A bassinet is a cradle or cot that costs less than a traditional crib and offers more room for the baby to sleep. It may also be referred to as an infant bed, which can help parents establish routines for nighttime and daytime naps and food schedules. Some bassinets come with portable, battery-operated vibrating mats that allow the baby to sleep through the noise of passing traffic or other disruptions in their environment.
Can a baby sleep in a bassinet at night? – The overall consensus is yes, but there are some essential factors you should consider before choosing this option for your child. Sleeping in a bassinet during the night can be safe, but it might also lead to problems.
Is Sleeping in a Bassinet Problematic for a Baby?
There is no problem with the baby sleeping in a bassinet if the baby can move out independently. Sleeping in a bassinet can be problematic if the baby cannot move on its own. If your baby cannot lift their head off the mattress at all, it is not safe for them to sleep in a bassinet alone. If you are using a crib that will accommodate your child until they reach one year of age, then you do not need to use a bassinet during this time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has written that infants can sleep safely in ordinary cribs once they roll over on their own and stay there for at least six months. Parents should wait until their baby is ready to roll before allowing them to sleep in a bassinet. Experts say that babies need around 12-18 hours of uninterrupted sleep each day, often more than babies spend sleeping at night.
Babies who sleep in bassinets may cry and attempt to climb out, leading to other problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that parents should also stay away from traditional cribs and other portable beds because a baby’s body’s head and neck area is too small and can be easily damaged or injured.
Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics say that there are no benefits to sleeping in a bassinet; it does not prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or provide any protection against bed-wetting. Sleeping in a bassinet might even make your baby more prone to SIDS.
There are many benefits of using a bassinet for sleep:
- Lower cost than traditional cribs.
- More room for the baby to move around and play.
- Parents might be able to hear the baby breathing if they are sleeping in a nearby room.
Some Things to Consider Before Using a Bassinet for a Baby to Sleep
Babies have been known to climb out of bassinets, so parents should use the restraints that come with them. If they do not have restrictions, parents need to keep a close eye on their babies’ whereabouts. Injuries from falls may also occur because nothing is surrounding the bottom of a bassinet except for an air pocket. The air pocket beneath a large, square mattress does not provide any cushioning or protection from falls.
- It would be best if you only used the bassinet for sleep because babies cannot sit up or roll at all.
- Place the bassinet away from direct sunlight, drafts, or other sources of light. Parents should also make sure the bassinet faces away from doors and windows. Babies can become uncomfortable if they are not shielded from light. Experts recommend placing the baby in the shade during the day and at night; put curtains over nearby windows or blinds on nearby doors that might be open during sleep hours. Avoid placing any blankets over this sleeping area, as it may cause too much warmth for your baby.
- It would help if you secured the bassinet to the wall to ensure it does not topple over. You can buy a separate piece of equipment that connects it to walls, or you can fill the area the bassinet is in with heavy objects, such as books.
- Make sure you put a mattress in the bassinet that fits well and has no gaps between it and the sides. It will prevent your baby from getting their limbs or head stuck inside a hole that may exist. Make sure this mattress is large enough to fit inside a traditional crib when your baby grows older; this way, there is room for your baby’s body to grow after they meet certain milestones.
- You should always place a bottle in the bassinet with your baby. If your baby is unable to hold a bottle, you should start introducing spoons and cups slowly. You should gradually increase the amount of time they spend in a bassinet before they are allowed to sleep in their cribs.
- If you want to use a bassinet for daytime napping instead of a crib, make sure it can easily convert into a crib when you do. Parents who use them for naps during the day or overnight generally end up waking up frequently during the night when they want their babies near them.
- Take out the bassinet when you want your baby to sleep in their crib. If you do not, the little one could develop a fear of a bassinet and choose to sleep in a crib instead.
- Most parents find it is easier to start their baby on a routine right away once they start sleeping in a bassinet. Babies who sleep more than 12 hours each day can get more sleep at night using a bassinet. Parents should also get more rest from sleeping with their children after babies outgrow the need to be close to them while they are sleeping.
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Conclusion
Bassinets are very convenient for your baby’s sleep. You can carry them with you wherever you go. But if your child is more than six months old, so after six months, you must keep him in the crib instead of a bassinet. Don’t worry about the shape of the bassinet because there are many shapes, so choose anyone according to your choice. But make sure it is comfortable and safe for your child, and you can adjust it according to your need.