How to Choose Between a Crib and a Bassinet for Your Newborn

There are a seemingly endless amount of things you need to buy when you're expecting a baby. From clothes and toys to diapers and bottles, it can be a lot to think about. However, one of the most important things to consider is where your baby is going to sleep. You want somewhere that's safe and comfortable, so your son or daughter can be happy, and you don't need to worry. The two main choices are either a crib or a bassinet, and the right one for you will depend on several factors. Here's a quick overview of the two to help you decide.

What is the difference between a crib and a bassinet?

A crib is a largish baby bed with a low mattress and high walls, usually made of slatted wood. They come in a variety of styles but are traditionally rectangular.

On the other hand, a bassinet is a smaller baby bed designed for infants up to about four months old. They are usually oval and may have a hood or covering to pull over when the baby is asleep.

Bassinets tend to be higher than cribs and can be either freestanding, portable – like a Moses basket – or attached to the side of your bed. Some even come with nightlights, the ability to play sound, or rocking features.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Both cribs and bassinets are safe and cozy choices for newborns to sleep in, with neither one objectively better than the other. Certain factors might mean one style is more suited to your needs or lifestyle.

Firstly, cribs tend to be larger than bassinets. This has both advantages and disadvantages. They take up more space, which means that they may be less convenient if you don't have much room.

However, they also tend to be sturdier, with less risk of tipping. Similarly, they are heavier and less portable, which might be tricky if you want to move your baby's bed from room to room with you.

Bassinets, on the other hand, are lightweight and easily moved; many are equipped with wheels for this exact reason.

Bassinets have a disadvantage in that they are only suitable for babies up to around four months old. Once they can roll over on their own, they should no longer be sleeping in one and will have to transition to a crib.

This means that investing in a crib from the start could save you money in the long run.

The higher level of a bassinet has both good points and bad points. The higher center of gravity and smaller size puts it at a higher risk of tipping, but it makes getting your baby in and out of bed much easier.

This is particularly relevant for mothers who have had a C-section and find leaning over the side of a crib painful or challenging.

The choice is yours. Just be sure that whichever style you choose, you opt for a model that meets all of the most current safety standards.