Evie Summers
Whether or not infants need to sleep in a bassinet is a highly debated topic. While some parents prefer bassinets for their convenience and portability, others opt for cribs, which are more spacious and can be used for a longer duration. Bassinets are small, elevated beds designed for infants under five months old who cannot roll over yet. They are lightweight, compact, and allow parents to keep their babies nearby during nighttime feedings. On the other hand, cribs are larger, sturdier, and can accommodate infants of all sizes. They are generally rectangular, made of wooden slats, and may be foldable or stationary. The decision between a bassinet and a crib depends on various factors, including room size, budget, portability, and the baby's comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a safe and convenient sleeping place for infants |
| Age suitability | Newborns to 6-month-old infants |
| Weight suitability | Up to 20 lbs |
| Safety concerns | Babies who can roll over, push themselves up, or pull themselves up |
| Portability | Lightweight and easy to move around the house |
| Ease of use | Lower sides make it easier to put the baby down and pick them up |
| Cost | Less expensive than cribs |
| Lifespan | Can be used until the baby is about 5 months old |
| Room sharing | Recommended by the CDC and AAP for the first 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Why bassinets are good for newborns
Bassinets are a great option for newborns and their parents. They are small, compact, and portable, making them ideal for small spaces and travelling. They are also more affordable than cribs and can be placed right next to the parents' bed, making it easier to monitor the baby and attend to their needs during the night. Here are some reasons why bassinets are a good choice for newborns:
Convenience and Portability:
Bassinets are lightweight and often come with wheels, making them easy to move around the house or during travel. This portability is especially useful for parents who want to keep their baby close by during the day and night. Their smaller size also makes them easier to fit in the parents' bedroom, as recommended by the CDC and AAP for the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Ease of Use:
The lower sides of bassinets make it more convenient for parents to place their baby inside and pick them up, especially if the parent is recovering from a C-section or a difficult birth. This ease of use is beneficial, considering newborns sleep a lot and will be spending a significant amount of time in their sleeping space.
Cozy and Familiar:
The small, compact size of bassinets provides a cozy and familiar environment for newborns, similar to the womb. Babies often feel more comfortable and secure in smaller spaces, and bassinets offer just that. Many bassinets can also be rocked, which helps soothe and calm fussy babies by mimicking the movement they experienced in the womb.
Cost-Effective:
Bassinets are generally more affordable than cribs, making them a good option for parents on a tight budget. Additionally, bassinets can be stored away and reused for subsequent children, further reducing costs.
Safety:
Bassinets are designed with newborns in mind and adhere to safety standards. They provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for infants who are under five months old and unable to roll over on their own yet. The lower sides of bassinets also reduce the risk of babies pulling themselves up and falling, which can occur in cribs with higher sides.
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Cribs vs bassinets: pros and cons
Cribs and bassinets are both infant-styled beds. The main difference between the two is that bassinets are temporary, while cribs are usable until the infant grows out of them. Bassinets are small, compact, and lightweight, while cribs are larger and more durable.
Pros of bassinets
- Bassinets are great for first-time parents, as they are low to the ground, making it easier to put the baby in and take them out.
- They are also more portable, with wheels that make them easier to move around.
- Bassinets are smaller and cozier, so they don't look as sparse and big for a newborn.
- They are ideal for parents who want to keep their newborn close by at night or don't have much room.
- They are also easier to use for many parents, as their sides are lower, so you don't have to lean over the rail to place the baby inside.
- Bassinets are more affordable, with prices ranging from $60 to $135 on average.
Cons of bassinets
- The baby will quickly outgrow a bassinet, usually by the time they are 3-6 months old or weigh over 20 pounds.
- They are only a temporary solution, so you will eventually have to buy a crib, which can be an additional expense.
- Some babies may not sleep well in the smaller, confined space of a bassinet.
Pros of cribs
- Cribs are a more durable, long-term solution that can grow with your child.
- They offer enhanced safety features, such as smaller slats and unmovable parts, to keep the baby secure.
- Cribs are typically larger and provide more space for the baby to stretch and move.
- They are often convertible, transforming into toddler beds, day beds, or even full-size beds, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
- Cribs usually have adjustable mattress heights, which can be helpful as your baby grows and becomes more mobile.
Cons of cribs
- Cribs can be more expensive, with prices varying depending on the style and features.
- They require more space and may not fit easily in a small bedroom.
- The sides of a crib are much higher than a bassinet, so putting the baby down and picking them up can be difficult, especially for parents recovering from a difficult birth or cesarean delivery.
Both cribs and bassinets have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on factors such as safety, space, budget, and personal preference.
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When to transition from bassinet to crib
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least the first six months of their life. This is because sharing a room with your baby for the first six months of their life reduces the risk of SIDS. This shared room recommendation is also made by the CDC.
However, research from the AAP also demonstrates that after four months, room-sharing results in less sleep and an increase in unsafe sleep practices. So, while it's recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months, it's not necessary for them to be in the same bed as you. In fact, it's important that your baby has their own safe sleep space. Bassinets are often used for this reason, as they are compact, lightweight, and can be kept in the same room as the parents.
Bassinets are typically used from birth until your baby is four to six months old. However, every baby is different, so it's important to look out for signs that they have outgrown the bassinet. This could be that they are starting to roll over, push themselves up on their hands and knees, or they have exceeded the manufacturer's height or weight recommendations for the bassinet.
