Crib training is not easy. Crib transitioning isn’t the end of the world either. What transitioning does involve is lots of patience on your part.
With patience and a solid game plan success is inevitable.
When we had our first child we struggled. We felt like nothing we did was right. We were also terrified we hadn’t researched enough. Remember millions of people have done this before too.
How do I transition baby from swing to crib?
Eliminate Differences Between the Two
Swings are great for newborns. They comfort and surround a baby while providing soothing motion. Eventually, you will need to wean your wee one off.
What do you do now?
Your swing should be in the same room as the crib. Keep the baby’s surroundings the same. This will make the transition less jarring. Also being around the crib more will make it more familiar.
Cut down on movement.
Slow the speed settings on the swing. After that try to use the swing feature less and less. If your baby is resistant you may need to take it slower. No two babies are the same.
Nightly Consistency
Your baby is comforted by predictability. Having set routines will help everyone. Especially during your swing elimination phase. It can even make your child look forward to bedtime.
- Try a bath, snuggles or story time before bed
- Keep your house at a steady 70 degrees
- Consistency with whatever you choose is key
Nightly rituals work for you and baby. The reason being that you end up only using what works. You don’t have to think, it will just be autopilot. This is extremely helpful on those nights when you are exhausted too.
Don’t forget nap times!
Just because it is daytime don’t give in. If your baby is using the crib don’t let the swing be a nap time crutch. A little effort here is worth it!
Feeling Safe
A plush swing is like a cocoon. You can mimic this in a crib with swaddling. When you swaddle it creates a warm, secure feeling. Your baby wants to feel like they are still in the womb.
One issue with swaddling is not wrapping tightly enough!
No one wants to overdo it.
Remember what you are trying to mimic. The idea is to immobilize the arms and legs. You can also pat baby’s back to comfort them.
How to transition baby from co-sleeping to crib?
Once co-sleeping no longer works for you.
Now, what do you try?
Oh, that crib thing you overspent on! Perfect, but where do you start?
Make it familiar
Make the space similar. If your baby is used to tight spaces, mimic that. You can use rolled towels by their sides. Or a pillow under their sheet. Avoid dips or places they can roll.
If it is possible to have the crib start in your room. This will eliminate one change at the start. One less thing for the baby to stress about. Once your child is used to a crib move it to their room.
Anything you can do to make their area feel familiar will help. Avoid worrying about judgment. Focus on your results. That’s all your baby cares about anyway.
Get Significant Other Help
Some parents can put a baby to bed anywhere. Others just struggle. At the beginning don’t fight it. Whatever works for baby is key. One less stressor means more slumber time for your baby.
Remember if you aren’t the baby whisperer, do not get lazy.
Practice until you can both succeed. Do things to help the parent who is putting the baby to bed. Being a team goes a long way.
Consistency, consistency, consistency
Keep the routine. Do not deviate. The more consistent you can be the better. It will be normal for your baby. It will be comforting knowing what is going to happen.
Also don’t feel terrible if you fail. During the first month, you may find your baby in your bed a couple times. Remember a new day is a new chance to restart your crib sleeping streak!
How to Transition Your Baby Out Of a Swaddle
First off, swaddling is great. Swaddling helps soothe and calm newborns. Sleeping through the night is easier for babies when swaddled. That being said, there is a time to stop wrapping.
How will you know?
Each child is different. It is important to read your baby’s mood. It also means you need to roll with the punches. If your gut tells you something, trust it.
After all, no one knows your bay better.
Time is less of a factor for weaning. Some babies stop swaddling at three to four months. Other babies won’t start until around ten months. These will be the babies that startle very easy. Minimizing rollovers is the goal.
What are the signs it’s time to transition from swaddling?
The most obvious, when it stops working. If your old tricks don’t work don’t force it. If you regularly find him or her arms free and happy. This will show they can handle it being free.
Another telltale sign: if they struggle to get free instantly. Babies generally calm down when swaddled. Instant and constant struggling means it is being rejected by your baby.
Your baby is rolling over. Babies need free arms when rolling to avoid being trapped. This is a safety concern. If you have concerns definitely talk with your pediatrician.
What steps do I take to wean baby off swaddling?
You have read the signs. You have double checked that it’s real rejection. Now you just need to start!
The first thing to try is feet free. Babies enjoy their arms being tucked in. It gives them a sense of security. Feet free allows familiar comfort while easing in. Don’t forget their socks!
Your baby responded well.
Congratulations, now try after a bit letting one arm be free when wrapped.
This is almost total freedom but allows the familiar habit. Remember this is all about easing into it.
If all goes well you will be swaddle free soon! If you have a set back don’t fret. There are tons of products that can help. If you are at a loss for what to try ask your doctor.
Baby Safety
With all of the topics discussed today, safety first. Trust your gut. Do not rush a process. Safety can’t be made up for later. Practice it daily. Make it a part of how you start your routines.
Hopefully, everything covered here will make your transitions just a little easier.
Photo by quinn.anya
