From Bassinet to Crib: Transitioning Your Baby and Finding the Best Compact Stroller for Travel
, by Artorias Tse,
22 min reading time
It's no surprise that your baby spends most of the hours sleeping from birth. A newborn literally sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day on average. As they gradually age, their sleeping time also decreases by several hours. Sound sleep is crucial to maintain the baby's growth, well-being, and health.
With changes in sleeping time due to physical growth, you must maintain proper sleeping arrangements. As the parents, you'll have to confront several transitions in your baby's first year. And one of the most significant moves involves the transition of your baby from a bassinet to a crib.
Coupled with this crucial change, many parents also start to plan their travel or outing plans. You can only ensure the little one's convenient adventuring with a compact stroller. And our well-detailed guide is ready to walk you through both the crucial parenting chores with comfort.
Why Transitioning from Bassinet to Crib is Important?
Although the transition, move, or change (from bassinet to crib) seems like a shifting in the baby's sleeping arrangements, it's actually more than that. It represents a noteworthy milestone regarding your baby's development by impacting their sleeping patterns and even safety.
The primary reasons to make the transition crucial include –
Safety – Bassinets can barely keep up with safety requirements, given the baby's increasing growth and mobility.
Comfort – Cribs offer further space for the growing newborns to stretch or move their hands and legs during sleep.
Training – A crib seems superior and well-suited to implement sleep training, compared to bassinets, for the baby.
Long-Term – Bassinets are usually too small to enable prolonged use. But cribs can withstand longer, up to 3 years.
How do the bassinets eventually compromise safety? Well, the rapidly growing physique can no longer cope with the tight space, restraining automated movements during sleep. And the confinement causes distorted muscle and/or bone development in the long run.
Transition in Sleeping Arrangement is Crucial
Source: Pexels.com/
How Long Should a Baby Sleep in a Basinet?
The timeframe to sleep in a bassinet mostly depends on their age, physical size, mobility development, and weight limits. Hence, the right time for transition varies with each baby with some general factors.
Baby's Age – Most babies should transition to new cribs between 3 to 6 months of age.
Size – When a baby reaches the bassinet's permissible weight limit (around 15 – 20 pounds).
Mobility – The baby should be moved to a crib when he/she starts to roll over or sit up.
Sleep Patterns – Some babies sleep better or more comfortably in larger spaces than others.
Travel/Trip – Using a crib or safer options like a 'compact travel stroller' is also applicable.
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests that the baby should room-share with his/her parents for the first 6 months. And the parents will do so through a bassinet or crib, but never in the same bed.
Some parents have to travel a lot for professional reasons. Don't rely on bassinets to ensure the infant's sound naps during trips. Instead, cribs or compact strollers can help significantly from various aspects.
Preparing for the Transition
For many parents, all you need is to purchase a crib and put the baby there for sleeping – it's that easy. What's all the fuss with prepping and considerations? Unfortunately for you, making the switch isn't as easy as it sounds or seems. There are several steps involved to confirm a smooth transition.
Gradual Introduction
Going for an immediate transition is more like an honest mistake made by many parents. You should buy and place the crib in the room one or two weeks before the transition. Don't overburden yourself if the room doesn't allow that much space. Instead, play with your little one in the crib during the daytime for a positive association.
Maintain Familiarity
Switching to new gears often presents somewhat unfamiliar surrounding for the baby. Many newborns can't or don't cope with the all-new sacks or sheets right away. So, you better use all the same sleep sacks or sheets from the bassinet. Don't forget to keep the white noise machine or nightlight running (when you have been using it).
Prepared Transition instead of Sudden Change
Source: Pexels.com
Optimum Sleeping Safety
Your baby's consistent safety during sleep must remain the topmost priority during transitions. No matter what, you can't risk anything to trigger SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) associated with all the changes. Please follow the ABC rule of safe baby sleep: A = Alone, B = on the Back, C = in a Crib.
Furthermore, remove all the pillows, blankets, toys, and other items not relevant or required for sleep. Always keep the entire crib space free of tiny items that may end up in the throat or stomach upon swallowing. Also, many parents use firm mattresses with a fitted sheet to make the baby feel cozy.
