Newborns tend to sleep up to 16 hours a day which is perfectly normal for them. But what if they wake up at 2 AM which is your sleeping time and want every bit of comfort? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that the first six months of any newborn’s life should be spent in their parent’s room, not necessarily the same bed. It means making them sleep in the baby nursery is not good for their health for at least six months, but where would they sleep in your bedroom?
The newborn baby bassinets are amazing and comfortable pieces that allow babies to sleep without interruption. They are quite, easy to move and lightweight which is why using baby bassinets is extremely common among new mommies these days.
While some parents may find bassinets as a luxury, doctors encourage using them especially during the first year of their life. It helps parents to keep their baby close to them and is highly portable which adds more points to their value.
For those who don’t know, the bassinet is a tiny sleeping space that is generally smaller in size than a crib. It is specially designed to make the babies rest anywhere around you.
Do you really need a baby bassinet?
A bassinet is not just a replacement for a crib; it is much more valuable than that. However, the convenience of use and safety are two top loved features regarding them. Using one of the best baby bassinets allows you to keep your baby only an arm’s length away; no matter where you are. It is easy to relax your baby at midnight when you are half asleep. You can reach your baby faster, without moving much from your bed. This is an extra point for those mommies who are at bed rest after delivery.
It is also a big peace of mind to know that your baby is safe. The first few months of parenthood are hard and uncertain. There are hundreds of baby products available in the market and it is hard to determine which one of them is actually valuable and which one is a useless thing. In the case of bassinets, there is a huge variety, in terms of brand, features, colors, usage, and price. Based on these factors, you can find the best baby bassinet options locally and online.
Interestingly, most of these baby bassinets share the same height as that of a standard bed. So you can literally peek at your baby every now and then, to make sure that everything is fine there. Those close proximity also help to keep an eye on them, knowing if they need something i.e., feeding bottle or nappy change. In addition to these benefits, it is the best option for parents who don’t want to share a bed with the newborn for any reason.
Also read- Breastfeeding Releases Oxytocin Helps in Mother-Baby Bonding
How long can your baby sleep in a bassinet?
Some of the best options in newborn baby bassinets are incredibly helpful for the baby. Some women report that it is more practical and useful than any crib or cot, which may not be as good as a bassinet. Whether it is late-night feeding or night time bonding, keeping your baby close to your bed is only possible through a bassinet. If a woman has undergone a C-section, using a bassinet saves the time and effort used in movement to the nursery. It doesn’t even require the mother to lean over like in a crib.
Most babies use their baby bassinets for a good five, six months. After this time, most of them grow out and they don’t fit into the newborn baby bassinets. Normally, six months or older baby can easily sleep in a crib. So the duration to use a baby bassinet is only up to six months.
If you have made up your mind to invest in one of the best baby bassinets, it is necessary to look for the options and buy one before delivery. The use of a bassinet starts as soon as the baby comes to your house from the maternity clinic or hospital. It can be used for up to six months or until the baby learns to roll over or come out of it. baby bassinets are normally smaller in size and shallower as compared to the cribs. That is why they are only helpful for newborn babies.
How to choose among so many best baby bassinets?
Baby bassinets have now become a part of the essential newborn shopping list. But after to a baby shop, it is easy to get confused because there are dozens of options available, each one looking better than the others. There are so many companies, brands, types, and varieties in bassinets, and choosing one among these best baby bassinets is really tricky. But if you have already shortlisted your options or penned down your ‘requirements’ in a bassinet, it gets easy to explore potential options.
Bassinet vs. Crib- which one to buy?
Designing a baby nursery at home is fun and challenging at the same time. There are so many baby things that you may see in the markets, but how to determine their value? How important is it to have a changing table in the nursery? Should you invest in a rocking chair for your baby? How about placing a swing at one corner of the room? What type of toys is safe for your baby? Questions like these are common among parents to be and believe it or not, it eventually becomes the most important decision of your life because it involves your child’s health and safety.
Among one of these concerns; one of the most important issues is the crib vs bassinet. Which one of them is helpful for your baby?
Everyone knows that babies sleep a lot which means they will be spending most of their time in their designated sleeping place. They are too tiny to find a place or sleep at any place on their own, so at this point, this decision is in their parent’s hands. For selecting a sleeping place for the baby, the first thing that parents pay attention to is ‘protection’ or ‘safety’. So there are two options; a crib or a baby bassinet, both of which are widely used. But which one of them is better and more practical? You have to first learn the difference between these two, before searching for the possible options.
