False Starts and what the heck is happening!
One of my most vivid memories of when my daughter was born was our first night home with her. I remember her jammies she had on, the swaddle blanket that she was wrapped in, and I distinctly remember laying in bed and having a calm sense just listening to her breathe. Fast forward 4 months later and I was desperate to get her in her own space (hello sleep training!). Ha! All kidding aside, with so much mixed messages on when to transition your baby to their own room and what is safest, I know as parents we just want to do what is best for our child. So here we are weighing our options, and whatever works for you is what is best for you and your baby. But what do you do when you want to keep your baby close but your room cannot accommodate a full size crib, and a bassinet is just not suitable and safe anymore for your growing little one. What are the signs your little needs a bigger space and what are the best options.
IS baby really ready for a larger space: Where is your baby’s physical development at? Are they rolling around and out of a swaddle? If they are, a larger space will be more comfortable for them. Also consider the instruction of the bassinet and any weight restrictions. Babies are not one size fits all!
What are the best sleep options: If you are not able to put a full crib in your room, consider having your babe sleep in a pack n play in the interim. The AAP recommends baby sleep in the same room as parents for the first 6 months. Their sleep space should be firm, non-inclined and designed for sleeping. Do not use any products that are not designed for sleep (ie. Swings, strollers, car seats, etc.)
How to transition with the least amount of disturbance: Start the transition to one nap a day in the new space. You will do the same when transitioning your baby to their own sleep space when the time comes. In a few days move to two naps a day and in a few days make it all naps and nighttime in the new sleep space. Keep as much familiarity as possible with the new space, sheets, loveys, and routine are all the same.
As parents, I think that we want to just do the right thing and tend to over think next steps for any change for our children. It is important that when you make a change that you stick with it. We tend to have a harder time with the change than our baby does. Some thing to also consider, that just because our little one looks so tiny in that big ole crib, doesn’t mean that they feel lost in it. My daughter slept in a pack n play her whole first year. She didn’t actually get a crib until she was almost one and we settled in a house. My second daughter slept in a pack n play (then in my arms for far to long, but that is another story) and her crib starting at 5 months old. Some babies start in a crib, some never have a crib and go straight to a floor bed (also another topic for another time). I guess what I am trying to say, YOU cannot screw it up. As long as your child is in a safe sleep environment, whatever works for you, is the best option.
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