Are you a new parent and feeling excited for your upcoming newborn baby? This article is made specifically for you!
Parents usually enjoy choosing the nursery furniture, wall, flooring, or other decorations for the baby’s room. Somehow, it gives the feeling of hope by creating something refreshing and maybe even magical. It makes new parents anxious to make everything perfect and ready.
One of the common things that make parents anxious is the decision on what to choose between bassinets and cribs, for the arrival of the latest member of the family.
Bassinets Vs Cribs
One of the dilemmas of new parents is the choice between a crib or bassinet and safety considerations in choosing one. Since they haven’t had any experience in using either one, they need to hear the opinions of other people who had to deal with the same issue. A decision making process to get a bassinet or crib always depends on their preference since babies could not decide for themselves.
If you are anxious whether both of these are safe for babies, don’t worry because bassinets and cribs are both considered safe for newborns. Experts stated that parents can choose a bassinet or crib as sleeping aide for the baby. However, there is a need to follow the guidelines recommended for a baby’s safe sleep.
Bassinet Vs Crib: Which Is The Better?
To help new parents decide what to get between a bassinet or crib, here is a brief description including their advantages and disadvantages:
Bassinet
A bassinet is a baby bed made especially for newborns or four months or until the baby can move around depending on the baby’s size. A bassinet is usually small and hooded, which can serve as a bedside sleeper where babies sleep. Older babies cannot fit here as the baby’s sleeping area is quite small.
Why Bassinet?
1. Bassinets Are Handy
It means co-sleeping is much more likely is portable. This is because, bassinet is easy to carry, so you could also bring it during sleepovers and travels to keep the baby close to you when sleeping.
2. Bassinets Are Cheap
Given that it doesn’t serve you long, the price of cheap baby cribs like this may be lower than that of a standard crib.
3. Bassinets Are Stylish
Bassinet may come with hoods and classy designs so that it could add more style to a nursery.
4. Bassinets Are Simple
Bassinets are small, so it would be easier to lean over and put the baby down. Just make sure that there are no stuffed animals and bumpers to ensure the safety of the baby during sleep.
Why Not Bassinets?
1. Short-Term
The use of bassinets could be up to only four to six months or until the baby can move around and could fall outside. When your kid gets bigger, there is a need to purchase a new toddler bed.
2. Small
A bassinet is only for a single baby and could not be later on used as playpens or a toddler bed.
3. Limited-Weight
You have to make sure that the baby sleeping space is fit for the size and weight of the baby, as bassinet is only advisable for the use of newborns. If the baby has reached the weight limit, there is a need to transfer them to the round crib during their bedtime routine.
Why Should You Choose A Crib Vs A Bassinet?
A crib is a baby bed, usually rectangular, secured with bars or lattice, and made of wood. It is different from a bassinet. It comes in different styles and sizes to suit the preferences of parents. It can be either placed in the nursery where the babies fall asleep or in the same room as the parents. Just a note to remember: sleep positioners are considered unsafe for babies.
Advantages Of Using A Crib Vs A Bassinet
1. Cribs Can Last
It can last long because the materials used are durable and heavy such as wood. Babies could use it up to toddler years. Convertible cribs are better than bassinet because they can grow with your kid. Convertible ones are better options since they can convert from full size cribs to toddler beds to full-size beds.
2. Toddler-Bed
If the weight limit is your concern, this is not a problem. Usually, it is by the age of two that a baby couldn’t benefit much from a crib, but you wouldn’t have to sell or give it away as you could use it to make your baby’s own crib and toddler bed.
3. Playpen
Your baby can use it as a playpen until he is big enough to crawl up since it has higher weight limits. So, mothers could still do other chores while the baby is in the crib. Always remember that for your baby’s safety, your crib must be free of bumpers.
4. Cribs Are Spacious
When your nephew visits, he could share the crib with his cousin, and they could play while their parents do their tasks. Still, adult supervision is always advisable. A crib, whether traditional crib or convertible crib must not have stuffed toys or crib bumpers for the baby’s safety.
