Bassinet vs. Crib: Which Safe Sleep Space is Best for Your Newborn?

An expert comparison of bassinets and cribs, analyzing size, cost, safety, and longevity to help you choose the best safe sleep space for your newborn.

Our Top Products Picks

ProductAction
Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Mattress and Soft, Breathable Sheet, Full-Mesh Sides, 6-Height Adjustable, Stable and Secure Crib for Newborns

Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Mattress and Soft, Breathable Sheet, Full-Mesh Sides, 6-Height Adjustable, Stable and Secure Crib for Newborns

Convenient Care for New Parents: Our bassinet seamlessly converts into a bedside sleeper, diaper table, or standalone crib, offering flexibility to care for your baby whenever and wherever needed Comfortable Space for Newborns: Featuring a supportive mattress and soft, breathable sheet with a water-resistant layer to keep the mattress dry. Ample storage keeps baby essentials handy, ensuring a cozy and organized space Full-Mesh Design for Visibility: The full mesh sides promote airflow and reduce the risk of suffocation, while the see-through design allows parents to easily keep an eye on their baby. Removable fabric cover for hassle-free cleaning Easy Nighttime Access: The bedside bassinet has a drop-down side and 6 adjustable height settings to fit most adult beds, making nighttime feeding easier. The 3-7° incline helps prevent reflux, keeping your baby comfortable Safety First Design: Built with a sturdy, extra-wide base for enhanced stability, ensuring a flat, secure sleeping surface. Our customer support is always available if you need assistance

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet, Award Winner Lightweight Travel Baby Bassinet, Foldable Bedside Sleeper, Adjustable Double Canopy, Spacious Design, Soft Fabric, Storage Basket – Blue and Grey

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet, Award Winner Lightweight Travel Baby Bassinet, Foldable Bedside Sleeper, Adjustable Double Canopy, Spacious Design, Soft Fabric, Storage Basket – Blue and Grey

Polyester Imported Award-Winning Design: Proud winner of the 2021 National Parenting Product Award, Mom’s Choice Award, and LittleOneMag Best Baby Bassinets 2020—trusted by parents for quality, comfort, and safety. Spacious & Portable: Bassinet dimensions : 33″ L x 19.5″ W x 37″ H; Folded with carry bag – 6″ x 19.5″ x 32″; Folded without legs – 6″ x 19.5″ x 20″. Lightweight at 12.4 lbs and supports newborns up to 25 lbs. Adjustable Double Canopy: Keeps your baby protected from sunlight, bugs, and curious pets while maintaining an airy, breathable environment for comfortable sleep anywhere. Dual-Sided Mattress & Safety Certified: Comes with a 1-inch thick, dual-sided mattress pad meeting ASTM, CPSC, and BSA certification standards—providing comfort and peace of mind for every nap. Soft Fabric & Smart Storage: Crafted with soft, easy-to-clean polyester fabric and a large storage bag for baby essentials. The lightweight aluminum frame offers easy folding for indoor or outdoor use.

Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet | Bedside Sleeper | 6-Position Height Adjustment | Driftwood Grey

Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet | Bedside Sleeper | 6-Position Height Adjustment | Driftwood Grey

Baby Delight

100% Polyester Imported MAXIMUM SAFETY: Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safely nestled in the bedside sleeper. Anchors at the bottom firmly secure the bassinet to your adult bed to make sure it stays snug and in place. JMPA certified. STYLYISH AND COZY: Your little one will rest on a comfy, yet firm mattress surrounded by breathable, mesh walls that keep air circulating. At Baby Delight, we believe that parents should still have beautiful things. Because of that, the Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet is meant to fit in any home’s decor. FULL ACCESSABLILITY: When it is in bedside sleeper mode, simply unzip the panel closest to your bed to bring your baby close to your side. Easily lean over to nurse, comfort, or just check on your baby during the night. Sometimes you just need to know that they are right there beside you. USE FOR ANY BED: Our high-quality baby bassinet can be adjusted to 6 different height positions, which means you can change the height to fit most adult beds. Simply turn the knob on the side to bring the bassinet to your desired height. DESIGNED IN USA: Easy, tool free assembly & trusted by parents for over 20 years. Locally owned and operated in Rhode Island, USA.

