Colin Snow
A 3-month-old baby should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Many infants this age have settled into a daily sleep routine of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer sleeping through the night stretch after a late-night feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). To get your baby to sleep in a crib, try putting them down when they're awake but sleepy and checking on them frequently. You can recreate a similar environment to ease the transition, such as a firm, flat mattress in a cool, dark room with white noise. It's also important to ensure the crib is free of hazards, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, and other items that could cause suffocation or strangulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleep time | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period |
| Number of naps | 2-3 during the day |
| Crib placement | In the parent's bedroom or a separate room |
| Crib mattress | Firm and flat |
| Crib environment | Cool, dark room with white noise |
| Crib hazards | Plush toys, pillows, blankets, sharp objects, cords, ties, ribbons, and other choking hazards |
| Crib safety | Avoid covering the baby's head, watch for signs of overheating, and keep away from smokers |
| Sleep training | Cry-it-out method, swaddling, feeding, and recreating a caregiver-like environment |
| Transition from bassinet to crib | When the baby can sit independently, push up on hands and knees, or outgrow the bassinet's height/weight recommendations |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep environment
A 3-month-old baby should get 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. They may have settled into a routine of 2-3 naps during the day, followed by a longer stretch of sleep at night.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, or ideally, until the baby's first birthday. This is because the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest during this period.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This recommendation from the AAP has significantly reduced the rate of SIDS since 1992.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface. Avoid inclined sleeping surfaces, as these can increase the risk of sleeping-related infant death.
- Cover the mattress with a sheet that fits snugly. Avoid using blankets, as they can pose a risk of suffocation.
- Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet. Keep plush toys, pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and bumper pads out of the baby's sleep area.
- Avoid hanging mobiles, wall hangings, pictures, draperies, and window blind cords within the baby's reach.
- Do not let your baby fall asleep on products not designed for sleeping babies, such as sitting devices (like car seats), feeding pillows, or infant loungers.
- Do not use products that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners or monitors that detect heart rate and breathing patterns.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid overbundling. Do not cover your baby's head while they sleep, and watch for signs of overheating.
- Keep the baby away from smokers. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it.
- Be mindful of hazards such as cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around the baby's neck and objects with sharp edges or corners.
- Establish a bedtime routine to signal that it's time for sleep. This can include bathing, reading, and singing, which can soothe your baby and help them associate these steps with sleeping.
Remember, creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.
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Crib vs bassinet
A bassinet is a small bed designed for newborn infants that is typically placed next to the parents' bed for easy access during nighttime feedings and care. They are usually made of lightweight materials such as wicker, wood, or plastic, and they often come with wheels or handles to allow for easy movement from one room to another. Bassinets are typically used for the first few months of a baby's life before transitioning to a crib. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, making them a space-saving option for parents with limited space. The base of a bassinet is typically raised to the level of an adult's waistline, making it easier to lay the baby down, especially if the parent has had a C-section. Some bassinets have extra features such as a vibration function, which can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Bassinets are also a good choice for parents who travel frequently, as they are more portable than cribs and can be easily folded and stored.
On the other hand, a crib is a small child's bed with high, usually slatted, sides. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and are designed for older babies and toddlers. They come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, but the most common type is the traditional rectangular crib. Cribs are generally placed in the baby's room, although some parents choose to place them in their own bedroom, especially during the first six months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP also recommends that cribs have a tightly fitted sheet and an optional mattress pad to keep the baby safe. Cribs should be placed on a flat, firm surface to reduce the risk of sleeping-related infant death. Once a baby has outgrown their crib, they may try to climb out, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Therefore, it is important to transition to a bed when the baby is comfortable in their crib and not inclined to climb out.
When deciding between a bassinet and a crib, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, bassinets are typically used for the first few months of a baby's life, while cribs are used for older babies and toddlers. Secondly, bassinets are smaller and more portable, making them easier to move around the house and take on travels. They are also generally placed next to the parents' bed, allowing for close proximity to the infant and making nighttime feedings and care more convenient. Cribs, on the other hand, are larger and may not fit in the parents' bedroom. Additionally, bassinets can have extra features such as vibration functions and swiveling capabilities, which can provide comfort and convenience for both the baby and the parents. However, cribs can also have design features such as a crib railing and a thick mattress, which can make them a comfortable and safe option for the baby.
