Bassinet Vs Crib:️ What’s The Difference?

This ultimate guide: Bassinet Vs Crib, Will answer all your questions with proof and evidence that you will pack the best bassinet or Crib for newborns.

So without wasting more time, let’s check the difference between a bassinet and a crib.

What Is A Bassinet?

According to Wikipedia, A bassinet is a specifically designed bed or cradle for newborns that can use from birth to 4-5 months. It is crafted with fixed legs, caster wheels, a mesh side window, and a flat surface for the infant to sleep on.

What Is A Crib?

According to Wikipedia, a Crib is a small bed for infants and young toddlers. The sides of the bed are usually made of metal or wood, and the bottom is covered with a mattress. Typically have a removable railing that can be lowered to allow a parent to easily pick up or put down their child.

What Is The Difference Between Bassinet And Crib?

Both the Bassinet and Crib are safe & design for the same purpose, but the primary difference between a Bassinet and a Crib is their size & longevity.

For, e.g., A crib is larger and heavier than a bassinet because it’s intended for long-term use. It makes it until your child is 2-3 years old.

However, A bassinet is small & lightweight and can only be used until your baby reaches 6 months.

Now, I’m 100% sure you ask yourself, why should I not go with Crib over Bassinet?

Well, don’t make your decision so quickly; there are many things to know.

This is a significant investment, not just in monetary terms; your baby will spend much of its life in the Bassinet or Crib.

So, let’s compare Bassinet With Crib to see who wins.

1.) Design That Really Makes a Big Difference:

If you look at the Crib, they are basically beds for babies surrounded by a plastic Or wooden frame and rectangular in shape.

Its frame ensures the baby cannot get out by climbing on it.

And is high enough that even if an infant stands upright using the frame as a support, they’re still unable to fall out of it.

However, on the other hand, the Bassinet has a small height frame along all sides.

But it’s designed to feel like someone always hugs them to provide more comfort & sound sleep. Like he felt in the mother’s womb.

There is no standard fixed dimension for a Bassinet Or Crib. It depends on the model you are buying, But Crib is generally more prominent in dimension than the bassinets.

Watch this quick overview video to understand some fundamental differences.

Most manufacturers recommend using a bassinet for up to 5-6 months or whenever infants start rolling in it. But there is no hard and fast rule.

But in the case of the Crib, there is no weight limit, and there is no risk of collapse due to excess weight.

So, in Crib versus Bassinet’s battle, in terms of design & longevity, Crib is our winner.

2.) Portability & Ease of Use:

I believe the three main things that are valuable to understand the difference between Bassinet and Crib are, Portability, Travelability & Ease To Store.

If you evaluate Bassinet Vs Crib in terms of Portability, Let me tell you that Bassinet will win the match.

Bassinets are lightweight due to their size & the material used to craft them, making them portable.

Whereas the Crib is sturdy & made of metal ( but not a travel crib or mini Crib) Or hardwood, which makes them bulky and not very mobile.

Even with the wheel, moving it from room to room is a little challenging.

But on the other hand side, You can move the Bassinet wherever you want in the house.

Also, you can place the Bassinet outside, like in a Garden or on the beach, and to protect your infant’s eye from sunlight, you can use the bassinet canopy that comes with it.

The Bassinet can be compactly reduced to a size that can be easily stored away or put in the trunk when it’s not required.

And on the plus side, this folding feature allows you to take your compact bassinet where you want with your baby, like a travel bassinet. 

But on the other hand, in Crib, it’s not possible, once you install the Crib.

In the battle of Bassinet Vs Crib, in terms of Portability & Ease of Use, Bassinet has a big win-win.

3.) Comfort Is Important For Good Sleep:

There is no doubt that the Bassinet will win the match in terms of comfort because it is small enough to provide a snug bed for your little one.

On the other hand, a crib is large, and the mattress can provide comfort to an extent. But there are still many things that you can do for both to make the Crib more comfortable.

In the sleeping arrangement, Crib can be placed in your room or just near your bed. But Bassinet provides more flexibility. Like to do In bed co-sleeping, bedside sleeping, etc.

If you are co-sleeping with infants, you don’t need to get out of bed in the middle of the night to feed the baby, and at the same time, it builds a strong bond & good health.

Whereas, In the case of a Crib, you can just place it near your bed, but you still have to leave it to pick up or put the baby back in the Crib.

It is challenging if you are a c section mom; that is why especially C-section Bassinet is designed for mom

Unlike the Crib, the Bassinet has many other features like vibrating, music, nightlight, etc. All these things are essential to soothe the baby at night.

For example, a bassinet like “Fisher-price soothing motion bassinet” has a self-claiming motion.

Now let’s talk about the sleeping surface, which is a mattress and bassinet sheet.

