The exhaustion, anxiety and attachment that is synonymous with a newborn infant leads most parents to want their precious little ones sleeping close by during those first few months. After all, it's much easier to roll over and make sure she's still breathing, replace a pacifier or pick him up for a feeding than it is to get up out of bed and stumble down the hall.

Tobey Huntley, a Parent Educator at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center, says "When parents choose to move their babies into a crib is a personal decision." However, Huntley advises that parents need to be aware of the weight and size recommendations on the bassinets or cradles, which for most babies become too small some time between two and three months.

While it may seem frightening – both for you and the baby – to make that big move to a crib, there are some things you can do to make the transition easier. Huntley suggests that parents begin by putting the babies in their cribs for nap time, or lay them in the crib and talk to or play with them. Many parents also find that using a monitor puts their mind at ease.

When you do move your baby into a crib, it is important to follow these safe sleep guidelines:

• Always put babies to sleep on their back.
• Use a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and well-fitting sheet.
• Do not place pillows, quilts, bumper pads, toys or anything else in the crib.
• Use a baby sleep sack or a sleeper with feet instead of a blanket to keep babies warm.
• Avoid letting the baby get too hot. Dress the baby lightly for sleep and set the room temperature in a range that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Talk about safe sleep practices with everyone who cares for your baby.

This is likely the first of many steps you and your child will take on the path towards independence. You can take some comfort in knowing that it will probably be much harder on you than it will be on the baby.