If you’ve been a parent who owns a rock n play for more than a day, you know these little devices are a blessing.
Your baby seems to love it, sleeps well in it, and you can easily move it or pack it wherever you go.
Not to mention, the rock n play keeps your baby secure, allows you to rock him or her, and doesn’t have any extra pillows or covers that could harm your baby.
Unfortunately, they can’t sleep in a rock n play forever, and you’re either preparing for the day when you have to move them to a crib or you’re already in the transitioning stage and struggling through it.
It is okay, most of us parents have been right where you are at some point in our lives.
In this article, you’ll learn some tips and tricks that will help you and your baby transition from rock n play to crib much easier than you might be currently.
In addition, we’ll help you identify when to transition as well as the do’s and don’ts of transitioning to a crib.
When is it a Good Time to Transition from Rock n Play to Crib?
Deciding when to transition from rock n play to crib is a personal decision and depends greatly on you and your baby’s needs.
That said, there are few factors you need to consider when it comes to transition from rock n play to crib, which include:
Is your rolling or sitting Up?
You need to move your baby as soon as possible if they are rolling or sitting up because he or she could flip or turn over the rock n play and injure themselves.
As a matter of fact, manufacturers suggest you stop using the rock n play completely once your baby can sit up or turn over.
Your baby is cramped or becoming cramped
Babies grow fast.
One day you’re at the hospital holding them and the next day you’re having to buy all new clothes!
If the space seems too tight or is becoming tight for your baby, it’s time to begin the transition process.
Does your baby exceed the recommended weight?
The average recommended weight for a rock n play is about 25lbs, and your baby will reach that weight quickly.
It’s time to learn how to transition from rock n play to crib if your baby is getting close to this weight.
Tips to Make the Transition Easier on the Parents and Baby
Learning how to transition baby to crib from rock n play can be stressful and overwhelming for you and your baby.
Either you know it’s getting time to start the transition process or you’re transitioning your baby to a crib and wondering if the sleepless nights will ever end.
Either way, we’ve got you covered with 7 ways to help your baby move from a rock n play to a crib.
Also, it may be hard to believe right now but the sleepless nights will end, and years from now you’ll long for these days.
Prepare for the Transition
You can never start preparing your baby too soon to sleep in a crib.
Your first steps can be noting what your baby likes and doesn’t like when they’re falling asleep.
For instance, he or she may like music, the sound of your voice, being swaddled, white noise, or complete silence.
Start prepping the crib and nursery with the things your baby needs to fall asleep.
Short Sessions in the Crib
Another important method that will help your baby transition to a crib is allowing them to get comfortable with the crib.
Put them in the crib for short periods of time.
You can lay them on their stomach if they’re old enough or prop them up on a nursing pillow.
This allows your baby to adjust to the size, smell, and feel of the crib well before you’re ready to move them into it.
Move the Crib
Babies are very attuned to their atmosphere; smells, sounds, and even the environment around them can become familiar and comforting.
As a result, it’s a good idea to move their crib to the room where you kept their rock n play.
Your baby may sense they are in a different room, or sense they’re not in the same room as you.
This may be the source of their discomfort.
If you’re still preparing to transition your baby, you could move their rock n play to the room where the crib is during short periods, allowing them to become familiar with that environment.
Keep the Temperature of the Bed and Room Comfortable
Babies are very sensitive to hot and cold.
Try to keep their room temperature comfortable enough for them to be swaddle.
The mattress and crib shouldn’t be too cool either.
If you can, you may need to use a heated blanket in the winter to warm the bed before you put them in it but remove the blanket before you lay your baby in the bed.
If you live in warmer climates a fan might be necessary to keep your baby cool.
Swaddle Your Baby
It’s no secret that babies like tight spaces that remind them of their mother’s womb, which is why they like sleeping in the rock n play.
So, a crib might be too open or large for your baby to feel comfortable.
You can solve this by swaddling your baby.
Follow a Routine
A routine will greatly help your baby transition from rock n play to crib
because you’ll know your baby’s sleep patterns and can be better prepared for introducing them to sleeping in a crib.
Put your baby in the crib a little while before their nap and sleep times; they may naturally fall asleep in the crib.
However, it’s ok to take your baby out and put him or her in the rock n play if they are struggling to fall asleep in the crib.
While it’s ok to let your baby cry some, you want them to become comfortable with the crib gradually.
You don’t want them to develop an aversion to it because they associate it with stress and anxiety.
Have Patience
We mean this more for yourself than your baby.
We’re sure you’re not getting upset with your baby for struggling to sleep in their crib, but it is easy for us parents to blame ourselves for the lack of progress.
We encourage you to have patience with yourself.
Every parent has their challenges when it comes to raising children, and this process may take time.
Also, don’t compare your progress to other parents and their baby’s progress.
Sure, your friend’s baby might have started sleeping in his or her crib right away, but there are things your baby will do better too.
Do’s and Don’ts When Transitioning Your Baby to a Crib
We’ve offered several suggestions that will help you move your baby from a rock n pay to a crib
but there are some critical things you shouldn’t do while your baby is still an infant.
Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts
Do:
- Use comfortable and safe items like swaddlers
- Sing, rock, or read to your baby
- Try putting the crib in a room or area that is familiar to your baby
- Gradually introduce your baby to the crib if you can
Don’t:
- Put bumper pads, blankets, stuffed animals, or anything else that is plushy in the crib until they are over 12 months
- Try to rush this process it may cause you and your baby to struggle more
Conclusion
Moving your baby from a rock n play to a crib is one of the biggest and possibly one of the most challenging transitions you experience during this season of your baby’s life.
The world is new to your baby and changes are often overwhelming and scary.
However, with a few adjustments, such as the ones suggested in this article, you and your baby can make the change much easier.