Ashwin Lewis
If you're a new parent, you may be wondering whether to get a bassinet or a co-sleeper for your baby. Both are AAP-approved sleeping spaces for newborns. A co-sleeper is a type of bassinet that can be attached to the side of your bed, making it easier to soothe and feed your baby during the night. It's a good option for parents dealing with postpartum stress or pain, and for babies who are fussy and prefer to be by their parent's side. On the other hand, bassinets are more compact, affordable, and easier to move around. They are also available in different variations, such as traditional, portable, bedside, or rocking bassinets. When deciding between a bassinet or a co-sleeper, consider factors such as your budget, space constraints, portability needs, and your baby's sleep habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Co-sleeper, bassinet, crib |
| Description | Co-sleepers are a type of bassinet that can be attached to the bed. |
| Use | Both co-sleepers and bassinets are designed for use from birth up to around 6 months of age. |
| Pros | Co-sleepers are great for keeping your baby close, reducing fussiness, and breastfeeding at night. |
| Bassinets are more compact, affordable, and come in different variations. | |
| Cons | Co-sleepers are bigger than bassinets and have limited use as babies outgrow them quickly. |
| Bassinets have limited use as babies outgrow them quickly. |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of co-sleepers
Pros of co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are a great option for parents who want to sleep close to their infants without the risks of bed-sharing. Here are some of the pros of co-sleepers:
- They help to enhance the bond between newborns and parents.
- They make it easier for parents to soothe and feed the baby without getting out of bed.
- They are usually very functional as their height can be adjusted according to the bed.
- They allow new parents and infants to sleep better by keeping babies close to their parents.
- They are a safe alternative to bed-sharing, which can increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
- They can be particularly useful for mothers who are recovering from a C-section and may have difficulty getting out of bed.
Cons of co-sleepers
- Co-sleepers have limited use and are only suitable until the baby can roll over or push themselves up to sit.
- Some babies may develop a habit of sleeping with their parents, making it difficult to transition to their own bed later.
- They may not be conducive to a good night's sleep, especially if one of the sleepers is particularly noisy or restless.
- It may be harder to move the baby out of your room as they get used to your close presence.
- Co-sleepers tend to be bigger than standard bassinets and may take up more space.
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Pros and cons of bassinets
Pros of Bassinets
Bassinets are a great option for parents who want to keep their newborn babies close by. They are lightweight, easy to move, and can be placed in any room. They are also foldable, compact, and require very little space. Bassinets are usually very reasonably priced and less expensive than other sleeping options. They come in plenty of sizes, colours, designs, and materials. Bassinets are also breathable, with mesh walls and even a canopy in many models, preventing the risk of suffocation at night. They also keep the baby safe against bugs, flies, and mosquitoes. Many bassinets have a removable hood that protects the baby from light while sleeping, helping them sleep better and for longer. Some bassinets also feature storage systems where you can keep baby essentials such as diapers, clothes, and other essentials.
Cons of Bassinets
Bassinets are not as long-lasting as cribs. They can only be used until the baby is around six months old or has reached the weight limit. They are also not suitable for toddlers as they are not very heavy or sturdy. Bassinets do not offer the flexibility to choose a mattress, as they come with a thin mattress.
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Bed-sharing dangers
Bed-sharing is not recommended by experts, who advise that infants sleep in the same room as their parents but in a separate bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents avoid bed-sharing with their baby, as it increases the risk of sleep-related infant death. This risk is five to ten times higher for infants who share a bed, and even higher if the infant is sleeping on a couch or soft armchair.
The main dangers of bed-sharing are:
- Suffocation: Bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation, as loose bedding, pillows, and soft mattresses can block an infant's nose and mouth.
- Strangulation: Bed-sharing can lead to accidental strangulation, especially if the infant becomes entangled in loose bedding or clothing.
- Airway obstruction: Adult beds are not designed with infant safety in mind and can obstruct an infant's airway.
- Overheating: Sharing a bed with an infant can cause them to overheat, increasing the risk of SIDS.
- Rolling onto the infant: Parents can accidentally roll onto their infant during sleep, causing injury or death. This risk is higher if the infant is younger than four months old, born prematurely, or with a low birth weight.
To reduce these risks, it is recommended that infants sleep in their own space, on their backs, with no loose bedding, pillows, or toys. It is also important to ensure that the crib or bassinet meets current safety standards, with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly.
