One of the biggest joys of parenting is watching your little one grow and counting each milestone they reach along the way — from the first time they say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ to the first time they respond to their name.

One such milestone is when they’re old enough to move out of their bassinet and into a new crib. And before you know it, you’ll be rearranging their nursery to fit a toddler bed.

The transition from bassinet to crib can feel challenging, especially if it’s the first significant change your baby will experience in their sleeping environment since birth. But the Cradlewise convertible smart crib makes the transition easier because baby can use it from birth to 24 months.

Read on to learn more about when’s the right time for your baby to transition from their bassinet to crib. Plus, how to convert your Cradlewise from bassinet to crib mode.

So, when should you transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib?

Most babies generally transition from a bassinet to a crib between four and six months old. However, every baby is unique, and you should transition when appropriate for your baby’s size, weight, and developmental stage. If you need clarification on whether it’s time to make the switch, talk to your pediatrician or a sleep expert for guidance.

Here are the four signs it’s time to transition baby out of the bassinet:

1. Baby is nearing the weight limit

Most bassinets have a weight limit of around 15 to 20 pounds, and if your little one is getting close to that limit, it’s time to start thinking about transitioning them to a crib. Once they reach the weight limit, the bassinet may no longer be able to support their weight, making it unsafe for them to continue sleeping in it

2. Baby is sitting up

If your little one has started sitting up on their own, it’s time to transition them out of the bassinet. Sitting up means they have more mobility and may try to climb out of the bassinet, which can be dangerous. Cribs have a higher railing and are therefore a safer option for babies who are starting to sit up.

3. Baby is too long for the bassinet

Bassinets are designed to be small and compact, so they may not be the best option for babies once they’ve grown a few inches. If your baby’s feet are touching the bottom of the bassinet or their head is getting close to the top, it’s time to transition them to a larger sleeping space.

4. Baby is waking up frequently

If your little one is waking up frequently throughout the night, it may be a sign that they’re outgrowing their bassinet. As babies grow and develop, their sleep patterns may change, and they may need more space to move around comfortably. Transitioning them to a crib may help them sleep more soundly through the night.

NOTE: To help prevent falls, you should transition from using the bassinet when your baby begins to push up on hands and knees or has reached 18 lbs, whichever comes first. 

When you do make the transition, be sure to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. This includes keeping loose bedding and soft objects out of the crib and placing your baby on their back to sleep. 

When should you switch from Cradlewise’s bassinet to crib mode?

As per the standard consumer safety specifications for bassinets and cradles published by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the bassinet mode on your Cradlewise can be used until your baby reaches five months, or begins to push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first.

How do I convert from bassinet mode to crib mode?

One of the biggest plus points of Cradlewise is that you can easily convert it from a bassinet to a crib, saving you time and money.

And the best part is that your baby won’t have to adjust to a new sleeping environment. They can sleep with the same old bounce and their favorite sleep tracks. 

To convert your Cradlewise from bassinet mode to crib mode, follow these steps:  

1. Remove the bedding (mattress, cover and fitted sheet). 

2. Open the flap. To remove the bassinet mesh, detach the bassinet mesh velcro as shown below.

3. Once the bassinet mesh is free on all sides, remove it from the crib. 

4. Close the crib mesh flap. Remove the bassinet support.

5. Disassemble the bassinet support and place it back in the box. 

6. Place the bedding (mattress, cover, and fitted sheet) on top of the mesh tensioner. 

7. Press the mattress firmly down on all edges and corners to ensure the mattress is not raised on the sides.          

8. For the best monitoring experience, the crib must calibrate to its environment. To complete the process, go to Settings > Crib > Calibration. (Please make sure the crib is empty of any objects while calibrating.)

You are done. The crib is ready! 

Check out the video of how to transition your Cradlewise smart crib to bassinet mode:

Until what age can my baby stay in the Cradlewise Smart Crib?

Our crib is designed to be used from day one of bringing your baby home until it’s time to transition to a toddler or twin bed — around two years of age or when they start climbing the rails.

More posts you might like:

• How to help your newborn sleep in their bassinet.
• Cradlewise packs major functionality into a compact mini crib.
• 10 ways Cradlewise builds healthy sleep habits for the entire family.
• Planning your Cradlewise purchase (and help our planet.)
• Bassinet vs. crib? Here’s why you don’t have to choose.
• Your first 7 days at home with the Cradlewise crib.