No doubt, bassinets offer a comfortable sleeping environment which also helps the baby to sleep longer. A bassinet is considered an ideal choice for baby sleeping. But now, you are noticing that your baby is getting too big for napping in bassinets, so it is time to replace his old bed with a new one and add something that fits perfectly to his little body.
Although there are multiple signs that you can observe to decide that your baby has finally outgrown for being in a bassinet, but different babies grow at different paces. Hence, choosing when the baby should leave the bassinet is not easy.
When is Baby Too Big For the Bassinet?
You need to see the instructions that came along with your bassinet to know your baby has outgrown for the bassinet. The makers always give a weight limit in the manual that helps you to determine when you should not let your baby nap in the bassinet. The weight limit normally is between 10 to 20 pounds.
I just gave you a few hints but let’s go in detail so you can consider some points while understanding that it’s time for your baby to get rid of the bassinet.
1. The limit of weight has been crossed!
Although different bassinets have different weight limits, few bassinets come up with a weight limit of 15 pounds, while some can be availed with a weight limit of a maximum of 30 pounds. So make sure you check the weight capacity and check the weight of a baby as well. Once you notice your baby has reached the weight capacity, then it’s time you change his sleeping bed.
Don’t worry! If you can’t find your bassinet’s manual, you can also find the instruction online from the official site of your bassinet’s brand. It is a common solution, but at times mommies forget about it.
2. They are older
Although there is no particular period when you can say that your baby has outgrown the bassinet, most parents normally move their newborns to cribs after four months. The others depend on the growth of the baby and movement activities.
Some newborns also use bassinet even after six months of age, while some start leaving bassinet after four months.
Most bassinets have age limits given in their manuals. Check out the limit to know when to get the baby out of the bassinet and move it to a different sleeping arrangement. However, it is ideal to move your baby to a crib after four months or a maximum of six months.
3. They don’t want to be in the bassinet anymore
When babies start growing after a certain period, they hate being in their bassinets. It is because they feel they are outgrown and the space is not enough. If you observe your child being fussy whenever you get them in the bassinets, consider it a sign and change their sleeping arrangement.
However, a few other signs of your baby hating bassinet are that it becomes hard for you to put them back when they get up from sleep in the night.
Although before altering the sleeping place of your baby, make sure their changed behavior is due to they don’t like their bassinets and not the other reasons.
4. When the baby starts rolling!
Most bassinets have always stated a word CAUTION because these don’t have high walls, so if your baby starts rolling or moving on their own, it is time for you to take action and move them from bassinets to some other place.
You must not take any risk after you notice your baby is pulling themselves from sitting point to lying on their own. Keep an eye on your babies when they play if you see they have begun rolling, so it is the sign that you leave the bassinet and look for something else as their bed.
In short, if you feel your baby is not secure alone in the bassinet so, stop using it right away.
5. They don’t have enough space
If you observe your baby is not getting enough space for expanding his legs and arms, it is time to change his sleeping place as they can get up in the night because of feeling uncomfortable due to less space.
If not taken care of, crawling babies can knock their skulls on the bassinet wall. It is important to play safe and do not take any risks.
Occasionally babies become too big for their bassinet before reaching the weight capacity mentioned by the bassinet manual. Some babies grow taller earlier and need more space when they sleep, so it is not good to rely on the weight limit to decide when the baby is too huge for the bassinet.
Once you move the baby to a new bigger crib, you will see him more sound, happy and playful.
Essential tips when transitioning the baby from a bassinet to a crib
So you finally decided to transition your little one to the crib as you came to know that your child is too big for a bassinet. So let me tell you, while transferring baby to the crib, you need to be careful about a few things.
1. Don’t need to rush
Don’t make any sudden changes to your baby’s surroundings. Because some kids are quite sensitive to changes and, as a result, react negatively to those changes.
Act a bit slow rather than being too quick to transfer him to the crib. First, put them in a crib for a few hours during the day, no matter if they are awake. This will let them adapt to new surroundings.
Slowly increase the time your little ones are in the new bed. Once you feel he is totally fine with his new place and completely comfortable in it, you can continue with the transfer.
2. Don’t forget about safety
Select the mattress carefully. It must be sturdy enough to hold the baby. Keep the light low to keep the little ones comfortable. Observe how he responds to the new arrangements; if he is happy, he will adjust rapidly.
3. Begin with the similar room
The AAP suggests caretakers keep their babies in their room for a minimum of 6 to 12 months. Examination results have shown that it decreases the jeopardy of SIDS by near to 50 per cent. Transfer the crib to your room; once you see it is secure for your baby, you can take it again to the nursery.
Another way is to stay with your baby in the child’s room for a longer time as it will help them adjust faster.
Although it is your personal choice, use the method which you think is the best.
Why are bassinets so popular even though they don’t last long?
Most new parents are so worried that they keep their little ones in their room until they turn 6 months or more. However, one-bedroom cannot easily accommodate bigger cribs; these can easily fit into the nursery. This is the major reason parents prefer the bassinet even when their children have become quite big.
The other reason for choosing a bassinet is that these are inexpensive as well as do not occupy much space.
Bassinets also look beautiful. Guardians of the newborns keep the bassinets in the room without risking the room décor. Most importantly, keeping your baby in your room prevents any dangers to the newborn.
Final Word
We have tried you give the best information, but one common fact is that you will never get particular guidelines for parenting. That is because all babies are different from one another, so there is no specific answer or reason to specify when a baby is too big for the bassinet.
Parents Also Ask
When to move baby from bassinet to a crib?
This depends on the growth, preference, and behavioral patterns of your child. However, AAP suggests you let your baby be in your room for at least six months to make him feel safe and comfortable and prevent any risks to the baby.
When is the time to stop using the bassinet for my little one?
One quick way to decide when you should not use a bassinet for your little one.If the child requires monitoring when in the bassinet because he has started moving, now is the right time to change his sleeping environment.
What should be done in case the baby is right awake once I put him in the bassinet?
This happens when babies are unable to adjust due to temperature alterations between the bassinet and your arms. One best solution is to put a blanket beneath your baby when making them sleep. This will assist in keeping the temperature the same, and the baby will not get uncomfortable during the night.
