Babies grow way too fast. That’s the one thing that parents can’t wrap their heads around.
This minute your baby fits perfectly in your arms and is solely dependent on you for everything.
The next minute, your baby is now a toddler who runs around the house and can no longer fit perfectly in your arms.
They don’t just fit perfectly in your arms anymore but even the bassinet. Then at this point, you begin to wonder what next?
Where can your baby sleep that can be as comfortable as that bassinet you have in your home?
At the same time, you want to know when your baby is too big for a bassinet but not ready for a crib.
The good news is we have a guide for you and the answers to those questions bugging your mind.
So if you want some really good tips, keep reading and learn more on baby too big for bassinet but not ready for crib.
Baby Too Big for Bassinet but Not Ready for Crib
For many parents, the bassinet has been the saving grace for their babies.
A newborn is so tiny and fragile, and getting that perfect and safe space in your home might just be hard. But with a bassinet, life is made easy.
A bassinet is comfortable, convenient, and compact. Also, it is safe for a newborn to sleep in.
No wonder parents rest assured when they have their child in one. It allows you to sleep right next to your newborn, considering you can place the bassinet next to your bed.
It sure would be nice to have your child sleep in the bassinet forever, but then you have no control over the growth mechanism of your child.
This is why at about 4-6 months, a child outgrows a bassinet. For some babies, they outgrow it sooner and some faster than the average.
The most important thing is identifying when your child outgrows a bassinet and then finding a suitable replacement for your child.
Let’s go back in time to when you first placed your newborn in the bassinet.
Can you remember some things that made you assured that your baby was safe and comfortable in it?
You probably saw your newborn turn around effortlessly because there was enough space. So this means your baby didn’t occupy the entire length of the bassinet.
However, this may no longer be the case when you notice that your child does not have enough space to turn and has entirely occupied the bassinet.
This and other factors may communicate that they have outgrown the bassinet.
1. Why is a Bassinet Useful?
A bassinet is a good choice for infants as it allows them to sleep in the same room as their parents without taking up too much space.
They come in two types; one that is basket-shaped and can be used without wheels and the modern type that features an extended make and can be used as a playpen.
With a bassinet, your baby will sleep safely and comfortably for nearly 3 to 4 months.
Other than becoming useful for the bedroom, a bassinet can also be used in the garden, the park, and other places where you need your baby close by.
Besides the timeframe, bassinets also have a weight limit.
2. Signs That the Bassinet is Small for Your Baby
There are several to look out for to know that your baby is too big for Bassinet. They include:
-
Needs More Space
The recommended time frame for using a bassinet is up to 4 months.
Some babies grow faster and wouldn’t fit into the bassinet earlier, while some would still take up to 6 months. Identify which category your baby fits into.
One way to know is to check if your baby keeps bumping their feet and head on the bassinet.
Also, check how comfortable your baby is when sleeping. All of these will point to a need for change or keep using it.
-
Weight Limit
Another interesting pointer is the weight limit of your bassinet. Bassinet usually comes with a weight limit indication.
It ranges from 15 pounds to 30 pounds. If your child is past that weight, you should stop using the bassinet.
It has been found that even before a child reaches the weight limit, they are already too big for the bassinet.
So for your child’s comfort, it will be better to stop using the bassinet.
-
Movement Milestones
There are developmental milestones in children, and these milestones are indications that your child is healthy.
At about 4 months, you will expect a child to sit with your support, push elbows when you place them on their stomach and even get interested in objects.
This will require a lot of space, and a bassinet can’t provide that.
-
They Hate the Bassinet
One way that babies communicate they hate the bassinet is by crying.
If you notice your baby crying every single time they are placed in the bassinet, then it could be an indication that something is wrong.
Your baby might just hate the bassinet and the fact that it is confined.
Your child may even have a hard time falling asleep because they don’t like the bassinet. This is your cue to stop using the bassinet.
3. How to Transition from a Bassinet to a Crib
The crucial purpose of getting a crib is for more space. This means that comfort shouldn’t be compromised. Here are some tips that may help you out.
- Opt for a Full-Size Crib– This is important so that your child can properly grow in the crib. Since you will most likely be using the crib for a few years, you want something that would still fit even as your child grows.
- Get a Good Mattress– This means you should get a firm mattress. This will provide the proper back support for your child. So even after months and years, it will still be in good shape.
- Get rid of Pillows and Blankets– In a crib, your child will most likely toss to and fro; hence, having pillows and blankets will reduce the sleeping space. At the same time, it is not safe for the child as they could unknowingly disrupt proper breathing using these.
See a similar post: When is Baby Too Big For Bassinet?
Summary
It’s true that you just gave birth to that tiny human some months ago, and you don’t understand why a crib is needed so early.
Well, it is what it is. While you may have no control over how quickly your child grows, you sure have control over what can be done.
We have successfully looked at why you think your baby is too big for a bassinet but not ready for a crib.
If you notice that your baby is getting big for the bassinet, then it is time to transition to a crib. With the tips above, getting a good one wouldn’t be an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when a baby is too big for a bassinet?
There are a few things that will prove that your baby is too big for a bassinet. One is that your child can’t move freely in the bassinet.
Also, you will notice how uncomfortable your child feels when sleeping in the bassinet. It could even get as bad as your child not being able to sleep early once in the bassinet.
At what age do babies outgrow bassinet?
For different babies, the age varies. Nevertheless, most babies outgrow the bassinet around 6 months.
For some, it could be as early as 4 months or even a bit earlier, depending on the growth rate of the child.
While some still take some more months to enjoy the comfortable bassinet that they sleep in.
What do babies sleep in when they outgrow bassinet?
When your child outgrows a bassinet, you can opt to transfer them to a Pack n Play or a crib for your child.
The latter is the favorite for many mothers as their children can still use this even as they grow up.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