In a baby bassinet, you will find 1.5″ in the thick mattress, whereas, in a baby crib, it measures 5-6″ inches. But both will provide great comfort to your newborn baby.

In case the replacement of the bassinet’s mattress and sheet is affordable, then the crib mattress.

So, here in Crib Vs Bassinet for newborns, in terms of comfort & sound sleep, the bassinet has a big win.

4.) Which One is Cost-effective Bassinet or Crib: –

In general, Crib is very expensive than a bassinet because of its size & longevity.

A good bassinet can cost up to $50 – $150. On the other hand, the average cost of a mid-range crib is up to $170 and $300.

So Bassinet is an affordable option for patients on a tight budget.

Not just a Crib is expensive, but also its accessories.

For example, the Crib mattress costs $40 – $150. Whereas a bassinet mattress can be buy-in under $30.

Also, the Bassinet comes with a soothing device, but in the Crib, you have to buy it separately if you need it.

So, Crib Vs Bassinet in terms of cost, Bassinet has a plus point. Now let me know which one is more cost-effective in your point of view, the Bassinet or Crib?

5.) Which One Is More Safe, Crib Or Bassinet:-

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

San Francisco, CA—Infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents–but on a different surface, such as a crib or Bassinet,

So, there are no doubts, Bassinet and Crib are both safe for newborn sleep.

You just have to ensure you don’t place anything like soft toys and other cozy things that increase suffocation or SIDS risk.

The Crib or bassinet you are using today may not be safe tomorrow because Consumer Product Safety Commission researches infant-related products continuously.

And recall them if it is Crib and bassinet  safe to ensure infants always sleep in a secure environment. ( Bassinet recalled list | Crib recalled List )

I hope you like of “Bassinet vs Crib” guide, which helps you make valuable decisions.

Quick Comparison of Bassinet Vs Crib for Newborn

Now, it’s time to put a big picture on the small screen to make a quick choice. So let’s summarize the above information.

Some FAQ

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Q1.) Do I Need Both A Bassinet And A Crib?

It depends on your own preference and budget. You can use the bassinet for up to the first 5-6 months to easily care for the infant. And after 5-6 months, you can move to a crib as per the APP recommendation if they are not feeling comfortable in bassinet.

Or you can go with the crib from the day one upto 2-3year. It is your own choice.

Read this; When and how to transition baby from bassinet to Crib?

Q2.) Should A Newborn Sleep In A Crib Or Bassinet?

There is no hard and fast rule for that; you can use what ever you want. I prefer a bassinet because taking care of the infant in it is much easier than tha crib. Along with it, the bassinet has many features that help newly become a mom, to soothe their infants.

Q3.) Can I Use A Bassinet Instead Of A Crib?

Yes, you can use a bassinet instead of a crib. There is no strict role to only use a crib. A Crib, Pack n Play, and bassinets are specially designed products for an infant for safe sleep. So you can use a bassinet too.

If you need help, read this; How to choose a bassinet?

Q4.) Is a Bassinet Better Than a Crib?

Yes, the Bassinet is better than Crib; it provides extra care in the baby’s first few months. And help you do the baby’s chores easily, like diaper changing, breastfeeding, etc. Whereas in a Crib, you have to make some effort to get or place the baby back or soothe them at night.

Q5.) Should I Get A Crib Or Bassinet?

You should go with a bassinet for the baby’s first few months to provide the extra comfort & care that the baby needs. And your body also needs rest to recover. After 5-6 months, you can transition your baby from a Bassinet to Crib; a much bigger place.

Q6.) Is A Crib Safer Than A Bassinet?

Yes, Crib is a little safe than a bassinet because it provides a much larger space than a bassinet. Reducing the risk of suffocation if an infant rolls in it or his face come in contact with the wall or mattress.

To overcome this issue in the bassinet, offer a mesh side wall or mesh window to provide better breathability & visibility in the bassinet.

Q7.) Can A Bassinet Be Used As A Crib?

Yes, a bassinet can also be used as a crib. There are some large bassinets available in the market that can be converted into a crib later on. So if you have a convertible bassinet, then you can use it as a crib. But forget to keep an eye on baby weight and age limit recommendations set by tha manufacturer to be on the safe side.

We don’t encourage anybody to buy a Bassinet instead of Crib, Or Even a Crib instead of a Bassinet; it’s a personal choice.

We just highlight the pros and cons and long and short-term benefits of having a baby bassinet or Crib.

Here are some other helpful guides that help you to compare the products

1. Best place for Newborn Baby to Sleep?
2. Bassinet Vs Pack n Play
3. Pack N Play Vs Crib
4. Pack n Play Vs Travel Crib
5. Co Sleeper Vs Bassinet

Now, it’s your turn. Let me know what you will buy & why; let’s help other moms like you make a valuable decision.

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