They can settle on a flat sleep surface
If your baby can fall asleep or return to sleep in a bassinet or crib-like space, that can be one of the clearest crib sleep readiness signs.
Is Your Baby Ready for Crib Sleep?
Get clear, age-aware guidance on crib sleep readiness signs, when to move baby to a crib for sleep, and what to watch for before making the transition.
About 3–5 minutesPrivate assessmentNo long answers
About this assessment
Answer a few questions to see whether your baby seems ready for crib sleep
Share your baby’s current sleep setup and we’ll provide personalized guidance based on common crib transition readiness signs, sleep patterns, and your starting point.
01
What crib sleep readiness really means
Parents often ask, “When is baby ready for crib sleep?” The answer is not just about age. Crib sleep readiness usually depends on a mix of factors, including where your baby sleeps now, how they settle, whether they can stay asleep on a flat surface, and how consistently they handle naps or nighttime sleep outside of being held. This page is designed to help you understand the signs baby is ready for a crib and when a gradual move may make sense.
02
Common signs baby is ready for crib
They tolerate being put down more often
A baby who no longer needs constant contact sleep for every stretch may be showing readiness for more crib sleep, even if the transition starts with just one nap or part of the night.
Their current sleep space is becoming less practical
If your baby seems cramped in a bassinet or your current setup is no longer working well for sleep, it may be time to consider when to move baby to a crib for sleep.
03
What to consider before moving baby to crib for sleep
Current sleep location
A baby already doing some sleep in a crib may be ready for a fuller transition sooner than a baby who sleeps mostly while held.
How they fall asleep
If your baby relies on motion, feeding, or contact for every sleep period, crib transition readiness may be more about building comfort with the crib gradually.
Day and night patterns
Some babies are ready to sleep in a crib for naps first, while others do better starting at bedtime. The best approach depends on your baby’s current rhythm.
04
A gradual crib transition is often the easiest path
If you’re wondering how to know if baby is ready for crib sleep, it helps to think in stages rather than all-or-nothing. Many babies do well with a gradual transition: one nap in the crib, the first stretch of nighttime sleep in the crib, or more consistent practice with being put down drowsy or calm. Personalized guidance can help you decide whether your baby seems ready now or whether a slower approach may work better.
05
When parents often look for extra guidance
Baby sleeps well only when held
If most sleep still happens in arms or on a caregiver, it can be hard to tell whether baby sleep in crib readiness is there yet without looking at the full picture.
The bassinet transition window is changing
Parents often start asking when can baby sleep in crib once the bassinet feels less comfortable or less sustainable for daily sleep.
Crib attempts have been inconsistent
If your baby sometimes sleeps in the crib but not reliably, a readiness-based plan can help you decide whether to keep practicing now or adjust your approach.
05
Frequently asked questions
When is baby ready for crib sleep?
Crib sleep readiness depends on more than age alone. Babies are often ready when they can tolerate a flat sleep surface, handle being put down for at least some sleep periods, and show increasing comfort outside of contact sleep. A gradual transition is common.
What are the main signs baby is ready for crib?
Common signs include settling more easily on a flat surface, sleeping for at least some stretches without being held, and doing well in a bassinet or crib for part of sleep already. These crib sleep readiness signs can look different from baby to baby.
How do I know if my baby is ready for crib sleep if they still prefer contact sleep?
A strong preference for contact sleep does not always mean your baby is not ready, but it may mean the transition needs to be gradual. Looking at how your baby handles short put-downs, naps, and the first nighttime stretch can give a better picture of readiness.
When should I move baby to crib for sleep instead of a bassinet?
Many parents consider the move when the bassinet no longer fits their baby’s needs, when sleep is becoming less comfortable there, or when they want a more consistent sleep setup. The right timing depends on your baby’s sleep patterns and current sleep location.
Can baby be ready to sleep in crib for nights but not naps?
Yes. Some babies adjust to the crib more easily at bedtime, while others accept naps first. Crib transition readiness signs do not always show up the same way across all sleep periods.
Personalized assessment
Get personalized guidance on your baby’s crib sleep readiness
Answer a few questions about your baby’s current sleep location and patterns to see whether now may be a good time to move toward crib sleep, and what next steps may fit your situation.