Skip to main content

Bassinet vs. crib: Which is better for your baby?

Whether you’re about to become a new parent for the first time or the fifth time, you’re probably nervous thinking about your infant’s sleeping arrangement. As parents, everyone wants to make the perfect decision, and while perfection may not exist, we’re here to help you make the most well-informed decision regarding your baby’s sleeping arrangement. The bassinet versus crib debate has always been an ongoing one, but before we jump into which one is best, let’s discuss the basics of newborn sleeping.

If possible, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, make sure your baby sleeps in the same room as you for their first six months, if not a year, to reduce the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, new studies show that your newborn can sleep in their own room at 4 months old. Just take care not to share a bed while sleeping with your newborn, in addition to keeping pillows and blankets away from your sleeping baby, with the exception of swaddling. Finally, a firm mattress and placement on their back will give your infant a sound and safe sleep.

Now let’s talk bassinets and cribs!

The basics of the bassinet

Let’s get down to it: A bassinet is a small cradle designed for newborns up to 4 months old or until they reach about 20 pounds. They are circularly shaped with sides made of various fabrics to provide your little one comfort while keeping them secure. The height of the bassinet usually comes to an adult’s waist, making it easy for you to put your baby down or glance over at them if you’re in bed.

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, the recovery process isn’t easy, especially when you have to care for a newborn. Thanks to their height, bassinets are helpful when it comes to laying your newborn down because it’s less exertion for you. Another bonus of the bassinet is its mobility. You can easily place a bassinet next to your bed or the couch to keep an eye on your little one wherever you are and have your newborn nearby while you sleep.

The downfall of the bassinet is that after month four, a bassinet can become dangerous for your infant once they start moving around — the last thing we want is a tipping bassinet once your baby learns to roll over. While a bassinet is initially cheaper than a crib, you only get a few months’ use out of it, so a crib is coming your way eventually.

Image used with permission by copyright holder
Alex Bodini/Unsplash

Crib characteristics 

If you’re nervous about stability, perhaps you may want to opt for a crib from the get-go. Made from durable wood materials and tall sides, the frame of a crib is as sturdy as your own bed. Plus, you can even get a convertible crib to grow with your child — some cribs can be changed into a toddler bed. Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a non-changing one, cribs are definitely a long-term investment. If you plan on having more kids, odds are that the crib will be able to last through every child.

A con of the crib is that it can be physically difficult to put your baby down post-birth because the mattress lays deep within the crib. Bending over may not be in your best interest if you are having a difficult recovery. Depending on your space, you may not be able to install a crib in your room due to the nature of the crib’s size and stationary design. However, because cribs are so large, some of them have fun features like extra drawers or an attached changing table.

Which one is better?

There are a lot of details to consider, so let’s quickly break it down:

  • Size: Bassinets are a lot smaller than cribs, making them the ideal choice to place in your bedroom.
  • Cost: A bassinet is initially cheaper, but eventually, you’ll have to buy a crib to support your growing baby.
  • Time: A crib can be used well into toddler years, while bassinets have a short life span in terms of usage.
  • Mobility: The bassinet is both easy to move around your home and for you to pick your infant up from. Although cribs may seem stuck in place, they are definitely the sturdier option.

The key takeaways? There are significant differences in size, mobility, and location. Only you can decide which factors are most important to you, but we can all agree that safety reigns supreme. As long as you follow the recommended timelines, your infant will be in safe hands — or, rather, a safe bed. The crib is better for long-term investment and stability, while the bassinet offers you space and mobility. The two sleeping arrangements offer two very different things — only you can decide what works best for you and your baby.

Editors' Recommendations

Antonia Maric
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Antonia Maric originally hails from Westchester, New York. Aside from writing, Antonia takes pride in exploring national…
Why peekaboo baby is a great game to play with your little one
When do babies play peekaboo? You should start playing as soon as possible
Toddler playing peekaboo.

We all play the same adorable baby games when there's an infant around. Peekaboo is one game that's always at the top. Your grandparents played it with your parents, your parents played it with you, and now you’re playing it with your child. But what’s the deal with the peekaboo baby game? Why do babies absolutely love this simple game?

Could it be that during a game of peekaboo, baby brains are undergoing some sort of important developmental process? If you’ve read any literature on infant development, you could guess that, yes, peekaboo definitely plays a role in your child’s development. Here’s everything you need to know about this game and why you should play it with your mini human. 

Read more
Every crib needs a great baby mobile: Here are 7 reasons why
A baby mobile is one thing you shouldn't skip for your little one's nursery
A mother looking at her baby in the crib with a baby mobile.

Parents-to-be love decorating the nursery. From the wall colors to the bedding, everything has a scheme and theme that comes together with every item. Some items you could probably leave on the store shelf, like the crib bumpers. But one item you might think about skipping - but shouldn't - is the baby mobile.

Whether you want to stay as neutral as possible or go all out, the baby mobile could create a fun pop of personality in your precious one's room. With the inclusion of the appropriate baby mobile, theming is made much simpler. Let's explore a few other reasons why you should invest in a quality baby mobile for your child’s crib.

Read more
When can babies have chocolate milk? This is when it’s safe to let your child indulge
A glass of chocolate milk with a straw

Oh, chocolate milk is the ultimate treat! It's creamy, chocolatey, and just oh-so-tasty! While you are having yourself a glass, you may be tempted to give your child some of that rich, chocolatey goodness. But are little babes old enough to try it yet? When can babies have chocolate milk? It can be quite the job to keep up with what babies can have and at one age. So, for this delectable treat, we will help you find out when little ones can indulge in a glass.

Babies shouldn't have sweets or milk if they're not at least one year old. But even if they've celebrated that first birthday, there are other factors to consider.

Read more