As a first-time mother, it is common for you to have numerous doubts before the birth of your baby and that is why we are here, to help you solve them. One of the most common has to do with what the baby will need in their first months: bassinet or mini-crib?
Is it really necessary buy a bassinet or mini crib? There is no single answer and everything will depend on your lifestyle and the needs you have. And although both serve as accommodations for the baby to sleep, they have different characteristics.
the bassinet
The bassinet is a wicker, canvas or other material carrycot similar, with a flexible structure but a rigid base to provide firm and secure support for the baby. Its handles facilitate transportation and it can be placed on legs to have the baby at a more comfortable height to care for him.
Their dimensions are smaller than those of a mini-crib. The objective is for the baby to feel comfortable and not miss the mother's womb during the first months of life. And it is during those months when the bassinet makes sense.
The bassinet is a good option while the child is young and it doesn't move. And as he grows, his weight exceeds 9 kilos or he begins to turn, the bassinet could not be safe and could tip over. At that time it will be necessary to move the baby to a crib so that it continues to grow in it.
The mini crib
The mini crib is very similar to a conventional crib, but smaller, which means that it can be easily installed in the parents' room even if it has small dimensions. In fact they are often used as a temporary addition to the parents room to facilitate co-sleeping.
To facilitate co-sleeping, these usually have a height adjustable base which allows it to be placed at the same height as the bed and allows parents to comfortably care for the baby at night. In addition, co-sleeping mini cribs allow you to do without one of the sides to bring it closer to the parents' bed and facilitate night feedings.
Minicribs usually have a contemporary, versatile and stable design. In fact, many prefer them to the bassinet because they offer greater solidity and stability. In addition, babies can use them up to three or six months of age depending on their size, which lengthens their useful life compared to the bassinet.
Its small dimensions combined with the fact that They usually have wheels They make the mini cribs easy to move from one room to another, which is of great help in the adaptation process of new parents. Make sure that if it has wheels it has brakes to ensure its stability when they are in a fixed place.
Which one do I choose? Bassinet or mini crib?
You don't have to choose either or you can choose both. Are you going to breastfeed your baby? In that case, we invite you to opt for a mini co-sleeping crib to facilitate night feedings. Surely you know someone who has some and can lend them to you or you can buy them second hand! They are used for a few months so they are usually new.
If you are not able to breastfeed your baby or have decided not to do so and your room is large enough, you can do without one or the other and go directly for a crib that will serve the child until he or she can move to a bed.
Both bassinets, mini cribs and cribs are useful and can be useful in different circumstances. However, we invite you to think about the functionality/cost ratio before you go shopping and buy things that you think are necessary for the baby but that perhaps are not so necessary. Because in addition to the furniture you will need the appropriate mattress, sheets and quilt for each of these. And, it all adds up!