Having a baby is a blessing, but a lot of preparation is required before the said baby finally arrives.
Everyone who has been a parent understands this, and for those who are to become new parents, this is one thing you have to consider.
Aside from clothes, the other main thing you have to do is determine where the baby will sleep.
This raises an important question;
Do You Need Both a Bassinet and a Crib for Your Baby?
Well in truth, most parents prefer to have both. However, even though they have the same function, there is a nuanced difference between the two of them, and you have to understand this before you make your final decision.
What Exactly Is The Difference Between A Bassinet And A Crib?
Note that both the bassinet and the crib are safe sleeping choices for your little one.
The differences are nuanced, and thus you can choose one based on your needs and preferences.
1. Size
The most obvious difference between the two is size. The crib is a bit bigger than the bassinet, and thus it takes up a lot more space. This also means that because bassinets are smaller than cribs, they are also more portable.
2. Coverage
Another difference is coverage. Bassinets, unlike cribs, have a cover over the top that you can pull over to cover the baby while they are sleeping.
This means that you can filter out the light, and noise to a degree if you wish to. Cribs, on the other hand, have a longer life span. It is not uncommon to find that all the siblings in a household have used the same crib.
Additionally, the crib is a bit more malleable. It can be converted to a toddler bed after the baby is all grown up and then reverted back to a crib if need be.
3. Weight Limits
Bassinets, on account of their size, have some weight limits.
This is not an issue early on, as most babies tend to be relatively the same size when they are born.
However, as the baby grows, the bassinet will feel smaller and smaller, and thus you will have to get either a larger bassinet, a crib, or a toddler bed.
Since cribs are more versatile and have a longer lifespan, they are more expensive than bassinets.
However, when you compare the initial cost of investment you will spend on a crib with the amount of money you will use on a bassinet, and all the things you will have to buy after the bassinet, then cribs are a much cheaper option in the long run.
What Should You Into Consideration?
Aside from the pros and cons that we have already listed above, there are a couple of other things that you will have to pay some mind to.
1. House
The first and most essential thing is where in the house the baby is going to sleep.
If the bedroom is too small, then you will prefer a bassinet over a crib.
Even if the house is big, you may still prefer a bassinet since it is more portable.
This is because it gives you the ability to move with your baby to different parts of the house while they are having their naps and even at night, without disturbing them.
2. Ease Of Use
Another thing that you have to take into consideration is how easily you can use the item.
Cribs have sides that are much higher than those found in the bassinet, and thus it may be a little bit more difficult to place your, baby, inside.
This fact is proliferated if you have had a caesarian delivery or difficult birth. The sides of the bassinet are way shorter, and thus you will not have to worry too much about placing your child inside it.
3. Price
Price is another thing that you will have to take into account.
A s mentioned earlier, it costs more to get a crib than to purchase a bassinet.
However, the additional costs that come with a bassinet are way more than those attached to a crib.
Moreover, a crib has a longer life span, and can even be used as a toddler bed when the child is all grown up.
4. Aesthetics
Finally, the last thing, which may seem minute at first but does have some importance, is aesthetics.
It is important to look at how either the crib or the bassinet ties into the rest of the room and house.
Even though cribs are safer, they at times look bland and bare and even a little bit uncomfortable.
The bassinet, on the other hand, is a bit cozier and smaller, and thus it looks neither too big nor too sparse for the newborn.
The Takeaway
Therefore, get what you find to be the most comfortable for the baby.
Additionally, you also have to make sure that the most recent safety standards are met.
If you decide on getting a crib, make sure that it meets all the safety regulations that have been outlined in the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The mattress that you get for the baby should be firm and flat but also comfortable and cozy. Additionally, the distance between the edge of the bed and the mattress should not exceed two fingers’ width of space.
If the said bed comes with slates, the distance between them should not exceed 2 3/8 inches, thus making sure that the head of the baby does not fit between them.
Another thing you have to make sure you do not do is place the crib or the bassinet near any drapes, cords, or any other strangulation hazards.
Make sure that you never use sleep positioners or extra padding.
After you buy the crib or the bassinet, you should always check on its condition before you use it, even if it is brand new.
This is especially important if you have to put it together, as is sometimes the case with cribs.
Make sure that you follow all the instructions properly while you are assembling it, and ensure that all the nooks and crannies pertaining to the hardware are properly tightened.
If you are buying an already used bed, then you need to make sure that no damage has occurred.
If there is such damage, then ensure that you fix it first, test it out effectively, and then use it.
Conclusion
Though it may seem like a big decision you are about to make.
The difference between cribs and bassinets is really about your preference, and what you and your baby are comfortable with.
So, take your time, and get what is best for you.