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet, Portable Baby Bed, for Infants 0 – 5 Months, Driftwood Grey

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet, Portable Baby Bed, for Infants 0 – 5 Months, Driftwood Grey

‎50% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 20% Metal YOUR ON-THE-GO SOLUTION: As a parent, we know life takes you different places. So, we designed this Snuggle Nest Bassinet to be lightweight, portable, and have a tool free set-up. Simply fold it up, and off you go! MAXIMUM SAFETY AND STYLE: JPMA certified and designed with a sturdy frame ensuring maximum safety. You shouldn’t sacrifice safety for style, so we created this bedside bassinet to fit into any home. Recommended for up to 5 months of age or 20lbs. COMFORTABLE AND BREATHABLE: This baby bed creates a cozy and safe sleep environment for your child at home or on the road. It is fashioned with comfort-mesh walls that allow for breathability as well as a soft mattress to lay on. QUICK CLEAN-UP: Since we know little ones can be messy, we designed the baby lounger’s sheet, mattress, and entire bassinet cover to be removed and thrown in the wash. Simple and easy! DESIGNED IN USA: Trusted by parents for over 20 years. Locally owned and operated in Rhode Island, USA. The tall walls are lined with a soft, comfort-mesh helping to provide ample air circulation and breathability. Because we know little ones can be messy, the included sheet and mattress along with the bassinet's cover can be removed and machine washed.

Baby Bassinet, Bedside Bassinet for Baby, 3 in 1 Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Mosquito Net, Adjustable Easy Folding Portable Bed for Infant Newborn (Dark Grey)

Baby Bassinet, Bedside Bassinet for Baby, 3 in 1 Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Mosquito Net, Adjustable Easy Folding Portable Bed for Infant Newborn (Dark Grey)

3 in 1 Baby Bassinet: This Baby Bassinet is armed with CPC, ASTM, and CPSIA Certified. All Baby Bassinet of production process and strict quality inspection. This baby cradle can be used as a standalone crib. When one side is lowered, it can be used as a bedside sleeper, making nighttime care of the baby convenient. After rotating the side button, it can be transformed into a rocking cradle, mimicking gentle parental rocking to create a tranquil environment for the baby. Height Adjustable: Our bedside crib cradle features 3 adjustable heights. You can easily adjust the height using the buttons on both sides of the cradle to accommodate different bed heights or sofas. By adjusting the incline mode, it effectively prevents infant reflux, ensuring a comfortable and convenient feeding experience. Multifunctional Features: This bedside crib has a spacious interior with a built-in mosquito net. The mattress is soft and firm to provide comfort for your baby. It also includes a large storage basket for baby essentials and side pockets for easy access to bottles. Portability and Breathable Mesh Cover: This baby crib is designed for easy mobility, and the breathable mesh cover maximizes air circulation, making it easy to monitor the baby. It comes with four silent wheels with brakes to ensure safe and smooth movement. Friendly Design: This bedside crib can be quickly installed without tools and easily disassembled and folded to fit into a travel bag or car trunk for convenient transportation. The bedsheet and side fabric are detachable, ensuring easy maintenance and cleaning. Hand washing is recommended.

Baby Bassinet, 3 in 1 Bedside Bassinets for Baby, Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Adjustable Height with Rocking Mode, Breathable Mesh, Storage Basket, Easy Assemble & Folding (Dark Gray)

Baby Bassinet, 3 in 1 Bedside Bassinets for Baby, Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Adjustable Height with Rocking Mode, Breathable Mesh, Storage Basket, Easy Assemble & Folding (Dark Gray)