The Downside Of Crib
Crib: Expensive
Both a bassinet and a crib are safe for babies but given their durability, a crib could be expensive. The mini, traditional, and full-size ones are commonly more expensive than a bassinet.
Crib: Huge
If you have a small spaces, then it would be inconvenient to purchase a crib, use bassinet instead. Not all fit small living spaces.
Crib: Heavy
It is not portable, so you cannot bring it during vacations or travels. Use bassinet instead.
Crib: Fixed
Unfortunately, they don’t have a door or an opening you can use to put down the baby. It could be quite challenging when he had already slept on the bed or in your arms.
It’s All Your Choice
Both crib and bassinet are important additions to your baby’s room or your house. Parents prefer cribs as they are more practical because of the fact that they can be used for a longer time. However, this still depends on each family’s needs, budget, and lifestyle. A full size crib or a bassinet can take up more open space in the house than a bassinet. Families who have bigger spaces consider this as well. Many parents depend on their budget and lifestyle. A bassinet can be used for a few months, a crib can be used for years. Here are some of our recommended bassinets and cribs.
OPTIMISK 4in1 Bedside Bassinet Sleeper
The 4-in-1 bassinet from Optimisk can be used as a bedside or a portable bassinet, portable mini-crib, and portable playpen. It is made from durable materials and created with multifunctionality features. It comes with a mattress, a mattress board, a travel bag, 4 fitted mattress sheets, a detachable 4-in-1 Crib Mobile, and an all-purpose diaper caddy.
Pros:
- safe and comfortable
- multifunctional
- made from durable materials
- convertible to a portable sleeper
- includes accessories
Cons:
- hand-wash only
- expensive
- doesn’t have mesh all the way around
- wheels get stuck for no reason
Maydolly Baby Bedside Sleeper-Adjustable Bassinet
This baby bedside sleeper has an anti-spitting milk design that can reduce the choking or spitting of your kiddos while they are feeding. It is specifically designed with open meshes or high-density mosquito nets to keep your baby protected. The Maydolly Baby Bedside Sleeper is built in 6-height adjustability that can be combined with important differences of bed types. It is foldable, multifunctional, and easy to carry around when you and your baby are traveling.
Pros:
- with removable mosquito nets
- made of high-strength aluminum frame
- adjustable
- movable and lockable wheels
- large storage
Cons:
- hand-wash only
- expensive
- bed not so comfortable
- maximum height is 20″ (not ideal for very high beds)
Lumiere All-in-One Lightweight Travel Crib and Bassinet
The Lumiere travel crib and bassinet come with a hypoallergenic OEKO-TEX cotton fitted mattress sheet to provide extra comfort for your baby. A mom can easily and comfortably cuddle and nurse her baby through the crib’s ultrawide, zipper-enclosed gate. It is travel-friendly, easy to assemble, and certified safe. It also comes with a backpack, a white noise baby sound machine, and a removable baby bassinet.
Pros:
- lightweight
- easy to fold
- convenient for traveling
- 3-year warranty
- comes with a backpack, a white noise machine
Cons:
- expensive
- some design flaws
- no color options
- mattress difficult to fit
AMKE 3-in-1 Baby Bassinets
The lightweight AMKE 3-in-1 baby bassinet is made from premium aluminum material and has met the safety standards set by regulations of the US about baby bassinet. It has adjustable height and angle to suit all kinds of beds or sofas. The practical angle design allows adjustment of the angle to prevent choking or spitting when the baby is feeding. The 3-in-1 convertible modes of this AMKE bassinet include a baby cradle, standalone baby bassinet, or bedside sleeper attached to an adult bed.
Pros:
- adjustable height and angle
- lightweight
- portable
- travel bag included
- easy to assemble
Cons:
- hand-wash only
- zipper issues
- not mesh all-around
- mattress sleeping pad does not come with sheets
Conclusion
- A bassinet or a crib, both have their pros and cons, and in the end, it’s all up to the parents, whether they feel like their baby is going to be more comfortable in a crib or the other way around, and as long as safe sleep practices are observed. Nevertheless, choosing between both of them is essential to a baby’s good night’s sleep, which is crucial in the baby’s brain development. Making the right decision between the two will also result in parents’ peace of mind because the only time they can truly rest is when they know their baby is safe and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Bassinet Vs Crib
Is A Crib And A Bassinet The Same Thing?
