If you are a parent, chances are you are using or have used a bassinet at some point. There are so many questions surrounding bassinets and our focus today will be on the size of this product.
Is there a standard size for bassinets? How big can a bassinet be? When should I move a baby from a bassinet to a crib? These are some of the questions parents want answers to.
In this article, we shall try to answer the major questions that have to do with bassinets and size. Without wasting any time, let’s start with the first question.
Recommended: Do bassinet sheets fit all bassinets?
Table of Contents
Are All Bassinets The Same Size?
Traditional bassinets are either rectangular or oval in shape and measure about 33″ long by 18″ wide. However, there are other bassinets with different dimensions.
Before shopping for a bassinet, you should first determine whether you want it oval or rectangular. Thereafter, you want to get something that is close to the standard size so as to create the perfect space for your baby.
Therefore, all bassinets are not exactly the same in size but the difference won’t cause any harm.
Whether you have a bassinet that measures 15″ x 30″ or one that measures 18″ by 33″, it should be able to contain your baby perfectly.
The manufacturers of these products have experts that put a lot of things into consideration before choosing the dimensions of a bassinet.
Does Size Matter When Buying A Bassinet?
Yes, size matters when buying a bassinet because you want your baby to get the best possible space needed. You don’t want to go for something that will only last 2 to 3 months before your baby outgrows it.
Therefore, when it comes to buying a bassinet, as long as you get one that falls within the average measurement (15″W x 33″L), you should be fine.
Aside from the fact that size matters, you also want to consider the weight limit of the bassinet.
It won’t make any sense if you have a bassinet with enough space for your baby but he or she has outweighed the maximum weight limit.
The size and the weight should be congruent. Getting a durable bassinet that is spacious enough and has a good maximum weight limit should be your priority. We’ll talk more about what makes a bassinet good one as you read on.
Recommended: Do vibrating baby chairs help with gas?
How Big Can A Baby Be In A Bassinet?
This is yet another important question that leaves most beginners’ moms perplexed. How do you know a baby has outgrown a bassinet?
Once a baby starts rolling or starts sitting up, it is high time you started making plans for the transition process. It is not safe to leave a rolling baby in a bassinet because the baby can wedge his or her face against the sides of the bassinet.
As a mom or a dad, you should be sensitive enough to know when your baby starts rolling or starts sitting up. By all means, you want to avoid any risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The next question should be, when does a baby start sitting up or start rolling? There is no definite answer to this since the growth of babies depends on certain factors.
However, most babies start to roll or sit up between the first 4 to 6 months. If your baby starts rolling within this period, that’s good for you because the best recommendation for transitioning from a bassinet to a crib is 6 months.
When A Baby Outweighs A Bassinet Under 3 Months
I have read and seen several cases where babies outweighed the recommended maximum weight limit of bassinets under 3 months.
So, should you move your baby to the crib in the third month? While there may not be any grievous consequence, the recommended time to use the crib should be after 6 months.
This is why you need to choose a bassinet that has a maximum weight limit of about 25 – 30 pounds. That way, you won’t need to worry about any weight dilemmas before the transition.
When you visit the marketplace, you will notice that most bassinets have maximum weight limits of 10 – 20 pounds. However, if you search some more, you will get some pretty decent brands that have up to 25 to 30 pounds.
If your baby is about 3 months old, has outweighed the bassinet, and your room is small to contain a crib, an arm’s reach co-sleeper would be your best bet.
What Makes A Bassinet A Good One?
A list of factors can determine whether a bassinet is good or not so good. Below are what makes a bassinet a good one.
- Size: It should be spacious enough to contain your baby for about 6 months.
- Weight limit: A bassinet with a 30-pound maximum weight limit tends to serve longer than one with 15 pounds.
- Mesh sides vs. non-mesh sides: Although both mesh and non-mesh sides bassinets are breathable, mesh side bassinets tend to foster more airflow. This doesn’t in any way take away the benefits of non-mesh sides bassinets.
- Material: The material used for making the bassinet must be free from any harmful chemicals.
- Durability: You wouldn’t want to buy a product that will last you only for a short time.
- Bassinets with wheels: Getting a bassinet with a wheel ensures that you can have it anywhere in your home. Having an eye on your baby all the time is the best practice.
If you can get a bassinet that meets these few requirements, you can say that you have landed yourself a good one.
Can A Bassinet Be Too Big For Your Baby?
No, a bassinet cannot be too big for your baby because bassinets are designed for babies. Even though the dimensions of bassinets vary, all are still within the standard size.
Instead, you should be more worried about your baby outgrowing the bassinet. Once you can get a bassinet with about 18″ x 33″ or thereabout, it is never too big for your baby.
Babies grow so quickly, so you shouldn’t be worried about a bassinet being too big.
Can a newborn sleep in a crib/cot straight away?
If you are to stick with the safety guidelines, parents are expected to use bassinets for 6 months before transitioning into cribs.
There are parents that hardly use bassinets for their babies and they are fine with it. But is that the right thing to do? No.
If you care so much about the safety and comfort of your baby, you should start with a bassinet before using the crib or cot.
