How Long Do Babies Sleep in Cribs?

If you’re wondering how long do babies sleep in their crib – you’re either questioning the amount of sleep your baby is getting and/or curious about when it’s time to transition to an actual bed. We’re here to help fuel your curiosity and help you and your baby get the sleep you need.

Because every baby or infant develops at their own pace, answers can vary. However with some general guidance you can recognize cues from your baby. The cues can symbolize that your baby isn’t getting enough sleep or they are ready to transition from a bassinet to a crib or crib to a bed. Ultimately when you choose to transition is up to you, but we know you always want to do what’s best for your baby. In addition to signs that your baby is ready, note weight and height guidelines of all bassinets, cribs, beds, or anything else you use to help you baby sleep. Safety is equally as important as sleep to ensure your baby develops properly. Keep reading to learn more about how long babies sleep in cribs, and how to make transitions without losing sleep.

When Do Babies Stop Sleeping In A Crib?

Between the ages of 18 months to 3 years old most babies, or should we say toddlers, transition from a crib to a bed.

About ⅓ of babies (now toddlers) transition from a crib to a toddler bed between the ages of 18 months to 2 years old. Another ⅓ is ready for the transition between ages 2 - 2.5 years old. Letting the guard rails down can feel scary for parents. No matter how big their baby grows, they are still the precious little peanut they welcomed into this world. Before making the transition, look for clues that your baby is ready.

Signs That Baby is Ready to Transition From Crib to Toddler Bed:

Your baby can climb out of the crib
Your baby is showing signs of outgrowing the crib (i.e. they can stand up and their chest is above the rail)
Your baby is 3 feet tall
Your baby is expressing interest in a toddler bed
Your baby is demonstrating signs of self control

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How Long Do Babies Sleep In Cribs?

Every baby is different and you really do know what is best when it comes to your own. Some babies are ready to make the transition to a toddler bed at around a year and half, while others may choose to wait or need to wait until they’re around 3 years old. Some of it depends on whether or not your baby is trying to escape the confines of a crib, and also on their cognitive ability. If your baby is trying to climb out of the crib night after night and/or expresses an interest in a “real” bed, chances are your baby is ready to start transitioning out of the crib.

When Do Babies Stop Sleeping In Bassinet?

Most babies transition from bassinet to crib around 4-6 months of age. Some parents may start their baby in a bassinet and transition them to a crib. Bassinets are a convenient way to keep baby close while they sleep. Similar to cribs, bassinets should have height and weight recommendations to keep your baby safe. This being said, every baby is different and grows and develops at their own pace. If your baby outsizes the bassinet by height and weight, it’s time to move baby out.

Should A Newborn Sleep In A Crib During The Day?

When it comes to your baby’s sleep time, it’s best for it to happen, at not just the same time every day, but also the same place, and that goes for all sleep. Establishing a routine for all sleep, can help your baby fall asleep faster and ideally, stay asleep longer. However, life may not be the same every day, so while baby can sleep in the crib during the day, other safe sleeping places are suitable too. Here are the following ABC’s of safe sleep.

A – ALONE: Baby should always sleep alone in a sleep safe close to their caregiver.

B – BACK: Baby should always, always, always, be put to sleep on their back, both for naps and nighttime sleep.

C – CRIB: Baby should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or other baby approved sleep space with a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheet. Babies sleep space should be free of blankets, pillows, toys, and any other objects. To keep baby comfortable, use a swaddle or sleep sack for safe sleep.

With a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheet – that is it! No bumpers, no extra bedding, no cuddle toys!

While some parents may be concerned that baby may be cold in her crib without a blanket, the Dreamland baby swaddle or sleep sack is perfect to keep baby at just the right temperature!

How Long Do You Let A Baby Cry In The Crib?

Because every baby is different, and you know your baby best, it’s hard to say when they’ve cried it out long enough. If you’re in the midst of sleep training, it could take up to an hour before they finally fall asleep on their own. Typically, with any method of sleep training, things seem to fall into place by the third night, with the crying eventually coming to an end after a full week. For some babies, the crying may last just a few minutes, if they cry at all, as they learn they can fall asleep on their own. Back to our original point though, all babies are different. It’s best to speak with your pediatrician for guidance.

If you’re using the cry it out method of sleep training, some studies say to wait until your baby is at the five or six month mark. By this milestone, babies are more likely to sleep for longer periods of time without waking in the night for feedings. Typically, you can start sleep training around 4 months. If your baby struggles with sleep, they may need some help, but what else do you do besides touch or hold your baby? A weighted sleep sack can offer a sense of security and comfort, helping babies calm down. It’s similar to how a large down comforter would help an adult instantly relax. Our Weighted Sleep Solutions are designed with CoverCalm® Technology that evenly distributes weight from your baby’s shoulders to toes naturally to reduce stress.

What Do You Do When Baby Climbs Out Of Crib?

When your baby is attempting to or is able to climb out of the crib, it’s probably time to transition to a toddler bed. As an interim workaround, you may be able to lower the mattress to the lowest setting. If you catch your little escape artist in the act of climbing out, provide reinforcement that they should not do that. Childproofing the room can be a good idea as well to keep them safe in the event they do make it out. Using sleep solutions such as a sleep sack, can detour baby from being able to escape.

Do 2 Year Olds Sleep In Cribs?

Just like every family is different, so is every child. Some babies are ready to transition out of the crib as soon as 18 months, while others aren’t ready until around age 3. If your two-year-old is sleeping in the crib and happy, keep a close eye for signs it may be time to make the transition out. Signs can include, trying to or climbing out of the crib, expressing they want a toddler bed, or exceeding 3 feet tall.

At What Age Do Babies Stop Sleeping In A Crib?

Babies can sleep in a crib until age 3, but they may need to transition out of the crib sooner. Caregivers need to determine when the time is right. Additionally, height and weight restrictions of cribs and toddler beds should be considered. As with most things with a baby, transitioning from a crib to toddler bed will take some patience and work. Even if your baby is ready, it’s a big change. If your baby is expressing excitement for a toddler bed or “big kid bed” this can be a great starting point.

How Do You Transition Out Of A Crib?

It’s important to remember that transitions work best when routines have been firmly established. That means that when it comes to moving your little one into a toddler bed, keep up those nighttime rituals that you’ve previously established.

If you have the room, placing the new bed next to the crib allows your toddler to get used to the idea. Even better if you talk about it a lot, show some enthusiasm and encouragement about this transition, and even let your little one help pick out new bedding. It’s an exciting milestone for all of you!

Keep in mind that a big part of moving out of the crib has to do with your toddlers’ readiness. Your toddler needs to have an understanding of “staying in bed” and that bed means sleep. So if your toddler makes the transition to the big bed and suddenly isn’t as great a sleeper, or has trouble staying in his new bed, they may just not be ready. Take the time you both need to make this transition as smooth as possible.