Versatile 3-in-1 Design: Our Baby Bassinet offers three different functions in one product. It can standalone crib, bedside sleeper or portable travel bed. This versatile design ensures that you can use it according to your specific needs and preferences. Enhanced Safety and Comfort: The Baby Bassinet is made with a safe and breathable mesh material, providing optimal airflow and visibility for your baby. It also includes an adjustable height feature, allowing you to align it perfectly with your own bed, ensuring easy access to your little one. Easy Assembly and Folding: We understand the importance of convenience for busy parents, which is why our Baby Bassinet is designed for easy assembly and folding. It can be set up quickly and effortlessly, and when not in use, it can be easily folded and stored away, making it ideal for travel or compact storage. Convenient Storage and Mobility: Our Baby Bassinet comes equipped with a storage basket, providing a convenient space to keep essential items such as diapers, wipes, or toys within reach. Additionally, it features wheels that allow for easy mobility, making it effortless to move the bassinet from room to room. Complete Package: When you purchase our Baby Bassinet, you'll receive everything you need for a comfortable and secure environment for your little one. The package includes a mattress that offers adequate support.

Choosing the right place for your newborn to sleep is one of the first major decisions you'll make as a parent. The bassinet vs. crib debate is common, and both are safe options when used correctly. The key is to create an environment that adheres to safe sleep practices. For a complete overview of these crucial guidelines, our A Parent's Guide to Newborn Safe Sleep: AAP Recommendations is an essential resource. This guide will directly compare bassinets and cribs on key factors like safety, cost, and longevity to help you make an informed choice for your family.

At a Glance: Bassinet vs. Crib Comparison

Before we dive into the details, here is a head-to-head breakdown of the core differences between a bassinet and a standard crib.

FeatureBassinetCrib
Size & PortabilitySmall, lightweight, and often portableLarge, heavy, and stationary
Duration of UseShort-term (approx. 3-6 months)Long-term (approx. 2-3 years, often convertible)
CostLower initial cost ($50 - $250+)Higher initial cost ($150 - $1,000+)
ProximityIdeal for room-sharing; can be bedsideRequires more space; may not fit in the bedroom
SafetyMust meet CPSC standards; has weight/age limitsMust meet CPSC standards; long-term safe space

Size, Space, and Portability

Bassinets are defined by their small footprint. They are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to move from room to room. This makes them an excellent choice for parents with limited space or those who want to keep their newborn close for naps during the day and sleep at night. Their portability is a significant convenience in the early months.

Cribs are a permanent nursery fixture. They are significantly larger and heavier, designed to stay in one place. While this lacks convenience, it provides a dedicated, consistent sleep environment for your child as they grow. The choice here depends entirely on your living space and desire for portability.

Verdict: For portability and small spaces, the bassinet is the clear winner. For a long-term, stationary sleep space, the crib is the only option.

Duration of Use and Longevity

Duration of Use and Longevity

This is one of the most critical differentiators. A bassinet is a temporary solution. Most have a weight limit of 15-20 pounds or are outgrown once a baby can push up on their hands and knees or roll over, which typically happens between 3 to 6 months. Its utility is finite.

A crib, on the other hand, is a long-term investment. A standard crib can be used until your child is ready to transition to a toddler bed, around age 2 or 3. Many modern cribs are convertible, transforming from a crib to a toddler bed and even a daybed or full-size bed, extending their use for many years.

Verdict: The crib offers far superior longevity and long-term value. A bassinet is a short-term, transitional tool.

Cost and Overall Value

Initially, a bassinet is the more budget-friendly option, with many safe models available for under $150. However, because it's a short-term product, you will eventually need to purchase a crib or other long-term sleep solution. The cost is lower, but it's an additional cost.

Cribs represent a higher upfront investment. Prices vary widely based on material, brand, and convertibility features. While more expensive at the outset, a crib's long-term utility provides better overall value, as it's a one-time purchase that lasts for years.

Verdict: The bassinet has a lower initial cost, but the crib provides significantly better long-term financial value.

Safety and AAP Guidelines

Both bassinets and cribs are safe for newborns, provided they meet current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards and are used correctly. Regardless of your choice, the core principles of safe sleep apply:

  • Firm, Flat Surface: The mattress should be firm and fit snugly within the frame. There should be no incline.
  • Bare is Best: The sleep space should be empty. No blankets, pillows, bumpers, or soft toys.
  • Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months. A bassinet makes this recommendation easier to follow due to its small size, allowing it to be placed safely next to your bed.

Verdict: Both are equally safe when CPSC-certified and used properly. A bassinet offers a practical advantage for implementing the AAP's room-sharing recommendation.