Ultimately, the decision between a bassinet and a crib depends on the specific needs and preferences of the parents and the baby. Both options are safe for newborns, according to the AAP, and can provide a comfortable sleeping space for the baby. However, it is important to consider factors such as space, portability, convenience, and cost when making a decision. For parents with limited space or those who travel frequently, a bassinet may be a better option. On the other hand, if the crib fits in the parents' bedroom and the priority is long-term use, then a crib may be the preferred choice. Additionally, it is worth considering the transition from bassinet to crib, as some babies may find it challenging to adjust to a new sleeping space.
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Sleep training
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months, or until the baby's first birthday. This is because the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest during this period. It is also recommended to always place your baby on a flat, firm surface to sleep and avoid anything that could cause accidental suffocation and strangulation, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers.
There are several methods for sleep training, and the effectiveness of each method varies depending on the baby's age, previous sleep training, mood, and the caregiver's comfort level. Here are some commonly used techniques:
- Cry-it-out method (also called total extinction or CIO): This involves putting the baby to bed when they are tired but still awake. The baby may cry while learning this new skill, but they will eventually fall asleep on their own. Consistency is critical for this method to work.
- Graduated extinction/Interval-based reassurance: This method involves checking in on the baby at set intervals throughout the night. One specific form is called the "Ferber Method."
- Chair method: The parent sits in a chair next to the crib and gradually moves the chair farther away until they are out of the room.
- Pick-up, put-down: Any time the baby is crying, the parent picks them up and puts them down once they are calm.
- Night weaning: This involves transitioning the baby away from waking up at night to feed. Instead, the baby eats their meals during the day and sleeps through the night without needing to wake up for a feed.
It is important to note that sleep training is typically recommended for babies who are at least 5 months old, as this allows them to go through major developmental progressions that happen around 3-4 months of age. Additionally, the melatonin regulation, which helps with sleep, begins to regulate after the 5-month mark.
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Room-sharing
To make the transition easier, try to recreate the same room environment. A similar environment—a firm, flat mattress in a cool, dark room with the humming of a sound machine—will ease the transition between a bassinet and a crib. It's also important to make the crib feel more caregiver-like. Babies find the warmth and softness of your arms soothing, so swaddle them, feed them, and ease them into the crib.
It's important to note that there is also research from the AAP demonstrating that after 4 months, room-sharing results in less sleep and an increase in unsafe sleep practices. Additionally, there is no universal answer to when a baby should transition to a crib, and it is ultimately a personal decision for each family. Some families choose to have their baby start out in their own room, while others prefer to wait until their baby is older.
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Crib transition tips
A three-month-old baby can transition to a crib, although this depends on a few factors, including their development, previous sleep training, and your family's needs. Most babies are ready to transition to a crib between three and six months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months, ideally until the baby's first birthday, as this reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- Ensure a safe sleep environment by using a full-size crib with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly. Remove any loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals from the crib to prevent suffocation and keep the room at an optimal temperature to avoid overheating.
- Recreate a similar environment to what your baby is used to. For example, a cool, dark room with the humming of a sound machine can help ease the transition.
- Plan for a few days of adjustment. It may take a couple of days for your baby to get used to the new sleep surface, so be patient and consistent.
- Develop a consistent sleep routine to help your baby adjust to the new sleeping environment. This can include a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
- Introduce daytime naps in the crib to help your baby associate it with positive experiences.
- If your baby resists sleeping in the crib, you can allow them 15 to 20 minutes to practice before picking them up and helping them fall asleep in your arms.
Remember, each baby is unique, and the transition to a crib may take time. Be patient, consistent, and offer plenty of love and support throughout the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is considered safe for a 3-month-old to sleep in a crib. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first 6 months.
It is recommended to put your baby in the crib when they are drowsy but still awake. This way, they will learn to associate the crib with falling asleep independently. You can also try swaddling them before placing them in the crib, as this can be soothing, but make sure to stop swaddling once they start to roll over.
To create a safe sleep environment, ensure the crib mattress is firm and flat, and do not place anything else in the crib, such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, or bumpers. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature and avoid covering their head while they sleep.
For newborns and young babies, it is recommended to allow 15 to 20 minutes of practice in the crib before offering assistance. If your baby is crying, you can check on them frequently, such as every 5 to 10 minutes, and remind yourself that it is important for them to learn to self-soothe and get adequate sleep.
