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Expert Reviewed By - If you’re expecting a baby, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is where your little one is going to sleep. And the age-old debate comes up: bassinet vs crib? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice you make for this must-have baby item will depend on a variety of factors, including your lifestyle, budget, and the size of your home.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into the question bassinets vs. cribs, and help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your baby.
What Is a Bassinet?
Simply put, a bassinet is a small, cosy bed designed specifically for newborns. Often referred to as a portable crib, it’s typically made with a lightweight and compact structure, making it easy to move around and set up anywhere in your home.
Advantages Of Bassinets For Newborns and Young Babies
Baby bassinets can be a great choice for several reasons.
1. A bassinet is a very safe sleeping option for your baby. Industry-standard requirements for bassinets mean they are designed to provide a secure and cosy sleeping environment for infants, with features such as a firm mattress, breathable materials, and a snug fit all of which can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents.
2. Bassinets are highly portable and convenient. They are smaller and lighter than standard cribs, making them easier to move around the house or take with you when travelling.
This means that you can keep your baby close to you at all times, whether you are in the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Some baby bassinets even come with wheels or handles, making it even easier to move around.
3. Many bassinets come with rocking or swaying features, which can help soothe your baby to sleep. This gentle motion can mimic the feeling of being in the womb or being rocked in your arms and can help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
4. They are compact. Bassinets are also a great option for parents who want to room-share with their baby, as they take up less space than a crib. And for newborns specifically, this means that your baby will have less room to move around and potentially get into dangerous positions. It also means they’ll be cosy and content.
5. They can help you bond with your little one. Using a bassinet in the early weeks and months will help you feel physically close to each other, which will help strengthen your bond.
6. Bassinets are very stylish. A lot of modern bassinets are beautifully designed and stylish. If you are searching for a particular look when designing a cosy nursery for your baby, you are more likely to find a bassinet to match your style over a crib.
Here’s one of my favourite bassinets…
Its built-in swaddles, soothing noises and mesh walls make this crib an incredibly comfy and safe sleep environment for your baby giving you the peace of mind that they are always cosy and secure. And the gentle rocking and fuss-detection capabilities also ensure your baby is soothed at the first sign of restlessness!
What Is A Crib?
A crib is a type of bed designed for newborns and infants to sleep in. It is larger than a bassinet and provides a safe, enclosed sleep space for your baby. There are many different types of cribs too, such as mini cribs, convertible cribs, and full-size cribs. All of these come in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your nursery’s decor.
Advantages Of A Crib For Newborns And Young Babies
When it comes to choosing between a bassinet vs crib, there are some major advantages to choosing a crib:
1. One of the main advantages of a crib is that it is a more long-term investment. While a bassinet is typically used for the first few months of a baby’s life, a crib can be used for several years. This means that you won’t need to buy a new sleeping arrangement for your baby as they grow, saving you money in the long run.
2. A crib is that it is typically larger than a bassinet, providing more room for your baby to move around and play. This can be especially important as your baby grows and becomes more active. A lot of cribs also have handy storage options too. Making them an ideal option for parents who are happy to have a fixed and convenient sleeping area for baby.
3. Many cribs come with adjustable mattress heights, allowing you to lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. This can help prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib and injuring themselves.
4. Many cribs are convertible, meaning they can adjust to fit your growing baby and can eventually transition into toddler or full-size beds. For this very reason, convertible cribs are a popular investment for families as they can save money in the long run. This is especially important if you plan on using the crib for multiple children or passing it down to future generations.
5. Cribs are usually more robust than bassinets. In terms of safety, cribs are also designed to be more secure and sturdy than bassinets. New cribs meet stringent safety standards that ensure they have well-fitting breathable mattresses and are free of sharp corners and loose objects to keep baby safe. They can hold a baby up to 35 – 40 pounds or until the baby can stand with their chest above the top rail.
6. Typically cribs are also easier to clean and maintain, which can help keep your baby’s sleeping area hygienic and free from germs.
7. Many traditional cribs also come with additional safety features such as teething rails and drop-side mechanisms that make it easier to lift your baby in and out of the crib. They often have slats on the sides to allow air to circulate around the baby while they sleep too.
Here is one of my favourite baby cribs on the market right now…
When looking for a crib I really feel that one that can grow with your baby is best. This lovely crib easily adapts to a toddler bed, then day bed or full size making the transition from crib to bed easier and less stressful for your little one. Couple this with its Greenguild Gold certification and stylish design this is a real value for money crib.
NOTE: Cribs are required to meet safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission – On Safety and the American Academy of Pediatrics to ensure they are safe for your baby to sleep in.
Bassinet Vs Crib Disadvantages
Explaining all the positives of bassinets vs cribs is great, but I feel it is my duty to also explain the disadvantages of both of these baby products so you can make an informed purchase, especially when there are so many options for newborns.
Disadvantage Of Bassinets
Despite all their obvious advantages, there are a few disadvantages to consider with a bassinet:
1. Bassinets have a much lower weight limit, typically around 20-pounds, which means that your baby will eventually outgrow them. This means you’ll need to purchase a crib sooner rather than later, which can add to the overall cost of baby gear.
2. Bassinets sit low to the ground, which can make it difficult for you to pick up and put down your baby, especially if you’re recovering from a difficult birth or a cesarean delivery.
3. Bassinets are not as sturdy as cribs, which means they can roll or tip over if your baby moves around too much. Their instability can also be a concern if you have other children in the house who might pull on the sides of the bassinet.
