A bassinet is the safest bed specially designed for infants. It is made by keeping all the safety precautions in mind.

APP.orgCDC.gov, and pediatricians recommend bassinets as the most appropriate sleeping place for a newborn baby to sleep in for the first 5-6 months of their life.

A bassinet’s sleeping space consists of a 1-inch thick, firm mattress and sides made with a mesh material to provide better airflow inside it.

Along with this, many bassinets come with a lockable wheel mechanism to move them from room to room.

What is a Basinet It’s Purpose & Use!

They may also have a canopy to protect the infant’s eyes,storage box to keep the baby’s essentials within an arm’s reach, or even a soothing kit to soothe the baby at night, etc.

There are many different types and styles of bassinets, ranging from the traditional Moses basket style to the more modern ones equipped with the latest technology.

What is the Age Limit of the Bassinet?

Most good Bassinet manufacturing companies will specify the age limit to make things clear. Usually, it is in the form of a range of up to 5-7 months, making sense since babies grow at different rates.

It is rare to find a bassinet that will go beyond the nine-month age limit mark since that would make the size of the Bassinet too big, which defeats the purpose of a compact bed for the baby.

What is the Weight limit of the Bassinet?

Much like the age limit on a bassinet, the weight limit varies from Bassinet to Bassinet. While the weight limit is not specified as a range but rather as a single figure, like 15lbs, 20lbs, or 25 lbs, it depends entirely on the size and capacity of the Bassinet itself.

Many sleeker and travel bassinets have a lower weight limit. This is because they are designed to be more compact and portable, qualities that come at the cost of making the Bassinet bear less weight.

What is the Purpose & Use of a Bassinet?

The primary purpose of the Bassinet is to provide a safe & comfortable sleeping space for babies to sleep in and lay in throughout the day without you having to worry about them.

baby sleeping in SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper bassinet

It’s just like a crib, but the thing that makes bassinets different from cribs, as well as from pack n plays, is their compact structure.

The compact size provides a cozy and snug area that your baby needs to sleep in securely, especially in the first few months.

Pediatricians also recommend using bassinets, even when doing co-sleeping with infants, as bassinets prevent the risk of SIDS.

Many bassinets also come with built-in features or have features added to them like lights, music, and vibrations.

These things help improve the baby’s hand and eye coordination and make them more active and playful.

Some bassinets even come with convertible features that turn the Bassinet into a diaper changing station or even a play yard to use even after the baby has outgrown it as a bed. But, in fact, you can use a bassinet in so many other ways.

How Much Do Bassinets Cost?

There is no straightforward answer to this question since bassinets vary widely in price. Depending upon the features and characteristics of a specific bassinet, the price may be low or high.

The average cost of an essential bassinet that is foldable & travel-friendly is around $60-$70; on the other hand, a solid wood-crafted bassinet may cost upwards of $135-$150.

And if you want to buy a luxury bassinet, it may even cost you more than $350.

Naturally, bassinets with additional options like automatic rockingvibrations, sounds, nightlight, and soothing mechanisms will cost more.

Similarly, the cost is also affected by the material used to craft it.

Instead of worrying about how much a baby bassinet costs, a much better question to ask is what your budget is.

What you need; an expensive bassinet or an affordable baby bassinet?

easy to fold and travel bassinet with bag

What Kind of Bassinet is Best?

Finally, you may ask yourself what kind of a bassinet is best. Now, what is best for one person is entirely different for another. It all depends on the features & properties you are looking for in a bassinet, which also fits your budget.

The first step is to determine your preferences. For example, do you like a more traditional-looking Bassinet, or are you wishing to safely co-sleep with your little one? If you prefer the latter option, then In Bed Baby Sleeper is good for you.

Parents who travel frequently require a portable or a lightweight travel bassinet that can fold and fit anywhere easily and make their journey hassle-free.

Each Bassinet is designed for a specific purpose, so ask yourself which one you want & then pick the right one for your infants.

If you are still puzzled by which Bassinet to choose or need help selecting a bassinet, read our handy guide: Ultimate Guide to Choose Bassinet?

Where to Buy a Bassinet?

Now that you have decided to purchase one and set aside a budget to buy one, the next step is deciding where to buy a bassinet from. Again, anyone who has browsed the internet for a few minutes, searching for things for babies to buy, will tell you it is straightforward.

Where to Buy a Bassinet

Most websites catered towards parents carry a wide variety of bassinets, as does Amazon.

However, it is always a good idea to peruse your local mall and check out the baby section to ensure the kind of Bassinet you want.

Most malls have sections dedicated to baby products, and bassinets are definitely up the list of things stocked.

You can determine which brands you prefer and the style of Bassinet you may like. Seeing the Bassinet in person also gives a better idea of the dimensions and the material they are made up of.

After selecting the Bassinet, you can spend some time reading bassinets review on our Review Board to explore its hidden features. Once you have made your decision, you can buy the Bassinet online from a verified seller.

How Long Can a Baby Be in a Bassinet?

There is no clear-cut answer to this, but there are a few general rules of the thumb or specific indicators you need to look out for when deciding to move your baby from a bassinet to a crib.

    1. Firstly, pay close attention to the age or weight limit recommended by the manufacturer. If your infant crosses that limit, then stop using it.
    2. Second, just observe your baby; if you feel they have outgrown their Bassinet and their movements are restricted, switch over to a crib.
    3. Another vital sign that you need to shift your baby to a crib is if they can turn over quickly, then making the baby sleeping in a bassinet may become dangerous.
    easy to lift the baby in Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper bassinet

    Note: Age & weight limit is the primary factor, to understand how long you can use the Bassinet, but babies grow at different rates. So, to make a more valuable decision, I recommend reading the below mention guides.

    1. When to stop using a bassinet?
    2. How long can the baby sleep in Bassinet?
    3. How To Get Newborn To Sleep in Bassinet?

    When Should Babies Move From Bassinet to Crib?

    The best time to move the baby from a bassinet to a crib is when they start rolling in the Bassinet or feeling restricted and not comfortable in it. Even if they have not crossed the weight or the age limit recommendation set by the manufacture. No matter what the case, any one of these can be used as an indicator to move from a bassinet to a crib.

    When you decide to move, remember to start the transition slowly so your baby can adjust to it smoothly without getting too disturbed. For more information, read our ultimate guide: When to Move Baby from Bassinet to Crib?

    What to Use After a Bassinet?

    The Bassinet is designed to be used for up to 5-7 months of age. So, once your baby outgrows a bassinet, the logical next step is to shift them into a crib. A crib is perfect since it provides much more room for the baby to move around, play and sleep in comfortably.

    It is designed much like a bassinet but for toddlers. It has high sides, which are tall enough to keep your baby safe even when they start to stand upright.

    Read our ultimate guide to learn more: How to Transition from Bassinet to Crib?

    I hope you get the answered to your question that helps you to make a valuable decision. And don’t forget to share this guide, because sharing is carrying.

    Dr. Sakshi Patel

    Dr. Sakshi Patel

    Senior Content Writer

    Dr. Sakshi Patel, an expert in Human Development and Family Studies, combines her academic knowledge with personal experience as a mother to twins. She provides comprehensive articles and meticulous reviews on baby essentials, offering accurate and up-to-date information to help parents make informed decisions. Read more.