Do You Need A Bassinet For Your Baby? – The Essential Guide

To be specific, you don’t need a bassinet for babies but bassinets can be helpful in certain occasions. I invested in a bassinet and crib both for my first baby.

Both were beneficial for my little one, though the bassinet was for a short duration. When my baby outgrows after six months, I had to switch her to a crib as a permanent sleep solution. 

I know as new parents you need a sense of reassurance that your baby gets a safe sleeping environment. 

I also thought so when I was in my early parenthood. It depends on several factors to choose a bassinet as an absolute necessity for a baby. So, do you really need a bassinet or not? Let’s dive in. 

When Should You Use A Bassinet for Baby?

Every baby is unique in their preferences, and it depends on multiple factors when to use a bassinet.  However, bassinets are mainly intended for newborns and infants. 

Look for some guidelines on when to use a bassinet for your baby. 

Newborn Stage

You can use a bassinet from birth until your baby reaches 4-6 months old. During their early ages, they need a snug and cosy area to sleep in, bassinets are a good option for them. 

Transition From Co-Sleeping

If you do co-sleeping with your baby to improve the bonding and monitor them properly at night, you can start from the bassinet to transfer them to the crib. 

Nighttime Sleep

You can place the bassinet in your room and use them for your baby’s nighttime sleep. Therefore you don’t have to worry about breastfeeding, soothing, clamming, or checking them frequently. It enhances security.

Additional Read: Why Do Babies Sleep Better In Stroller | Unleash The Surprising Science.

Napping During the Day

If you want to allow them to take a nap in a separate place that is safe and cozy for them, then you can start with the bassinet. 

Traveling with Newborn

Bassinets are portable, lightweight, and foldable. When you want to take your newborn with you on your vacation days, then a bassinet stroller attachment is best for you. 

Is It Necessary for Babies to Sleep in A Bassinet? 

No! It is not necessary for babies to sleep in a bassinet. 

There are numerous options available out there. But the fact is in this early stage of your baby they need enough safety and a cozy environment. 

You have to choose based on the factors you need for the baby. Check this: Do I Need a Bassinet Stroller? Pros and Cons.

Cribs also maintain the safety guidelines for the baby, but they are larger than a bassinet. It takes up more space in your house. Where your baby can’t get a snug area. They don’t have a canopy like a bassinet. 

A co-sleeper is also good for parents who want easy access to the baby. But there’s a high chance to detach from the parent’s bed. 

On the other hand, Pack N Play can be used from the newborn stage. But they are deeper than a bassinet, as a postpartum mom it may be stressful for you to touch the ground of it. Your baby can also sleep well in Moses basket. 

Which Type of Baby Bassinet Do You Need?

There are ample bassinets available in the market. Which type of bassinets you need depends on your own preferences with its features. 

You can also buy a bassinet stroller. To know more about bassinet strollers check here- Bassinet Strollers 101: How to Choose the Right One for You.

Bassinet Stroller

It is a type of stroller that includes a detachable bassinet. You can navigate it on various terrain. Some bassinet strollers have convertible features. You can easily transfer the baby from the bassinet seat to the stroller seat. 

Folding Bassinet

This bassinet is specially designated to be collapsible or foldable for easy transfer and storage. It features a simple mechanism for quick assembly. Here the baby can get a flat cushioned surface which ensures a good sleeping place. 

Moses Basket

A Moses basket is typically made of woven or natural materials for newborns. Here you will get a sturdy handle for easy transport. It is the most versatile design in the bassinet. You can use it for multipurpose such as napping, sleeping, resting, and keeping baby gear, clothes, toys, etc. 

Portable Bassinet

A portable bassinet is made to be transported while you are on the go. They are travel friendly and make it convenient for parents. 

It serves you as multi-functional baby gear.

Check here for 10 Best Lightweight Travel Strollers | Uncompromised Convenience for Parents.

Smart Sleeper Rocking Bassinet

A smart sleeper rocking bassinet includes built-in sensors, sound and motion detection, and automated response. It mimics the sensation of being rocked by mom’s arms. It maintains a calming environment inside that soothes the baby and prompts better sleep. You can monitor the sleep patterns of the baby remotely. 

Co-Sleeper Bassinet

This is also known as a bedside bassinet. It allows you to position the baby beside your bed. You can keep a close eye on your baby while maintaining a separate bed for the baby. It gives you more convenience for nighttime feeding and monitoring. You can attach it to your bed firmly.

What are the Benefits of a Bassinet for a Baby?

A bassinet provides plenty of benefits to you and your baby, that give you more comfort in your early parenthood. 

To know more about bassinet stroller – Bassinet Stroller vs. Regular Stroller: Which is the Best Choice for Your Baby? Look here at the benefits of using a bassinet for babies. 

Appropriate for Newborns

This is the utmost merit of using a Bassinet for a baby. Because you don’t have to wait until your baby reaches a certain age. You can put your baby at any stage of infancy. Lying flat enables them a proper hip and spine development as well as good airflow movement inside it. Babies can stretch their bodies effortlessly. 