Constant Bedtime Routine
Try to create a nightly routine to signal your baby that it's time for sleep. It's notably similar to a strolling routine to put your compact stroller for travel into use (flights, outdoor events, outings). Meantime, you should consider keeping the room temperatures within 68°F – 72°F (20°C – 22°C) for optimal soundness.
Always place the newly purchased crib where you sleep, just like you do with the bassinet, for easy reach. Everything related to this prep work is about creating familiarity and confining the lifestyle into an order. You can expect the baby to enjoy a good sleep through random transitions to a new sleeping gear.
How to Make the Transition
As you're all set to make the transition, it's time to make the switch through the following steps –
Starting with Naps – Simply place your little one in the designated crib during his/her daytime naps. It specifically allows newborns, infants, and babies to get used to the brand-new sleep space.
Maintaining Routine – Try to keep your usual bedtime routine consistent, regardless of the switch. It helps maintain comfort and predictability for the baby against potential sleeping issues.
Being Patient – Some babies can adapt rather quickly, whereas others may take several weeks to adjust. Don't expect the little one to get acquainted right away. Consistency is always the key here.
Staying Close – Sleep in the same room as the crib to reassure the baby about safety and familiarity. No need to speed up the nights anymore once your little one gets comfy with new arrangements.
Using a Monitor – It may sound silly to many parents. However, when you sleep in separate rooms, a monitor acts as your eyes and ears, keeping you in constant touch with the baby's needs.
Don't coerce the baby to sleep in the crib if he/she doesn't want to sleep there. Everything is uncertain with them, requiring you to be prepared to spend extra effort. Let the baby have time to get used to it.
Give the Baby Time to Get Along with the Crib
Source: Flickr.com
Troubleshooting Common Transition Issues
As mentioned, parents must give the baby some additional time to get with the crib. When things don't work out, holding your patience may not do the trick alone. You should know some strategic solutions to address commonly encountered challenges.
Difficulty in Falling Asleep
It's indeed the most common problem you're likely to face with the transition. Opt for gradual retreat methods by slowly increasing your distance over several nights. Additionally, you should try the calming technique (patting or shushing in a gentle manner).
Frequent Night Waking
Since babies tend to experience night wakings often, you can't overlook its possibility. So, keep the room dark and quiet. Sometimes, the crib isn't at fault at all. You're to check the baby's body heat conditions as well as room temps (neither too hot nor too cold).
Too Early Morning Wake-up
A somewhat similar yet concerning issue may arise when your little ones get too early. Either it's due to the bright sunlight or poor routine. Install blackout curtains to keep the room dark but air circulated. And gradually adjusting the bedtime and wake-up times should also help.
Separation Anxiety
Many parents tend to neglect the baby's separation anxiety. Overlooking this issue severely affects psychological growth. You better install comforting objects for babies over 12 months. Meanwhile, try to practice a brief separation in the daytime to build confidence.
Don't forget to celebrate such a small yet insightful victory during the transition. Each night's sleep in a crib is a step forward for the newborn. And again, just be patient with yourself and the baby to ensure that achieving this success comes smoothly and together.
Cribs vs Playards vs Strollers – Sleeping Convenience
Like many parents, you may think crib as the only sleeping space to offer safe and comfortable sleep. But there are several options available to make your choice, like – playards and strollers. Not to mention, these three have been the most popular sleeping gear among conscious parents.
How do cribs, playards, and strollers compare to one another in terms of a baby's sleeping perspective? No need to get confused as the detailed comparison can help make informed decisions. Knowing each option's features, benefits, and drawbacks should enlighten you about their applicability.
Cribs
These are small-sized beds for children with latticed or barred sides. A crib has traditionally been the most universal choice for a baby's sleep.
Standard Wooden Crib
Source: Freepik.com
Advantages of Cribs
Sleeping Gear – Cribs are the exclusively designed tools to help a baby sleep.
Safety – Every built-in feature of cribs must comply with strict safety standards.
Durability – Cribs are well-built to last long and are usable for multiple children.
Comfort – Cribs have firm and flat surfaces to support physical development.
Long-Term Use – It's possible to use a crib from birth up to 2 – 3 years old.
