For when baby arrives – Cot or Bassinet?

Decisions that you need to make or not make!

For when baby arrives – Cot or Bassinet?

Will a cot fit in your bedroom, which is the recommendation for the first stage at home.

If you can fit a cot in your bedroom then that might be the way to go, then you don’t have to worry about the additional expenses, but a bassinet or co-sleeper is still a great option for those first 3 months.

What is important is that your baby needs to sleep somewhere that’s safe, warm and not too far from you.

So, opting for a bassinet or co-sleeper could be an option because they tend to be smaller than a cot, more compact and snug for the little ones. An added bonus would be that the bassinets or co sleepers are easy to move around from various areas around your house.

For second story homes where your retreat is upstairs, having some form of sleeping area downstairs saves you travelling up and down constantly in between sleeps.

Why you should consider a bassinet or co sleeper for those first 1-4 months.

Firstly what’s the difference:-

  • What is a Bassinet?

Portable, affordable, available in various sizes and shapes. They require limited space and are usually foldable. They are usually a less-expensive version of cribs that you can keep next to your bed or even move to another room if required. Furthermore, it is easier to shift babies from a bassinet to a crib, when the right time comes.

This sleep accessory is highly breathable, smaller than cribs, and is secured by mesh walls.

  • What is a Co-Sleeper?
    Co-sleepers are an excellent choice for many parents who choose to sleep close to their infants without the risks of bed-sharing. Co-sleepers enable new parents to put their baby to sleep right next to their bed and monitor them more safely. Depending upon the model, co-sleepers can also be attached to the bed. It is an innovative sleep accessory that makes it convenient for parents to attend their baby during the early months for frequent feedings, burpings, diaper changes, wake-ups, etc.

So the difference between co-sleeper and bassinet is co-sleepers enable new parents to put their baby to sleep right next to their bed and monitor them whilst sleeping.

Next Question – Buy or Hire?

Benefits of hiring:-

  • Babies outgrow bassinets, so hiring you don’t have to worry about storing or disposing of the bassinet – it comes back to us.
  • It’s cost effective – only a fraction of the price.
  • Good for the environment – less landfill.
  • Products tend to outlast the usage period.

Different Bassinets and Co Sleepers to suit your budget and needs:-

  • Hospital Bassinets: great for that first 1-2 months particularly if you have the bassinet transitions perfectly from the hospital. Most of the maternity units use something similar, so baby is already used to the feel of the bassinet. https://www.hireforbaby.com/hire-products/hospital-bassinet/
  • Standard Bassinets: great budget option , for the fraction of the cost of a new one, or great if you have a double story house – have 2 one upstairs and one downstairs. https://www.hireforbaby.com/hire-products/bassinets/
  • Mamaroo Sleep: Every newborn’s sleep needs are different – and their needs continue to change as they develop and grow over the first few months. Rooted in the science of infant sleep, the MamaRoo Sleep® Bassinet is the most adaptable bassinet that safely meets the needs of more babies than any other bassinet. https://www.hireforbaby.com/hire-products/mamaroo-sleep/
  • Co- Sleepers: not only do co sleeper bassinets help to keep babies feeling safe and close to you, it also assists new mothers with accessing their baby for middle-of-the-night feeds. The best bit is that co-sleeper bassinets provide a safe way to keep the baby close to you at night. https://www.hireforbaby.com/hire-products/chicco-next-2-me-co-sleeper/

Things to consider when using a bassinet

  • Always remember that a bassinet is for short-term use only – you should move baby to a safe cot when they show signs of being able to roll.
  • Ensure adjustable side panels are always kept in the upright position for sleep.
  • Ensure folding legs are locked and cannot collapse when in use.
  • Position safely, away from curtains, blinds, heaters or power points.
  • All screws and bolts are tight to avoid accidental collapse.
  • Consider the use of a safe sleeping bag to help prevent an infant overheating or bedding covering baby’s face or head.
  • Remember there is no Australian safety standard for bassinets, so not all products on the market are safe. Follow this guide to help make a safer choice for your baby.