One of the most important things any parent needs to think about when welcoming a baby into the world is how to provide a safe sleeping space for them. But, much like most baby gear, there is so much choice, and you may find yourself wondering if you need a cot, bassinet, or both.
Today, we’ll be taking a close look at both of these items, exploring their purposes and making it much clearer whether you need both or if you can survive with just one.
Key Points
- Bassinets typically have lower weight limits than cots.
- A full-sized cot can offer a long-term sleeping space for babies.
- Newborn babies may be easier to access while sleeping in a cot straight from birth.
- Typically, cots are a piece of nursery furniture that will remain stationary after installation.
- You should place your baby to sleep on their back, whether they are sleeping in a bassinet or a cot.
- Reaching new mobility milestones is a sign that your baby has outgrown their bassinet.
Content in this article:
- What Is The Difference Between A Bassinet And A Cot?
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of Bassinets And Cots?
- Is A Bassinet Really Needed?
- Can A Newborn Go Straight Into A Cot?
- What Are The Budget Considerations For Having A Bassinet And A Cot?
- How To Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps Safely?
- What Are The Signs That Your Baby Has Outgrown Their Bassinet?
What Is The Difference Between A Bassinet And A Cot?
First things first, let’s look at the difference between a bassinet and a cot. Both offer your little one a safe space to sleep, but there are some key differences you need to keep in mind before deciding which is best for you and your baby’s needs.
Bassinet
Bassinets are essentially small beds that are designed specifically for a newborn baby, and they feature a stand that places your baby well off the ground, making them easier for you to access when needed. They also tend to be much lighter in weight, making them easier to move around your home, and some models even feature lockable wheels to make maneuvering between rooms super simple.
As they are compact in size, bassinets tend to make a better choice for smaller spaces and for parent room sharing. However, this small size does mean that your baby will outgrow their bassinet much faster than they would a cot.
Cot
A cot is a larger bed that features rails on all sides, designed to keep your baby safe while they sleep. They are usually designed with children aged twelve months and older in mind, as they are spacious enough to give your baby the room they need to move around as they grow.
Cots do take up a lot more space than bassinets, however, making them a more suitable choice for nurseries, and as they’ll accommodate your baby until they are at the age they can sleep in a child’s bed, they tend to be a better long-term investment.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Bassinets And Cots?
Now you know the main differences between bassinets and cots, let’s look at the benefits and disadvantages of each.
What Are The Benefits Of A Bassinet?
Bassinets have many benefits, particularly for newborn babies. These benefits include:
Compact Size
As they are much smaller than cots, bassinets don’t take up too much space in your home. This makes them an excellent option for parents who would like to room share with their baby for the first six months of their life but don’t have the space for a full-sized cot in their bedroom.
Accessibility
Bassinets usually feature a much lower rail than a cot and are held on a sturdy stand that places your baby at waist height. This makes it much easier to access your baby when needed, rather than having to bend into a low cot, reducing back strain and making them really useful for mothers recovering from C-sections in the process.
Mobility
Most bassinets feature wheels on their stand that make them easy to move around the house, giving you the opportunity to take your baby where you need to without having to remove them from the bassinet and risk waking them. Some also detach from the stand, meaning you can place them next to you on the sofa (if you find five minutes to relax!) and keep a close eye on them by your side.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Bassinet?
Still not sure if a bassinet is the right choice for you and your baby? Let’s look at the drawbacks:
Short-Term Use
A baby will usually only need to sleep in a bassinet for the first four months of their life, as they’ll outgrow it quite quickly. For this reason, a cot may be a better choice if you’re looking for more of a long-term solution.
Weight Limits
While a cot will also have a weight limit, it tends to be much higher than a bassinet. Once your baby reaches around 6.8kg in weight, it’s time to move them to a cot and, typically, bassinets aren’t capable of supporting weights heavier than this.
This can pose a safety risk as well, as bassinets are so high off the ground. In the chance that your bassinet fails due to your baby’s weight, they could fall and potentially injure themselves.
What Ages Are Bassinets Suitable For?
Bassinets are suitable for newborn babies and should be used until your baby is between four and six months old. You’ll know it’s time to move your baby into a cot because they’ll be too small for their bassinet, and they’ll also be too heavy to use a bassinet safely (typically around 6.8kg).
What Are The Benefits Of A Cot?
Now, let’s take a look at the benefits of purchasing a cot over a bassinet:
Adaptability
Many cots have convertible features, including mattress height settings and toddler bed conversions. This means that they’ll be able to accommodate your child as they grow, saving you money in the long run. A cot also allows your child to get used to sleeping in their own room and can be used to create a comfortable, relaxing sleeping space for them.
Spacious
As well as being convertible, cots are much roomier than bassinets, and this gives your baby the space they need to grow, as well as offering them the comfort to move around while they sleep. This increased room also allows you to start letting them sleep with a soft toy once they’re older without compromising on available space.
Secure
Cots have many safety features, including high locking rails and adjustable mattress heights that ensure your baby is as secure as possible while they sleep. They’re also much sturdier than bassinets and their stands, so there’s no need to ever worry about them moving out of place or accidentally tipping over.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Cot?
Cots aren’t always the best choice for every parent. Here are some reasons why you might prefer to start your baby off sleeping in a bassinet:
High Rails
While the high rails that cots have are a great feature as your baby becomes more mobile, they can make it difficult for parents to access younger babies and newborns without having to bend down low, putting strain on the body as you do.
Expensive
Cots tend to be more expensive than bassinets. So, while they offer a better long-term solution, they may not be cost-effective for parents trying to stick to a smaller budget.
Mobility
Unlike bassinets, cots are heavy, and this makes them much harder to move around when needed. Most cots are designed to remain in the position you want them until it’s time to switch them for a child’s bed, so if you’re looking for something more mobile, a bassinet would be the better option.
