Are you expecting a mini human, and trying to figure out what type of sleeping apparatus to prepare for them? Do you want your mini human to be able to sleep in their own mini crib or bassinet? This blog post will help you decide which one is right for your baby.
What are Mini-Cribs?
Mini cribs are mini versions of the standard sized crib. They come in either a mini convertible, mini non-convertible or mini bunk bed style. Mini cribs also tend to be shorter than full size baby beds so that they can fit into smaller spaces and use less floor space.
What are Bassinets?
A bassinet is a small bedside min bed for babies. They are round or oval shaped and can be placed in the parents’ bedroom, on top of a table, or inside the parents’ bed. Many people choose to use them as transitional beds from when their baby is first born until they get too big for it around three months old.
What’s the difference between a Mini Crib and a Bassinet?
Although mini cribs and bassinets are both smaller than regular sized baby beds, they serve opposite purposes. Mini cribs act as a full-time bed for babies whereas bassinet’s usually only act as transitional sleeping places until the little human outgrows it around three months old. Although newborn babies can sleep in either mini cribs or bassinets, mini cribs are usually the better option because babies will spend more time in them. Additionally, mini cribs tend to be sturdier than bassinets and mini-crib mattresses can be raised or lowered depending on whether you want your baby closer to the ground or not.
Mini-Crib Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sturdier than bassinets
- Come in convertible, bunk bed and non-convertible styles
- Can be used as a mini crib for babies all the way up until they are toddlers
- Can Lower mini-crib mattress is better for babies because it gives them more room to breathe and move around. It’s also safer since there isn’t much of a gap between the baby and ground
- Better suited for long term use
Cons
- Tend to be more expensive than bassinets
- May take up more space in the baby’s room
Bassinet Pros & Cons
Pros
- Small and portable, so it’s easy to move around the house and bring with you when visiting family or traveling
- Simple design makes it inexpensive compared mini cribs.
- The size also means that bassinets use less material which helps keep costs low
- More versatile than mini cribs
Cons
- Less sturdy than mini cribs
- Typically only acts as a transitionary bed, so it doesn’t have nearly the longevity of mini cribs.
RELATED: The Best Sleep Sack on the Market
Our Pick for Mini Cribs & Bassinets
Best Mini Cribs
We love the Dream On Me Brand. We’ve purchased a number of their products, and they are always high quality, durable, and have lasted through multiple babies!
Best Bassinets
We love this bedside bassinet from Mika Micky. It’s less than the competitors, but provides amazing quality and versatility. And it gets 5 full stars on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
Mini cribs and bassinets are both great options for newborn babies. Choose whichever one fits best with your lifestyle!
What You Should Do Next…
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