Wondering do I need a bassinet or not? In this article, we’ll help you explore the reasons to purchase the best bassinet. In the end, we’ll also share important points on choosing the right baby bassinets and answer the FAQs regarding the same.
Do I Need a Bassinet for My Newborn?
Amongst a multitude of baby sleep options, a bassinet is probably the most talked about. If you have been asking yourself questions like “do I need a bassinet?” or what is the difference between a co-sleeper and a bassinet, you are not alone. Almost all new parents face the same confusion to decide what’s best for their baby.
The main purpose of selecting your baby’s sleep option should be to protect your little bub while sleeping and making sure it fits your space availability, lifestyle, budget constraints and is most importantly, convenient. So, even if you decide to purchase a bassinet, the next big question is – what’s the best bassinet?
In this article, we have covered all the necessary information you need to know about selecting the right newborn sleeping option, commonly available types of bassinets to choose your ideal one, understanding its pros and cons, and taking a deeper look at the safety standards while purchasing it.
Dream On Me Mackenzie Bassinet
Types of Baby Bassinets
To help you narrow down your decision about your biggest question at the moment – “Do I need a bassinet for my baby?”, it is first important to have a look at the types of bassinets available in the market:
1. Folding Bassinet
As suggested by its name, a folding bassinet can be easily folded and is perfect for traveling parents or those with limited space. It can also be stored when not in use to be assembled later for another baby.
Dream On Me Insta Fold Bassinet
2. Portable Bassinet
A portable bassinet comes with wheels and makes it easier to travel with the baby. It is foldable and can easily fit into your car or luggage.
Dream On Me Poppy Traveler Portable Bassinet
3. Bassinet Stroller
A bassinet stroller is a perfect blend of a removable bassinet into a stroller frame with sturdy wheels. It has a flat sleeping surface that is perfect for laying the baby to sleep and travel across the distance. It can also be used as an upright seat when your baby learns to sit. Another convenience a bassinet stroller adds to your life is, it can also be used alone with the stroller frame as a seat.
Hence, if you are wondering – “Do I need a bassinet stroller?”, you must look after your needs and requirements. However, such bassinets are usually more expensive than other types.
Dream On Me Jade 2 in 1 Reversible Stroller
4. Rocking Bassinet
A rocking bassinet has a slight manual or automatic rocking mechanism to it. It helps soothe the baby and put him to sleep. This bassinet is even more convenient for parents whose newborns have a disturbed sleep routine.
Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2 in 1 Bassinet and Cradle
5. Co-Sleeper Bassinet
A co-sleeper bassinet is the one that can be attached next to the bed to sleep near your child, nurse, or change him at night easily – without exposing him to the risks of bed-sharing.
Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
Why Use a Bassinet?
In case you are considering to know the benefits of putting your baby to sleep in a bassinet, here are a few benefits of using it:
1. Plenty of Options Available
Bassinets are highly versatile in terms of build quality, designs, shapes, etc. So, you get a myriad of options to choose from.
2. Compact & Lightweight
Bassinets are lightweight, small, and do not acquire a large space. Hence, even if you are short on space and cannot consider options like a cradle or a crib, a bassinet can easily fit in.
3. Breathable & Secure
It is extremely crucial to make sure your baby sleeps in a well-ventilated and highly breathable place. Bassinets are secured with sturdy mesh walls that ensure excellent air circulation inside, reducing the risks of suffocation. Furthermore, many models even have a canopy that keeps the babies safe against bugs, mosquitoes, flies, etc.
4. Can be Used with Newborns
One of the biggest problems with other sleeping options is that you cannot start using them straight away but you can easily use a bassinet with a newborn without waiting until he or she reaches a certain age or weight.
5. Cost-Effective
Baby sleep options can be really expensive and if you are on a limited budget, a bassinet can be a bang for your buck. They are very reasonably priced and quite affordable as compared to other popular sleeping options.
6. Makes Travelling with Baby Easier
Since bassinets are generally portable and travel-friendly, they make it easier to travel around with the baby without having to worry about calming the baby and putting him to sleep.