Difference between crib and bassinet
A crib and bassinet both are sleeping places for a newborn baby. But these two are very different from each other. The first and most obvious difference is the ‘size’.
A crib is generally bigger in size and carries a huge space as compared to a bassinet. It means that the people living in smaller areas or flats may not be able to handle a crib so they can look for a bassinet.
Most bassinets come with a hood which is more of a cover that you can pull over while the baby rests inside. People love using bassinets for their children because they are easy to move and use.
On the other hand, cribs are easier to manage if you have more space. Some of these cribs can be reset as toddler beds. This way they can be used up to 2-3 years, serving their purpose well. But bassinets are only suitable for small size babies and they become impossible to use once the baby grows in size.
If you are looking for a long term solution and space is not an issue for you, investing in a crib is a lot better than buying a bassinet that you will only use for a few months.
What to know before buying them?
The first things to consider while searching for the baby sleeping places option is the ‘space’ and ‘value’. The Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source urges parents to sleep next to their children, not necessarily in the same bed. So bassinet can be a good option to make your baby sleep next to you, without getting uncomfortable or watchful by yourself. Although space is a primary concern for crib buyers even if you have a big house, using a bassinet is still easier and preferable by many because of its ease of usage.
The second factor to consider is price. Most people like to be on a budget for buying a bassinet because it is practically useless after a few months. On the other side, the crib seems like an option that is used for longer-term. Sometimes people spend good money to buy a bassinet but then buy a crib later when the child grows. This is a bad plan because it takes double the investment and the purpose of buying a bassinet fades.
If the price is not a concern, you can buy both of them and use them accordingly. But time to use them has to be set. First, you have to invest in a bassinet because it would be in use right after the delivery. The decision to buy the crib can be made later. But bassinet has to be purchased before delivery so that you don’t have to rush or buy a wrong product in hurry.
Adding up to all these reasons, some parents like to buy a bassinet just because it looks good. The aesthetics also play a big role, especially in baby products. Not only the parents but babies also find colorful and appealing designs catchy.
Difference between a bassinet, mini-crib, and Playard
All three of these are common baby-related products used as a sleeping place, but knowing a difference among them is necessary to make a decision. The choice of the best among them is a personal decision. While all of them may come in handy for the new parents hoping to keep their baby near them all the time.
- Bassinet
A bassinet is more of a baby cradle. These are small, stylish, and lightweight, for which people can move them anywhere. But their small size makes them suitable for newborn babies only. These bassinets come with a lot of modifications and extra tools which can be attached or detached as per need.
- Mini crib
It is best for a baby nursery or for a baby sleeping set up in your bedroom. These mini cribs are smaller than regular cribs and have a narrow mattress. They are best suited for newborn to 1-year-old children. They can tolerate more weight than the bassinets so it may be used for a longer period.
- Playard
Also sometimes referred to as playpens, these are the mesh-sided small spaces that can keep the baby safe while sleeping. It is like containing them into a designated area that can be folded from all sides and extremely lightweight. You may also decorate it with accessories to attract the baby and keep him engaging.
Pro tip- Make sure that you have confirmed the weight limit for any sleeping space that you have selected for your baby.
Also read- Increased Exposure to Screens Changes a Baby’s Night Routine
Top suggestions in baby bassinets
Here is a list of the best baby bassinets to try in 2021.
1- Best space-saving option– Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Essentia Series
It is a super space-saving bassinet that can be slid under the bed when not in use. you can also retract one of its sides to access the baby. The best thing about Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Essentia Series is its 360-degree swivel option which comes with an easy to adjust the stand. If you are living in a smaller area, just move it inside the bed when not in use so that the floorspace always looks free. The retractable wall option is also helpful for the mothers who undergone C-sections because they don’t have to move a lot for holding or watching the baby. You can either add this to your bed for co-sleeping or place it next to your bed.
Note- it can accommodate a baby up to 20 lbs in weight.
2- Best high-tech option- Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Here comes the high-tech bassinet which is a luxurious gift for your baby. It automatically detects and responds to the baby’s movements and also his sounds (cries). These types of bassinets are not commonly available in the market and they are deficiently not affordable by everyone. Most people buy Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet after being recommended by a pediatrician. If the baby cannot sleep well or his sleep is disturbed every now and then, doctors recommend using these high-tech gadgets to keep track of their sleeping and waking up habits. It comes with a pre-made swaddle which takes an account of the baby cry. Then it creates white noise which is pleasant to the baby and its gentle rocking movements make it easy for the baby to sleep again.