It’s also very important to remember that bassinets require specific bedding and stuffed animals should never be placed inside the bassinet with your baby. This is to prevent suffocation and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
REMEMBER: Following safe sleep recommendations, always use the specified fitted sheets for your bassinet and avoid using blankets or other loose bedding. Swaddling or using a sleep sack is best when dressing baby for sleep.
Disadvantages Of A Crib
Cribs are often the more popular choice for many parents. However, it’s important to acknowledge that cribs come with their fair share of disadvantages too:
1. Cribs with fixed bases and no option to change the height of baby’s mattress, can make putting your baby down and picking them up more difficult, especially if you’re recovering from a difficult birth or a c-section delivery.
This can also make it harder for shorter parents to reach their baby comfortably. Additionally, the hard rails of a crib can be uncomfortable for parents to lean over, which can make it difficult to soothe your baby in the middle of the night.
2. Cribs take up more space in your nursery or bedroom. This can be a problem if you have limited space, or if you want your baby to sleep in the same room as you.
3. Setting up a crib also requires some level of assembly skills, which may be challenging for some parents who are not handy with tools, have limited motor abilities or have had a challenging pregnancy and/or delivery.
4. Cribs can be affected by wear and tear over time, which can make them less safe for your baby if they become damaged or unstable. You should always be careful when buying second-hand cribs that they meet the current safety standards.
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Bassinet Vs Crib: Which Do I Choose?
In an ideal world, a bassinet is a good option for the first few months of your baby’s life, while a crib is a better option for a baby who can roll over or sit up.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, budget and needs.
But whatever you decide always keep these safety guidelines from the AAP in mind:
- Place infants on their backs to sleep in their own sleep space with no other people.
- Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Avoid sleeping on a couch or armchair or in a seating device, like a swing or car safety seat (except while riding in the car).
- Do not use loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, sleep positioners, crib bumpers, or other soft items in baby’s sleep space.
- Consider room sharing until baby is 6-12 months of age.
- Maintain a temperature of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit in baby’s room.
PS: Here are my top choices for a baby bassinet and crib if you wanted to research them further:
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My Top Choice: Bassinet
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My Top Choice: Baby Crib
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Its built-in swaddles, soothing noises and mesh walls make this crib an incredibly comfy and safe sleep environment for your baby giving you the peace of mind that they are always cosy and secure. And the gentle rocking and fuss-detection capabilities also ensure your baby is soothed at the first sign of restlessness! |
When looking for a crib I really feel that one that can grow with your baby is best. This lovely crib easily adapts to a toddler bed, then day bed or full size making the transition from crib to bed easier and less stressful for your little one. Couple this with its Greenguild Gold certification and stylish design this is a real value for money crib. |
Its built-in swaddles, soothing noises and mesh walls make this crib an incredibly comfy and safe sleep environment for your baby giving you the peace of mind that they are always cosy and secure. And the gentle rocking and fuss-detection capabilities also ensure your baby is soothed at the first sign of restlessness!
When looking for a crib I really feel that one that can grow with your baby is best. This lovely crib easily adapts to a toddler bed, then day bed or full size making the transition from crib to bed easier and less stressful for your little one. Couple this with its Greenguild Gold certification and stylish design this is a real value for money crib.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bassinet Vs. Crib
Looking for more information to answer the age-old question of bassinet vs crib? Here are the answers to the most common situations to give you more clarity.
What Is The Difference Between A 3-In-1 Bassinet And A 4-In-1 Bassinet?
A 3-in-1 bassinet crib can be converted into a toddler bed and a daybed, while a 4-in-1 bassinet crib can be converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed. The difference is that a 4-in-1 bassinet crib is more versatile and can be used for a longer time. However, it may also be more expensive than a 3-in-1 bassinet crib.
TOP TIP: A 4-in-1 bassinet crib is a great option to include on your baby registry for family and friends to club together and purchase for your upcoming arrival.
Is A Bedside Bassinet A Better Option Than A Crib?
A bedside bassinet (also known as a bedside sleeper) can be a good option if you want to keep your baby close to you during the night, especially if you have had a c-section. It is smaller and more portable than a crib, so it can be moved around the house more easily too.
However, a crib is the safest option for a baby who can roll over or sit up, as it provides a more secure sleeping environment. It is also a better option if you want your baby to have a separate sleeping space.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Between A Bassinet And A Pack n Play?
When choosing between a bassinet and a pack n play, you should consider the age and weight of your baby, as well as your lifestyle and budget. A bassinet is a safe choice for a newborn baby (premature babies especially), as it provides a cosy and secure sleeping space.
A pack n play is a more versatile option, as it can be used as a playpen and a changing table as well as a sleeping space. It is also a good option for travel cribs or for families who have limited space.
For a deep-dive into the best pack n play options available, read my post: The Best Pack N Play.
Do I Need Both A Bassinet And A Crib For My Baby?
You don’t necessarily need both a bassinet and a crib for your baby, but it can be helpful to have both if you want to keep your baby close to you during the night and provide a separate sleeping space during the day. Bear in mind that this is the most expensive option!
Need More Parenting Help?
- Download our FREE Perfect Sleep Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use and proven formula designed for parents of 0-5 year olds to master the art of consistently undisturbed and restful sleep without the yelling, nagging or exhausting long-winded evenings.
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A bedtime & nap cheat sheet so good your little one will ask you to put them to bed...
Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
