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The bassinet, the mattress, the teeny tiny sheets…it’s all stuff you don’t need.
Bassinets are not this evil item that will ruin your child. Not at all!
Bassinets are items some people find useful and want to have. Myself…not so much.
There is nothing particularly wrong with them. They are just an unnecessary item. Not to mention an expensive item. These are my top reasons why you do not NEED a bassinet.
Limited Time Only
Parents decide to transition their baby out of a bassinet between four and six months on average. If you stop to think about it this is a very short amount of time.
The main reasons to transition your baby out of the bassinet include growing too large, learning how to sit up, and starting to roll. Another sign to watch for is your baby learning how to push up on hands and knees.
Babies can learn to sit up and roll as early as 4 months old. Every baby is different of course, but this could be your situation.
Bassinets typically come with a maximum weight of 15-25 pounds. The average weight of a six-month-old is 12-23 pounds. If you have an average to small baby, the weight limit may not be a problem for you. However, if you have a chunker you may need to put the bassinet away sooner than expected.
Bassinets as well as babies come in many different lengths and sizes. The main issue is when they start to move around and find themselves bumping into the edges or sides. If the space is too small they may wake up from the contract with the edges.
If your baby is above average size or developmentally advanced you could be done with the bassinet well before hitting six months.
Not Worth It
If a baby item is expensive it should have a long life span. A crib or jogger stroller for example can be used for months and even years. This is why bassinets are not worth your hard-earned bucks. Check out my article where I dive into the The Most Expensive Large Baby Items: Are They Worth the Investment?
A bassinet on average will cost you about $257 and you can only use it for about six months. That means you are paying $43 per month.
A crib is about $178 on average and can be used for about 36 months if you start using it at birth. That means you are paying $5 per month.
The crib alone is more cost-effective.
And if you purchase both the bassinet and crib you are paying $435 for those same 36 months.
Bassinets are also an item your baby may not like. I have heard of so many parents using the swing or bouncer for their baby to sleep in. I am not saying these are safe places!
However, if people are putting their babies to sleep in the swing or bouncer you may wonder why. Why would you not use the perfectly good bassinet? Probably because the baby doesn’t like the bassinet! I’m not willing to make over a hundred dollar gamble on a bassinet.
Alternatives
There are other options when it comes to where your baby sleeps. Co-sleeping, floor beds, cribs, or travel beds are the top contenders. I’m not here to weigh out what is best for your family or debate safety. These are just common available options.
Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping when done responsibly is the most cost-effective. This is a very personal choice and should only be done if it is right for your family and if you are properly educated on how to do so safely. How do you envision your sleep journey? Will you co-sleep indefinitely or just for the first six months? Will you go from co-sleeping to a crib?
You should not just fall into co-sleeping. It should be thought out and researched before deciding if it is right for you.
Floor Beds
Floor beds are considered part of up and coming parenting styles like Montessori. They have not been commonplace in the US, but have been used elsewhere for generations. Floor beds can be used from the start and continue to be used until upgrading to a toddler bed. They are essentially a mattress placed on the floor typically with slats underneath to promote airflow. These are simple and long-lasting which makes them very cost-effective.
The Montessori philosophy behind floor beds is to allow baby freedom of movement and independence as they get older. Others go this route out of tradition, convenience, or cost-efficiency.
Baby proofing the room is important once they can move around. This sleeping style does not confine your baby.
Travel Cribs/Pack’n’Play
Travel cribs make the cut because they are so multipurpose. They can be used as your in-bedroom bassinet for the short term. They then extend their life by being a place for your baby to sleep while traveling.
You can also buy the type of pack’n’play that comes with the upper level. This way you aren’t bending down so low to put your baby down. In the beginning, you may be too sore to do so.
You are likely going to purchase a pack’n’play anyway, so why not use it as your bassinet?
Cribs
Cribs are seen in American culture as the traditional route. It is common to start with the bassinet and transition to the crib. Why not just start with the crib and cut out the middle man? I’ll touch on this more next.
My final thought on all of these alternatives is they last so much longer. The bassinet has the shortest lifespan of all the sleeping arrangements.
Crib from the Start
Depending on the size of your master bedroom you may be able to fit the crib in your room. GAME CHANGER!
By starting the baby in the crib from the get-go you have one less transition to make later. Moving your baby to their own room won’t feel like such a huge change. This way they are already familiar with the crib structure and the feel of the mattress.
By starting in the crib you get the most bang for your buck.
I think this is one of the most overlooked decisions when it comes to your baby. Don’t just go with the herd and purchase a bassinet. Truly weigh out if you think it is worth the cost.
Will you skip the Bassinet?
The bassinet is a short term middle man. Simply cut him out of the deal.
Do your research and discuss with your partner what sleeping arrangement is best for your family.
Know yourself and know your lifestyle.
No judgment on what route you take. I vote to skip the bassinet if possible, or at the least maybe borrow one from a friend. You do you, but always make sure your baby’s safety is the number one priority.
What are your thoughts on skipping the bassinet?
Comment down below on if your bassinet was worth the price.
Check Out My Articles
13 Baby Items You Can Absolutely Leave off Your Registry
Instead of Buying a Baby Swing Give Your Baby the Freedom to Move
The Most Expensive Large Baby Items: Are They Worth the Investment?