Evie Summers
A crib is an essential item for a newborn baby, but it's not the only option for safe sleep. While many parents start using a crib from day one, others prefer to use a bassinet for the first few weeks or months, as it's more portable and can be placed in the same room as the parents. A pack 'n play is another option, serving as a crib, travel crib, napper, and contained play area. However, for newborns, its crib-like size can be scary. To create a safe sleep environment, it's important to follow recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep environment | A safe sleep environment lowers the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. |
| Safe sleep surface | The baby's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. |
| Room sharing | Baby sleeps in the same room as parents but in a separate sleep space. |
| Bedding | Only use a fitted sheet covering the mattress. |
| Sleep area | Keep soft or squishy things out of the baby's sleep area. |
| Sleep space | Crib, bassinet, pack and play, or bedside sleeper. |
| Crib | Designed to be a long-term investment, sturdy and stable, with no sharp edges or small parts. |
| Bassinet | More portable than a crib, adjustable height, safe, convenient, and has weight and size limits. |
| Pack and play | Multifunctional, can be used as a crib, travel crib, napper, and contained play area. |
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What You'll Learn
Bassinet
If you don't have a crib for your newborn, a bassinet is a great alternative. Bassinets are smaller in scale than full-size cribs, making them easier to fit beside an adult bed for middle-of-the-night feedings, diaper changes, and check-ins. They also provide a flat, firm sleeping surface, which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
When choosing a bassinet, it is important to ensure that the basket where the baby sleeps is securely attached to the stand and that the whole piece is level. If the bassinet is tilted, it could cause the baby to roll into an unsafe sleeping position. Additionally, parents should be educated on the safe sleep recommendations set by the AAP to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Some popular bassinet options include the Chicco LullaGo Anywhere LE, which is lightweight, portable, and easy to assemble, and the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet, which is a space-saving option that incorporates a bedside bassinet and baby changing station in one piece.
While bassinets are a great option for newborns, they do have some limitations. They may not offer as much storage or convenience as cribs due to their smaller size, and babies can outgrow them quickly, typically within the first few months. As a result, parents may need to transition their baby to a larger sleeping space, such as a crib, after a few months.
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Pack 'n' play
If you don't have a crib for your newborn, there are several alternatives to consider. One option is a Pack 'n Play (also known as a play yard or playpen). This enclosed space can serve as a safe place for your baby to play and sleep. It is a good option for small spaces, such as apartments, and can be used from infancy until your child graduates to a bed.
When used properly, Pack 'n Plays are generally considered a safe option for babies of various ages, weights, and sizes. They are subject to rigorous safety standards and tests to ensure they provide a secure sleeping environment. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines to minimise any potential risks.
To create a safe sleep environment in a Pack 'n Play, follow similar recommendations to those for cribs. Avoid adding stuffed toys, pillows, blankets, or supplemental mattresses, as these can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Always place your baby alone on their back on a firm, flat, and clear surface. Ensure the Pack 'n Play is set up correctly, and if it comes with a newborn bassinet attachment, only use it for diaper changes, not sleep or unsupervised playtime.
While Pack 'n Plays are safe for newborns to sleep in, some parents may prefer to use a bassinet for the first few weeks due to its portability. Bassinets are designed for newborns and are typically adjustable to match the height of your bed, making it easier to tend to your baby. However, bassinets have weight and size limits, so your baby will eventually need to transition to a larger sleeping space, such as a crib or Pack 'n Play.
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Bedside sleepers
If you don't have a crib for your newborn, one option is to use a bassinet as a bedside sleeper. A bassinet is designed for newborns and provides a safe and cosy sleeping space for your baby during their first few months. They are especially beneficial for co-sleeping, as they allow your baby to sleep close by while keeping them in a secure, separate space.
The term "co-sleeper" is misleading because it suggests that you and your baby are sharing a bed, which is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation. Instead, a "bedside sleeper" is a more accurate term for this product, as it can be positioned directly next to an adult bed, making it easier for nighttime feedings and snuggling.
