Are you also confused between selecting a co sleeper vs bassinet for your baby? Well, you are in the right place. In this article, we’ll help you understand the pros and cons of co-sharing and baby sleeping options so that you can pick the best one for your little munchkin. In the end, we have also answered some frequently asked questions regarding the same.
Worried about Purchasing the Best Sleeping Option for Your Little One?
It can be overwhelming for new parents as they try to research and find out the myriad newborn sleeping options available and pick a sleeper that’s best for their baby. After all, the choices are too many! Sleeper, co-sleeper, bassinet, crib, rocker, cradle – how do you know what’s best for your baby? Moreover, there is a constant worry about keeping your newborn safe yet close for frequent feeding, diaper changes, and more.
And to further add, even if you select one of these sleeping options, selecting the right variant is another challenge. So, if you are wondering what’s ideal for your little bub between a co sleeper vs bassinet, what are the important things to consider while purchasing one, and how you can minimize risks to ensure your baby is safe, you are in the right place.
Read to find all you need to know about purchasing the best sleeper!
Risks Involved in Bed-Sharing
Before we even begin discussing if a co sleeper vs bassinet is the right choice, it is important to throw light on the risks involved in bed-sharing. Many new parents argue that bed-sharing is important to develop a strong relationship with the child. Such parents also consider sharing their bed with the baby for their convenience at night.
However, the risks involved are undoubtedly more than the benefits. According to a study conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health, bed-sharing, under certain circumstances, increases the risks of SIDS. We’re sure you already know about SIDS. No parent would want to risk their infant, right? Here are some of the major risks involved in sharing the bed with infants:
- With bed-sharing, the chances of overheating and thus, suffocation highly increase.
- Since adult beds are not designed for babies, they further expose infants to risks of airway obstruction and head covering.
- Furthermore, crib mattresses are ergonomically designed to provide adequate back support to infant spinal curvatures which lacks in an adult bed.
- Many new moms prefer breastfeeding while on their sides which also increases the risks of entrapment, strangulation, and even falls.
- Particularly with parents who smoke or consume alcohol, infants are even more prone to risks while sharing beds.
What is a Co-Sleeper?
Co-sleepers are an excellent choice for many parents who choose to sleep close to their infants without the risks of bed-sharing. Co-sleepers enable new parents to put their baby to sleep right next to their bed and monitor them more safely. Depending upon the model, co-sleepers can also be attached to the bed. It is an innovative sleep accessory that makes it convenient for parents to attend their baby during the early months for frequent feedings, burpings, diaper changes, wake-ups, etc.
Dream On Me Lotus Bassinet & Bedside sleeper
Pros of a Co-Sleeper
- Nurtures the Bond: Since co-sleepers are usually attached next to the bed, they help to enhance the love and bond between newborns and parents.
- Avoids the Hassle: With co-sleepers, new parents find it easy to soothe and feed the baby without getting out of their beds.
- Easy to Adjust: Co-sleepers are usually very functional as their height can be adjusted according to the bed.
- Enhances the Diurnal Cycle: By keeping babies close to their parents, co-sleepers allow new parents and infants to sleep better.
Cons of a Co-Sleeper
- Limited Usage: Co-sleepers are only functional before your baby can roll over or is pushing up to sit. It also depends on the weight limit of the co-sleeper and the size of your baby vs. the co-sleeper.
- Restricts Children’s Sleeping Habits: Some babies might develop a habit of sleeping with their parents which makes it difficult for them to transition to their own bed later.
What is a Bassinet?
Portable and affordable, bassinets are available in various sizes and shapes. They require limited space and are usually foldable. They are usually a less-expensive version of cribs that you can keep next to your bed or even move to another room if required. Furthermore, it is easier to shift babies from a bassinet to a crib, when the right time comes.
This sleep accessory is highly breathable, smaller than cribs, and is secured by mesh walls. Sometimes, bassinets might also have a canopy for protection from bugs or can be converted into rockers too.
Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
Pros of Bassinet
- Compact & Lightweight: Even if you don’t have a large space, bassinets won’t be a problem for you. They are lightweight, easy to move, foldable, and require little room.
- Breathable & Safe: Since bassinets have mesh walls and even a canopy in many models, they are highly breathable and prevent risks of suffocation at night. They also keep the babies safe against bugs, flies, mosquitoes, etc.
- Affordable: Bassinets are usually very reasonably priced and less expensive than other sleeping options.
- Versatile: They come in plenty of sizes, colors, designs, and materials to cater to the needs of parents of all types.
Cons of Bassinet
- Weight Limit: Usually, bassinets are made up of mesh walls and can usually accommodate a child weighing up to 25 lbs.
- Cannot be Used for Toddlers: Although they have sidewalls, bassinets are not safe for toddlers as they are not very heavy and sturdy. Furthermore, they are compact and can only fit kids up to a certain height.
- No Flexibility to Choose a Mattress: Since bassinets already come along with a thin mattress, you don’t really get to explore and choose between various supportive mattresses available out there. However, you can still choose bassinet sheets keeping the important safety guidelines in mind.
Co Sleeper vs Bassinet
Now that you know the pros and cons of each, it will be easier for you to understand what is a better choice between a co sleeper vs bassinet. If you are wondering whether you should opt for a bassinet or co sleeper, think about what your requirements are and choose carefully. No one knows your newborn better, hence, only you can make the best decision.
- If you prefer sleeping with the baby and have understood the risks involved in bed-sharing, co-sleepers are a great choice for you. Furthermore, if your baby is very sensitive, premature, or you are a breastfeeding mom, co-sleepers are sure to add convenience to your life.
- If your baby sleeps well throughout the night and you are more concerned if your baby develops unhealthy sleeping habits, you must opt for a bassinet.
Deciding Factors While Selecting Between Baby Sleeping Options
If you are still confused between all the available options out there, here are a few pointers that you must consider while purchasing a baby sleeper:
Space
If you have limited space, you must understand which sleeping option is more space-efficient.
Feeding Method
If you are a breastfeeding mom, co-sleepers can come in more handy than bassinets.
Price
Budget plays a critical role in making any investment. Hence, you must carefully determine your budget while purchasing a co-sleeper or a bassinet because a crib lasts you for years but sleepers and bassinets have limited usage.
Extra Benefits
Do not forget to compare as many sleepers as possible and note which one outranks the other in terms of extra benefits such as music, rocking, bouncing, lighting, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newborn Sleeping Options
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about purchasing a new sleeper for your newborn.
How long can a baby sleep in a bassinet or co sleeper?
Generally, babies can sleep in an in bed bassinet or co-sleeper until they start to roll over and push up on their hands and legs. When they begin to move and get taller and heavier, they need a secure and sturdy crib.
Is a co-sleeper bassinet safe?
Yes. Co-sleeping bassinets are generally safe for babies and many of them even have a belt that connects to the bed to ensure there are no gaps.
Is a co-sleeper necessary?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies must sleep in the same room as their parents – but not in the same bed — for the first six months and possibly up to a year. So, a co-sleeper or a bassinet is recommended, especially during the early months.
Bassinet vs sleeper – what should I choose?
Understand your budget, requirements, space, and baby’s sleep routine to make the right decision about choosing between a bassinet vs sleeper.
Wrapping Up
We hope we helped you understand whether a co sleeper vs bassinet is ideal for your newborn. Remember that the key to making informed parenting decisions lies in deep research and trusting your parenting instincts.