Transitioning from Bassinet to Crib

Transitioning from Bassinet to Crib

Most parents start with a bassinet for convenience and then move their baby to a crib. The transition is a common concern but can be managed smoothly.

  1. Know the Signs: Transition when your baby approaches the weight limit, can roll over, or can push up. Don't wait until they've outgrown it.
  2. Start with Naps: Begin by having your baby take one nap a day in the crib to get them used to the new environment.
  3. Create a Consistent Routine: Keep the same calming bedtime routine you used with the bassinet. Familiarity helps ease change.
  4. Spend Time in the Room: Play with your baby in their nursery during the day so the room becomes a familiar, happy place.

The choice between a bassinet and a crib ultimately comes down to your family's needs, space, and budget for the first few months.

  • Choose a bassinet if: You want maximum convenience for room-sharing, have limited space, and want a portable sleep option for the first 3-6 months.
  • Choose a crib if: You want to make a single, long-term purchase, have dedicated nursery space, and prefer to establish a permanent sleep environment from the start.

Many parents find using a bassinet first and then transitioning to a crib offers the best of both worlds: convenience in the newborn phase and a long-term solution as their baby grows. Whichever you choose, prioritizing a safe setup is the most important step. To ensure you've covered all the bases, review our complete A Parent's Guide to Newborn Safe Sleep: AAP Recommendations for detailed guidance.

Our Top Picks

Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Mattress and Soft, Breathable Sheet, Full-Mesh Sides, 6-Height Adjustable, Stable and Secure Crib for Newborns

Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Mattress and Soft, Breathable Sheet, Full-Mesh Sides, 6-Height Adjustable, Stable and Secure Crib for Newborns

Convenient Care for New Parents: Our bassinet seamlessly converts into a bedside sleeper, diaper table, or standalone crib, offering flexibility to care for your baby whenever and wherever needed Comfortable Space for Newborns: Featuring a supportive mattress and soft, breathable sheet with a water-resistant layer to keep the mattress dry. Ample storage keeps baby essentials handy, ensuring a cozy and organized space Full-Mesh Design for Visibility: The full mesh sides promote airflow and reduce the risk of suffocation, while the see-through design allows parents to easily keep an eye on their baby. Removable fabric cover for hassle-free cleaning Easy Nighttime Access: The bedside bassinet has a drop-down side and 6 adjustable height settings to fit most adult beds, making nighttime feeding easier. The 3-7° incline helps prevent reflux, keeping your baby comfortable Safety First Design: Built with a sturdy, extra-wide base for enhanced stability, ensuring a flat, secure sleeping surface. Our customer support is always available if you need assistance

$189.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible
Dream On Me Karley Bassinet, Award Winner Lightweight Travel Baby Bassinet, Foldable Bedside Sleeper, Adjustable Double Canopy, Spacious Design, Soft Fabric, Storage Basket – Blue and Grey

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet, Award Winner Lightweight Travel Baby Bassinet, Foldable Bedside Sleeper, Adjustable Double Canopy, Spacious Design, Soft Fabric, Storage Basket – Blue and Grey

Polyester Imported Award-Winning Design: Proud winner of the 2021 National Parenting Product Award, Mom’s Choice Award, and LittleOneMag Best Baby Bassinets 2020—trusted by parents for quality, comfort, and safety. Spacious & Portable: Bassinet dimensions : 33″ L x 19.5″ W x 37″ H; Folded with carry bag – 6″ x 19.5″ x 32″; Folded without legs – 6″ x 19.5″ x 20″. Lightweight at 12.4 lbs and supports newborns up to 25 lbs. Adjustable Double Canopy: Keeps your baby protected from sunlight, bugs, and curious pets while maintaining an airy, breathable environment for comfortable sleep anywhere. Dual-Sided Mattress & Safety Certified: Comes with a 1-inch thick, dual-sided mattress pad meeting ASTM, CPSC, and BSA certification standards—providing comfort and peace of mind for every nap. Soft Fabric & Smart Storage: Crafted with soft, easy-to-clean polyester fabric and a large storage bag for baby essentials. The lightweight aluminum frame offers easy folding for indoor or outdoor use.

