What can be more exciting than preparing a nursery room? Parents enjoy choosing the nursery furniture, wall, flooring, and 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 for the arrival of the latest member of the family.
One of the dilemmas of new parents is the choice between a bassinet or crib 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. The decision to get a bassinet or crib always depends on their preference since babies could not decide for themselves. Both of them are considered safe for newborns. Experts stated that parents can choose a bassinet or a freestanding crib as sleeping aides for the baby. However, there is a need to follow the guidelines recommended for a baby’s safe sleep.
Confused between the two? Both best baby cribs and bassinets have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Bassinet Vs Crib: Which Is The Better Choice?
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 up until four months or until the baby can move around depending on the baby’s size. This baby bed is usually small and hooded, which can serve as a bedside sleeper where babies sleep. Older babies cannot fit here as the sleeping area is quite small.
Why Bassinets?
1. Bassinet Is Handy
It means co-sleeping is much more likely as a bassinet is portable. It is easy to carry, so you could also bring it during sleepovers and travels to keep the baby close to you when sleeping.
2. Bassinet Is 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. A Bassinet Is Stylish
A bassinet may come with hoods and classy designs so that it could add more style to a nursery.
4. Simple
It is 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. Bassinet Is For Short-Term
The use of a bassinet 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. A Bassinet Is Small
A bassinet is only for a single baby and could not be later on used as playpens or a toddler bed.
3. A Bassinet Has a Weight Limit
You have to make sure that the sleeping space is fit for the size and weight of the baby, as it is only advisable for the use of newborns. If the baby has reached the weight limit of the bassinet, there is a need to transfer them to the crib during their bedtime routine.
Why Should You Choose A Crib?
A crib is a baby bed, usually rectangular, secured with bars or lattice, and made of wood. It comes in different styles and sizes to suit the preference 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 in the crib are considered unsafe for babies.
Advantages Of Using A Crib
1. A Crib Lasts Longer
Cribs 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 traditional cribs 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. A Crib Can Be A Toddler Bed
If the weight limit is your concern, this is not a problem in cribs. 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. A Crib Can Be A Playpen
Your baby can use it as a playpen until he is big enough to crawl up since cribs have 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. 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
1. A Crib Is Expensive
Both a bassinet and a crib are safe for babies but given their durability, a crib could be expensive. The mini crib, traditional, and full-size ones are commonly more expensive than a bassinet.
2. A Crib Is Huge
If you have a small space, then it would be inconvenient to purchase a crib. Not all cribs fit small spaces.
3. Heavy
A crib is not portable, so you could not bring it during vacations or travels.
4. A Crib Is Fixed
Unfortunately, cribs 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 cribs and bassinets 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 can take more 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 crib
- 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 and spitting of your kiddos while they are feeding. It is designed with open meshes and 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 different 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 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, and a bassinet
Cons:
- expensive
- some design flaws in the bassinet
- no color options
- mattress difficult to fit in the bassinet
AMKE 3-in-1 Baby Bassinets
The lightweight AMKE 3-in-1 baby bassinet is made from premium aluminum material and has met the 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 pad does not come with sheets
Bassinet vs Crib: The 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 than in a bassinet 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 a bassinet or a crib 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.
Baby Bassinet vs Crib: FAQs
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.
Should My Newborn Sleep In A Bassinet Or In A Crib?
A newborn baby sleeps in a bassinet—only infants who are three months old and up go to a large crib.
What Is The Difference Between A Crib And A Bassinet?
A bassinet is smaller than a crib. The former is also easier to pack during trips than the latter.
When Should Babies Move From Bassinet To Crib?
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 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 Put The Newborn Directly In A Crib?
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, A Bassinet Or Crib?
If safety consideration is the concern when choosing a bassinet vs crib, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated 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.
A baby sleeping in the in it is OK. It is a safe place for your newborn to sleep. 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 and that 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 Bassinet?
Yes. SIDS can happen in a bassinet. According to the experts, SIDS can happen anywhere, including cribs, or even the air mattress. To prevent SIDS, the parents should create a safe sleep environment for the baby. According to AAP, the safe sleep environment for your infant is on their back. Never face-down nor sideways. In addition, the parents/caregivers should check it if the safety guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are met. It is also recommended that it must have a firm mattress and there must be no stuffed animals or bumpers to ensure the baby’s safe sleep because these things pose a suffocation risk.
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 A Newborn?
Why Do People Use Bassinets Instead Of Cribs?
Do You Need A Bassinet Before A Crib?
Is A Crib And A Bassinet The Same Thing?
Why Do Babies Hate Bassinets?
Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by Mary Cimeni
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