Basinet or newborn rocker?

kristiehoward · October 2015

Hi All,

I'm 30 weeks and due mid December and just had my shower. I had always imagined having a basinet but after talking to my sister n law and some friends, they said bassinettes are a waste of money and suggest I get the Fisher Price newborn rocker. Here is the link:

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-in-aqua-stone-fashion/1044013684?skuId=44013684?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=BingAds%20label%3DBaby&mcid=PS_bing_nonbrand_baby_&creative=6136888001&device=c&matchtype={MatchType}

Do you think this will work? I got the Fisher Price rocker at my shower and the basinet is really pricey...I had originally registered for the Halo Basinet. There is a good chance I might need to a C-Section and I'm just worried the rocker sits low to the floor, where as the basinet would fit perfectly right by my bed. Advice, thoughts??

breezypip · October 2015

I'm having this same dilemma, and actually registered for the exact ones you have - the Halo and the Rock N Play. From what I've gathered it depends on what your baby prefers. I've read a TON of good things about the Rock N Play, but on the critical side some people have issues traditioning baby to a crib after having them in it due to them getting used to the incline it's on (which is helpful for reflux).

I'll listen in to see if any STMs weigh in.

ketobaby · October 2015

basinet for me because my bed is really high. I want to be able to reach over and grab my baby.

maiatene · October 2015

As with most things baby it really depends on your preference.

I didn't get a bassinet bc my son slept in his crib from day 1 or in a swing for quick naps... I had a vaginally delivery so I was fine bending over. I also felt for the investment it wasn't worth it because you have to buy a crib within 3-6 months.

My sister had a c-section and had a bassinet so I can see why you would want one. One option could be a pack and play, which can be used as a bassinet /co-sleeper in the beginning and a play yard later. Or if you want a bassinet maybe look at this one by Chicco https://m.target.com/p/chicco-lullago-portable-bassinet/-/A-17130634 . I'm staying with my mom for 6ish weeks so this was an inexpensive option for me and when I'm done she could either donate it or use it as a toy basket for when the kids come to visit.

Hope that helps :-)

maiatene · October 2015

And for the record I think what you linked is really low and you'll probably hate it lol

kelseyofanne · October 2015

Do you know if the rocker is approved for overnight sleeping? Just because some moms use it doesn't mean it is intended for unsupervised sleeping time. I've heard of newborns suffocating in carseats and other things like that which keep them on an incline.

Novvbaby · October 2015

I have both but only because I got it a t my babyshower but I know it will be useful .

ammnam14 · October 2015

I originally wanted an old school bassinet also because our bed is abnormally high. My brother gave us his rock n play (which I totally thought was a different type of bassinet, and now I know lol) so we will just be using that. We also have a co sleeper that is just a little taller so we might end up using that instead. I don't know.

katherines2ndminime · October 2015

I got a cradle/bassinet for the bedside because I want to be able to just roll over grab baby, breastfeed and back to bed... With my daughter she slept in her crib alarmist right away and to get up to the other room to get her and back forth to bed just seemed like a lot of stimulation for both of us in the middle of the night.

Uwannalala · October 2015

Rocker worked perfect for us. It's amazing how much you "think" you need as opposed to what you really end up using. This was prob our most valuable gift during last baby.

TomekiaB · October 2015

I was reading the reviews on amazon and some people acted like they had a hard time transitioning to the crib etc when they let baby sleep in the rock and play. I also saw a few people say their babies got flat heads that used them for sleep...and they seem to think the pack and play contributed.

I'm doing a play-yard and bassinet combo (Guava Family Lotus travel crib with bassinet conversion kit). I picked this because we travel and they folds to carry-on size.

breezypip · October 2015

^^^ Those are the concerning reviews I read as well. It's what made me consider putting a bassinet on the registry too.

Someone gifted me their used Chicco Pack and Play that had a bassinet attachment -- does anyone know if that would be ok as a primary bassinet?

TomekiaB · October 2015

@breezypip I looked a little at the flat head thing. The chair is actually hard plastic covered in a ridiculous amount of neck pillow types of padding. I think the other symptom with the flat head (I don't remember what they called the condition) was that babies stopped looking sideways. I think the ridiculous amount of neck pillows probably make it harder for babies to look around and develop neck muscles. These types of development issues are often credited to "baby containment devices." I decided after the reviews that I am probably going to limit my purchase to just a swing and skip other types of "baby soothing chairs."

I think a regular bassinet attachment that is flat should be better for your baby since it restricts movement less. Some bassinets do have a little tilt option if reflux is an issue--these are still flat just elevated at one end (if that makes sense).

