Here are four ways you know that it’s time to transition from the bassinet to your baby’s crib or playard:
They are pulling up on the sides of the bassinet. Those curious little hands start reaching for other things around them to pull on, and their grip also starts to get stronger. If you see that they start pulling on the sides of the bassinet, this can be dangerous and potentially tip the bassinet. So if your baby is doing this it’s time to transition.
Your baby is rolling over and starting to scoot or crawl. As your baby grows, they will start rolling around more, going from back to tummy and tummy to back. If your baby is very mobile it can be a sign they need more space to freely move about!
Your baby’s head is higher than the side walls. It is so fun to watch them grow in size! But this can also be unsafe especially if your baby falls to the side, so if you see that their head is reaching the point of being higher than the side walls of the bassinet, you know it is time to transition.
Your child has reached the weight or height limit suggested by the bassinet manual. It’s always a good idea to hang on to those manuals, but if you don’t have it handy a quick search on the bassinet or manufacturer's website can help confirm if it is time to transition for safety.
Every baby is different, but in general I see that babies are ready to make this transition right around five to six months, if not a little sooner. At six months the risk of SIDS also greatly decreases and it is safer to move your baby in their own room if you decide to do that. Or, if you prefer to keep your baby in your room you could use a playard like the REMI that grows with your baby.
We found that the REMI playard by UPPAbaby made this whole process much smoother. Not only does the REMI come included with a bassinet feature that you can use with your baby from birth, but it also serves as a sleep space once your child is ready to transition out by removing the bassinet feature. The zip-on mesh bassinet, designed to hold your baby from birth to 20 lbs, provides a ventilated, elevated bedside solution. And it is easy to zip off when your baby is older or needs a safe play space.
The REMI is also GREENGUARD® Gold certified to ensure the safety and health of your baby which is so important during sleep periods especially.
What I love most about the REMI is that if you decide to transition your baby to the crib, you can use it as a playard instead and it is a great option for travel. While our daughter now sleeps in her own room in the crib, we have it set up in our room so she can play while I get ready for the day. We also use it for sleep on nights that we want her close, like recently when she was sick. The open, airy design provides clear views to your baby, plus a zip-open panel for easy access to soothe them when needed.
It also breaks down in seconds with one push, and being a busy mom, who is not great at assembling products, I love how this was designed with me in mind. It makes my life so much easier having the ability to pop this up in the living room or kitchen while I am washing dishes or answering emails, and I have the peace of mind knowing my baby has a safe and comfortable area for play, and a sleep space whenever needed.
As you embark on the process of moving your baby out of the bassinet, I usually recommend taking a gradual approach by helping your baby become comfortable in their new sleep space during awake periods. Then you can start with naps in their crib or REMI, and once they have taken a nap or two in that space you can start focusing on nights.
While this transition might seem daunting, it doesn’t have to! Whether you decide to keep your baby in your room, or transition them to their crib in a separate sleep space, you can feel confident that your baby will adjust with time. The transitions our babies go through can be milestones to celebrate and with the right tools and steps, we can transition our little one with ease and confidence.
For more information on the UPPAbaby REMI, visit here.
