Moving a baby from a bassinet to a crib is not age-dependent. Instead, the move is determined by your baby's weight and physical development. If you are uncertain, check the manufacturer's information for specifics. If the bassinet was handed down to you without instructions, err on the side of caution.
Weight
Bassinets are built for newborn babies. Check the directions from the manufacturer to know the appropriate weight for your model. If you don't have the directions, Consumer Reports recommends moving a child from a bassinet once he reaches 15 lbs.
Physical Development
Bassinets are meant as temporary beds for a newborn to young infant. As a result, they're not as sturdy as a crib. In addition, bassinets are shallower than a crib, making them unsafe if your baby is developing motor skills rapidly. If your baby can roll over or sit, it's time to move your infant to a crib as a safety measure.
General Age
The American Academy of Pediatrics did a study and published the results in an article titled "Infant Sleeping Arrangements and Practices During the First Year of Life" in the October 2008 issue of "Pediatrics." This study states that bassinet use is common for the first month of life. However, the study found that the majority of babies had moved to a crib after the first month.
Making the Move
Use nap times to transition your baby to the crib. Napping allows your baby to become familiar with his crib before night sleeping in it. Even though your baby looks small in the crib, the experts at Baby Center recommend against adding bumpers, pillows or stuffed animals to the crib. These items are all noted as potential suffocation hazards by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
References
- BabyCenter: When Can My Baby Move From a Bassinet to a Crib?
- What To Expect: Moving Your Baby From Bassinet to Crib
- Healthy Children: A Parent's Guide To Safe Sleep
- "Consumer Reports" Magazine: Safety strategies: Play Yard Precautions; February 2009
- "Pediatrics"; Infant Sleeping Arrangements and Practices During the First Year of Life; Hauck, et al., October 2008
