Choosing what to buy for a newborn can be tough, especially for first-time parents. There’s a lot to think about — baby clothes, bottles, formula, a diaper station, and many other must-haves.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what you actually need once you bring your baby home from the hospital.

But one question stands out: Where should your newborn sleep? 

Should they sleep in the same room as you or have their own space? Which option is safer and better for their health?

Once you figure that out, the next big question is:

• What kind of sleep setup is best for a newborn?
• Do you really need a bassinet?
• Are bassinets safe for newborns?
• Why do you need a bassinet?

This article answers all these questions — and more — so you can make the best decision for your baby and lifestyle. So, let’s dive in!

Do I Need a Bassinet for Newborn Baby?

Yes, a bassinet can be helpful for a newborn, but it’s not absolutely essential. Bassinets offer a safe and convenient sleep space and keep your baby close during those early months.

Parents can choose a crib, bedside sleeper, or bassinet depending on their space, budget, and personal preference.

When I first brought my little angel home, I was flooded with advice from family and friends.

Some people told me I should sleep in the same bed as my baby because of the benefits of co-sleeping.

Others insisted that the baby should sleep in a separate room from day one. Everyone had a different opinion — and as a new parent, I didn’t know what was best.

On the first night, I ended up bed-sharing with my baby. It felt natural at the time, and I thought having her close would make feeding and soothing easier.

But the next day, I came across a study published on Elsevier about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) — and I was shocked by what I read.

📚 Approximately half (30%) of all sudden infant deaths in the United States occur when an infant is sharing a sleeping surface with someone else unexpectedly; the factors associated with bed-sharing are also associated with SIDS.

That moment was terrifying and embarrassing. I had put my baby at risk simply because I didn’t know any better. That’s why I’m sharing this now — so you don’t make the same mistake.

The first question that came to my mind was: If bed-sharing isn’t safe, where should my baby sleep?

After digging into the research, I found the official guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

📚 San Francisco, CA — Infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents — but on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and never on a couch, armchair, or soft surface — to decrease the risks of sleep-related deaths, according to a new policy statement released by the AAP.

So now it’s clear: the safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room, but on a separate surface, like a bassinet or crib.

But, which one is better for newborn baby? Well, that depends on your space, lifestyle, and personal comfort — but if you ask me, my choice is always a modern bassinets.

Are Bassinets Necessary and Safe for Infants?

Bassinets are not strictly necessary, but they can be a safe and convenient sleeping option during the newborn stage. They offer a smaller, enclosed space that helps keep babies close for easier nighttime feeding and monitoring.

All reputable bassinet brands follow strict safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ensure a secure and healthy sleep environment.

If a bassinet fails to meet those standards, Consumer Reports prohibits its sale, and manufacturers must issue a recall to protect parents and babies.

📚 🩺 Dr. Ben Hoffman, Chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence & Poison Prevention, explains:

“Bassinets that meet current safety standards provide a safe sleep surface for newborns, especially when placed next to your bed for easy monitoring.”

While some parents choose to use a crib from day one, bassinets can provide a cozy, portable sleep space during the baby’s first 5 to 7 months.

How Long Can You Use a Bassinet?

A common concern for new parents is: How long will I actually use a bassinet? While bassinets are typically used only during the first few months of life, they offer unmatched convenience and safety during that time.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as each bassinet comes with its own weight and age limits. So, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before use.

In general, most bassinets are safe to use until your baby:

• Starts rolling over
• Begins pushing up on hands and knees
• Reaches the weight limit (often around 15–20 pounds)

Why Do You Need a Bassinet for an Infant?

When it comes to convenience and safety during the first few months, a bassinet often beats a crib — especially at night.

Whether you’re feeding your baby, soothing them after a cry, or changing diapers at 2 a.m., having your baby right next to your bed makes everything easier.

Bassinets have lower sides than cribs, which makes it easier to gently pick up and lay down your baby and to do breastfeeding — especially if you’re recovering from a C-section.

