Colin Snow
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether newborns should sleep in cribs. While cribs are generally safe for newborns and provide a larger space, they may appear bare and uncomfortable, especially with recommended safety guidelines in place. On the other hand, bassinets are smaller, cozier, and more portable, making them convenient for room-sharing and easier to manoeuvre through doorways. The decision often revolves around considerations such as cost, ease of use, comfort, and the available space in the parents' room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Cribs are safe for newborns, but they should be kept free of toys, stuffed animals, blankets, linens, or anything besides the baby during sleep time. |
| Cost | Cribs are more expensive than bassinets. |
| Space | Cribs take up more space than bassinets, which might be a consideration if you want your newborn to sleep in your room. |
| Portability | Cribs are less portable than bassinets. |
| Convenience | Cribs are more convenient for newborns who sleep for longer. |
| Mattress | The mattress should be firm, flat, and bare. |
| Bed placement | The crib should not be placed near hanging cords or drapes, which can be strangulation hazards. |
| Sleep position | Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep. |
| Sleep aids | Pacifiers have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS. Swaddles are preferable to blankets, which can be dangerous for babies. Mobiles can help settle newborns as they get sleepy. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cribs are safe for newborns but can look bare and uncomfortable
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months
- Cribs are nice when your baby is sleeping for longer
- A bassinet is more portable and convenient than a crib
- Cribs can be dangerous when babies are able to climb out of them
Cribs are safe for newborns but can look bare and uncomfortable
While cribs are safe for newborns, some parents may find that they look bare and uncomfortable for a tiny baby. This is especially true if you follow the recommended guidelines and avoid using pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animals in the crib.
Indeed, cribs can be quite sparse and spacious for a newborn, and some parents may prefer the smaller, cozier space of a bassinet. Bassinets are also more portable, making it easier to move your baby around the house during naps and nighttime sleep. Additionally, bassinets have lower sides, making it more convenient to place your baby inside without having to lean over the rail.
However, it's important to note that babies can outgrow bassinets quickly, often within the first month. As a result, some parents choose to skip the bassinet altogether and opt for a crib from the very beginning. Cribs are also a good option if you're looking for a long-term sleep solution, as there is no standard age for switching from a crib to a bed.
To make the crib feel more comfortable and inviting, consider adding a mobile above it to give your baby something to look at as they drift off to sleep. Just make sure it's out of their reach! You can also offer a pacifier to your baby at naptime and bedtime, as this has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with newborns for at least the first six months of their lives. This arrangement significantly reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is advised that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents but in a separate sleeping space. This can be a crib or a bassinet.
A bassinet is a smaller and cozier option that doesn't look as sparse for a newborn as a crib might. Its smaller size makes it easier to move around the house, keeping the baby close to the parents during naps and nighttime sleep. It is also more affordable and convenient for smaller spaces. However, a newborn can quickly outgrow a bassinet, usually within the first month, so some parents might prefer to start with a crib.
Cribs are perfectly safe for newborns and can be used from day one. They are also a good option if parents want to continue room-sharing for longer than a few months. Cribs should be free of toys, stuffed animals, blankets, linens, and anything else besides the baby during sleep time. The mattress should be firm, flat, and bare, with no more than two fingers' width between it and the edge of the bed. If the crib has slats, they should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's head from getting stuck.
The transition from a bassinet or crib to a separate room can be challenging, and it is recommended to wait as long as possible before making this change. In the meantime, parents can encourage their newborns to sleep in cribs by offering distractions, such as mobiles hung above the crib but out of the baby's reach.
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Cribs are nice when your baby is sleeping for longer
Cribs are a great option when your baby is sleeping for longer stretches. They are safe for newborns and can be used from day one, although some parents prefer to start with a bassinet for the first few weeks or months. A bassinet is smaller and more portable, which can be convenient if you want to keep your baby close by during the day. However, a newborn will outgrow a bassinet quickly, so you may prefer to skip this step and go straight to a crib.
Cribs are larger than bassinets and can take up a lot of space in your bedroom, so this is something to consider if you plan on having your baby sleep in the same room as you. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with your baby for at least the first six months, as it significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. If you opt for a crib, you can place it in your room until your baby is ready to sleep in their own space.
