How Long Can a Baby Stay in the Bassinet?

When an newborn infant comes home from the hospital, the parents may choose to let the baby sleep in a bassinet or cradle before transferring him to a crib. Bassinets keep the infant snug and comfortable because of its compact size, and also ease late-night feedings when placed in the parents' room. When putting a baby to sleep in a bassinet, follow all infant sleeping guidelines, and replace the bassinet with a crib when the baby outgrows his bassinet or can potentially move out of it.

  1. Bassinet Safety Guidelines

    • In 2005, the American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines on infant sleeping to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), including guidelines on safe sleeping in a bassinet. According to these guidelines, the safest position for an infant to sleep is on her back, whether in a crib or bassinet. A newborn baby lacks physical skills to move herself out of a potentially unsafe position wedged in the mattress or smothered in a blanket. Remove loose blankets and stuffed animals from the bassinet. (See References 2)

      According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the most common injuries to babies in bassinets happen when the bassinet collapses or tips over, or the baby suffocates on pillows or toys. Verify that the baby's bassinet or cradle conforms to the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Buy one with a wide base for sturdiness. The sleeping surface should be firm and flat. Remove all toys and pillows. If there are side slats in the bassinet or cradle, measure the space between them. It should measure no more than 2 3/8 inches.

      When assembling the bassinet, tighten all screws and bolts to prevent its unexpected collapse. Trim the tails of decorative bows and ribbons very short, and stitch them in place to prevent strangulation. Lock down a swinging cradle or bassinet and stop the swinging once the baby is asleep. (See References 3, p. 11)

      Keep in mind if you choose to use a bassinet, that the baby outgrows it quickly. Move the baby from a bassinet to a crib when the baby reaches 1 month of age or weighs 10 pounds, whichever comes soonest. Pack up the bassinet and use it for future children or lend it to a friend with a newborn. Some consignment and secondhand shops specializing in baby goods accept bassinets for sale with all paperwork and packaging, so hold on to that information. After moving the baby to a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved crib, she can stay in it for up to 3 years. (See References 1, p. 241)

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