7. Helps Transition the Baby into the Crib
Last but not least, bassinets help babies move in their cribs and adjust to their new sleeping option when they are old enough to make the transition.
Safety Standards for Purchasing a Bassinet
If you are considering purchasing a bassinet for your child, here are a few major safety standards you must follow to ensure you pick the best one for your child:
- The padding in a bassinet should not be more than 1.5 inches thick or else it can expose your baby to suffocation hazard.
- Furthermore, the padding should be medium-firm to provide the right back support.
- The mesh walls should be thick enough to keep the baby safe when waving his arms.
- Most importantly, the height of the side walls should be enough to protect the baby from falling.
- The bassinet must be at least 10 inches deep so that even when the baby begins to crawl, lean, or scoot, he is absolutely safe.
- The legs and the wheels of the bassinet must be sturdy and stable so that the child is safe at all times.
- The bassinet you are about to purchase should be certified either by JPMA or ASTM to ensure its durability and stability is in compliance with the latest safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Purchasing a Baby Bassinet
If you had been asking “Do I need a bassinet” to yourself all this while, here are our answers to some other related questions that might have crossed your mind.
Do babies have to sleep in a bassinet?
No. Babies do not necessarily have to sleep in a bassinet. It is just a sleep accessory that adds more convenience and safety to your child and your life. Whether your little angel should sleep on it or not depends on various factors such as the baby’s sleep routine, preference, space availability, budget, etc.
How long should a baby sleep in a bassinet?
Since there are various types of bassinets and each of them has separate maximum weight limits, you must look for the exact weight limit of your shortlisted one. However, in general, bassinets can only accommodate a baby until 20 pounds, and by the time your infant begins to roll over.
Is bassinet really necessary?
No. Bassinet is not a necessity but a choice you make for your baby to ensure his safety and comfort.
Why do I need a bassinet for my newborn?
Here are some practical reasons why choosing a bassinet can come in handy for parents:
- It is affordable than other sleep options
- A bassinet is usually lightweight, foldable, portable, and thus, travel friendly
- It is easy to move around from one room to another
- Generally, it doesn’t acquire a lot of space
- Many bassinets even have an additional compartment to store baby essentials at night
- It trains your child to sleep on his own from a young age and makes it easier to transition into the crib when the right time comes
Are bassinets portable?
Yes. Bassinets are generally portable, easy to move around or carry while you are traveling.
What bedding do I need for a bassinet?
Generally, a bassinet comes with its bedding and you don’t have to worry about separately purchasing a mattress for it just like a crib. However, you can replace the bedding in case you are not satisfied with it – ensuring the safety standards at all times.
How much padding do I need in a bassinet?
You don’t need to stuff additional padding inside your baby’s bassinet or else it might increase the risk of poor back support, decreased air circulation, risks of suffocation, and even SIDS. The bedding your bassinet comes with is usually enough once you cover it with a breathable top sheet.
Do I need a bassinet stroller?
Bassinet strollers come in handy, especially when you are traveling. However, your decision about purchasing one should be based on your requirement and budget.
What are some limitations of using a bassinet?
Bassinets have weight limits and can only be used for your baby’s first few months of life – approximately until they weighs 25lbs.
The Bottom Line
We hope after reading this detailed guide on purchasing a bassinet, you found the answer to your question – do I need a bassinet for my baby? We hate to break it to you but the answer to whether do I need a bassinet or not is subjective. As a parent, you must understand that there is no rule of thumb for raising a baby or making any decisions related to it.
Instead of looking for a clear-cut answer for questions like do I need a bassinet or even a co-sleeper, cradle, or crib for that matter, you must do a thorough research about the pros, cons, risks, and safety standards on the related sleep option. We do not recommend using one product over the other because it is only you who can decide what you and your little one are the most comfortable in.
We can only guide you about the advantages, disadvantages, safety regulations, etc. In case you decide to choose a bassinet for your baby, make sure you choose a sturdy, high-quality, and completely safe bassinet that keeps your newborn secure and comfortable.