Cribs and bassinets are not the same thing, as there are a few important differences between them. While most bassinets are smaller or more portable, cribs generally offer a bigger space and are designed to accommodate infants as they quickly outgrow bassinets. The Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes the importance of following safety guidelines outlined in the instruction manual for both cribs and bassinets, including using a tightly fitted sheet and avoiding additional bedding such as an air mattress. However, it’s worth noting that not all cribs come with the same features or safety standards.
A baby can sleep in it for up to 6 months. If you wait any longer before transitioning them into a crib, especially during room transitioning, they might resist it. During this time, slowly do the transition a few nights in a row until your baby gets used to it. It’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to ensure babies safely sleep, as unsafe sleep practices increase the suffocation risk. Peer reviewed studies emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe sleep environment, including placing babies on their backs to sleep and avoiding soft bedding or items that could pose a suffocation risk if the baby makes contact with them during sleep.
Should My Newborn Sleep In A Bassinet Or Crib?
A newborn baby sleeps in a bassinet—only infants who are three months old or up go to a large crib.
What Is The Difference Between A Crib And Bassinets?
A bassinet is smaller than a crib. The former is also easier to pack during trips than the latter.
When Should Babies Move From Crib To Bassinets?
Babies can transition to using a crib as early as three months old. You don’t want to let six months pass without moving them because your child may not want to do it anymore.
How Much Weight Can A Bassinet And A Crib Hold?
Since bassinets are only for newborns, their maximum weight limit ranges from 15 to 20 pounds. This is true for all of them.
Is It Ok To Use A Crib For Newborn Babies?
A newborn baby can sleep in the baby crib from day 1. It’s perfectly safe to let your little ones sleep in a crib. You can choose a mini crib, a convertible crib, a traditional crib, or a portable crib – just as long as the baby’s head and body are safe.
What’s Safer Between A Crib And Bassinets?
If safety consideration is the concern when choosing a bassinet vs crib, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that parents can choose either a freestanding crib or a baby bassinet. For the baby’s safety, a co-sleeper or any type of sleeping device that connects to their bed is not recommended. It is important to remember that there must be room-sharing between the baby and the parents (but not bed-sharing) for the initial 6 months.
A baby can have a safe sleep in the bassinet. Make sure that it is clean or there must be no gaps between the bassinet and the mattress. Ensure that there is no loose bedding to keep the baby safe while sleeping.
Can SIDS Happen In A Crib?
Yes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) can occur in a crib or in bassinet. While proper sleep environment practices can help reduce the risk, including placing babies on their backs to sleep, ensuring a firm mattress, and avoiding loose bedding, SIDS can still tragically happen despite these precautions. It’s essential for caregivers to follow safe sleep guidelines and practices to minimize the risk of SIDS as much as possible.
Why Do People Use Bassinets Instead Of Cribs?
Both are safe choices for newborns. Parents opt to use bassinets because they are smaller in size, making them more portable. Most of them also have a cover that can protect the baby during sleep. Additionally, the sides are lower. So leaning over to get the baby is much easier compared to a standard crib or convertible crib.
Is A Crib Or Bassinet Better For Babies Sleep?
For babies’ sleep, the choice between a crib or bassinet depends on various factors such as the baby’s age, sleeping habits, and space availability. A new bassinet may be preferable for newborns due to its smaller size and portability, making it convenient for keeping the baby close by. However, as a growing baby needs more room, transitioning to a crib or play yard might become necessary. Both options offer safety features such as clear cut answer for assembly and usage, minimizing the risk of loose items that could pose a hazard. While some parents may prefer co sleepers or incorporate features like a changing table, ultimately, the best choice depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
Is A Convertible Crib Best For Baby Sleep?
Do You Need A Bassinet Before A Crib?
Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by Shulammite Jan Languido
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