How Long Can A Baby Sleep In A Bassinet?
Read on to find out all the details on how long a baby can sleep in a bassinet. And you also need to know choosing whether a crib or a bassinet would be good for your baby.
How long do babies sleep in a bassinet
This will definitely depend on how much sleep the baby needs at that particular time of the day. For afternoon naps, the baby will fall asleep for a short while, then wake up and start crying all over again.
Of course, the baby needs to sleep longer at night. First, the baby finds night-time familiar because it is similar to the environment they got used to in the womb.
Also, they require a good night's rest from the activities of the day. Long hours of sleep allow them to build their bodies and keep growing.
Expert's Views: How long can a baby stay in the bassinet
This will depend on a number of factors. First, is the baby asleep? The baby can be unable to sleep because of many reasons.
For example, the baby may be experiencing digestive problems such as indigestion or being too full. This means that the baby will too uncomfortable to sleep.
Also, a full diaper might be the actual problem. Check for this because it might cause your baby to fidget in the bassinet and have fitful sleep. This means that the baby will not rest enough to wake up refreshed the next day.
Where should your baby sleep?
Choosing a sleeping area for your new-born baby is a crucial step you have to take as a parent. The fact of the matter is that babies spend very many hours in a day sleeping, and you want to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible this entire time.
You will have to choose between a crib, your own bed, or a bassinet. If you choose to go with the last option, then it would be nice to know how long a baby can sleep in a bassinet. But before all that, why should you choose a crib over a bassinet or even the baby's own bed over your own?
What do experts say?
First of all, experts recommend that you sleep in close proximity to your baby. Why is this important? The most obvious reason is that newborns are fresh out of the womb. Here, the baby feels close to you and gets used to hearing your voice. After birth, the baby might have some trouble adapting to the external environment, far away from the mother.
To help the baby make this adjustment, it is very important to sleep close to them. That being said, doctors do not recommend that your baby sleeps in the same bed as you. Why is this? Among other reasons, it might prove uncomfortable for the baby. Also, your bed may have materials that are hazardous to the baby.
Co-sleeping with your baby
Having said that, where should your baby sleep? Clearly, it is important that they sleep near you. How close is close enough? There are several things to consider before you answer this question.
First, you will need to keep a close eye on the baby at all times. It is risky to leave your baby unattended because you might not hear them crying when they need something. Prolonged crying can leave your baby feeling lonely and uncared for.
Also, when the baby is co sleeping, you can monitor them and make sure that they do not get close to any hazardous materials such as small items that they can swallow and choke on. Having said that, you can choose to go with furniture that stays in one room, or an item you can move around the house.
How do you select between an immovable item and a mobile one? Here, I will talk about two main items that a baby can sleep in a crib or bassinet.
A crib is generally immovable. It remains in the room you place it, so you have to go to the room and check up on the baby whenever you need to. This has its advantages, and disadvantages as well.
A bassinet, on the other hand, can be moved around the house so you are in constant contact with your baby.
This article is about bassinets, and how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet. Before getting into that, why are bassinets better choices than cribs?
For one, they can be moved around the house as explained earlier. This will allow you do go about your other activities with the baby beside you. Also, bassinets have a cover that you can pull over the baby to decrease the distractions around them as they try to sleep.
In addition, bassinets are much cozier than cribs, which are often bare and rigid, as opposed to warm and snugly. A bassinet works especially well for small babies because it embraces them and provides a soft and comfortable barrier from the outer world.
What should you look out for when choosing where to place to place the bassinet?
What should definitely be at the top of your list is the safety of the location. Avoid nearby materials that the baby may pull into the bassinet and use to injure themselves. Also, stay away from direct sunlight because this will interfere with your baby's afternoon naps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are bassinets recommended for babies?
A: The major reason why parents buy bassinets is to co-sleep with their newborns. It helps parents to sleep with in the same room with your baby so you can feed them even in the middle of the night.
Q: Is there an age limit for bassinets?
A: Pediatricians recommend that you should make the switch to a crib between 3-6 months. You can also check the weight limit of the bassinet.
Q: How do I know that my baby has outgrown a bassinet?
A: Bassinets are shallow and not too sturdy. If your baby can easily roll over it can be dangerous. Also, when your baby is sleeping and his/her head/feet keep hitting the ends/sides of the bassinet it’s time to switch it up.
Final Verdict
Eventually, the choice between different sleeping areas for your child will rest solely with you. It is important that you take the above factors into consideration before you decide where your baby will sleep, and make sure you are ready to deal with any perks or drawbacks that come with the furniture you finally settle.
Remember, your baby's comfort is very important, and it always comes first in these situations. So if whatever you select is causing your baby any discomfort, then be sure to change it. Finally, look out for the option that works best for you, depending on factors such as finance, and space in your house.