The Ultimate
Baby Sleep Guide
A bassinet is a small, portable bed designed for newborns. It’s a smart choice for keeping the baby close in those early months.
Benefits
Bassinets are convenient for small spaces. They also allow easy proximity to the parents and are more lightweight & easier to move than a crib.
- Convenient for small spaces
- Allows closer proximity to parents
- Lightweight & easy to move
Features
Bassinets sometimes come in sets with playpens & changing stations, which is great for travel. They often have mesh siding for proper airflow and an adjustable height for nighttime feeding.
- Convertible options that come with playpens & changing stations for travel
- Mesh sides to promote proper airflow
- Adjustable height for easy nighttime feeding
Cribs are a sturdy, enclosed sleeping space for babies and toddlers. They come in a wide array of designs to suit your needs & decorative preferences.
Benefits
Great for longevity and can be used from the newborn phase until toddlerhood. Cribs provide extra durability and usually have storage space, reducing the need for additional nursery furniture.
- Convertible models allow for longevity
- Often comes with storage space
- Stability and durability
Features
Convertible cribs can transform into toddler beds & beyond, extending usability. Some models come with wheels, making it easier to move from room to room.
- Adjustable mattress heights
- Protective teething rails
- Decorative accents & finishes
Swaddles are designed to wrap newborns snugly, giving them a sense of security and comfort. Safe to use until a baby shows signs of rolling over.
Benefits
Swaddling limits startle reflex, reduces wake-ups, and mimics the feeling of being held, so babies slumber peacefully.
- Limits startle reflex, reducing wake-ups
- Mimics the feeling of being held, so babies sleep peacefully.
Features
Versatile—can be used as a nursing cover or stroller cover on the go. And while traditional swaddles involve a special wrapping technique, swaddle sacks & zip-up swaddle wraps help you bundle your child with ease.
- Can be used as a nursing cover, or stroller cover for on-the-go.
- Swaddle sacks & zip-up swaddle wraps help you bundle your child with ease.
The stork is prepping for his big delivery, and you’re getting ready by building your baby’s nest. A natural place to start is by setting up their sleep space. But if you’re not an expert of baby beds, you might be curious: what’s the difference between a crib and bassinet? How does a swaddle fit into a baby’s sleep routine? Don’t worry, we’re here to unpack the basics for you with our sleep buying guide.
First of all, a bassinet is a starter bed for newborns through a portion of their infancy. Compared to cribs, bassinets are typically smaller, lighter, and more portable, with mesh sidings versus the rails. They’re a great option if you’re short on space, don’t have room for a separate nursery, or just want to keep the baby close to you in those early months. That being said, bassinets have a shorter time of use versus traditional cribs. Once your child reaches the max height or weight limit—usually around four to six months—you’ll have to make the switchover.
That’s where cribs come in. A crib is a sturdier baby bed with latticed sides and a firm enclosure, for extra security. They’re great for longevity, because newborns can technically sleep there from day one. From there, a baby can stay in the crib until about 18 months to 3-years-old, depending on when they reach the size and weight limit. There’s also plenty of convertible crib options that will take your baby into the next phase, turning into a toddler’s bed or even a child’s bed.
Finally, swaddles are a great thing to have on hand for your baby’s first weeks of infancy. They are meant to soothe a baby by mimicking the quarters of a womb, and can even help limit startle response and keep them snoozing. Just make sure to discontinue use once your baby shows signs of rolling over, and/or before they hit two months.
And don’t forget all the baby gear and essentials for their dreamland! Fun crib sheets help put your own personal touch on the space, so that’s a good place to start. Also, heads up: a waterproof mattress pad is a great addition to any child’s bed. It’s ready in case of any spills or accidents, so stains are one less thing to worry about. If you have the space, it’s also smart to think of nursery furniture. A changing station is an essential, while an oh-so-soft rocker chair will help for late night lullabies and feedings. And don’t forget the accessories! This includes mobiles, sound machines, baby monitors, and learning toys. With our registry, you’ll be set for good nights ahead.