How to Transition from Co-Sleeping to the Crib (Without Tears or Guilt)
If you’ve ever whispered, “How will my baby ever sleep in the crib when they’ve only known sleeping next to me?” — you’re not alone.
Transitioning from co-sleeping to the crib is one of the most common struggles I hear from families. It’s also one of the top questions parents Google late at night. And I get it, co-sleeping can feel safe, cozy, and practical… until it doesn’t anymore.
Maybe your baby wakes at every tiny movement. Maybe you’re not sleeping deeply because you’re hyper alert. Or maybe you just want your bed (and your evenings) back. Whatever the reason, wanting to make a change doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It just means you’re ready for the next chapter.
Let’s walk through how to transition from co-sleeping to the crib in a gradual, supportive way that protects connection, honors your goals, and gets everyone more rest.
Why families choose to transition out of co-sleeping
The decision to stop co-sleeping is personal. For many parents, it comes down to safety, space, or sanity.
Research shows that room-sharing without bedsharing reduces the risk of SIDS in the first 6 months (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). But after that, it’s safe and appropriate to move your child into their own sleep space when you’re ready.
Parents also report better sleep quality when they’re not sharing a bed with their child. A study published in Sleep Health found that parents who room- or bed-shared long-term often experienced fragmented sleep and increased fatigue, which in turn impacted daytime functioning and mood.
So if you’ve noticed you’re not sleeping well, your baby is waking frequently, or the setup no longer feels sustainable, it’s completely valid to want to make a change.
Step 1: Set up a sleep-friendly crib environment
Before you make the move, make sure the crib feels like a natural, comfortable place for your baby to rest.
Keep the room dark for naps and nighttime. (This blog breaks it down: Dark Room for Daytime Naps).
Use white noise to buffer outside sounds.
Keep the sleep space clear of pillows, blankets, and toys per safe sleep guidelines.
The goal is consistency. When the crib feels calm and predictable, your baby is more likely to accept it.
Step 2: Start with crib “practice”
Babies learn through repetition. Begin with short, pressure-free crib sessions during the day. Lay your baby down for a few minutes while you fold laundry nearby, read aloud, or gently play peek-a-boo at the crib’s edge.
Evidence supports that graduated exposure helps babies adjust to new sleep environments without increasing stress long term (Pediatrics, 2016). Think of it like dipping a toe in the pool before diving in.
Step 3: Choose a gradual transition strategy
There isn’t one “right” way to do this. Here are a few approaches families find helpful:
Room-sharing first: Place the crib in your room for a few weeks before moving it into the nursery.
Bedtime first: Start by putting your baby down in the crib at bedtime (when sleep pressure is highest), and bring them to your bed after the first waking if needed.
All of these approaches align with responsive, gradual sleep teaching, giving your baby space to learn while knowing you’ll respond if they need support.
Step 4: Keep your responses consistent
One of the biggest predictors of success is consistency. A 2019 review in Sleep Medicine emphasized that parental consistency in response patterns leads to fewer night wakings and improved infant sleep outcomes.
That doesn’t mean you can’t respond, it means your responses should be predictable. For example, if you’re soothing in the crib with touch and voice, repeat that pattern at night wakings instead of switching back to full bedsharing.
Step 5: Expect ups and downs
Like any change, transitioning to the crib won’t be perfectly linear. Some nights will feel easier; others will feel like a step back. That’s normal. Babies thrive on routine, but they also go through developmental leaps, teething, and regressions that can affect sleep.
The key is not to give up on the plan after one rough night. Look for progress over time— fewer wakings, longer stretches in the crib, faster settling. Those are all wins.
Real families, real results
You don’t have to just take my word for it. Here’s what parents have shared about working with me at Heaven Sent Sleep:
“We were co-sleeping and my daughter woke multiple times a night. Ashley helped us transition her into the crib and she now sleeps 11 hours. I feel like myself again.” — Heaven Sent Sleep Client
“I didn’t think my baby would ever sleep outside of our bed. Ashley gave us a plan that felt doable, not scary. Within two weeks we had our evenings back.” — Heaven Sent Sleep Client
Common mistakes to avoid
Switching methods every night. This is confusing for your baby and delays progress.
Expecting zero tears. Crying is communication. The goal isn’t eliminating all protest but supporting your baby through it.
Making the transition cold-turkey without preparation. Gradual exposure is usually easier on both parents and babies.
Related blogs you may find helpful
How to Determine Baby’s Temperament (because temperament often affects how your baby adjusts to change)
What Does a One Nap Schedule Look Like? (for toddlers in the midst of transitions)
Bottom line
Moving from co-sleeping to the crib doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or filled with guilt. With a sleep-friendly environment, gradual exposure, consistent responses, and a clear plan, you can make this transition smoother for everyone.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is rest, for your baby and for you.
If you’re ready for step-by-step support that fits your baby’s age, temperament, and your family’s goals, I’d love to help. This is exactly what I do every day with families inside my 1:1 coaching programs at Heaven Sent Sleep.
Because you don’t have to figure this out alone.
