How Long Can A Baby Sleep In A Bassinet

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
17 min read

At a little over three months old, Brody’s mother said that he showed no signs of wanting to settle down. Parents have complete control over their child’s sleep schedule, including how long the infant spends in a bassinet. However, knowing how long a baby can be in a bassinet is crucial.

There are numerous varieties of bassinets available, but we’ll look specifically at the ones that have been around for quite some time. Beds made from this material existed long before diapers were even conceived of.

Your baby’s age and their size in comparison to their crib or other furniture will determine how long they can remain in a bassinet.

Depending on a person’s age and stage of development, the time it takes to move from one stage of sleep to the next might vary significantly.

When Is The Best Time To Move A Baby To Crib?

You can begin transitioning your kid away from the bassinet once he reaches six months of age. If he has not rolled over while being held or rocked in a seated position. For the time being, maybe you should just stay put! In addition, you should think about how well everyone will sleep if they are sharing a bed at night, especially little children who require more sleep than adults.

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There are a number of scenarios in which you might decide to give your child his or her own bedroom, but before you do, you should be sure it’s for the kid’s best interests. It’s possible that you’d want to get them out of there if…

  • When someone else moves in (like when there’s a new baby in the house), you’ll need the room.
  • You and your loved ones are almost set to depart on a much-needed vacation. Despite the fact that this type of transformation ought to take place gradually over time rather than all at once.

When Is Your Baby Ready For Transition

First of all, bassinets have weight limits of 15-20 pounds. A premature or smaller infant may be able to use it for longer, so it’s best to begin the switch before your child reaches the maximum weight or height.

Second, the bassinet’s lack of depth poses a threat to the health of the infant. Injury from falling out or tipping it over is a risk that isn’t worth taking when there are safer alternatives.

Third Step: Is Your Baby Seeming Uncomfortable? Are his or her feet up in the air, like a turtle’s, while his or her head hits the top of the bassinet? Even though your child is tall and lean, he or she may appear to be squashed when viewed from above.

Step 4: Did you know that by the time a baby is 3 to 6 months old, they can fall into deeper stages of sleep for longer amounts of time?

Processes Involved In Making A Transition To Crib

Dailey put Brody to bed by transferring him from his crib to a mattress. It took them about a week to get used to leaving him alone in their bedroom, but once they did, everything was fine.

Parents and infants alike often express enthusiasm at the prospect of first sleeping in their own beds. A baby monitor, a soothing environment for naps and midnight feedings in a nursery with white noise, and nightlights to help you through it all will help smooth the transition from swaddling to less restrictive sleeping arrangements.

Before transitioning infants to their new cribs, you may find that tummy time during the day helps them adjust to sleeping both on their backs and stomachs (which most adults prefer).

Dailey had to make the tough choice to leave her infant son Brody with a babysitter. She utilized a video monitor for the first time for peace of mind and now she uses them religiously. When Daily left two weeks ago, there was some worry about how things would work out, but everyone settled into their new routine after only one or two nights.

Importance Of Applications To A Child

The Dormi App and Cloud Baby Monitor transform any smartphone or tablet into a hands-free video baby monitor. Put one in the baby’s reach with both installed, and leave the other in a secure location at home where it is out of reach of the little one.

The nicest part about these systems is that they are ideal for parents who are too busy to always come back inside after every tiny shouted observation about what is happening around.

Can You Allow Your Baby To Sleep Over If Rolling Over?

You should wait until your kid is well over the age of entitlement before you begin the shift. Their lack of depth poses a threat if they begin to roll over or attempt to sit up, as they may hit their heads on the side of the bassinet or the floor.

The 8 Best Baby Cribs of 2022

Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Pros

  • There are a total of four varying bed heights available.
  • From infancy to early childhood.
  • Choices in a rainbow of hues

Cons

  • fails to reach queen size
  • Costly

Our top pick, the Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib and Toddler Bed, has been designed to grow with your child from infancy through their toddler years. This best-seller is a great value because it can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed using the accompanying conversion kit.