If your baby has outgrown their bassinet but you want to continue room-sharing, a Pack 'n Play or portable crib can be a great option. Alternatively, you could start transitioning them to their own room.
- Start by introducing daytime naps in the crib to help your baby get used to the new sleeping environment.
- Implement a consistent bedtime routine that signals to your baby that it's time to sleep. This could include activities like a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby.
- Recreate the same room environment as when they were sleeping in the bassinet. For example, ensure the room is dimly lit and create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
- Plan for a few days of adjustment. It may take your baby a day or two to become comfortable with a slightly different sleep surface.
- Be prepared for some resistance during the transition. If your baby cries or shows signs of discomfort, offer reassurance by patting their back or singing softly.
Remember, each baby is unique, and the transition to a crib may take time. Be patient, consistent, and offer plenty of love and support throughout the process.
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How to transition from bassinet to crib
Transitioning from bassinet to crib
When to transition
There is no hard-and-fast rule about when to transition your baby from a bassinet to a crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least the first six months. However, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics also demonstrates that after four months, room sharing results in less sleep and an increase in unsafe sleep practices.
The CDC recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The right time to transition your baby to a crib depends on several factors. Firstly, check the weight limit of your bassinet. Most bassinets have a weight limit of 15-20 lbs, but you should check the instruction manual or manufacturer's website to be sure. If your baby exceeds this limit, it's time to move them to a crib.
You should also consider whether your baby looks cramped in the bassinet. If their head or feet are bumping into the sides, or they're waking up very often, it might be time to give them more space.
Finally, if your baby is able to roll over, sit up, or push themselves up on their hands and knees, they should be transitioned to a crib to reduce the risk of them falling out of the bassinet.
How to transition
- Make the switch in stages: Let your baby nap in the crib during the day for a couple of weeks until they get used to it, then switch them to the crib full-time.
- Create a bedtime routine: Establish a solid bedtime routine if you haven't already. This will signal to your baby that sleep is coming, and they'll start to associate these activities with their crib.
- Switch to the new bed, then the new room: Consider moving the crib into your room for a few nights, then moving it to the nursery once your baby is adjusted to the bigger space.
- Sleep in your baby's room: Spend a few nights sleeping in the same room as your baby (on a bed, couch, or air mattress, not in the crib). You can also try the chair method of sleep training, where you sit next to the crib as your baby dozes, then gradually move further away each night until you're out of the room.
- Use a baby monitor: You're probably used to having your baby in your room, so use a baby monitor to keep an eye on them in the crib.
- Create a soothing sleep environment: Dim the lights and use a white noise machine to help your baby sleep.
Alternatives to a crib
If you're not ready to transition your baby to a crib, you could use a Pack 'n Play or portable crib in your room. These are larger than bassinets but still portable and easy to move from room to room.
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Safety protocols for bassinets and cribs
Structural Integrity and Stability
Bassinets and cribs should be constructed sturdily to support the baby's weight. They should be stable enough not to tip over when someone tries to look into them. Bassinets with wheels should have locking mechanisms to prevent movement when the baby is inside.
Mattress and Sleep Surface Requirements
The mattress should be firm, flat, and fit snugly against the sides of the bassinet or crib to prevent gaps that could cause suffocation. Crib slats should be no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting trapped.
Safe Materials and Non-Toxic Finishes
Bassinets and cribs should be made from non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials. Cribs should not be painted or coated with finishes that contain harmful chemicals, as these could harm the baby's health.
Breathability and Airflow
The sides of bassinets and cribs should be made of breathable materials with ventilation holes to ensure adequate airflow. Mesh sides are recommended. The sides should be sturdy and should not sag, collapse, or tear, as this could pose an entrapment and suffocation risk.
Additional Safety Protocols
- Keep the area around the bassinet or crib clear of any items that could fall in and injure the baby.
- Do not place the bassinet or crib near windows, cords, curtains, or blinds, as these could pose strangulation hazards.
- Do not use extra padding, pillows, blankets, sleep positioners, or stuffed toys in the bassinet or crib.
- Always place the baby on their back to sleep.
- Follow all assembly instructions and regularly check for loose or missing parts.
- Ensure the bassinet or crib meets current safety standards and has not been recalled.
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Frequently asked questions
Bassinets are compact, comfy beds designed for infants under six months old. They are usually oval-shaped, with a hood, handle, or wheels for portability. Bassinets are lightweight, easy to move, and can be rocked to soothe the baby. They are also smaller and more portable than cribs, making them a good option for small spaces.
Yes, bassinets are safe for infants when used correctly. They should only be used for babies who are under five months old and unable to roll over on their own yet. It is recommended to monitor newborns while they are falling asleep in a bassinet.
Most babies stop sleeping in a bassinet by four months old due to safety concerns. Once a baby can roll over, push themselves up on their hands and knees, or sleep on their side, they should transition to a crib or playard.
The alternatives to a bassinet include a crib, playpen, or Montessori-style bed. Cribs are larger and sturdier than bassinets and can be used for several years. Playpens are spacious areas where babies can play or nap safely. A Montessori-style bed is a floor bed designed for infants to sleep on.
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