Bassinet vs. Crib: Which is the Best for My baby?

Deciding what to get for your little one’s nursery can be a challenging decision. Some common questions include: Does my baby really need a changing table? Is a rocking chair important? Is a swing worth all the space that it takes up? One of the most important decisions that a new parent makes when choosing nursery furniture is deciding where their bundle of joy will sleep?

Deciding what to get for your little one’s nursery can be a challenging decision

Why is it important?

Choosing where your baby will sleep is of utmost importance because in the beginning especially the first 6 months your little one will spend the majority of the time sleeping. What you choose will determine whether their sleep will be comfortable or not.

So is a bassinet or crib the best choice in the first few crucial months? This article has all the answers…

Let us begin by understanding the difference between a crib and bassinet

First and foremost both cribs and basinets are safe choices for a new born baby. However there are a few fundamental differences between the two:

The most obvious difference is the size-While a crib takes up a lot of space; a bassinet takes up less space and is the best choice if space is a challenge. Additionally, the small size of the bassinet also makes it more portable. It also doesn’t hurt that most bassinets have a cover or hood that you can pull-over while the baby is asleep. According to reliable statistics, most parents also find bassinets more user-friendly; the slides of the bassinets are much lower so a mother does not have to lean over in order to place the baby inside the bassinet.
Cribs on the other hand are better than bassinets because of their longevity. They can be used for a longer period of time because they are much larger in size. Keep in mind that in the first few months babies grow up really first so a bassinet is not a great choice if you want something that will last longer than a few months. Also keep in mind that bassinets have weight limits and hence can only be used in the first few months of your baby’s life. Since cribs last longer they are typically more costly than bassinets.

CRIBS

PROS

Long life span

Easily converted into a toddler bed

CONS

Takes up more space

Costlier than bassinets

BASSINET

PROS

Smaller in size therefore doesn’t take up too much space

Extremely portable

Easier to lean over as compared to a crib

CONS

Has a weight limit therefore a baby tends to outgrow it fast

You will have to transition into a crib or bed soon so it will end up being costly.

Conclusion…

When it comes to cribs and bassinets, the difference really comes down to personal preference. At the end of the day even a crib won’t last forever, only a few short years and you will be shopping a again for a big kid bed!