$49.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible
Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet | Bedside Sleeper | 6-Position Height Adjustment | Driftwood Grey
Baby Delight

Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet | Bedside Sleeper | 6-Position Height Adjustment | Driftwood Grey

100% Polyester Imported MAXIMUM SAFETY: Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safely nestled in the bedside sleeper. Anchors at the bottom firmly secure the bassinet to your adult bed to make sure it stays snug and in place. JMPA certified. STYLYISH AND COZY: Your little one will rest on a comfy, yet firm mattress surrounded by breathable, mesh walls that keep air circulating. At Baby Delight, we believe that parents should still have beautiful things. Because of that, the Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet is meant to fit in any home’s decor. FULL ACCESSABLILITY: When it is in bedside sleeper mode, simply unzip the panel closest to your bed to bring your baby close to your side. Easily lean over to nurse, comfort, or just check on your baby during the night. Sometimes you just need to know that they are right there beside you. USE FOR ANY BED: Our high-quality baby bassinet can be adjusted to 6 different height positions, which means you can change the height to fit most adult beds. Simply turn the knob on the side to bring the bassinet to your desired height. DESIGNED IN USA: Easy, tool free assembly & trusted by parents for over 20 years. Locally owned and operated in Rhode Island, USA.

Key Features

  • 100% Polyester
  • Imported
  • MAXIMUM SAFETY: Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safely nestled in the bedside sleeper. Anchors at the bottom firmly secure the bassinet to your adult bed to make sure it stays snug and in place. JMPA certified.
  • STYLYISH AND COZY: Your little one will rest on a comfy, yet firm mattress surrounded by breathable, mesh walls that keep air circulating. At Baby Delight, we believe that parents should still have beautiful things. Because of that, the Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet is meant to fit in any home’s decor.

Specifications

Color‎Driftwood Grey
Brand‎Baby Delight
Product Dimensions‎37"L x 24"W x 37"H
Product Care Instructions‎Machine Wash
Frame Material‎Plastic,Metal
Item Weight‎19 pounds
$159.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible
Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet, Portable Baby Bed, for Infants 0 – 5 Months, Driftwood Grey

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Bassinet, Portable Baby Bed, for Infants 0 – 5 Months, Driftwood Grey

‎50% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 20% Metal YOUR ON-THE-GO SOLUTION: As a parent, we know life takes you different places. So, we designed this Snuggle Nest Bassinet to be lightweight, portable, and have a tool free set-up. Simply fold it up, and off you go! MAXIMUM SAFETY AND STYLE: JPMA certified and designed with a sturdy frame ensuring maximum safety. You shouldn’t sacrifice safety for style, so we created this bedside bassinet to fit into any home. Recommended for up to 5 months of age or 20lbs. COMFORTABLE AND BREATHABLE: This baby bed creates a cozy and safe sleep environment for your child at home or on the road. It is fashioned with comfort-mesh walls that allow for breathability as well as a soft mattress to lay on. QUICK CLEAN-UP: Since we know little ones can be messy, we designed the baby lounger’s sheet, mattress, and entire bassinet cover to be removed and thrown in the wash. Simple and easy! DESIGNED IN USA: Trusted by parents for over 20 years. Locally owned and operated in Rhode Island, USA. The tall walls are lined with a soft, comfort-mesh helping to provide ample air circulation and breathability. Because we know little ones can be messy, the included sheet and mattress along with the bassinet's cover can be removed and machine washed.

$49.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible
Baby Bassinet, Bedside Bassinet for Baby, 3 in 1 Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Mosquito Net, Adjustable Easy Folding Portable Bed for Infant Newborn (Dark Grey)

Baby Bassinet, Bedside Bassinet for Baby, 3 in 1 Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Mosquito Net, Adjustable Easy Folding Portable Bed for Infant Newborn (Dark Grey)