Note- it can carry a baby up to 25 lbs in weight.
3- Best co-sleep option- Arm’s Reach Mini 2-in-1 Co-Sleeper Bassinet
This bassinet is specially designed for co-sleeping with your baby. It is safe, easy to access, and saves a lot of space as well. You can use it two ways; bedside sleeper or the free-standing bassinet. The four sides of this bassinet are highly breathable and you can also drop one side of them to attach it to the bed. It also contains a small storage facility under the bassinet which can be used for keeping wipes, diapers, or other things. Lastly, it comes with built-in wheels so it is extremely easy to move anywhere in the house.
Note- It is suitable for 0-5 months old babies.
4- Best all-in-one option– Graco Pack n’ Play Reversible Napper and Changer Playard
If you are searching for a bassinet that can be used as a changing table as well as Playard, Graco Pack n’ Play Reversible Napper and Changer Playard is the best option. It is the best value for money considering that you don’t have to buy these things separately. It can be placed in the master bedroom before shifting them to a crib. Or it can be placed in the baby nursery. It is simple, practical, and time saving for the new parents.
Note- it is only suitable for babies under 15lbs weight. But as a Playard, it can be used for babies who are below 35” in height.
5- Best portable option- Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet
If you are looking for a simple, affordable, and easy to move option, there is nothing better than the Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet. It has four highly breathable sides made of mesh cloth. It is nothing fancy but simple and serves the purpose rightfully. This bassinet is great for a family that might need to travel every now and then. If needed, it can be completely folded and unfolded within seconds.
Note- it is suitable for babies up to 20lbs by weight.
6- Best minimalist option- Babybjörn Cradle
The contemporary and minimalist households might need a simple option for their baby’s to a comfortable place. The BabyJorn Cradle is a modern design in bassinets which is easy to move to all places. It looks expensive and it is the perfect candidate for an heirloom type product.
It works two ways; either you or the baby can initiate its gentle movements. All four sides of this bassinet are in mesh. The best part about this minimalist bassinet is that it is 100% washable in the washing machine.
Note- it can contain 0-6 months old babies or up to 18 lbs babies.
7- Best travel-friendly option- Muchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet
It is an ultra light-weight baby bassinet that is made of highly durable fabric. You can fold it from all sides, making it a compact package that can be placed in the car, bag or anything for traveling. You can also use its carrying handle to carry the baby while moving anywhere. It is completely machine washable in case you or the baby stain it by anything. The mattress pad is soft, water-resistant, and removable. You can place a fitted sheet on this tiny mattress and match it with the rest of your interior. In case of a spill or leakage, remove the sheet and wash all of it in a machine. It comes with an extra-strong double-locking system which makes sure that your baby is secure.
Note- it is suitable for a baby with up to 15 lbs weight or three months age.
8- Best price option- Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
Here is the most affordable baby bassinet which can meet every parent’s budget. It comes with some amazing features, for example, vibrations, motions, fancy lights, and mobile. Like other bassinets, it has four mesh sides which are breathable and airy. It is to make sure that the baby receives the airflow while sleeping. The mesh sides also make it easy for the mothers to keep an eye on the baby.
Note- it is recommended for a baby below 20 lbs of weight.
9- Best bedside sleeping option- Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper
Like already mentioned, newborns sleep most of the time and if you want to keep an eye on them, it is better to be around them all the time. While spending all day and night in the nursery is not possible, you can put a bassinet next to your bed and check your baby whenever you want. The Mika Mickey Bedside Sleeper comes with seven adjustable height positions from which you can pick anyone who meets the height of your bed.
This height adjustability will help you to access the baby even during late hours. This bassinet also has some other features, for example, it contains side pockets, mesh walls, easy folding, easy mobility, etc.
Note- it is suitable for a baby up to 6 months age.
10- Best cry detection option- Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology
If you are searching for a bassinet infused with the latest cry technology to auto-adjust motion settings, Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cr Detection Technology is the best option. It has a canopy that blocks all direct lights to the bassinet, which may affect the baby’s sleep. Whenever the baby wakes up at odd hours and cries, it senses it and initiates motion settings to calm him down.
It comes with built-in storage where you can keep the diapers, wipes, pacifiers, etc. It also contains wheels and is easy to move anywhere in the house.
Note- it is best for infants weighing up to 20lbs.
