- Nursery Articles -
Bassinet vs. Crib
Which is Best for Your Baby?
When preparing for a newborn, new and expecting parents have a lot of choices—especially when deciding on where your baby will sleep. You may be wondering, “Should my newborn be in a crib or bassinet?”
Choosing between a bassinet vs. a crib comes down to more than just an interior design personal preference—you also need to consider the cost, size of the nursery and other factors to determine the best way for your newborn to get some Zzz’s.
Keep reading to learn more about bassinets vs. cribs, the difference between them and which one you should choose depending on your personal style and needs.
The Difference Between a Bassinet and a Crib
Both bassinets and cribs offer safe and comfortable places for a child to sleep, but they vary in size, price, and length of use. Understanding the differences between these two types of baby beds will help you make the best choice.
Bassinets are usually smaller and oval-shaped, whereas cribs are larger, rectangular nursery furniture that may convert into toddler beds down the line. With this in mind, bassinets are best for newborns up to 6 months, while cribs have a longer life in your home as nursery and kid’s room decor.
When choosing between your newborn being in bassinets vs. cribs, ask yourself the following questions:
- How much space do you have?
- How long do you plan to keep it?
- How much money do you have for this purchase?
- Will you need to move it often?
What Is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a small, raised, basket-shaped bed that stands on legs and is typically small and oval-shaped. Because of their size, bassinets are only suited for newborns up to about 6 months or 20 pounds. Check your bassinet’s instructions for more details. Babies who can roll themselves over should not sleep in a bassinet for safety reasons.
When choosing a bassinet, keep in mind the materials and features that are important to you. Bassinets come in a variety of styles, including traditional wicker and mid-century modern with hairpin legs. Some bassinets are movable with wheels while others have retractable walls, making it easier to tend to your baby.
Additionally, some bassinets come with modern smart features that will gently rock when your baby cries or play soothing ambient sounds to calm them down if they are fussy.
- Features: Bassinets are usually compact and portable. Some even have wheels so they can move easily, while other bassinets have adjustable legs that can fit under your bed to keep the bassinet (and your newborn) close.
- Things to consider: Bassinets are great for smaller spaces. Because newborns can only sleep in bassinets until they are 6 months old, 20 pounds or old enough to roll over, bassinets are short-term beds.
What Is a Crib?
A crib is a low bed with vertical posts that keep a child from climbing out. Cribs are larger than bassinets and rectangular in shape. You can use cribs for much longer than bassinets. There are many different types of cribs, including:
- Traditional cribs: Rectangular cribs that have four sides that you can place anywhere in a nursery.
- Miniature cribs: These are smaller versions of traditional cribs. The benefits of mini cribs are their easy-to-move frames and storage capabilities.
- Adjustable cribs: These will let you adjust the height of the mattress inside the crib. Many cribs are adjustable, so make sure to double-check if this is important to you.
- Convertible cribs: These cribs will eventually convert into toddler beds, meaning that you won’t have to buy a new bed when your child outgrows their crib.
When choosing a crib, consider a convertible option that will grow with your baby. You may also want to purchase a crib that has an adjustable mattress, so you can lay your baby down more easily when they are young but keep them from climbing out as they get older.
- Features: Many are convertible, turning into toddler beds when the time comes. Some have adjustable-height mattresses so you don’t have to reach down as far when your baby is young.
- Things to consider: Cribs are excellent long-term sleeping arrangements and great for larger spaces. Cribs help keep a consistent sleep routine over time, as a child won’t have to change beds for many years. Cribs can be difficult to fit into small spaces.
Bassinet vs. Crib Considerations
Understanding the pros and cons of bassinets vs. cribs will help you decide which is the best fit for you and your baby.
Price
If you are on a tight budget, a bassinet may be the right choice for you. Bassinets are cheaper than most cribs, but it’s important to remember that you’ll have to purchase a crib eventually since bassinets are only appropriate for newborns up to 6 months old.
Size
The size of a nursery is a big consideration when making the decision between a bassinet vs. a crib. If you live in a smaller space like a mobile home or apartment, a bassinet is a perfect solution to get you started.
If you’re worried about space, it might be in your best interest to check out a convertible mini crib. These options can save you space if you live in a small home or apartment.
Length of Use
A crib is your best bet if you’re looking for a long-term solution for your home nursery since you can only use bassinets until your newborn is 6 months old. While bassinets offer a stylish and space-saving option, it might be best to consider how you can save money over time by making only one purchase.
Pros and Cons of Bassinets
Because a bassinet is smaller, it is an excellent choice for smaller spaces or a nusery in master bedroom. Since newborns often sleep in the same room as their parents for some period of time, a bassinet provides a comfortable bed without taking up too much space in the primary bedroom. Bassinets also tend to be less expensive overall, and they are more portable. Additionally, you can set up bassinets higher off the ground, making easier to lay a baby, which can be especially helpful for those who have had cesarean sections or tough pregnancies. Lastly, you may simply prefer the style of a bassinet.
Pros of Bassinets
- Good for smaller spaces
- Less expensive than cribs
- Portable
- Higher off the ground
- Unique styles to choose from
Cons of Bassinets
- Short-term solution
- Baby may outgrow before 6 months depending on size
- Will need to purchase a crib anyway
Pros and Cons of a Crib
Cribs can be a great long-term solution since babies can sleep in cribs for much longer than bassinets. While cribs often cost more at first, some are convertible, eventually becoming toddler beds, which saves money later on. Some people also prefer the additional stability that cribs offer since they are lower to the ground. Using a crib from the beginning can help establish a consistent sleep routine because you won’t have to switch beds after a few months, and transitioning to a bed can be a fairly easy process.
Pros of Cribs
- Long-lasting
- Some can convert into a toddler bed or daybed
- Adjustable height
- Many varieties, styles, and sizes
Cons of Cribs
- More expensive than a bassinet
- Takes up more space than a bassinet
As you can see, both bassinets and cribs offer distinct advantages that may suit your particular situation. With all of this information, you can make an informed choice about the best sleeping solution for your newborn. No matter which option you choose, make sure to familiarize yourself with the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) sleep tips.
Bringing home a newborn is one of the most exciting events in life. Choosing between a bassinet vs. a crib is an important decision, but it’s just the start of planning the perfect nursery. You’ll also want to pick a theme for your kid’s room. Once you’ve tackled all of that, make sure you’ve got all of the nursery essentials stocked up to prepare for your newborn’s first night in their new home. With the right preparation and nursery organization, you can give your baby the home they deserve.
If your child already outgrew their crib, check out our toddler room ideas to help them transition from a crib to a bed.