3 in 1 Baby Bassinet: This Baby Bassinet is armed with CPC, ASTM, and CPSIA Certified. All Baby Bassinet of production process and strict quality inspection. This baby cradle can be used as a standalone crib. When one side is lowered, it can be used as a bedside sleeper, making nighttime care of the baby convenient. After rotating the side button, it can be transformed into a rocking cradle, mimicking gentle parental rocking to create a tranquil environment for the baby. Height Adjustable: Our bedside crib cradle features 3 adjustable heights. You can easily adjust the height using the buttons on both sides of the cradle to accommodate different bed heights or sofas. By adjusting the incline mode, it effectively prevents infant reflux, ensuring a comfortable and convenient feeding experience. Multifunctional Features: This bedside crib has a spacious interior with a built-in mosquito net. The mattress is soft and firm to provide comfort for your baby. It also includes a large storage basket for baby essentials and side pockets for easy access to bottles. Portability and Breathable Mesh Cover: This baby crib is designed for easy mobility, and the breathable mesh cover maximizes air circulation, making it easy to monitor the baby. It comes with four silent wheels with brakes to ensure safe and smooth movement. Friendly Design: This bedside crib can be quickly installed without tools and easily disassembled and folded to fit into a travel bag or car trunk for convenient transportation. The bedsheet and side fabric are detachable, ensuring easy maintenance and cleaning. Hand washing is recommended.

$87.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible
Baby Bassinet, 3 in 1 Bedside Bassinets for Baby, Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Adjustable Height with Rocking Mode, Breathable Mesh, Storage Basket, Easy Assemble & Folding (Dark Gray)

Baby Bassinet, 3 in 1 Bedside Bassinets for Baby, Bassinet Bedside Sleeper with Wheels, Adjustable Height with Rocking Mode, Breathable Mesh, Storage Basket, Easy Assemble & Folding (Dark Gray)

Versatile 3-in-1 Design: Our Baby Bassinet offers three different functions in one product. It can standalone crib, bedside sleeper or portable travel bed. This versatile design ensures that you can use it according to your specific needs and preferences. Enhanced Safety and Comfort: The Baby Bassinet is made with a safe and breathable mesh material, providing optimal airflow and visibility for your baby. It also includes an adjustable height feature, allowing you to align it perfectly with your own bed, ensuring easy access to your little one. Easy Assembly and Folding: We understand the importance of convenience for busy parents, which is why our Baby Bassinet is designed for easy assembly and folding. It can be set up quickly and effortlessly, and when not in use, it can be easily folded and stored away, making it ideal for travel or compact storage. Convenient Storage and Mobility: Our Baby Bassinet comes equipped with a storage basket, providing a convenient space to keep essential items such as diapers, wipes, or toys within reach. Additionally, it features wheels that allow for easy mobility, making it effortless to move the bassinet from room to room. Complete Package: When you purchase our Baby Bassinet, you'll receive everything you need for a comfortable and secure environment for your little one. The package includes a mattress that offers adequate support.

$89.99
Buy Now on Amazon
Free delivery available • Prime eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a newborn sleep in a crib right away?
Yes, it is perfectly safe for a newborn to sleep in a CPSC-approved crib from day one, as long as you follow all safe sleep guidelines, such as using a firm mattress and keeping the crib bare.
How long can my baby use a bassinet?
Most bassinets have a weight limit of 15-20 pounds. You should stop using it once your baby reaches that limit or when they begin to roll over or push up on their hands and knees, whichever comes first (usually around 3-6 months).
Is a bassinet safer than a crib for a newborn?
Neither is inherently safer than the other. Both are safe when they meet current CPSC safety standards and are used correctly. A bassinet's smaller size can make it easier to follow AAP room-sharing recommendations, which can reduce the risk of SIDS.
When is the right time to transition from a bassinet to a crib?
The right time is before your baby outgrows the bassinet's safety limits. Watch for signs like approaching the weight limit, rolling over, or pushing up. It's best to transition proactively rather than waiting for it to become unsafe.
What are the most important safe sleep rules for a crib or bassinet?
The core rules are: always place the baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with no incline. The sleep space should be completely empty—no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or soft toys.
Do I really need both a bassinet and a crib?
No, you do not need both. A crib is a long-term necessity, while a bassinet is a short-term convenience. Many parents choose a bassinet for the first few months for its portability and proximity, but you can safely use a crib from the very beginning.