Bassinet vs. crib

SFAug07

This might be a stupid question, but why would we need a bassinet and a crib? Aren't both for the baby to sleep in? What's the purpose/ difference? TIA!

berry25

A crib is generally more expensive and well built.  You don't move them from room to room.  So you might choose to have a crib in the nursery and a bassinet or pack n play on the ground floor of your home or in a room off the living room - this way you don't have to always go upstairs or to the nursery if baby takes a nap.  A bassinet on wheels or one that folds easily can be moved around or packed away if company comes - you can't do that with a crib. 

I think for the majority of people, you keep a bassinet close to the bed for the first six weeks or so, so that you can keep an eye on the newborn while he sleeps.  Then you move him to the crib afer that.  Also having a bassinet so close to the bed means you can nurse and diaper him more easily at night when he is up every 2-3 hours - it can be hard going all the way to the nursery, plus it gives more peace of mind to sleep close to the newborn.

bbin09

A bassinet only holds the baby until they are a certain weight, it is not a long term option.  Some parents prefer to have the baby in the room with them at the beginning and that is why they buy both.

jacksjerseygirl

We have both so that we can have the baby sleep in our room in the beginning. Our preference is for the baby to sleep in their crib but ... we know that every baby has a different personality and sleeping preference lol

Mr. & Mrs. RN

I plan to buy a play yard with a removable bassinet.  I will only use it for the first week or so and then baby will move to the crib in the nursery.  My husband works odd hours and has a hard enough time sleeping.  So he doesn't need a crying baby in our room once he goes back to work.  He's an ER nurse, so he needs to be rested and functional.  I didn't want to spend the money on a bassinet that would only be used for a few days.  I think it depends on your lifestyle.  My cousin used her bassinet for 6 months b/c her husband firefights and isn't home for days on end.  So she is able to have baby in the room with her and probably prefers this when she is home alone.