If you're thinking about making the transition to a crib, it's a good idea to start practicing early on. You can allow your baby to nap in the crib once or twice a day to create familiarity and comfort with the new sleeping environment. This will also give you some well-deserved rest! A smooth transition is important, and there are a few tricks you can use to help your baby settle into their crib, such as offering a pacifier or hanging a mobile above the crib to give them something to look at as they drift off.
It's important to keep your baby's crib free of toys, stuffed animals, blankets, and extra padding. A firm, flat, and bare mattress is recommended to ensure safe sleep. The AAP provides guidance on creating a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including accidental suffocation and strangulation. Following these recommendations will give you peace of mind as your baby sleeps for longer stretches in their crib.
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A bassinet is more portable and convenient than a crib
When it comes to newborns, sleep is a significant consideration. As a parent, you want to ensure your baby has a safe and comfortable sleeping space. Two popular choices are bassinets and cribs, each with its advantages and drawbacks. While both options are safe for newborns, bassinets offer distinct benefits in terms of portability and convenience, especially during the first few crucial months.
Bassinets are smaller and more lightweight than cribs, making them highly portable. They are typically designed with wheels or handles, allowing for easy movement from one room to another. This portability is advantageous if you want to keep your baby close throughout the day and night. For example, you can have the bassinet in your bedroom at night and move it to the living room during the day, ensuring your baby is always within sight and earshot. The compact size of bassinets also makes them ideal for smaller living spaces or when travelling, as they can easily fit through doorways and take up less floor space.
The smaller size of bassinets offers additional convenience by creating a cosy, womb-like environment for newborns. This snugness fosters a sense of security and comfort, especially for babies accustomed to the close quarters of the womb. The lower sides of bassinets also make it easier to pick up and soothe your baby, without requiring excessive bending. This feature is particularly beneficial for parents recovering from childbirth or experiencing back pain.
Furthermore, bassinets are often more affordable than cribs, especially if you opt for a high-quality, long-lasting crib model. While bassinets may only be used for the first few months until your baby outgrows the space, they allow you to spread out the cost of nursery furniture. You can purchase a bassinet initially and then invest in a crib later, rather than buying all the furniture at once before your baby arrives.
In summary, bassinets offer portability and convenience that cribs may struggle to match. They are easier to move around, perfect for small spaces, provide a snug environment for newborns, and are generally more affordable. However, it's important to remember that bassinets may have weight and size limits, and you may need to transition to a crib as your baby grows. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle, space availability, and personal preferences.
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Cribs can be dangerous when babies are able to climb out of them
Cribs are generally considered safe for newborns. However, as babies grow into toddlers and become more mobile, cribs can pose certain dangers, especially when they start to climb out of them.
The ability of a baby to climb out of their crib can vary depending on their gross motor skill development. Some babies may be able to climb out before their first birthday, but most will start attempting to climb out between 12 and 24 months old. This new physical capability can be exhilarating for parents, but it also brings new safety concerns. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, falls are the most common crib injury, and they can be dangerous, especially if the crib is placed near windows or furniture that the child could use to climb out.
To prevent injuries, it is important to take immediate action the first time a baby climbs out of their crib. Parents should not overreact or make it a game, as this may encourage the behaviour. Instead, they should set clear bedtime expectations and consistently reinforce that climbing out is unsafe and can lead to injuries. Lowering the crib mattress or flipping the crib so that the higher side faces outward can also make it more difficult for the baby to climb out.
Transitioning to a toddler bed too early can be a mistake, as children under three may struggle with the new bedtime routine and regress in their sleep habits. Instead, parents can consider using a bassinet or playpen for newborns and then transition to a crib, which can be used until the child is three years old.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cribs are safe for newborns and many parents start using them right away when they bring their newborn home from the hospital. However, some parents prefer to use a bassinet for the first few weeks or months because they are smaller, cozier, and more portable.
Some tricks for getting your baby to sleep in a crib include offering a distraction, such as a mobile above the crib, or using a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. It is also recommended to start practicing sleep in the crib by allowing your baby to nap in the crib 1-2 times per day to create familiarity and comfort.
There is no standard age for transitioning from a crib to a bed as all children grow at different rates. However, it is generally recommended to wait as long as possible before transitioning, as toddlers are still learning impulse control, which is required for staying put in bed. If your child attempts to climb out of the crib, even with the mattress at the lowest setting, it is time to switch to a bed for their safety.
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