CharminglySouthern · October 2015

I used both. A bassinet for night time, next to our bed and a rock n play in the family room for naps. We wanted to differentiate between days/nights and that helped.

breezypip · October 2015

@TomekiaB that makes total sense.

I was also thinking of doing what PP did - using the Rock n Play during the day in smaller amounts of time, and a bassinet at night for sleep.

grkgdss00 · October 2015

I actually received both the Halo Bassinest and Rock N Play already from gifts. I plan on using the Halo next to the bed, and the RNP downstairs for short naps or when I need to set baby down. From what i've read, the RNP should not be used for overnight sleeping - there is a bunch of medical advice on it if you search Google. Also, my friend has a 3.5 month old and used the RNP for her bassinet, and now she's in a helmet for 9 weeks cause of flat head. Not sure the correlation but just to add to previous comments.

Mizuiro007 · October 2015

I haven't used the traditional bassinet or rock n play but I can share what we did with DS and why I want to try things differently this time. We used a Graco pack n play with the bassinet and sleeper attachments and this was great. The issue came with reflux and DS needing to sleep at an incline. We ended up sleeping on couches in the living room with him between us in the swing until we got his tummy issues worked out.

After that it was a pain to transition him back to a crib. Previously with the pack n play he'd sleep there by the bed at night and we had no issue getting him to sleep in the full sized crib during the day. If I can help it, I wouldn't do the swing or rock n play.

I do want a traditional bassinet this time (hoping to get one second hand from a friend of hubby's). The main reason for this is we still use the pack n play frequently with DS in the living room, I don't want to move it back and forth between rooms, and the pack n play is really too big to fit comfortably in our bedroom. There wasn't enough space to get past it into the bed so I would have to crawl in from the end and it hurt.

Because transitioning was mentioned, I'll share the tip I got and found extremely effective. We used a couple of our a+a swaddle blankets, folded in half then tightly rolled each one. I tucked them under the fitted crib sheet so they'd be just to each side of DS if he laid horizontally in the crib. He immediately started sleeping in there and once he was rolling over we took the blankets out from under the sheet and he has slept in the crib fine since then. The point was just to make the space feel smaller for him until he adjusted. He was still sleeping flat on his back and even when he was rolling he'd just roll over them, just by then there was longer a point.

kelseyofanne · October 2015

TomekiaB said:
@breezypip I looked a little at the flat head thing. The chair is actually hard plastic covered in a ridiculous amount of neck pillow types of padding. I think the other symptom with the flat head (I don't remember what they called the condition) was that babies stopped looking sideways. I think the ridiculous amount of neck pillows probably make it harder for babies to look around and develop neck muscles. These types of development issues are often credited to "baby containment devices." I decided after the reviews that I am probably going to limit my purchase to just a swing and skip other types of "baby soothing chairs."

I think a regular bassinet attachment that is flat should be better for your baby since it restricts movement less. Some bassinets do have a little tilt option if reflux is an issue--these are still flat just elevated at one end (if that makes sense).

Part of the issue with flat heads is parents not holding their babies as much since they have all these gadgets now to set them down in. They go from the carseat to the swing to the crib, and since the bones in their heads are still moldable (very useful for squeezing through the birth canal) they get used to lying flat like that and the bones actually form that way. Utilizing babywearing can help prevent this and you still have your hands free!

tetchy · October 2015

I look forward to getting a rock and play this time for naps. They didn't exist, that I know of, when I had my two other children. I know many moms that swear their babies are more comfortable in them than anywhere else and their heads all look very round. I was worried at first that the rock and play maybe unstable or that it would be easily tipped by the big kids who are eager to look in on the baby but, many mom friends assured me that they were quite stable and never felt the baby would tip out.

JElizbetty · October 2015

I had the arms reach co-sleeper with my daughter and loved it, there was a piece that you tuck under the mattress so it connects to the bed. I liked That I didn't have to strain my back picking her up because the side comes down so it sits even with the bed, I was able to simply roll over and grab her out of the co-sleeper to feed her. Wish I still had it, but that was 9 years ago. When you are done with it as a bassinet it turns into a portable pack-n-play, although I never actually used it as that it sort of just became where the toys were put. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFBUYAO?keywords=arms reach co sleeper&qid=1444177772&ref_=sr_1_3&s=baby-products&sr=1-3

Mother0fDragons · October 2015

grkgdss00 said:

I actually received both the Halo Bassinest and Rock N Play already from gifts. I plan on using the Halo next to the bed, and the RNP downstairs for short naps or when I need to set baby down. From what i've read, the RNP should not be used for overnight sleeping - there is a bunch of medical advice on it if you search Google. Also, my friend has a 3.5 month old and used the RNP for her bassinet, and now she's in a helmet for 9 weeks cause of flat head. Not sure the correlation but just to add to previous comments.

