How many of you actually used a bassinet?

Question

I'm trying to pick out a crib. It's so confusing! lol. As a first time mom, I'm really confused as to what I should be looking for. Do I need a crib and a bassinet or just a crib? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I used both. I had a 3 in 1 play pen (playpen, bassinet and change table) down in the living room and the crib is upstairs in her nursery. During the day, she slept in the bassinet (not anymore, shes about 20 pounds now) and at night, in her crib. It doesnt matter, just whatever you prefer and what is easier for you.

Answer 2

Really, You probably should save the money on the bassinet. My sister, when she had her baby, grew out of it very quickly and was into a crib about a month or two later. The only reason I could see having a bassinet would be if you are pressed for space, if not, just go with a crib.

Congrats.

Answer 3

I used a bassinet and a crib. The bassinet was used for the first 4 months and was right at my bedside side that I could get to the baby easier. I was also still breastfeeding so it was real convienent to have the baby right by me. By the time the baby is ready to outgrow the bassinet he/she should be sleeping for a good stretch through the night and is ready for the crib.

Answer 4

We used a bassinet for 3 weeks with our first (borrowed), our second slept in a crib from the day we brought her home from the hospital. If you can borrow one from somebody you might want to give it a try, but I'd recommend not spending money on one.

As for picking out a crib, it may be best to think long term. Many of them will convert into every bed your child will need until they leave home (crib, toddler, daybed, full-size). Some have a drop down side, but I have one that doesn't and its never been an issue (because the mattress is adjustable so by the time you're on the lowest mattress setting the baby can sit or stand so you're not really leaning all the way down into the crib). You might also want to invest in the drawer that goes under the crib, it can come in handy as extra storage for crib sheets, mattress pads, towels and more. We got our crib with matching dresser/changing table from the JC Penney catalog. They're both solid wood pieces (dresser/changing table weighs easily 100lbs) that will last a really long time.

Answer 5

we used a bassinet for the first 5 weeks. the weight limit is around 20 pounds so you can only use it for a little bit anyways. what we did was get a crib and set up the nursery. but since i was breastfeeding it was rough getting up every 2-3 hrs so eventually we bought one of those pack and play play pins that have lights, a vibrator on the top layer, songs, and nature sounds. we put this right next to our bed and this is where he sleeps now. and when we are finished breastfeeding he will have his crib but yet he will also have a play pin that we can put out in the livingroom.
also i said that he would never sleep with us.. he does a couple nights a week... you just cant help it....

Answer 6

My first son wouldn't sleep in a bassinet he would only sleep in the crib. It really depends on you. Do you plan on getting a pack n play if you are most of them have a bassinet attachment with them. My daughter only used hers for about a month and a half I personally wouldn't have purchased it my MIL did I would have either just used the crib or the pack n play

Answer 7

It just depends on your preference. I just bought a bassinet. I am planning on breastfeeding and a bassinet in my room makes more sense than a crib in my daughters room at least until he is sleeping through the night. We will get him a crib when hes sleeping through the night.
Bassinets have a weight limit anywhere from 25 to 50lbs. They are also only reccomended until baby can sit up on their own. Check to make sure it meets safety standards.
Cribs are good as well. We used one for our daughter when she was born.
I dont see any reason for both only one or the other. Just be sure that any baby equipment that you use meets federal safety guidelines.
www.consumerreports.org
Here is a link to current safety standards: http://www.healthbanks.com/PatientPortal/Public/ArticlePromoted.aspx?ArticleID=HW5ue5195spec

Answer 8

I have three children and never owned a bassinet. Always just had the crib. I don't see the need for both. Just a matter of preference, I guess.

Answer 9

I used a bassinet because it was smaller and could fit in my room, and she wasnt laying really deep down in the bed. So that when I layed her down it wasnt far from my body to the bed. But once she hit 6 months I put her in a crib, and I kept the mattress up on the highest level. I dont feel safe with her in the bassinet after she starts rolling over and sitting up, Im afraid she is going to tip it or fall out of it.

You dont NEED a bassinet, its just easier and you can keep it right next to your bed, or move it easily from one room to the next if you want. Also If you get the pack 'n' play with the bassinet in it you are killing 2 birds with one stone, you get the bassinet and a play pin, and depending on which one you buy, possibly a changing table.

As far as the play pin goes... I found mine very useful... it was nice to have when we were gone visiting family so that she had a place to sleep without having to worry about her being on a bed or something. As they get older its nice to have it so that they can play while you are cleaning without getting into anything.

I hope this helps and congrats on your baby!

Answer 10

although you can only use the bassinet for about 3 months man im sure glad i had one.....its so nice b/c it is so easy to move from living area to bedroom if the baby needs to nap and you want to keep a close eye on her well then you can keep it in the living room , and its so easy to have it next to your bed when you have a 3am feeding. and as for your crib dont get the most expensive one they have, this too is very short term your baby depending on his climbing abilitles may be out of the crib as early as age 15 16 months...get a medium of the line crib b/c even the crib to collage things arent very cute when made into a actual bed...trust me im a mommy to four and your gonna regret a $900.00 crib when the $200.00 one would have been just as good for the short period of use :p)