A bassinet is a comfortable and safe place for your little one to sleep. But, you may be asking yourself how long can your baby sleep in a bassinet.
Your newborn can sleep in the bassinet for approximately 6 months or even until the time the baby starts to crawl.
Remember that the longer your baby spends in the bassinet, the more comfortable they feel..
Keep reading, and you’ll find out.
Why Use a Baby Bassinet?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sleeping your baby in a small bassinet gives multiple benefits compared to a crib.
These small-sized baby bassinets are portable, and it is easy for you to maneuver around with them from room to room.
Besides, they are smaller than the crib; thus, it is easy to put them next to your lovely bed for additional comfort, especially when your baby is young.
You will love the simplicity of some models which you can rock. Toddlers enjoy the bouncing from this bassinet since it’s similar to the womb.
Not to mention the coziness feeling, and since the bassinets are small in size, it feels extra comfortable.
How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?
You can use the bassinet until the time when your baby starts to push up its knees and hands or even attains 15 lbs. Most babies reach that milestone at around four to five months.
Many newer baby bassinets have top weight limits; there is a bassinet with a thirty-three lb weight limit. Keep in mind that the baby’s weight is one of the main factors to tell how long your little one can sleep in the bassinet.
Also, the physical capability is what to consider. When you picture these capabilities developing, it is essential to stop using the bassinet.
It is high time you end the confusion of babies sleeping on the bassinets for up to 6 months. According to research, it is crucial to move your baby to the crib after 3 months.
However, the AAP recommends that babies sleep using their backs while in the crib before attaining 6 months to avoid suffocation risks.
Read the user manual to follow the instructions keenly since not all baby bassinets have similar milestones.
Milestones to Tell How Long Your Baby Can Sleep in the Bassinet;
- If your baby can sit on their own
- The baby has attained the age limits
- The baby can rollover
- If your baby can push his knees and hands
- If your baby can pull on the sides
- The baby has attained a weight limit
- If the baby has outgrown the bassinet in terms of baby size
- Check the weight of the baby bassinet
Two Crucial Tips for Understanding How Long to Use the Bassinet
1. When the Baby Begins to Roll Over
When the baby begins rolling over in or on the bassinet is a clear indication that you need to transition your little one to the crib. So, consider moving them to the crib.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to transition the baby from the bassinet to the crib. Try involving your munchkin in some activities, such as singing songs, to make the transition easier.
2. If the Baby is Comfortable in the Bassinet
Baby safety and comfort should be a priority. So, it is important to ensure that you get the best bassinet for your baby for extra comfort.
Give your baby sleep similar to the bed by getting a bassinet with good sleeping space.
When the bassinet is smaller, it might get hotter, making the baby start moving more often, thus uncomfortable.
Besides, if your baby is below six to eight months, ensure that you select a bassinet that has enough space so that he does not overgrow it soon.
To avoid your baby from falling, or causing accidents, get a strong and well-constructed bassinet or even consider getting the best co-sleeper baby bassinet.
5 Ways of Transitioning Your Baby to the Crib from the Baby Bassinet
Moving your baby to the crib feels like a huge transition. Some babies may adjust easily, while others feel confused in a new setting.
Luckily enough, we have gathered some incredible ways for a smoother transition.
Check this out;
1. Prepare Your Crib
Make sure that your crib is safe for the kid. Check on the bed’s firmness since soft mattresses may be difficult for the baby to roll over.
Ensure no toys or loose blankets are tucked with your baby to avoid choking.
2. Prepare Your Baby
Before switching your baby to the crib, ensure that you have prepared your baby well to avoid him from getting uncomfortable when sleeping in the bassinet.
You can let the baby sleep in the new crib before taking him to bed so that the baby can get used to sleeping in it slowly. Additionally, you can sit next to the crib to give extra support during the night.
3. Prepare Yourself
Since you are used to sleeping with your baby in the same room, it can be mind-taking to accept that your baby needs his own space.
When babies grow, they will need to face the world independently as it is a critical skill for each kid.
4. Schedule the Sleeping Pattern for Your Baby
A proper schedule helps the baby and adults maintain their sanity. It is difficult to chase the kids around, and it can be hard to remember what is next.
Having a proper day-to-day schedule will help big time. Furthermore, it will aid the kids in their activities, thus ensuring more joy and less stress.
5. Use Baby Monitors and Sound Machines.
When the little munchkin was in the womb, he became used to the continuous motions and sounds. Giving him a similar motion and sound makes him feel comfortable and secure in his space.
2 Main Risks of Sleeping in the Bassinet
1. Suffocation Risks
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids need to sleep in their parent’s room until they are 6 months old. The AAP recommends that because of the suffocation risks during the 1st few months.
To avoid such risks, ensure that you follow the guidelines keenly. For an instant, the bassinet comes with a mattress pad which you can use to cover your baby so that he does not have any loose bedding access.
In addition, ensure that the baby bassinet is placed in firm areas and has extra ventilation. If you take these precautions, you will stay less worried about your baby’s safety as he sleeps in the bassinet.
2. Airway Obstruction Risks
If your baby spends more time sleeping in the bassinet, there are high chances of airway obstruction. The weight of the baby’s head on the crib or mattress may obstruct the throat, thus making breathing difficult.
It is crucial to transition the baby from bassinet to the crib upon attaining 6 months to avoid such risks. Cribs are equipped with rails that prevent the babies from rolling over; hence 100% guaranteed safety.
Safety Conditions for Your Baby
- Share a room with your little munchkin until the baby is 6 months or one year.
- Remove blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, and toys from the baby’s sleeping surface.
- Always ensure that the baby sleeps on their back in their sleeping area
- Ensure that you’re your baby’s crib or bassinet has a mattress that is firm and well-fitted crib sheets
- Stop swaddling your baby once they show rolling over signs
- Always maintain the temperatures of your baby’s sleeping area comfortable
- Don’t smoke near the baby or in spaces that they sleep
- Breastfeeding your little one more often to lower SIDS risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bassinet?
You do not need a bassinet, but you need a safe sleeping area for your little one.
Can you safely co-sleep with a newborn?
For the 1st six to twelve months of the baby’s life, it is safe for the babies to sleep next to their parent’s bed using a cot.
Can you overfeed a newborn?
It is rare to overfeed a baby, although it commonly happens when using a bottle to feed the baby.
When will newborns sleep in a bassinet?
A bassinet is a perfect place for the newborn to sleep for up to four months.
Can babies smell their mom?
Theoretically, babies can smell the scent of their mothers from the time they are in the womb.
Final Thoughts
Watching your baby grow safely and comfortable is an achievement for each parent.
But remember that giving your baby space makes them grow independent and stronger. Knowing how long a baby can sleep in the bassinet is essential to avoid many risks (how can a baby sleep in a bassinet without swaddle) .
It is important to know the kind of bassinet you need for your baby to ensure safety and comfort.
Moreover, it is critical to go through the user manual and read the instructions given keenly.