Adjustments – Cribs can include adjustable heights to accommodate growth.
Aesthetics – Modern cribs come in many styles to match the nursery decor.
Problems with Cribs
Space – The most obvious concern lies with its significant space requirement.
Price – Some cribs can get quite expensive, especially for higher-end models.
Portability – It's difficult to move from room to room, let alone bring to trips.
Who Can Use a Crib for Baby Sleep?
Families with dedicated nursery space.
Anyone who prioritizes long-term sleeping solutions.
Parents in need of a standard sleep setup.
Playards
Playards, often used synonymously with Pack 'n Play and/or Playpen, hold a similar concept to cribs. They're small, lightweight, and portable enclosures to offer versatile sleeping and playing solutions.
Baby Playing within Playard
Source: Freepik.com
Advantages of Playards
Portability – Playards are easy to fold and transport, making them ideal for carrying anywhere.
Versatility – The enclosures act like safe zones for sleeping, playing, and even changing stations.
Compact – A playard is considerably compact and small, taking up less space after a full setup.
Cost-Effective – Available options are generally less expensive than cribs with many features.
Quick Setup – Assembling and/or disassembling is rather easy and fast with modern models.
Problems with Playards
Comfort – Thinner as well as firmer mattresses possess leakage risks through wear and tear.
Durability – The construction is somewhat simple, making it susceptible to damage in long run.
Weight Limits – A significant issue lies with playards' lower weight limits/tolerance for babies.
Aesthetics – The frame mostly focuses on usability than outlook, confining style, and design.
Who Can Use Playard for Baby Sleep?
Parents who travel frequently
Anyone in need of flexible sleep and play solutions
Families with limited floor space
Strollers
They're hand-pushed vehicles to carry or transport babies of suitable size, weight, and purposes. A pram or stroller isn't exactly a primary sleeping gear. Still, strollers can surely accommodate occasional naps.
Outing with Baby on a Stroller
Source: Flickr.com
Advantages of Strollers
Convenience – A stroller allows the baby to sleep on the go without disruptions.
Multi-Functional – They can serve transportation needs as well as potential nap space.
Space-Saving – Foldable strollers don't need anything to consume the floor space.
Soothing – The soothing motion often helps a screaming baby fall/enjoy a sound sleep.
Problems with Strollers
Safety Concerns – Strollers aren't designed for unsupervised or prolonged sleep.
Limited Flat Recline – Not every stroller can provide a fully flat position for optimal naps.
Size Restrictions – Babies quickly outgrow bassinets or seats needed for comfy sleep.
Environmental Factors – The baby gets exposed to light, noise, and temperature changes.
Who Can Use Stroller for Baby Sleep?
Accommodating short naps during outings.
Families who frequently remain on the move.
Allowing comfortable sleep during long flights.
Baby Sleeping – Crib vs Playard vs Stroller
The following tabulated comparison should help you catch up with the overall suitability of the three options regarding a baby's nap –
Sleeping Factors
Crib
Playard
Stroller
Suitability for Overnight Sleep
Excellent (on following safety guidelines)
Good (with compatible mattress)
Poor (not exactly recommended for unsupervised naps)
Sleeping Comfort
High (exclusively designed for sleep)
Medium (sufficient to support baby naps)
Medium (varies by models with the availability of flat recline)
Overall Versatility
Low (a rigid structure to provide a gentle sleeping surface)
High (a more flexible build to serve to play and sleep)
Medium (a foldable model for holding and carrying the baby)
Space Requirement
Very High (optimum consumption of available floor space)
Medium to High (varies by design to consume moderate floor space)
Very Low (foldable designs don't even consume any space)
Applicability of Serviceability
High (up to 2 – 3 years or more)
Medium (up to 1 – 2 years in general)
Low (only a few months for sleeping purposes)
Portability for Outings
Low (even within the house)
High (requires some extra effort)
Superb (suitable for traveling anywhere)
Cost-Effectiveness
Medium to Low (high initial costs but prolonged use)
Moderately High (low initial investment but somewhat less sturdy)
Excellent (when used for frequent means of transportation)
Since we're talking about the baby's sleep, we skipped other factors (like – sizes, limits, options, etc.)
