When it comes to buying things for a new baby, things can get overwhelming quickly! One of the most important decisions parents make will be what to buy for their baby to sleep in. There are many options out there, but for newborns, we recommend considering a bassinet first.

 

If you've been wondering why you should use a bassinet, we have evaluated the pros and cons against cribs, co-sleepers, cradles, and pack-n-plays, so you can decide what suits you and your newborn best.

What is a Bassinet?

Before we go into details about a bassinet vs. a crib, let’s first make it clear what a bassinet is. A bassinet is a small bed specifically designed for newborn infants that is typically placed next to the parents' bed for easy access during nighttime feedings and care. Bassinets are typically smaller and more portable than cribs, and they often have a basket-like shape with a hood or canopy to shield the baby from light and drafts. They are usually made of lightweight materials such as wicker, wood, or plastic, and they often come with wheels or handles to allow for easy movement from one room to another. Bassinets are typically used for the first few months of a baby's life before transitioning to a crib.

Benefits of a Bassinet

There are several benefits of using a bedside bassinet including an easier transition from newborns who are used to small sleeping spaces in the womb. Other benefits include:

1. Proximity to parents: A bassinet is usually placed next to the parents' bed, allowing for close proximity to the infant, which can make nighttime feedings and care much easier.
2. Convenience: A bassinet is typically smaller and more portable than a crib, making it easier to move around the house and take with you when traveling.
3. Safety: A bassinet is designed with safety in mind, with a firm, flat sleeping surface and a breathable mattress to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
4. Comfort: A bassinet often has a cozy, enclosed sleeping area that can make newborns feel secure and comfortable.
5. Bonding: Using a bassinet allows for close physical contact between parents and their newborn, which can help foster a strong bond between them.
6. Transition to crib: Using a bassinet for the first few months of a baby's life can make the transition to a crib easier, as the infant will already be accustomed to sleeping in a separate bed.

Plus, some, like the BassiNest® Luxe Series Vibrating Bassinet, come with a vibration feature. When using the vibrating bassinet, parents experience babies who fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and go back to sleep more easily if startled (vibrations are thought to remind babies of the womb, providing comfort).

Another unique feature of bassinets is swiveling. A bassinet featuring a 360° degree swivel function can be a fantastic baby product to help keep you and your little one safe and comfortable. There are several benefits to using a bassinet such as BassiNest® Soothing Swivel Sleeper with a swivel feature. They include easier postpartum recovery for moms, allowing parents to keep their baby close while practicing safe sleep, and encouraging bonding between baby and parents without putting baby in a dangerous sleep position.

Advantages of a Bassinet for a Newborn

Portability

Bassinets are highly recommended by new parents because they can be easily moved from one room to another, making it a convenient choice for parents who want to keep their baby nearby throughout the day. Portable baby bassinets are generally lightweight, packable, or easy to store and versatile. They can be great to take on the go to grandparents' houses, on vacation, or to move from room to room.

Space-Saving

Bassinets are designed to be smaller and more compact than traditional cribs, making them a space-saving option for parents who have limited room in their home. Since they are smaller in design, they generally take up less space on the floor, leaving more space for storage. Some bassinets can be considered dual-function furniture if they serve multiple functions like a bassinet with a changing table or storage space. There are bassinets that are even designed to be mounted on the wall, which can be a great design for parents who want to keep their baby close but do not have the floor space to do so.

Ease of Access

Bassinets are designed to provide ease of access for parents, particularly during nighttime feedings and care. Many bassinets feature a flexible lowering wall, like the BassiNest® 3.0 Soothing Sleeper, making it easier for parents to care for babies, especially moms who have just had a C-section. Most bassinets also feature height adjustability, allowing parents to adjust the height of the bassinet to match the height of their bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach in and tend to their baby without having to strain their back or neck.

Are Bassinets Safe?

As long as they are used properly, bassinets are absolutely a safe choice for baby sleep. Parents should still be educated on the safe sleep recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce the risk of SIDS.

This includes:

• Always place baby to sleep on their 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°F and 72°F)

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

Limitations of a Bassinet

While bassinets can be a great option for newborns, they do have some limitations that parents should be aware of.

Bassinets are typically only designed for use during the first few months of a baby's life, as they have weight and size limits. Once a baby outgrows the bassinet, parents will need to transition them to a larger sleeping space, such as a crib.

Also, they may not offer as much storage or convenience as cribs, as they are often smaller and less versatile. They may not have attached changing tables or other features that are common in cribs, which can make it more difficult for parents to care for their baby's needs.

Finally, bassinets can be more expensive than other sleeping options for babies, and may not provide as much long-term value as a convertible crib. Parents who are looking to save money may find that a crib is a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

What is a Crib?

We have learned about a bassinet, so time to learn about a crib! A crib is a piece of furniture designed for infants and young children to sleep in. It is typically made of wood or metal and has a rectangular shape with high sides and a mattress on the bottom for the child to sleep on. Cribs often have adjustable height settings, allowing parents to raise or lower the mattress as their child grows. They provide a safe and comfortable space for infants to sleep and can be used for several years. This makes them a good investment for parents who want to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for their child without having to purchase multiple beds over time.

