Bassinets are a great way to keep your baby close by. But How Long Does A Baby Stay In A Bassinet? Is it safe? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about bassinet usage.
They have a wide base so they cannot roll over very easily, and they usually have side rails as well. Bassinets provide a more cozy sleeping environment for babies than the flat surface of the crib. The mattress is usually softer as well. Some bassinets have a more enclosed design, with a door on the front and a canopy above to give infants a dark sleeping environment. Others are more open, providing easy access for parents.
How Long Does a Baby Stay In a Bassinet?
Bassinets are designed for temporary sleeping, generally until baby can pull up to standing. As baby grows older and becomes more active, he will outgrow the bassinet. That’s why it’s important you begin using your bassinet after your baby is at least 3 months old so if she does roll off you’ll have enough time to react.
What Age Do Babies Go From Bassinet To Cot?
As your little one grows and starts to become more active, you may wonder when it’s time to transition them from a bassinet to a cot. While there isn’t a definitive answer, there are a few things to keep in mind when making the switch. Read on for tips on how to know when your baby is ready for a cot, as well as some recommended cots for different age ranges.
Babies go from bassinet to cot at different ages depending on their weight and size. Most babies transition by 4 or 5 months old, but some can be as old as 9 months.
Bassinets are usually for newborns up to about 4 or 5 months old, after which they typically transition to a cot. However, some babies heavier than average may stay in a bassinet longer, and some smaller than average babies may transition to a cot sooner.
Read More: How To Clean Baby Bassinet?
When Should I Transition My Baby Out Of a Bassinet?
Doctors and paediatricians recommend that you wait until your baby is six months old before transitioning them to a cot. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to sleep in the bed by themselves. But it does mean that they can generally roll around on their own, wake themselves up by lying on their stomachs, and have some form of independence to sleep comfortably. If your baby seems ready to move out of the bassinet, you should also wait until they are able to push themselves into a seated position without help.
However, even if your baby meets all the above milestones before six months old, be sure to speak with your paediatrician about whether they are ready for the transition. Your baby might have any number of reasons why they are not yet ready, even if it doesn’t seem that way.
What is the best age to make the switch?
Most parents want their children sleeping in a cot in their own room by two years old. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are sleeping in the bed alone. If your child is under five years old and still finds it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, then it might be best for them to continue sleeping in their cot with comforting items like a stuffed animal or blanket until the time is right for them to transition into a bed.
Can Newborns Sleep In a Crib?
It is safe for newborns to sleep in a crib. However, it is important to follow the correct safety guidelines to ensure that the baby does not suffocate or become entangled in the bedding. Some general tips include:
- Place the crib in a quiet room where there is minimal noise and distraction.
- Make sure the crib is free of any toys or objects that could be dangerous for the baby.
- Use a firm mattress that fits snugly inside the crib. Do not use any soft materials, such as pillows, comforters, or bumper pads.
- Dress the baby in light clothing so that he does not get too hot or too cold.
- Check on the baby frequently during his first few days. A newborn can suffocate if her face is pressed up against the bumper pad, or she may fall out of the crib.
- Never smoke near your baby since second hand smoke increases SIDS risk.
- Do not sleep with your child in an adult bed. If you are tired, take a break and lay down for an hour with your baby in a crib.
- Always check to make sure that the mattress is firm and flat, and never place anything under the mattress as this can increase suffocation risk.
- Avoid covering the sides of the crib with heavy blankets or quilts as babies have been known to get their heads stuck under them, which can lead to suffocation.
- Replace old or broken cribs, as they may not be safe for babies to sleep in.
The above tips should help you and your baby have a safe and sound sleep!
Your bassinet is the perfect place for your newborn baby to sleep during those first few months. But what do you do when your baby outgrows the bassinet? Where do you put them next? Check out this guide to find out where to put baby after a bassinet.
Keep Baby Close to You in a Co-Sleeper or Bedside Bassinet
Once your baby grows out of the bassinet, they will need their own bed, which ideally should be nearby. This is where co-sleepers and bedside bassinets come in. Both are intended to be placed right next to your own bed, where you can keep watch over your baby throughout the night.
Co-Sleeper vs Bedside Bassinet
Your choice of co-sleeper or bedside bassinet will depend entirely on what is more comfortable for you and your family. Either way, you need to make sure that the co-sleeper or bedside bassinet can securely attach itself to your bed.
Bedside Bassinets
This is usually made of mesh and comes with a sling-like structure for baby to lie on. A bedside bassinet attaches directly on top of your mattress (or side of your bed) and has a protective railing all the way around.
Co-Sleeper
A co-sleeper is typically a small crib that attaches to your own bed via a metal structure that goes underneath the mattress. The advantage to a co-sleeper is that you don’t have to bend down as far or push up against the bars to pick your baby up, since they are right next to you.
Conclusion
When it comes to baby products, there are a lot of questions and myths. One such myth is How Long Does A Baby Stay In A Bassinet? The answer is that you should stop using your bassinet when the child can sit up on their own without support or roll over from front-to-back unassisted.
There are a lot of great reasons to have your baby sleep in a bassinet. The most important reason is that it helps the transition from womb to world be much smoother for both mom and child.
It can also give you one less thing to worry about while caring for an infant, which is never easy! If you’re not sure how long your little one should stay in their bassinet, we encourage you to ask a doctor or nurse who specializes in newborns.
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