As parents, the safety of our babies comes first! After leaving the womb, a baby needs a secure and comfortable place for sleeping.
There have been debates on whether a newborn needs a bassinet and a crib, or just one of them. Others would say they even prefer co-sleeping with their babies.
In this article, we shall be looking at the benefits of using a bassinet for a newborn. We shall also see if parents need to have a crib and a bassinet for their babies.
The last part of the article will talk about safety rules for the best sleep time for your baby.
Let’s begin with the crux of the matter, which is the benefits of using a bassinet for a baby!
Table of Contents
What Are The Benefits Of A Bassinet For A Newborn?
If you are not sure why you should get a bassinet, the following key points should enlighten you on the benefits of bassinets.
#1 – The Size Of A Bassinet Is Perfect For A Newborn
After leaving a tight and secured womb, a baby needs a space that is not too big. For babies less than 5 months, a bassinet seems to be the best place for them. It makes sleeping cozier than what you get from a crib. After spending a few months sleeping in a bassinet, you will then need a bigger space.
#2 – Bassinets Are Lightweight And Portable
As a mother, you want to have your baby so close to you in case he/she needs attention. The lightweight and portability of a bassinet make it easy for you to pull it close to your bed. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about having your baby a few meters away from you.
#3 – Bassinets Are Mobile
Whether you are in the sitting room watching a movie or in the kitchen making a dish, you can easily keep an eye on your baby. You can move a bassinet around the house without any hassle.
#4 – The Ideal Place For Babies From 0 To 5 Months
While some parents see no need for having a bassinet for their babies, the truth is, it is the ideal place for newborns. It is designed to give babies the best experience after coming out of the womb. It is more spacious than the womb but not too big for a baby.
#5 – Less Expensive When Compared To A Crib
Taking care of newborns comes with a lot of expenses and you wouldn’t want to add to it. With a few hundred dollars, you can get a durable bassinet on Amazon or any other store. You should buy it a few weeks before the arrival of your child.
#6 – Convenient For A Small Living Space And Room Sharing
Because of the size of a bassinet, it can easily fit into any small space. Therefore, even if your living space is small, you don’t have to worry about it. Also, if you are sharing a room, a bassinet can still fit in well.
#7 – Can Be Attached To A Stroller
Here’s another great benefit of using a bassinet for your newborn. If you decide to stroll around your neighborhood, you can get a stroller that has an attachment for bassinets. Although there are jogging strollers, you don’t want to jog with a month-old baby in a jogging stroller.
Read some quick facts about jogging strollers with bassinets.
#8 – Comes With Extra Padding
Bassinets are padded to provide maximum comfort to babies. The manufacturers of these beds know the best materials to use. Bassinets are also well-ventilated to rule out any issue of overheating.
Now that we have seen the benefits of using a bassinet for a newborn, we need to answer the next important question. Do parents need to have a bassinet and a crib?
Do You Need A Bassinet And A Crib For A Newborn?
As parents, it is always recommended to have a bassinet and a crib for your babies. While the bassinet serves for the first 5 – 6 months, you will need a crib when your baby starts to turn or walk.
However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no special preference over another. All you have to do is to ensure that your baby’s sleeping space is free from bumpers, blankets, toys, or other objects.
According to AAP, co-sleeping is not allowed and you should only bring your baby to your bed for breastfeeding or to comfort him/her. Some parents have lost their babies due to co-sleeping and it isn’t what any parent wishes to experience.
In the end, the question of whether you need a bassinet and a crib depends on what you want. Some people see no reason for having a bassinet while some believe it is essential.
Just make sure you follow the sleeping rules below to give your baby the safety and comfort he/she deserves.
Safety Rules To Follow For The Best Sleep Time For Your Baby
Whether you are using a bassinet or a crib for your baby, sticking to these rules will provide maximum safety and comfort for your child.
Rule #1 – Baby Should Sleep Alone
Whether you decide to use a crib or a bassinet, a baby should have a special sleeping space. The mattress should be free of pillows, toys, blankets, bumpers, or other materials.
Rule #2 – Bring Your Baby To Your Bed Only during Feeding or providing Comfort
Co-sleeping should be discouraged no matter how careful you think you are while sleeping. Put your baby back in his sleeping space once you are ready to sleep.
Rule #3 – Baby Should Sleep With Their Back On The Bed
For babies that are a few months old, you should always place them on their back at sleep time. However, as they grow, they will start rolling. You don’t need to return them to their original position if they roll.
Rule #4 – Your Baby’s Crib Or Bassinet Must Be In Your Room For The First 6 to 12 Months
Sharing the same room with your baby for the first few months makes it easier to watch over him/her. You can also easily breastfeed or comfort your baby when he/she is close to you.
Studies also show that sharing a room with your baby reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Rule #4 – There Should Be Proper Ventilation During Sleep Hours
Remove every form of material that may disrupt the sleep time of your baby. The mattress should be free and the crib must be well-ventilated.
Rule #5 – Try As Much As Possible To Breastfeed
Regardless of some of the theories emanating today, mothers should try as much as possible to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is a way of creating a bond with your baby and it also decreases the risk of SIDS.
Rule #6 – A Couch, Armchair, or Sofa Is Never An Option
If you are guilty of placing your baby on a couch, you should stop it. It is never a safe way for a baby to sleep. If you want to have a close watch on your baby, get a bassinet that you can move around the house.
Rule #7 – Smoke Is Not Good For Babies
Whether it is second-hand smoke or third-hand smoke, avoid it. Babies exposed to smoke are more likely to suffer from SIDS and asthma.
Final Word
All the talks about using a bassinet or a crib for your baby boil down to safety and comfort. While there is no set rule, you can use a bassinet for the early stage and transfer to a crib when they start growing.
However, if you are considering the price of getting the two, you may want to settle for a crib. There are parents who never bother about using bassinets for their babies.
In all, always remember to follow the safety rules for the best sleep time for your baby.
sources:
https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/tips-for-keeping-infants-safe-during-sleep-from-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics/
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/bassinet-vs-crib#What-Should-You-Consider?