Benefits of a Crib

There are several benefits of using a crib for a baby. Parents use cribs to provide a safe, comfortable and long-lasting sleeping space for their child. Other benefits include: 

1. Safety: Cribs are designed to be safe sleeping spaces for infants, with high sides that prevent the baby from rolling out of the bed or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall. Modern cribs meet strict safety standards to ensure that they are sturdy and stable, with no sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard.
2. Comfort: Cribs provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping space for infants, with a firm, flat mattress that helps to promote safe sleep practices and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
3. Longevity: Cribs are designed to be a more permanent sleeping solution for infants and can be used for several years as the child grows. This makes them a good investment for parents who want to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space for their child without having to purchase multiple beds over time.
4. Convenience: Cribs can be placed in a separate nursery room, allowing parents and their newborn to have their own sleeping spaces. This can provide privacy and a peaceful sleeping environment for both parents and baby.
5. Aesthetic appeal: Cribs come in a variety of styles and designs, allowing parents to choose a crib that matches their personal style and home decor.

Cribs are an essential piece of baby gear that can help promote healthy sleep habits and provide peace of mind for parents.

Featuring HALO Sleep 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket in Cream 

Advantages of Using a Crib for a Newborn

Durability and Longevity

Cribs are designed to be a long-term investment for parents, typically lasting for several years. Most cribs are constructed with high-quality materials. They typically meet strict safety standards to ensure that they are sturdy and stable, with no sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard. With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality crib can be used for multiple children and even passed down as a family heirloom.

Safety

Crib safety for a newborn is of utmost importance, and there are several things that parents can do to ensure that their baby is safe while sleeping in a crib. It is important to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, including standards for slat spacing, mattress height, and other safety features. Cribs also allow for a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in the crib and does not leave gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, which follows safe sleep practices.

Cost Effective

Cribs can be a cost-effective choice for parents, as they are designed to last for several years and can be used for multiple children. They can also be converted into a toddler bed or a daybed, providing even more value for the investment. Additionally, some cribs are designed to grow with the child and can be adjusted to different heights as the child grows, reducing the need to purchase additional furniture. 

Limitations of a Crib

While cribs can be a great choice for babies, they do have some limitations that parents should be aware of.

First, cribs are typically larger and heavier than bassinets, which can make them more difficult to move or store. This can be especially challenging for parents who live in small apartments or who need to move frequently.

Second, cribs can be more expensive than other sleeping options for babies, particularly if parents opt for a high-quality, long-lasting model. This can be a barrier for parents who are on a tight budget.

Third, while cribs are designed to be sturdy and durable, they may not be as portable or convenient as other sleeping options. They may not be suitable for travel, for example, or may require disassembly and reassembly when moving between rooms.

Finally, some babies may not be comfortable in a crib, particularly if they are used to sleeping in a smaller, more enclosed space like a bassinet. This can make it difficult for parents to transition their baby to a crib, and may result in disrupted sleep for both the baby and the parents.

While cribs can be a great choice for many families, they may not be the best option for everyone, and may have some limitations that parents should consider before making a purchase.

Featuring HALO Sleep 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket in Sunshine Rainbows

The Difference Between a Bassinet and a Crib

Co-Sleeper vs. Bassinet

For parents who want to room-share for the recommended amount of time, a co-sleeper is also an option. This is an extension for the parent’s bed that allows them to bed-share in a more controlled way. A bassinet, on the other hand, is a separate sleeping area entirely.

The big difference between the two is safety. While co-sleepers are considered safer than bed-sharing, a bassinet is still considered the safest option in preventing SIDS or accidental suffocation.

Cradle vs. Bassinet

Cradles are often thought of as the in-between option for parents deciding between a bassinet or a crib. They’re not quite as big as a crib, but they’re also not quite as small as a bassinet. Typically, they come with wooden slats on the side and rock or glide back and forth.

If made and maintained properly, cradles are considered a safe option. However, they do lack some of the convenience of a bassinet. For example, they’re not motorized and require manual rocking. While they might be smaller than a crib, cradles are not necessarily more mobile. They do not come with wheels like a bassinet and are often heavier as they are made of wood.

Bassinet vs Crib vs Pack ‘n Play

Often time, parents find themselves deciding: bassinet vs crib vs pack ‘n play. All three are quality options and each comes with their own set of pros and cons.

Pack 'n Play

Unlike a bassinet or a crib, a pack n play is a multifunctional furniture option for your baby! This is because it can be used as a crib, travel crib, napper, and contained play area. While it is considered cost-effective because it has several uses, pack n’ plays are still bulky and not the easiest to transport as needed. Plus, for newborns, it’s near-crib like size can make it scary to sleep in.

Crib

One of the best things about cribs is their life-span. Once they start sleeping in one, many children sleep in a crib for up to two years. While they are more expensive, a crib can be a good investment for parents since many will transition their babies to a crib after they have outgrown a bassinet.

Bassinet

When it comes to newborns, nothing works quite like a bassinet. Its small and comforting size, portability, and flexibility make it the perfect choice for parents bringing a little one home from the hospital.

At the end of the day, parents will need to decide what works best for their little ones; however, it’s important to have all the information regarding a bassinet vs a crib before making the decision.

Learn More About the HALO BassiNests® 

The only bassinet that turns into a bedside sleeper by swiveling over your bed for safe sleep with baby!