For how long can awake infants be placed in a crib?

The appropriate guideline for awake infants in a crib emphasizes that they should only be placed there for short periods of time before going to sleep. This is grounded in the understanding that infants need interaction and stimulation during their awake periods to support their development. Prolonged periods in a crib while awake can limit their opportunities for engagement, exploration, and learning.

Short periods in the crib can be acceptable for a brief moment of transition or if the infant is being prepared for sleep. However, it is important to ensure that awake infants have opportunities to play and interact with caregivers or their environment. This promotes motor skills, social skills, and cognitive development.

The other options suggest either unlimited time, specific constraints like only feeding time, or a longer duration, none of which align with recommended practices for promoting healthy development in awake infants.