How Long Should a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?

Using a bassinet is a personal preference that many parents choose for convenience, ease of access and monitoring of their newborn. Parents are often confused as to how long their baby can sleep in a bassinet and, by following manufacturer guidelines, can prevent injury or harm form occurring during bassinet use.

Function

• During the first few weeks and months, parents of newborns prefer to put their babies in a bassinet for sleeping. This allows the parents easy access to their baby in the middle of the night for feeding and monitoring.

Types

• There are a variety of bassinets that range in pricing and features. Elegant models include music, lights and vibration options.

Time Frame

• Babies should be able to sleep in a bassinet until they are 4 months old or exceed the weight limit of the bassinet.

Benefits

• Bassinets are compact, easily portable and provide a cozier sleeping environment for newborns, compared with larger cribs.

Considerations

• Make sure you follow the bassinet manufacturer's guide for weight limitations. If your bassinet was handed down to you, 20 pounds is a general weight to move your baby to a bigger bed or crib. Utilize online resources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics website to learn more about newborn sleeping options (see resources below).

Warning

• When choosing a bassinet, make sure the base is wide for support if someone bumps into it and look for a model that is well supported on the bottom to prevent collapsing.