The metal mattress platform that serves as a crib can be adjusted to one of four different heights, making it ideal for use with a child of varying ages. The six color possibilities range from single standard colors to two-color combinations, so they may be easily matched to any nursery design.

It has a maximum child weight of 50 pounds and measures 53.5 by 29.5 by 35 inches.

Best Budget: IKEA Gulliver Crib

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Converts to a bed for a young child

Cons

  • Only one color is in stock.
  • Only two heights are available.

You can rely on IKEA to offer a timeless crib at a reasonable price. The base can be adjusted to two different heights, and the crib’s side may be taken off to make way for a toddler bed, making this a versatile and highly rated option. This affordable crib comes in a single classic color option and won’t empty your savings account.

Weight: 44 ounces Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 33 inches Recommended Age: Not Stated Maximum Child Weight: Not Stated

Choosing a CPSC-Certified Bedside Bassinet for Baby

Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Pros

  • Choices in a rainbow of hues
  • Four conversions available

Possible in four different forms

  • Available in a la carte conversion kits
  • Problems with assembly have been reported by certain users.

If your child will be sleeping in their own room for an extended period of time, a convertible crib is a great investment. Simple bed adjustments can keep up with their changing needs as they grow up. This alternative is built to last, since it can be quickly transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-sized bed (toddler and full-size bed conversion kits sold separately).

Weight: 50 pounds; Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches; Maximum Child Weight: 50 pounds

Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib

Pros

  • Glass panes
  • Changes shape to fit a toddler
  • Durable

Cons

  • Separate conversion kit required
  • Costly

Acrylic cribs stand out from the crowd since they are a completely contemporary take on the traditional baby crib. This style’s use of transparent slats creates a light and airy environment that highlights the bedding, wall color, and other nursery furnishings. There are just two options for mattress height on this crib, and a toddler conversion kit is available for purchase.

Weight: 83 pounds | Dimensions: 54 by 30 by 36.5 inches | Maximum Child Weight: 200 pounds

Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

Pros

  • Structured in a condensed form
  • Stain and paint that won’t harm your health
  • This article will cover four different forms of conversion.

Cons

  • A choice between two hues
  • Available in a la carte conversion kits

A micro crib is a safe resting space for a baby from birth to around 18 months that can be placed in a parent’s room, a small nursery, or anywhere else. This compact alternative doesn’t skimp on sophistication, either. The convertible 4-in-1 crib may be easily transformed into a toddler bed, day bed, or full-size bed (conversion kits sold separately). Mini cribs require specialized bedding and bedding sizes.

Weight: 40 lbs. | Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 in. | Height and Weight Limit: 2 years old or 35 in.

Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Pros

  • Portable
  • It’s simple to set up

Cons

  • Despite the name, some bundles may not include a sheet.

While away from home, make sure your infant has a warm, safe, and pleasant area to sleep. This lightweight, nearly-standard crib is a favorite among parents. Many positive comments from parents focus on how simple it is to unfold, store, and transport.

It includes a mattress, a mattress cover, and a compact carrying case, and can be used from birth until around age 3 (or until your child can climb out).

Maximum child weight: up to 3 years old Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches Weight: 13 pounds

Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Pros

  • Swivel wheels that lock
  • Panel may be removed to accommodate a variety of crib sizes

Cons

  • Costly
  • The design of a crib prevents the use of a standard mattress.

This unusual oval cot is built in the style of Scandinavian furniture, and it will help you create a warm and inviting space for your baby. The crib’s mattress foundation is height-adjustable to a few different positions, and the swivel wheels can be locked for portability. When your infant reaches the exploratory toddler stage, you can make getting in and out of bed easier by removing one side of the bed.

In order to properly accommodate its unusual shape, the Stokke mattress must also be oval.

Weight: 44 lbs. Dimensions: 29.1 x 33.6 x 50 in. Maximum Child Weight: 176 lbs.

Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib

Pros

  • Wheels that come off
  • Foldable

Cons

  • Thinness of mattress pad

Folding cribs are convenient for storing a standard-sized crib in a guest bedroom, basement, or attic. Its compact foldability and lockable wheels make it a practical choice for tight quarters.

The three-stage adjustable mattress can keep up with a developing infant. This crib comes with a flat-folding mattress pad that measures 1.5 inches thick and can be stored in the crib when not in use. A second crib mattress will have to be purchased.

Weight: 36 pounds; Dimensions: 38 x 26 x 36 inches; Maximum Child Weight: 50 lbs.

What to Look for in a Baby Crib

Size

The dimensions of the crib and the room in which it will be placed should be double-checked before finalizing your purchase. Mini cribs are normally between 24 and 28 inches wide and as long as 36 inches, whereas standard cribs are usually approximately 28 inches long and 52 inches wide.

Standard vs. Convertible

Although you won’t know the answer until after the baby is delivered, you should consider whether or not you already have a bed for your child that is larger than the crib. There are a wide variety of cribs available, and it’s crucial to find one that fits your family’s needs.

The normal dimensions for a crib are 28 inches wide by 52 inches long, and they may not be able to be expanded into a full- or even a queen-size bed. In most cases, a normal crib can be used from the moment a kid is born up to the time the youngster reaches the crib’s milestones (such as trying to climb out). You’ll need to get a separate toddler bed if this one doesn’t have that option.

Cribs that can be easily converted to a toddler bed and ultimately a full-size bed are called “convertible cribs.” Since they can be used from infancy through adulthood, they are an excellent investment.

Mini: Because of its tiny size, mini cribs can only accommodate infants up to a particular weight limit; unlike full-size cribs, they are not designed to support the weight of an older child. When your child reaches the specified age or weight, it’s time to upgrade to a bigger bed. Nonetheless, micro cribs are an excellent choice if you need a compact and secure place for your baby to sleep.

After dozens of infant deaths were linked to the use of dropside cribs, their use was outlawed a decade ago. They are dangerous even in their secondhand forms, and it is against the law to sell them. 2

Bar Spacing Safety

It’s necessary to measure the distance between the crib’s slats and compare it to the size of your baby. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the distance between the crib’s slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches (or six centimeters).3 By double checking this spacing, you may be assured that your child’s body will not be able to slip through. Check for broken or missing slats as well.

Mattress Height

It’s important to measure the height of the crib’s sides in proportion to the height of the mattress before putting your baby in there to make sure they’re high enough to keep your child from climbing out and hurting themselves. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the height of the elevated crib sides be no less than 26 inches from the top of the mattress.

What To Do If Your Baby Won't Sleep In Their Bassinet

FAQs

When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

Changing a baby from a bassinet to a crib is a personal decision that should be made based on the family’s needs and preferences. While some infants may go straight from the bassinet or play yard to their cribs, others may need some transition time. Between the ages of three and six months, the vast majority of newborns are ready to transition to a crib.

How long should a baby stay in a crib?

All newborn babies are unique in their own ways. Some children are perfectly content to use a crib until they are far into their preteens, while others may start to fuss or even climb out as early as 18 months. Keep your child in a crib for as long as feasible, as transitioning to a regular bed requires maturity and good sleep hygiene.

Conclusion

Nap sessions in the crib can help ease your mind if you’re worried about the transition. While your child is napping or you are folding clothes, play with them!

If there’s an issue of getting close enough so that I can see what is happening at all times without being disruptive (like when playing), hooking up a monitor and keeping an eye on everything will work well too- just remember not to multitask as it may confuse our sleeping child even more than anything else would.

If there’s an issue of getting close enough so that I can see what is happening at all times without being disruptive (like when playing), hooking up a monitor and keeping an eye on everything will work well too- just remember not to multitask as it may confuse our sleeping child even more than anything else would.

As an alternative to constantly disturbing our sleeping infant by getting up and walking around the room, we can utilize a baby monitor to keep an eye on what’s going on in the room while I do other things, such as play.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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