Thanks for sharing about the Rock n Play. You're right, it should not be used for sleeping! https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/

kdoak2015 · October 2015

I didn't read everyone's posts so this may be a duplicate, please do your research as there have been lots of babies die when left sleeping in a rocker. I personally won't put my child in one of these and didn't even purchase one. Freaks me out to much!

redfallon · October 2015

We have the previous version of this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KHR7OGE?keywords=bright starts sleeper&qid=1444180740&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

It's a rock n play type sleeper by Bright Starts, but it does not have the plastic that the RNP has. It is all mesh and fabric.

yankeebabeme · October 2015

I've been having the same thoughts! Everyone tells me a waste but I want a halo bassinest for my neck and I might need c-section also.

havefaith262 · October 2015

Hi. For those of you who have used a bassinet before... The one I have has a cushiony mattress and seems to have gaps along the edges. Aren't they supposed to have a firm mattress and no gaps or is that just for a crib?

littleSkittle14 · October 2015

I had a c sec last time and a bassinet. If I could do it again, I'd skip the bassinet and just use the bassinet part of a pack n play. You can only use the bassinet until they start rolling, which some babies do at 6 weeks. And then it's just a huge space sucker.

As for the rock n play... It's awesome! My dd would only nap if she was in it. And if you do need a c sec, you will want to do whatever you can to get baby to sleep so you can rest up too!

However, as others mentioned, they are not recommended for extended periods of time (like overnight) when you can't supervise!

jjmace · October 2015

I lucked out and found a brand new halo that another mommy couldn't use (her lo couldn't sleep in it due to bad reflux)... It was already assembled and the last thing she wanted to do was figure out how to disassemble and return to Amazon...
One thing I love is that I will not have to scoot my butt down to clear the bassinet to get out of bed. The swivel feature is pretty amazing. Also the height adjustment is a great feature. I plan to resell this bassinet when my lo outgrows it so I don't see the cost as a total waste.

Rratledge · October 2015

We used the Rock and Play for my son until he was about 5 months old and it was amazing! It was a perfect size to fit next to my bed (the pack and play was too big) and just the right height for me to hang my arm out and hold his hand while we slept. He refused to sleep without holding my hand, which was incredibly sweet but also pretty frustrating when you're already sleep deprived. I had never read anything negative about it until today. I had planned to use it with this baby too, but I'll be checking with our pediatrician first. Ours has no pillows so there shouldn't be an increased risk of SIDS and my son had no issues with his neck or a flat head. He only slept in it at night and I turned it periodically so he would turn his head to look in different directions. Also, he had no problems transitioning to his crib. I hope that our doctor gives us the green light because this was the baby product that I raved about most.

kaitykins · October 2015

We are using a cradle dh's granddather made 30 years ago. It is a little lower than a bassinet. I like it because we can fit it in the room and transition to the crib more easily.

CharminglySouthern · October 2015

kdoak2015 said:
I didn't read everyone's posts so this may be a duplicate, please do your research as there have been lots of babies die when left sleeping in a rocker. I personally won't put my child in one of these and didn't even purchase one. Freaks me out to much!

@kdoak2015 Can you please link your source of this information? I've never heard that the Rock n Play was responsible for many infant deaths and I have a hard time believing it would still be on the market if that were indeed the case.

yankeebabeme · October 2015

I found this: https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/

*I've also read/heard elsewhere not rec for overnight sleeping

CharminglySouthern · October 2015

yankeebabeme said:
I found this: https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/

*I've also read/heard elsewhere not rec for overnight sleeping

I found several articles that recommended against overnight use of the product as well, but again nothing that stated it was responsible for "lots of babies dying" as was stated by @kdoak2015. So that's why I asked. I use one for napping only, and only while my babies were supervised in the same room during the day, but I know this product was a life saver for many with reflux and colicky babies.

ChiccoBeanz · October 2015

CharminglySouthern said:

I didn't read everyone's posts so this may be a duplicate, please do your research as there have been lots of babies die when left sleeping in a rocker. I personally won't put my child in one of these and didn't even purchase one. Freaks me out to much!
@kdoak2015 Can you please link your source of this information? I've never heard that the Rock n Play was responsible for many infant deaths and I have a hard time believing it would still be on the market if that were indeed the case.

