Bassinets are a great crib alternative to have, especially for c-sections or breastfeeding moms or if you need more space in the bedroom.
But they’re not meant for long-term use.
So if you’re wondering how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet, that would depend on a few factors.
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How Long Can A Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?
Your baby can sleep in their bassinet as long as they’re within the bassinet’s weight limit and they’re not too mobile.
Most bassinets can usually hold babies who are 5 to 6 months old or those who weigh between 15-18 lbs or 7kg – 8kg.
But depending on your baby’s development, they need to transition out of it when they’re starting to roll over or are pulling themselves into an upright position.
And some babies can do that by 3 months old!
So how long a baby can sleep in a bassinet will mostly depend on your baby’s mobility and temperament.
Signs It’s Time to Move Baby Out of the Bassinet
Here are some factors to consider to help you decide if it’s time for your baby to stop using the bassinet:
Your baby is getting more mobile
If your baby is starting to roll over or push themselves up in a sitting position, then it’s time to move them out of the bassinet as soon as possible.
Your baby is meeting certain milestones and a bassinet usually is not big enough for them to move around and rollover.
Plus if they’re constantly moving around, and most especially if they’re trying to pull themselves up in a sitting position, they could flip themselves out of the bassinet.
Bassinets are shallower than cribs and no matter how sturdy they are, there’s always the danger of your baby falling over if they’re getting more active and mobile.
Your baby is nearing the weight limit
Some babies have a calmer temperament and might not have reached certain milestones yet.
This might mean that they’re not trying to roll over or sit up yet.
But if they’re nearing the bassinet’s weight limit, even if they’re not that mobile yet, it’s better to just move them out of it.
So take note of the bassinet’s weight limit in its instruction manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Some have a higher weight limit, such as the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet which your baby can use longer IF they’re not that active yet.
Your baby is looking cramped
Check also if your baby still has enough space to wiggle in their bassinet.
Your baby is growing quickly and if they’re on the taller, heavier side, they can easily outgrow their bassinet even if they’re not that mobile yet.
So take a look and see if your baby is looking cramped in the bassinet.
If their head and feet can almost reach the sides and ends of the bassinet, that’s a sign that they need more space and need to transition out of the bassinet.
Which Bassinets Can Be Used the Longest?
The longevity and use of a bassinet actually depend on your baby’s mobility and development.
But most manufacturers recommend using the bassinet until 5 or 6 months old and/or until your baby is more mobile.
A bassinet with a high weight limit, such as the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet (33 lbs or 15 kg weight limit) can be used for a longer time, as long as your baby is within the weight limit and is pretty chill in their bassinet.
If Baby is Too Big for the Bassinet But Not Ready for the Crib
If you can’t let go of the convenience of the bassinet, especially for breastfeeding, BUT your baby is outgrowing it, you can try doing the following:
Move the crib into your bedroom
Transitioning your kid to sleep on it might take some time.
But at least they’re inside the bedroom, making it easier for you to check on them for feedings, diaper changes, and some good ole’ snuggles.
Get a crib alternative instead
You can try a pack ‘n play, a travel crib, or a mini crib if you prefer a less bulky yet more comfortable, spacious sleeping space for your little one.
They’re all great crib alternatives and offer more space for your baby to roll around and even play and practice standing up on their own!
Co-sleep on a floor mattress
If you want your baby near you but you don’t want to transition them to a crib or buy any crib alternatives, then just set your mattress on the floor and co-sleep with them!
Just take note of the AAP’s safe sleeping guidelines and La Leche’s Safe Sleep Seven when deciding to co-sleep with your baby.
Point is that they can’t stay in the bassinet for too long.
No matter how durable or big or well-made the bassinet is, it can only be used for a few months.
And if your baby is obviously outgrowing it, it’s time to transition them out of it, to a bigger sleeping space. Like a crib.
How to Transition Your Baby From Bassinet to Crib
Here are some ways to make the switch from bassinet to crib easier for your baby:
- Hang out a lot in their nursery room
If you want your baby to sleep in the crib in their bedroom, start spending a lot of time with them in their nursery room.
You can make them do some tummy time, play with a baby play gym, let them crawl around, read to them and do a lot of age-appropriate activities.
Let them get used to their nursery room and the idea of using the crib as their new sleeping place.
- Let them nap in the crib first
Slowly introduce your baby to the crib by letting them nap in it.
- Stay close
You can choose to move the crib in your bedroom temporarily or sleep on a separate bed inside your baby’s nursery room.
Either way, your baby will be more at ease in the crib when they can see that you’re nearby.
- Stick to their bedtime routine
Don’t change it up immediately.
Babies thrive on routines so just keep doing your regular bedtime activities when transitioning them to their crib.
- Pat gently and repeatedly
Doing this is comforting for most babies as it mimics the rhythm and sound inside of a womb.
Keep doing it until your baby is drowsy or attach a flopping fish toy on their bum to do the gentle, repeated pats for you.
Yes, babies can sleep all night in a bassinet.
A durable, safety-certified bassinet with a firm flat mattress and a fitted sheet is perfectly safe for babies, even newborns, to sleep in.
FAQ on How Long Can a Baby Sleep In a Bassinet
When should you move a baby out of a bassinet?
You should move your baby out of their bassinet when they’re starting to roll over or are pulling themselves up in an upright position.
Some can do this as early as 3 months old, while some can still stay safely in the bassinet longer than that.
Can babies sleep all night in a bassinet?
Yes, babies can sleep all night in a bassinet.
A durable, safety-certified bassinet with a firm flat mattress and a fitted sheet is perfectly safe for babies, even newborns, to sleep in.
How do you know when a baby is too big for a bassinet?
You can easily tell if a baby is too big for the bassinet when they’re reaching the bassinet’s weight limit or when they look cramped in it.
Or more importantly, when they’re too mobile and active to stay safely inside it.
Can a baby sleep in a bassinet if they’re rolling over?
No, for safety purposes, a baby can’t sleep in a bassinet if they’re starting to roll over.
A bassinet is shallower than a crib and there’s a chance that they might flip out of the bassinet. So it’s better to transition them out of it once they’re starting to get more active.
Takeaway on How Long Can A Baby Sleep in a Bassinet
Bassinets can be great for families with limited space.
But they can only be used for a few months, so you might want to consider a pack n’ play, a travel crib, or a mini crib.
They’re not as bulky as a crib and they can be used for a year or two or even more than that – longer than a bassinet.
I hope this article has helped you in answering the question of how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet.
And if you like this guide, check out my other articles on Best Bassinets for Small Spaces, How To Clean A Bassinet, and How To Keep Your Cat Out of Bassinet and Crib.