To sum up the pros and cons of both bassinets and cots, what works best for you really depends on your individual needs and the developmental growth of your baby.
What Ages Are Cots Suitable For?
You’ll need to move your baby from a bassinet into a cot from the age of six months, and they’ll remain sleeping in their cot until around 18 months to three years old. However, some cots have features (such as adjustable mattress heights) that make them suitable for newborn babies.
Likewise, some cots can be converted into toddler beds, meaning that, depending on the height and weight of your child, they can be suitable for use up until they are six years old.
Is A Bassinet Really Needed?
While most parents find bassinets an essential accessory for their child, particularly newborn babies, they aren’t totally necessary. Consider a convertible cot over a bassinet if you’re looking to save money or simply cut down on the amount of baby gear needed to help save space in your home.
This will accommodate growth throughout your baby’s life, allowing you to use the same bed from newborn to toddler. Keep in mind, however, that cots take up much more space than bassinets. So, you’ll need to make sure you have enough space for a cot alongside your own bed and bedroom furniture if you’re planning to room share.
Can A Newborn Go Straight Into A Cot?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine for a newborn baby to go straight into a cot, and doing so can help them get used to having their own sleep space much sooner. However, there are certain features your chosen cot should have to ensure your baby is as safe as possible while they sleep.
One of the most important things it should have is an adjustable mattress height. This makes it much easier for you to access your baby when you need to from waist level, rather than having to bend down low into the cot.
You’ll also need to make sure your chosen cot features safety rails and that you place your child in the cot with their feet at the bottom end, as this prevents them from wriggling down and getting trapped in blankets.
What Are The Budget Considerations For Having A Bassinet And A Cot?
Generally speaking, bassinets are less expensive than cots, so they’re a better choice for parents trying to stick to a smaller budget. However, there can be a bit of a false economy as your baby will only need their bassinet for the first 4-6 months of their life.
While a cot can be a more expensive initial purchase, many have features that create a safe sleeping space for a child from newborn to toddler. This can actually save you money as you won’t need to worry about purchasing a cot as soon as your baby has outgrown their bassinet.
There are some things you can do to help reduce the cost of a cot if you’re trying to stick to a lower budget. First of all, keep an eye out for upcoming deals and sales, such as Black Friday or Boxing Day sales, as many of the best baby gear brands offer huge discounts during these events.
You can also try shopping second hand to save some money on a cot. You’ll need to do a bit of research when doing this to ensure the cot is safe, still works as it should, and is clean. But, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save buying second hand if you’re willing to put the effort in.
How To Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps Safely?
Bassinets and cots are designed to help ensure your baby is as safe as possible while they sleep. But, there are some things that you also need to ensure you’re doing as a parent to keep your baby safe while they’re dreaming.
Place Your Baby On Their Back
It’s really important that you always place your baby on their back to sleep, regardless of whether they’re having a daytime nap or settling down for the night. Doing this dramatically reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation, as it keeps the trachea open and ensures unobstructed breathing.
Use The Right Mattress
Whether you’re using a bassinet or a cot, the mattress your baby sleeps on should be firm and flat. This doesn’t only help keep them comfortable at all times but also supports their body better, allowing for better bone development. A firm, flat mattress is also another essential tool for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS, as it will support the spine and help keep the trachea open for clear, deep breaths.
Remove Extra Blankets, Pillows, And Toys
You also need to make sure that any excess soft bedding, such as pillows and blankets, are removed from the cot before you place your baby down to sleep. Doing this takes away the risk of suffocation as nothing will be able to slip or fall onto your baby’s face. Likewise, any stuffed animals and soft toys should be removed, as these can also pose a suffocation risk.
For the first few months of your baby’s life, and up until their first birthday, it’s a good idea to room share. This doesn’t mean sharing a bed with your baby but instead means placing their bassinet or cot in the same room as you. This allows you to monitor their sleeping patterns and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as you’ll be able to keep a closer eye on them, rolling them onto their back when needed.
Monitor Your Baby’s Temperature
Babies shouldn’t be too hot or too cold while they’re sleeping, so check their temperature regularly by placing a hand on their back or stomach. During the warmer months, it’s a good idea to use a fan (facing away from the cot) to bring the overall room temperature down, and the white noise it generates may also help them sleep more soundly. Similarly, when temperatures start dropping, warm the room up slightly by setting your radiator to a low heat.
What Are The Signs That Your Baby Has Outgrown Their Bassinet?
After the age of six months, your baby will need to move from a bassinet into a cot. However, each baby grows and develops at a different rate, so knowing the signs of when it’s time to move them out of their bassinet is very important.
Here are a few key signs that your baby is ready for a cot:
Height And Weight
The first sign will be that your baby is simply too big to comfortably fit in their bassinet. General safety standards for bassinets advise that your baby’s head should not touch the sides of the bassinet, and if it is, it’s definitely time to upgrade to a cot. Likewise, most bassinets won’t be able to safely support a baby weighing more than 6.8kg. So, it’s time to make the switch if your child has hit this weight or is rapidly headed towards it.
Increased Mobility
Another sign that your baby is ready to move from bassinet to cot is if they start to roll over by themselves. Most bassinets aren’t designed to accommodate these movements, and there’s a risk that your baby could roll themselves out while trying out their newfound trick.
Sitting Up
Likewise, at around the age of six months old, your baby will be able to sit up by themselves. This is another sign it’s time to move them into a cot, as the higher rails will ensure they don’t fall out should they lose balance.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide what type of sleeping arrangement works best for their family, and you don’t need both, as bassinets and cots each provide a safe, comfortable sleep area for your baby. However, if you choose a bassinet, remember that you will need to transition your baby to a cot when they outgrow the bassinet.