Comfort and Safety

Baby gets a cozy area inside the bassinet. They remain snug on the firm mattress. Durable mesh walls allow them to stay secure inside, it also prevents rolling over from the bassinet. 

The bassinet has at least 20 cm height from the mattress to the top of the rail so that your little creeper can’t tip over. Some bassinets are designated with a canopy which also offers more protection from sun rays, mosquitoes, flies, etc. 

Nighttime Feeding

When you place the bassinet close to your bed, it promotes convenient nighttime feeding. You don’t have to get out of your bed to comfort him/her. 

Convenience and Portability

The bassinets are lightweight and compact, it makes it easier to keep your baby close to you throughout the day. You can move them from room to room without disrupting their nap or sleep. Therefore, you don’t worry about their whereabouts while you are doing the dishes or making food for dinner. 

Monitoring and Accessibility

A bassinet allows you to monitor your baby continuously. You don’t need to leave your bed to check them frequently. It gives you peace of mind to see their breathing, and smiling while sleeping. If your baby becomes sick, then it also enables you to check their temperature, starting a fussy or cranky behavior, or any symptoms of overheating. 

Size and Space-saving

It is a practical choice to place the baby in the bassinet Because if you have limited space in your room or you don’t want to build a separate nursery for them, then you can easily put the bassinet next to your bed. They are smaller than cribs and can easily fit in your room. 

Travel-friendly

If you are a working mom, then you have to go out regularly. Of course, you don’t want to keep your newborn at home. It’s a great way to take your baby with you by bassinet stroller. Your baby remains calm in the bassinet stroller, as they get familiar surroundings outside. 

Early Bonding and Soothing

In a co-sleeping bassinet, you can promote early bonding with your baby. You can also respond to their needs within a short time. It makes your baby soothe and sleep more quickly. You can comfort them by rocking the bassinet or talking to them when they wake up from sleep. 

Read more about Why Is It Important To Soothe A Crying Baby With Tips and Tricks.

Temporary Sleep Solution

Before investing in a permanent sleep solution, you must assess your baby’s sleep pattern and preferences. Bassinets are designated to use until your baby can sit upright. So, in order to check their own comfort zone, the bassinet works as a temporary sleep solution. 

Easy Transition to A Crib

After six months old, the baby becomes more active. When you are using a bassinet in their early months, it is quite smooth for them to adjust to the larger crib. 

Reduces the Risk of SIDS

According to the AAP, bassinets are effective to reduce the risk of SIDS. You need to use a baby monitor, it is possible to interact with them frequently inside the bassinet. Breathable fabrics allow good air circulation inside them. It prevents overheating. 

Not As Deep As a Crib/Cot

When the baby can sit upright position, it’s time to transfer them into a crib/cot. But at their developmental phase, as a new mom, you also remain weak. It is more stressful at that time to incline to take/take out the baby. Bassinets are not as deep as cribs/cots, therefore, you can simply put your baby inside. 

Numerous Options Available

Bassinets are all-purpose options for you in your baby’s growth stage. They are baby-friendly, well-designated, and have amazing colours to suit the baby’s room. Different types of bassinets are up for grabs according to your own preferences. 

Cost-Effective

Though most Bassinets can be used until the baby can sit upright, they are affordable too. If you are on a tight budget, it can be the optimal cost-to-benefit ratio. Another thing is, if you are planning to have multiple babies, then it is a more efficient solution for your next baby. 

Bassinet Pros and Cons

Why Should You Skip the Bassinet?

• Babies tend to become fussy. If you are a light dozer, you need to avoid a co-sleeper bassinet. You can place the baby in a crib or another room. 
• Bassinets are a temporary sleeping solution. When your baby is a little crawler, then there remains a high chance to roll over. If you are on a tight budget or don’t want to invest in a bassinet for a small period of time, then skip to buy this.
• You can just pass the few months in the bassinet after your baby’s birth. However, it’s wise to avoid buying a bassinet if you intend to not use a lot of baby gear. 
• If you prefer to keep your baby in the same bed with you. 

What Can Be the Alternative Choice of Bassinet? 

If you are thinking about alternative options to a bassinet, there are more choices you can take to provide a secure and comfortable space for your baby. 

Check here 10 Top Stroller Brands: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Best Fit for your Baby. 

These are some alternative selections to consider:

• Crib: A crib is a very popular alternative to a bassinet you can check out. Here your baby will get a spacious area. The most important thing is you can use it from infancy to toddlerhood. 
• Mini Crib: If you are concerned with space, then a mini crib might be your best alternative. 
• Co-sleeper: A co-sleeper offers a separate bed while monitoring the baby closely. 
• Playard/Pack N Play: It is the most versatile option that you can use in different rooms based on your needs. 

A Piece of Advice

Do you really need a bassinet? The answer relies on your baby’s age, their preference to sleep, and at last, your comfort to use them. 

Remember one thing, a bassinet is not a must-need baby gear, it is just a convenient option for you. If you don’t find an easy or convenient option for you, then you can easily switch on any alternative choices to a bassinet.