One popular option for a bedside sleeper is the Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet, which features a drop-down side that allows it to be positioned right next to your bed. It also has a large lower storage basket and a small pocket for extra storage at the foot of the bassinet. Another option is the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0, which can swivel 360 degrees for the perfect positioning over your bed. The sleep nest can also be detached entirely from its base and used on its own.
When using a bassinet, it is important to follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS. This includes always placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm, flat mattress, keeping the bassinet free from pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals, and ensuring your baby is not overheated. Additionally, bassinets typically have weight and size limits, so be sure to transition your baby to a larger sleeping space, such as a crib, once they have outgrown the bassinet.
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Cardboard box with a thin mattress
If you are unable to provide a crib for your newborn, one alternative is to use a cardboard box with a thin mattress. This option has been popular in Finland since 1938, when the Finnish Maternity Grants Act was introduced. Under this act, expectant mothers could choose between a cash grant or a maternity box containing essential baby items, and 95% of mothers opted for the box.
The cardboard box and mattress provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for newborns. The flat, smooth sides of the box help to prevent suffocation, and the absence of bars eliminates the risk of babies getting trapped or injuring themselves. Additionally, the portability of the box allows parents to keep their newborn nearby, which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
However, it is important to note that cardboard boxes may not be a long-term solution. As babies grow and become more mobile, they may attempt to climb out or chew on the cardboard, compromising the safety of the sleeping environment. Therefore, parents may need to transition to a crib or bassinet once their baby outgrows the box, usually around six months of age.
To ensure the safety of your newborn, it is recommended to choose a baby box that is specifically designed for sleep and has been sleep-rated. These boxes are made of certified non-toxic cardboard and come with a thin mattress and fitted sheet. Some versions also include infant care essentials like diapers, wipes, and clothing, which should be removed when the baby is inside the box. It is crucial to follow safe sleep practices, such as always placing babies on their back with no other items in the box.
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Crib in parents' room
A crib in the parents' room is a great option for newborns. It is a safe and common practice for newborns to sleep in a crib from day one. Cribs are designed to be a long-term, safe sleeping space for infants, with high sides that prevent them from rolling out of bed and sturdy construction with no sharp edges or small choking hazards. They also have a firm, flat mattress that helps promote safe sleep practices and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for at least six months, and ideally for a year, to reduce the risk of SIDS. Studies have shown that when babies are close by, it can help reduce the risk of SIDS, and room-sharing can also support breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that babies and parents tend to get less sleep when room-sharing, and babies who sleep in their parents' room are more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night, which can be unsafe.
If you choose to have your newborn sleep in a crib in your room, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, including standards for slat spacing and mattress height. Additionally, while a mobile above the crib can give your baby something to look at and help settle them down, it should be kept out of their reach.
As your baby grows, you may need to transition them from a crib to a toddler bed. This is typically done before your child is able to climb out of the crib, even with the mattress at its lowest setting. Some cribs can be converted into beds for toddlers, older children, and even teens, which can be a good investment. Alternatively, some parents choose to place a second mattress next to the bed to soften the fall if their toddler rolls out of bed.
In terms of when to transition your baby to their own room, there are differing opinions. While the AAP recommends room-sharing for at least six months, and ideally a year, some experts say that scientific evidence does not back up these guidelines. Studies have shown that babies who sleep in their own room from an early age tend to sleep for longer stretches and develop better sleep habits. However, every family and child is different, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of each option.
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Frequently asked questions
A bassinet, pack and play, or bedside sleeper are all safe options for newborns to sleep in. If none of those options are available, a cardboard box with a thin mattress is the next safest option.
A bassinet is a great option if you want to keep your baby close by. They are more portable than cribs and can be adjusted to match the height of your bed, making it easier to tend to your baby.
Cribs are designed to be a long-term, safe sleeping space for infants. They are sturdy, stable, and meet strict safety standards. They also provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping space for infants, with a firm, flat mattress that helps promote safe sleep practices and reduce the risk of SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths.
Establishing a bedtime routine can help prepare babies for sleep. This might include giving them a warm bath, a gentle infant massage, and singing a few lullabies before placing them down into their crib while they are still awake.
