Crib vs Bassinet, What’s the difference?
When your baby is a newborn, they have a couple of sleeping options: a crib or a bassinet.
Both a bassinet and a crib are safe places for your baby to sleep. But they do have a few important differences.
Whatever you decide right now, your baby will eventually end up in a crib and will spend a lot of time in it, so make sure it’s sturdy. Safety is a top priority when it comes to your baby’s sleep!
Bassinets - Are they safe?
Bassinets are like the cozy clouds of baby slumber - totally safe! But hey, parents, keep in the loop with those safety tips, just to be extra snug.
This includes:
Always place baby to sleep on back
Use a firm mattress with tight fitting sheets
No toys, stuffed animals, or loose blankets in the sleeping area for the first year
Consider room sharing for the first 6-12 months
Maintain the ideal temperature for a baby's room (between 68 & 72 degrees fahrenheit)
It’s also important to be aware of the specific safety standards for bassinets, such as:
Not exceeding the age/weight limit
Choosing a bassinet with mesh walls
Not moving the bassinet whenever the baby is inside
Each bassinets standard are different so be sure to read the manual.
Bassinets - Pros & Cons
If you can afford it- or why not sneak it onto your wish list - this buy is a winner for sure! Keep your little one snug as a bug right by your side.
Bassinet: The Good, the Not-So-Good
Pros:
Provides a snug sleeping spot for newborns shifting from the womb to a comfy nook
Easy to glide around the house for on-the-go snoozes
Light as a feather compared to a bulky crib
Great for sharing the room with your little one
Fits perfectly in cozy living spaces
Wallet-friendly compared to a crib
Makes bedtime a breeze
Some can double as a bedside sleeper
Some have built-in motion or music
Some convert into a changing table
Cons:
Some models may be wobbly look for bassinets with a wide stance.
No more than six months of use
Not the best bang for your buck
Cribs Pros & Cons
Your child will quickly outgrow the bassinet when they get to be around 4 months old. So this purchase is a must - there are endless options and styles while some can shape shift into toddler day beds & even twin beds. Choose your babies crib wisely.
Cribs: The Good, the Not-So-Good
Pros:
Rock-solid design (no tipping over mishaps here!)
Lasts for ages, even through growth spurts
Easy-peasy to find a mattress that fits
Endless options for styles, colors, and sizes
Breathable design keeps things fresh
Some can shape-shift into a toddler bed, day bed, or twin bed
Adjustable mattress height to match your baby's growth spurts
Cons:
Bulky (think twice before attempting to relocate)
Might not squeeze into your bedroom space
Requires a bit of brain power to assemble
Could make baby-lifting a mini workout
Things to avoid.
Infant Sleep Positioners Some products, like wedges and bolsters, claim that they reduce the risk of SIDS, acid reflux, GERD, and flat head syndrome. There is no evidence that this is true, and these items may actually increase the risk of SIDS.
Non-Baby Safe Mattresses Stay away from mattresses not made specifically for your crib or bassinet. There should be no more than a two-fingers width between the side of the crib and the mattress.
Mobiles Mobiles may be cute, but they are not recommended over a crib. Not only could they fall and pose a suffocation hazard, but once your little one can reach up and grab things, they could pull them down over themselves.
Windows Cribs should never be placed near windows, cords, blinds, or furniture with objects your child may pull down onto themselves.