It's clear that cribs are indeed the ultimate in-house sleeping gear for your little one. A playard should be used as a confined playground for mobile infants/babies. And you'll definitely need a compact stroller for travel with the newest family member on board for an outdoor adventure.
Making Your Final Decision
A rich parent with a lavish house may think of having all three. But commoners and smart ones will figure out the best choice from the three. And it's not unheard of that parents find themselves at a loss while choosing between a crib, playard, or stroller for their baby's sleep.
You should consider the following factors to make up your mind –
Total Living Space
Do you have a sufficiently large room to accommodate a full-sized crib? Please consider your room as well as the baby's separate room. As you're to spend the first few nights with the baby, having sufficient floor space is necessary. Choose playards or compact cribs to address confinements.
Traveling Frequency
How often do you travel? Also, how much time do you spend on each trip/outing? Answering questions is equally important. Frequent travel will require to focus on portability, comfort, and protection. And prolonged outdoor adventures will add safety as well as sleeping comfort to the list.
Overall Budget
What's your allocated or estimated budget to purchase the best baby sleep solutions? Cribs, as well as strollers, can become notably expensive with high-end and featureful models. Playards are somewhat less costly compared to the two. Also, you can check out secondhand options.
Long-Term Plans
Do you have plans to have more babies in the future? Or do you want to resale, donate, or circulate the buy to locals and/or relatives? It directly raises questions on durability requirements. Cheaper options, whatever your choice is, may not hold strength and/or integrity for longer uses.
Prioritizing Safety
Last but not least, never overlook potential safe sleeping guidelines, regardless of the chosen option. We already mentioned AAP recommendations alongside the pros and cons of each alternative. Make a subtle analysis of your lifestyle to decide on one. Just never hesitate over a few bucks.
Many parents now choose a combination of these solutions to meet all their different needs. They plan ahead to cover the budget, often including the items in the baby registry. For example, they prefer a crib for home use, a playard for nearby travel, and a stroller for on-the-go naps.
Lightweight Travel Stroller is Perfect for On-the-Go Nap
Source: Pickpik.com
Lightweight, Foldable, Compact Stroller for Travel
Lots of parents start planning their next family adventures with their little ones upon mastering his/her sleep transitions. And a compact stroller is well-proven to be a must-have for such parents on the go. Choosing the best lightweight stroller for your needs requires careful evaluation of several factors, like –
Weight and Size
You better invest in a stroller weighing under 12 – 15 pounds for easy carrying. Also, check the folded dimensions to ensure that it fits in the car trunk or airline overhead bin.
Fold Mechanism
A standard one-handed fold system is the ideal choice to manage baby and luggage simultaneously. And the self-standing feature upon folding is definitely a bonus for storage.
Reclining Options
Top-notch strollers offer multiple recline positions to let the baby relax during outings. However, you should look for a flat recline (if possible) for newborns for secure sleep.
Attached Wheels
While the baby's asleep, larger wheels can provide smooth movements by handling surface roughness. Consider a lockable swivel front for further stability on uneven terrains.
Frame Durability
It's a must for you to invest in quality materials and well-built construction for strollers. Otherwise, you can't expect the gear to withstand exterior rigors from frequent travel.
Safety Features
A compact stroller for travel to value safety should feature the standard five-point harness for seating. And a reliable braking system should help you maintain strolling smoothness.
We only discussed the features related to a baby's occasional on-the-go nap while staying in the stroller. Mamazing's Ultra Air stroller series (featuring Ultra Air and Ultra Air X) affixes almost all the features for your convenience. Don't forget to check them out, as few options offer such superiority within the price.
Mamazing Ultra Air Compact Travel Stroller
Source: Mamazing.com
Wrapping Up
Transitioning your baby from a bassinet to a crib for sleeping is often undermined among parents. Where in reality, it marks a significant milestone in your parenting journey. What you need to remember is that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
The end goal ultimately revolves around your baby's safety, comfort, and happiness. Only the right gear confidently embraces the new sleeping arrangement to perfection. That's why your choice depends on specific needs and preferences to ensure your baby's (and yours) best sleep.
