Before bringing a baby home a lot of decisions have to be done. Importantly, we want to buy all the essentials in the baby checklist from diapers, bed, bottle, toys, wipes, stroller, swing and any necessary nursery furniture.
Particularly, we focus on where the baby will rest or enjoy a nap be it a crib or bassinet. These two are both great choices depending on several factors from space, portability, price, durability.
Being a mum of several children after delivery one wants a bed that will be ideal, safe, and comfortable for both the mother and baby. Unquestionably, newborn babies love their sleep and can spend 16-18 hours daily sleeping hence need a bed that meet the safety standards as well as allows them to sleep soundly.
As a mum I love watching my baby sleep and with a bassinet I can cuddle and pat, rock my baby to sleep as it is near the bed compared to a crib.
Factors to Consider when Shopping for a Crib or Bassinet
- Space
Due to the size, a crib would be most preferred in a house has ample of space especially in the bedroom. Most newborn babies sleep in the same bedroom with their parents. Even so, a bassinet will be great for small spaces as it does not occupy a lot of space compared to a baby crib.
- Portability
As the baby grows families love memories and might decided to go for a road trip or vacation. Having a bassinet will ease your luggage as it is portable and occupy less space compared to a crib which is bulky. Portability is key to finding the best bassinet for baby to buy especially now that we shop online more. Even away from home the baby would love to sleep in a familiar environment and carrying along the bassinet will make that possible.
With a bassinet even at home one can move the baby around to the room where you are with ease.
- Price
In terms of price between a bassinet and crib which one is cheaper? Clearly, we can all agreed it is a bassinet. But that aside a crib will be there for use for several years compared to a bassinet which can serve the baby for a few months. A crib may be worthwhile despite the price as it will be there for a long time. A bassinet can hold a newborn until they get to a certain weight up to 4-5 months then due to safety you have to transfer the baby to a crib and later to a big baby bed. You can consider a safe cosleeping crib as you sleep train you baby to transition into a bigger crib for when they reach 6 months and can move to their own room for better sleep and increase their independence.
- Durability
Not only, will a crib be strong and sturdy but also can serve a newborn from 0 months to toddler years. In addition, a bassinet is good but only for short term period (0-4months) as it can be used by the baby before he/she become weighty.
Conclusion
When giving birth a mother can either deliver normally or if need be through caesarian section. A mother who has delivered through caesarian section need not to strain so as to heal faster. It might be difficult for her to lift the baby and place her/him in a crib hence a bassinet will be ideal for her as she will be able to place the baby on the bed without straining.
Subsequently, with a crib you can add a blanket to keep your baby warm, ensure the crib mattress should be flat and firm.
Both bassinet and crib are useful as longs as they meet the safety standard. Additionally, when laying your baby to sleep put them on their back, not on the side or face down to avoid any accidents.
Apart from that, do not add extra cushions, positioners on the baby bed/crib or bassinet.
Besides that, when one opts to buy a crib ensure your baby head cannot fit in the space bars, they should not be wide. Also, do not put the bed near binders or loops to avoid strangulation of baby by mistake. Lastly, the crib or bassinet should meet all the safety standards.
Article written by rangersdog.com editor: Carol
