Transitioning from Family Bed to Crib

First: Do You Actually Need to Make This Change?

Before we talk about how, let’s talk about why.

If you love bedsharing and it’s working for everyone, and you understand the safety considerations — you don’t have to change anything. There’s no deadline. You can bedshare for as long as you want.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not going to be harder to transition at 16 months than at 6 months. You can make a change whenever YOU are ready.

But if: – Baby has outgrown the bassinet and needs a new sleep space – Bedsharing isn’t working anymore (for you or baby) – You’re ready for a change

…then here’s how to do it gently.

Important Safety Note

Room-sharing (baby in the same room as you, on a separate surface) is recommended for the first year of life to reduce SIDS risk. If your baby is under 12 months, consider keeping the crib in your room rather than moving them to their own room.

Before You Start: Age Matters

Under 9 months: The transition to crib is usually easier. Babies are more adaptable.

Over 9 months (especially if baby has never slept in a crib): This can be much harder, especially if your baby doesn’t have an easy-going temperament. If this is your situation, I often recommend a floor bed instead of forcing the crib. It will likely be less stressful for everyone.

Step 1: Make the Crib a Happy Place

Before you try to get your baby to sleep in the crib, make sure they love being in it while awake.

During the day: – Have them play in the crib with lights on – Play peekaboo — leave and come back making funny faces – Do a puppet show over the crib rails – Read books while they’re in the crib

The goal: Your baby releases endorphins (happy feelings) in the crib. If they don’t like the crib during the day, they won’t like it at bedtime.

Step 2: Add the Crib to Your Routine

Add a layer to your bedtime routine where baby spends time in the crib BEFORE the sleep part: – Read a book while they’re in the crib (before bath) – Sing a song while they’re in there – Let them get used to going INTO the crib as part of the routine

You’re building comfort with the space and with going in.

Step 3: Start Small

Option A: First stretch only – Support your baby to sleep however you normally do (nurse, rock, etc.) – Transfer them to the crib for just the first stretch — even 15 minutes is a win – When they wake, take them out and parent them back to sleep your usual way – Over days/weeks, gradually extend how long they stay in the crib

This is my go-to approach for babies under 9 months. Even if they only sleep 5 minutes in the crib at first, that’s progress.

Option B: Sidecar the crib If your crib converts (one side comes off), this is my FAVORITE strategy: – Remove one side of the crib – Push it against your bed so baby is in their crib but right next to you – Baby can practice falling asleep on the crib mattress while you’re right there – You can even set up a mattress beside the crib at floor level

Safety note: If you do this, baby-proof the entire room. Make sure the mattress is FLAT on the floor. Make sure there are no gaps where baby could get wedged between mattress and crib sides.

Step 4: Warmth Helps

The crib mattress is cold compared to your body. Try placing a warm towel on the mattress to warm it up, then remove it right before you put baby down. This helps them feel warm even when they’re not in your arms.

Step 5: Floor Bed Alternative

If the crib just isn’t working — especially for babies over 9 months who’ve never slept in one — consider the floor bed approach:

• Baby-proof the entire room (treat the whole room as the sleep space)
• Pull the crib mattress onto the floor
• Lie beside your baby to help them fall asleep
• Gradually reduce your presence as they get comfortable

This also helps you see: Can your baby fall asleep flat on a surface next to you? If they can’t, that’s worth investigating (may be reflux, discomfort, or something else).

What If It’s Not Working?

If baby wakes the moment you transfer: Try transferring earlier in the sleep cycle (before they’re fully asleep) or later (after they’ve been asleep longer).

If baby screams in the crib: Go slower. More daytime play in the crib. More gradual steps.

If baby is over 9 months and it’s very stressful: Consider a floor bed instead. Some babies just aren’t going to accept a crib, and that’s okay.

If stretches aren’t lengthening: You may need to support baby back to sleep IN the crib (patting, shushing, staying present) rather than taking them out.

Remember

You’re not in a race. There’s no deadline to get your baby in a crib.

If it’s causing significant stress for you or your baby, pause. Try again in a few weeks. Or consider whether a different sleep arrangement might work better for your family.

You know your baby best.

For personalized support: www.islagrace.ca/sleep-coaching

Use code SLEEP10% for 10% off any course.