How long Can a Baby Use a Bassinet?
Bassinets are a popular choice for parents due to their mobility, affordability, and convenience for convenient nighttime sleep for babies. But, how long can a baby use a bassinet before needing to move up to a bigger, safer sleeping surface?
Advantages of Bassinets
Bassinets are made of lightweight, fast-drying materials that make them highly portable. Most can easily be collapsed and stored in a closet, in a trunk, or underneath a bed. In addition, bassinets tend to be much more affordable than other options, including cribs. Although, there are exceptions.
Safety First
Safety should always be your number one concern when it comes to your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend that infants sleep in a safety-approved bassinet until they reach four months of age. The AAP and CPSC also caution parents to never leave their baby unattended in a bassinet, as they can potentially roll into dangerous positions.
When It’s Time To Move Up
When your baby reaches 15 to 20 pounds or is able to roll over, it’s time to transition out of the bassinet. Many bassinet manufacturers provide a weight limit of up to 15 pounds. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, it’s time to move up to a crib that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to Look for in a Crib
When it’s time to upgrade to a crib, there are a few things to look for:
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- A well-built frame that meets ALL safety standards established by the CPSC.
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- Separate top and bottom rails with no more than 2 3/8 inches gap between them.
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- No moving, detachable, or drop-down side rails.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, a bassinet can be a great sleeping surface for your baby until he or she is able to roll over. When that time comes, it is important to upgrade to a larger, more secure crib that meets the safety standards established by the CPSC.