May not be responsible for infant death, but it is apparently not necessarily a safe option, and not marketed properly. There's also a mold issue. I only looked it up thanks to @Kdoak2015. I'd have thought nothing of it and bought one had she not mentioned doing research. They get good reviews but I didn't see this stuff coming.

https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Fisher-Price-Recalls-to-Inspect-Rock-N-Play-Infant-Sleepers-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Mold/ - This one was a mold issue

https://kckidsdoc.com/dear-fisher-price.html - SIDS

https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/ - SIDS

https://www.candokiddo.com/news/rocknplay - What rock and plays should but don't do

CharminglySouthern · October 2015

ChiccoBeanz said:

CharminglySouthern said:

kdoak2015 said:
I didn't read everyone's posts so this may be a duplicate, please do your research as there have been lots of babies die when left sleeping in a rocker. I personally won't put my child in one of these and didn't even purchase one. Freaks me out to much!
@kdoak2015 Can you please link your source of this information? I've never heard that the Rock n Play was responsible for many infant deaths and I have a hard time believing it would still be on the market if that were indeed the case.

May not be responsible for infant death, but it is apparently not necessarily a safe option, and not marketed properly. There's also a mold issue. I only looked it up thanks to @Kdoak2015. I'd have thought nothing of it and bought one had she not mentioned doing research. They get good reviews but I didn't see this stuff coming.

https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Fisher-Price-Recalls-to-Inspect-Rock-N-Play-Infant-Sleepers-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Mold/ - This one was a mold issue

https://kckidsdoc.com/dear-fisher-price.html - SIDS

https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/ - SIDS

https://www.candokiddo.com/news/rocknplay - What rock and plays should but don't do

Sigh. Yes, read those. Again, the still question stands. Where are the articles that link them to all these infant deaths?

redfallon · October 2015

CharminglySouthern said:

ChiccoBeanz said:

CharminglySouthern said:

kdoak2015 said:
I didn't read everyone's posts so this may be a duplicate, please do your research as there have been lots of babies die when left sleeping in a rocker. I personally won't put my child in one of these and didn't even purchase one. Freaks me out to much!
@kdoak2015 Can you please link your source of this information? I've never heard that the Rock n Play was responsible for many infant deaths and I have a hard time believing it would still be on the market if that were indeed the case.

May not be responsible for infant death, but it is apparently not necessarily a safe option, and not marketed properly. There's also a mold issue. I only looked it up thanks to @Kdoak2015. I'd have thought nothing of it and bought one had she not mentioned doing research. They get good reviews but I didn't see this stuff coming.

https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Fisher-Price-Recalls-to-Inspect-Rock-N-Play-Infant-Sleepers-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Mold/ - This one was a mold issue
https://kckidsdoc.com/dear-fisher-price.html - SIDS
https://pediatricinsider.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-is-not-for-sleeping/ - SIDS
https://www.candokiddo.com/news/rocknplay - What rock and plays should but don't do

Sigh. Yes, read those. Again, the still question stands. Where are the articles that link them to all these infant deaths?

This may be the first time I've agreed with you. Rock N Plays are not death traps or death machines.

The newborn napper part of our Pack N Play was also not intended for overnight sleeping, but DD slept in it until she outgrew it lengthwise because she was too congested to sleep flat.

nik6499 · October 2015

If there was a direct link to infant death it would be pulled from the market.

mac-n-cheesy · October 2015

We bought the Halo Bassinet and have the 4moms Breeze pack and play that has the bassinet in it.
I only plan on using the Halo Bassinet for any sleeping in the beginning and then transition her to her crib.
For the Halo I fell in love with the stability, height, and that it swivels. I'm at a high likelihood for a c-section due to a cord issue and will already need a step stool to get out of bed if that's the case so the Halo bassinet just made the most sense.

Rratledge · October 2015

The recall for mold was just to add in the manual that you should wash the cover weekly or mold could develop. It washes and dries very easily, but I imagine that someone wasn't keeping it clean, mold grew and then they sued because they weren't explicitly told to wash their baby's bedding.

celainev · October 2015

I'm a FTM so I have no idea if I am going to be doing the right thing, but I have the peg perego book pop up, and it comes with a bassinet which I bought a stand for. I'm pushing myself to be really strict about keeping baby in a flat surface at night, to make the transition into the crib easier for both of us! But my friend got me a mamaroo, which I will be using for day time naps.

Cnrwife · October 2015

@lynem29 - did you go with the standard bassinet or the one that has the extra bells and whistles? I'm torn on which one to get.

kmwz · October 2015

Would a pack and play with a bassinet feature be safe? We would like the baby to sleep in our room for the first few weeks and then transition to a crib but spending a couple hundred dollars on an actual bassinet seems like it might be unnecessary?

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