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Co-sleepers vs bassinets: key differences
A co-sleeper is a type of bassinet that can be attached to the side of a bed. It's also known as a bedside bassinet or bedside sleeper. One side of a co-sleeper can be rolled down and moved close to the bed, allowing parents to tend to their baby without getting up. This can be especially useful for breastfeeding mothers or those dealing with postpartum pain or stress.
A bassinet is a small standalone bed designed for newborn babies. They are more compact and affordable than cribs and come in different variations, including traditional, portable, bedside, and rocking types. Bassinets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel. They also occupy less space and are easy to move, which can be helpful when caring for a newborn.
Key differences
- Size: Bassinets are generally smaller than co-sleepers.
- Usage time: Both bassinets and co-sleepers are typically used from birth up to around 6 months of age, though this depends on the weight and skill limits of the baby. Bassinets tend to be used until the baby is around 4 months old, while co-sleepers can be used until the baby is 6 months old or starts to roll over and sit up.
- Practicality: Co-sleepers offer more convenience for parents, especially those who are breastfeeding, as they provide easier access to the baby during the night.
- Closeness: Co-sleepers allow for more physical closeness and bonding between parents and newborns.
- Portability: Bassinets are more portable and lightweight than co-sleepers, making them easier to move around the house or take on travel.
- Price: Both bassinets and co-sleepers are less expensive than cribs, but bassinets tend to be more affordable than co-sleepers.
- Space: Co-sleepers require more space than bassinets, as they need to be placed next to the bed.
- Flexibility: Bassinets offer more flexibility in terms of placement, as they can be placed next to or away from the bed, while co-sleepers are designed to be attached to the bed.
- Extra features: Some bassinets come with extra features like rocking, storage, adjustable heights, and more.
Both co-sleepers and bassinets are safe options for newborns, and the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and requirements. Co-sleepers offer more convenience and closeness, while bassinets provide portability and affordability.
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How to choose a co-sleeper
Co-sleepers are a great option for parents who want to sleep close to their infants without the risks of bed-sharing. They are especially useful for breastfeeding mothers, as they make night-time feeds much easier.
- Space: Co-sleepers tend to be bigger than bassinets, so make sure you have enough space next to your bed.
- Price: Co-sleepers and bassinets are only used for a few months, so you may want to consider your budget and opt for a full-sized crib instead.
- Portability: If you plan on travelling with your baby, you may want to choose a bassinet over a co-sleeper, as they are usually more lightweight and portable.
- Extra features: Some co-sleepers come with added extras like storage, sound, motion features, and lighting.
- Mattress: Check that the mattress is firm, flat, and fits the co-sleeper without any gaps. It should also have a waterproof cover and be easy to clean.
- Safety: Ensure the co-sleeper has a secure locking mechanism to attach it to your bed, with no risk of gaps forming. Check the weight limits and age recommendations, and make sure it meets the safety standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Longevity: Co-sleepers are usually only suitable until your baby is around 3-6 months old, or when they start to roll over, sit up, or crawl. If you're concerned about longevity, you may want to choose a co-sleeper that has other functions, such as converting into a play yard or bassinet.
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Frequently asked questions
A co-sleeper is a type of bassinet that can be attached to the bedside. It is also called a bedside bassinet or a bedside sleeper. It is great for keeping your baby close and reducing fussiness, especially if you are dealing with postpartum stress or pain.
The pros of a co-sleeper are that it helps nurture the bond between newborns and parents, avoids the hassle of having to get out of bed to soothe or feed the baby, and is easy to adjust. The cons are that it has limited usage as it is only functional before the baby can roll over or push up to sit, and it may restrict children's sleeping habits by making them used to sleeping with their parents.
A bassinet is a small standalone bed specifically designed for newborn babies. They are usually lightweight, portable, and compact. They are often more affordable than other sleeping options.
The pros of a bassinet are that it is small, lightweight, portable, and affordable. The cons are that it is designed for small babies and will only last for the first few months, after which the baby will outgrow it quickly.
If you prefer sleeping with your baby and understand the risks involved in bed-sharing, a co-sleeper is a great choice. If your baby sleeps well throughout the night and you are concerned about them developing unhealthy sleeping habits, a bassinet is a better option. Other factors to consider are your budget, space constraints, and feeding method.
