Parents are always asking “How long can a baby sleep in a bassinet?” It’s a great question! Parents bringing home their newborn often choose to have their baby sleep in a bassinet for the first few months. This allows the baby to sleep close by which helps with feeding, bonding, and overall convenience.
A bassinet provides a safe space for a baby to sleep. Particularly with an Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper®Bassinet, a baby can sleep within arm’s reach to parents in a safe and secure space. While it’s not something that you absolutely need, like diapers, a bassinet is a great baby product because it can also be easily moved when needed. That’s why it's one of the most popular baby registry items for expecting parents.
When considering which items to buy or add to a registry, parents often think about how long their baby will use it. For example, how long will my baby sleep in a bassinet? According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is advisable for parents to room share with a baby for the first six months. Their recommendation is that a baby should never share the same bed as parents, thus making a bassinet a wise purchase.
When To Put Your Baby in a Crib
The actual length of time that a newborn can use a bassinet is based on a few factors. For the most part, babies can safely sleep in their bassinet until they are five months old. A rule of thumb is that it depends on the baby’s physical size or weight and whether or not the baby can roll. (Once the baby rolls over it’s time for a crib.)
Parents will know when their baby is no longer able to sleep in a bassinet if a baby is physically too large for the bassinet. It’s also time to put your baby in a crib if your baby can pull themselves up. The risk of falling is higher with the shallow depth of a bassinet.
Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper® Bassinet
Arm’s Reach was the first company to offer a bedside bassinet. It was developed by parents that wanted a safe place for their baby to sleep that was within arm’s reach. Models like the Clear-Vue™ CO-SLEEPER® Bassinet and other models provide a safe environment for infants up to approximately five months and provide maximum visibility for parents.
Tips New Parents Should Remember
Transitioning from a bassinet to a crib can cause a bit of nervousness for parents. It might even take a bit of time for the transition to be successful. Just be patient and know that it’s an adjustment period that is temporary.
Other tips include:
- Place your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Make sure that a baby sleeps on a firm and flat surface. This means that it shouldn't indent when a baby is lying on it
- Avoid falling asleep with a baby on a soft armchair, couch or cushion
- Keep a baby cool and comfortable. Don’t let them get overheated which can also increase the risk of SIDS. Babies only need one more layer than what parents would wear in the same environment