A bassinet is used during the first four months of a baby’s life. They are much like cribs, but are smaller. While your baby is sleeping in a bassinet, you’ll have plenty of time to find the crib you will want to use for years to come. On the flip side, it isn’t necessary to get a bassinet, although some people really like them.
Basics
Bassinets come in different shapes and styles. They are usually easy to move because many models have wheels. This is because parents elect to put a bassinet in the master bedroom, which saves time during feedings and mom doesn’t have to get up and go into a different room when the baby is fussy or cries.
Generally, the idea is that a bassinet is for the first part of a newborn’s life. Let them sleep in it all day, and wheel it wherever you need it. This comes in handy because infants have to eat every few hours and they sleep for many hours a day.
Just like larger cribs, bassinets must be put together properly. Make sure the one you choose is safe and that it is straightforward to assemble. It won’t do you any good if you can’t put it together yourself.
Another thing you have to be aware of is that you will need bedding for it, as well as a mattress. The mattress should fit comfortably in it and not leave too much space on the sides. Then you know your baby’s body parts can’t get stuck in little cracks or spaces.
Bassinet vs. Crib
The main question most parents have is if they even need a bassinet. It isn’t all that different than a crib, and there isn’t any other use for it after the baby gets too big to use it.
However, if someone gives you one as a gift or you acquire one as a hand me down, there is no reason not to use it. It does all the jobs of a crib, but is designed to be smaller. You will have to upgrade to a more permanent crib, which you can use until your child is big enough to sleep in their own bed.
Unlike most cribs, bassinets usually come with wheels, so they can easy move from place to place. This can come in really handy and means you can push baby away from loud noises.
If you plan on using a bassinet for more than one pregnancy, it is a good idea to get one that doesn’t take up a lot of room when you need to store it. Many models available fold up small and compact, without having to take the whole thing apart.
If you opt to not get a bassinet, it is not a huge deal. You just have to make sure that your child is protected from rolling over in their regular crib, or get something else for the first weeks of their life. There are special baskets and small cribs that you can purchase, which are a bit different than bassinets.