The move from bassinet to cot is one of the first significant transitions your baby will make. While it can feel daunting—especially if your baby has been sleeping well in the bassinet—most babies adjust more easily than parents expect. This guide provides practical strategies to make the transition smooth, whether you're doing it gradually or need to make the switch quickly.
When to Make the Transition
The right time to transition depends on your baby rather than a specific age. You should move to a cot when your baby:
- Reaches or approaches the bassinet's weight limit (typically 9 kg)
- Can roll from back to tummy or tummy to back
- Is pushing up on hands and knees
- Seems cramped or uncomfortable in the bassinet
- Is frequently waking due to hitting the sides
For most babies, this occurs somewhere between three and six months. Some larger or more physically advanced babies may need to transition earlier; smaller or less mobile babies might use the bassinet a bit longer.
If your baby shows signs of rolling or pushing up, transition immediately regardless of other factors. These developmental milestones make bassinet use unsafe, even if baby hasn't reached the weight limit.
Preparing for the Transition
Set Up the Cot in Advance
Don't wait until the last minute. Have the cot assembled and ready at least a few weeks before you anticipate needing it. This allows you to introduce it gradually rather than rushing the transition.
Ensure the cot meets Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2172) and is set up correctly:
- Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly with no gaps
- Mattress positioned at the highest setting for young babies (lower it as they grow)
- No bumpers, pillows, loose blankets, or toys
- Fitted sheet specifically designed for the cot mattress
Consider Location
You have options for where the cot lives during the transition:
Option 1: Cot in your bedroom
If space permits, placing the cot in your room maintains room sharing while introducing the new sleep space. This can be a good intermediate step before moving baby to their own room.
Option 2: Cot in the nursery
If you're transitioning to both a new sleep space and a new room simultaneously, know that some babies handle multiple changes fine while others benefit from a more gradual approach.
Maintain Familiar Elements
Wherever the cot is located, keep as many elements consistent as possible:
- Use the same sheets (or sheets washed in the same detergent)
- Keep room temperature consistent
- Maintain the same sound environment (white noise, if used)
- Use the same sleep bag or swaddle
- Follow the same bedtime routine
The more elements that stay the same, the less jarring the transition feels to your baby. The cot itself is the only thing that should change initially.
Gradual Transition Strategies
If you have time, a gradual approach often yields the smoothest results.
The Daytime Nap Approach
Start by using the cot for daytime naps while keeping night sleep in the bassinet (if still safe). Daytime naps are typically less critical than night sleep, so any disruption is easier to manage. Once baby is napping well in the cot for several days, move night sleep to the cot as well.
The First Wake Approach
Put baby to bed in the cot at the start of the night. When they wake for their first feed, bring them to the bassinet for the rest of the night. Gradually extend the time in the cot each night until they're sleeping there all night.
The Proximity Approach
If you're also transitioning to a different room, start with the cot in your room. Once baby is sleeping well in the cot beside you, move the cot to the nursery. Breaking the transition into two steps—new sleep space, then new room—can be easier than doing both at once.
Quick Transition Strategies
Sometimes you need to transition quickly—perhaps baby has suddenly started rolling or has hit the weight limit unexpectedly. In these cases:
The Direct Approach
Simply move all sleep to the cot starting tonight. Maintain every other element of the bedtime routine exactly. Many babies adapt within a few nights, especially if you remain calm and consistent.
Focus on the First Sleep
Pay extra attention to the initial put-down. Make sure baby is drowsy but not asleep when placed in the cot. Stay nearby (voice, gentle patting) to provide reassurance if needed. The first few nights may involve more settling, but most babies adjust quickly.
Common Challenges and Solutions
"My baby seems lost in the big cot"
The spacious cot can feel very different from the cosy bassinet. Some solutions:
- Swaddle (if baby isn't rolling) to provide a contained feeling
- Use a sleep bag appropriate for the baby's size—they grow into cots, not out of them
- Consider gentle touch or a hand on baby's chest while they fall asleep initially
- Some parents place the baby at one end of the cot rather than the centre, providing a "corner" to nestle into
Do NOT use rolled towels, sleep positioners, or any items inside the cot to make the space feel smaller. These are unsafe.
"My baby keeps waking more than before"
Some temporary sleep disruption is normal during transitions. However, if it persists beyond a week or so:
- Check room temperature—is the cot room the same temperature as where the bassinet was?
- Consider sound—is the cot further from familiar household noises?
- Evaluate light—is the cot room darker or lighter than before?
- Check the mattress—is it comfortable and flat?
"My baby was sleeping through and now wakes at night again"
Sleep regressions and transitions can temporarily disrupt established patterns. Stay consistent with your approach, avoid introducing new sleep associations (like feeding back to sleep if you'd previously stopped), and give it time. Most babies return to their previous patterns within one to two weeks.
Some parents find it helpful to put the cot sheet in the bassinet for a night or two before the transition, so it picks up familiar scents. Alternatively, sleep with the sheet yourself briefly. Familiar smells can provide comfort in a new space.
Managing Your Own Feelings
It's normal to feel emotional about this transition. The bassinet phase represents the earliest, most vulnerable newborn period, and moving to a cot can feel like your baby is growing up too fast. Some parents also feel anxious about having their baby in a separate sleep space or room for the first time.
These feelings are valid. Take photos of baby in the bassinet before you put it away. Remember that this transition is a sign of healthy development—your baby is growing, getting stronger, and achieving new capabilities.
If you're anxious about monitoring baby in a different room or larger sleep space, consider:
- Video monitor to see baby from another room
- Audio monitor if video isn't needed
- Movement or breathing monitors (optional—these are for parent peace of mind, not medically necessary)
After the Transition
Once your baby is settled in the cot, you can:
- Store the bassinet for a future baby or sell/donate it
- Reclaim the floor space in your bedroom
- Celebrate this milestone—your baby is growing!
The cot will serve your child for two to three years or more, so the adjustment is well worth the effort. With patience, consistency, and attention to keeping other elements stable, most babies transition smoothly within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Remember: there's no single "right" way to make this transition. Trust your instincts about what will work best for your baby and your family, and don't hesitate to try a different approach if your first attempt isn't working.