In the first hazy days of parenting, your baby sleeps wherever: in your arms, in a bassinet, in a sling, in a swing. But there comes a time when you?re ready for your precious bundle to nap in her crib. Here are some expert tips to make the transition as smooth as possible for both baby and you.
1. Make sure your baby is ready

Infants start to make associations around three to four months of age, says Jennifer Garden, an occupational therapist and owner of Sleepdreams in Vancouver. This is a good time to start introducing crib napping. But, she says, some babies still aren?t ready to be that far away from their mom or dad. Depending on your baby?s temperament, you may want to wait a few more weeks before moving your baby from bassinet to crib. Just remember: Whether they’re in a crib or bassinet, the Canadian Paediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend keeping your baby in your room for the first six months.
2. Prep the space

The room should be dark and cool?between 16C and 19C is ideal for sleep. It should also be quiet. ?I often hear parents say, ?Oh, I was told during the daytime it should be bright and busy and loud,? says Garden. ?But that?s just for the first month, while your newborn is learning the difference between day and night.?
3. Do a mini bedtime routine

?I wouldn?t advise just plunking your baby down into a new sleep space and expecting that it will all go well,? Garden says. Instead, start with a small ...