Alternatives to a Bassinet

Most parents place their newborn in a bassinet for sleeping. However, a bassinet can be expensive, bulky and only used for a few months, making it a difficult purchase to rationalize. Parents who don't want to buy a bassinet can find other sleep alternatives for an infant. Depending on parenting styles, one of the following alternatives may be a good fit.

  1. Pack and Play

    • Some parents may buy a pack and play. Whether for a travel sleep bed or a playpen for an older infant, it is an item that finds its way onto most baby registries. Most pack and plays come with a bassinet, which is a slip-on, flexible bedding that clips onto the top of the pack and play. The infant can safely sleep here until she is about 5 months old.

    Co-sleeping

    • Parents who subscribe to the philosophy of attachment parenting may choose to co-sleep. In order to co-sleep safely, they must put the baby away from all blankets and pillows and put in a place where he is unlikely to roll off the bed, such as between two parents. Put the baby to sleep on his back, just as if he were sleeping alone, says DrSears.com. Dr. Sears also recommends co-sleeping in a bed no smaller than queen size for safety reasons.

    Co-Sleeping Basinets

    • Parents who want the closeness of co-sleeping but are worried about the dangers of sleeping so close to an infant can purchase a co-sleeping basinet. These sleepers clip onto the parents' bed so the baby is still within arms' reach for middle of the night feedings, but is in his own safe space.

    Crib

    • Parents can place a newborn directly into a crib. If that's your choice, remove the bumper to allow air to circulate safely in the room. It is also important always to place the baby on her back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Do not dress the baby too warmly; dress her as you would want to be dressed for sleep. Do not give her blankets, unless you tuck them into the edges of the crib. Instead, swaddle her or zip her into a sleep sack, which is a wearable blanket.

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