With a bassinet for c section, you don’t need to stumble around in the dark or fully wake up just to check on your newborn. That easy access alone makes a bassinet a lifesaver for many parents.

Let’s take a look at a few more reasons why a bassinet is worth it.

1.) Cozy & Comfortable Place to Sleep!

One of the biggest surprises for me as a first-time mom was how often newborns wake up — sometimes every 45 minutes!

Having my baby close by made everything so much easier. Whether I was feeding, changing diapers, or offering comfort, I saw the difference right away.

With a bassinet, I didn’t have to get out of bed, fully wake up, or walk across the room. Instead, I could:

• Gently comfort her through the mesh side
• Pick her up for nursing without straining (especially helpful after my C-section)
• Check her breathing at a glance, which eased my anxiety as a new parent

This easy access, combined with its compact size, made our bassinet a total lifesaver during those early, exhausting weeks.

2.) Creating a Cozy Transition from Womb to World

Newborns need a safe and familiar sleep space. After spending nine months in the womb, babies feel more secure in small, enclosed environments that mimic that snug feeling.

That’s why many parents — myself included — notice their baby settles faster and sleeps longer in a bassinet than in a crib during those early weeks.

With breathable sides and a snug mattress, a well-designed bassinet creates a cocoon-like sleep space that feels comforting and secure.

It’s the next best thing to a warm embrace, helping your baby relax and drift off to sleep more easily.

3.) Help to Soothe Newborn Baby

Most modern bassinets come with built-in soothing features that help babies fall asleep faster.

For example, the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet includes gentle vibrations and calming music to lull your baby to sleep.

Check out this product video:

So, is music really good for babies? The answer is yes. Music can not only help soothe your baby but also support their brain development.

A study conducted by scientists at the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) found that the brains of 9-month-old babies improved in processing both music and new speech sounds.

A bassinet with built-in features like motion, sound, or light vibration can make a huge difference during fussy nights or early sleep training.

4.) Flexibility for Small Spaces & Multi-Room Use

For parents living in small apartments or limited spaces, a bassinet can be a game-changer.

Cribs, on the other hand, are heavier and stationary, making them far less versatile.

5.) Protection from Light & Bugs

Giving your baby a cozy place to sleep is important — but so is protecting them from external distractions and irritants.

From bright lights and dust to curious pets, your baby’s sleep can easily be disturbed.

While pets are part of the family, they can be a problem during naps or nighttime. Many parents struggle to keep pets out of the bassinet — or even out of the baby’s room altogether.

Adding a hood or canopy to your bassinet can block:

• Direct sunlight
• Overhead lighting
• Floating dust or pet dander
• Sneaky cats or dogs looking to jump in

This simple addition helps your baby sleep more peacefully — day or night — while giving you peace of mind that they’re protected.

We understand that every family has unique needs. In this article, we’ve highlighted the key benefits of using a bassinet — from safety and comfort to portability and space-saving features.

If you still need help deciding, check out this guide: 👉 How to Choose a Bassinet?

Ultimately, the final decision is yours — because no one knows your situation better than you do.

Now it’s your turn! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. And remember — sharing is caring. If this article helped you, pass it along to another parent!

Q: Should I Get a Bassinet?

A: A bassinet is a safe, convenient, and space-saving sleeping option for newborns, especially if you want to keep your baby close at night. It provides a comfortable, enclosed sleep space and helps reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents during the early months.

Bassinets are especially helpful for parents with limited space or those who want easier access to nighttime feedings and care.

Q: How Much Does a Baby Bassinet Cost?

A: Baby bassinets typically range between $50 and $300, depending on features and materials.

• Basic models start around $50
• Premium options with vibration, music, or motion features can cost $300 or more

Regardless of price, choose a bassinet that meets current safety standards and fits your budget and needs.

Q: How Many Bassinets Do I Need?

A: For most families, one bassinet is enough for the first few months. Bassinets are designed for short-term use — generally up to 4–6 months, depending on your baby’s size and development.

To keep it clean and comfy, it’s smart to have:

• Two mattress pads
• A few extra fitted sheets

This way, you’re always prepared for quick changes during the night.