When is Baby Too Big for Bassinet? 5 Thing to Know

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I loved the convenience and coziness of our bassinet, but when is baby too big for bassinet?

They’re wonderful if you have a small space, or if you want to be able to move your baby from room to room easily.

Eventually, however, your baby will grow out of their bassinet.

New parents of a newborn baby may wonder at how many months of age they’ll need to move their baby to a crib.

So, what is the magic number? Is there a specific age that babies should transition to a crib?

The short answer is that it depends. It depends on a few different factors and that’s what we’ll chat about next.

When Is Baby Too Big for Bassinet? 5 Things to Know

If you already own a bassinet and are looking to find out when you need to move your baby to a crib, the below-talking points will be really helpful.

If you’re researching whether you should invest in a bassinet, these points will also help.

You may find that you don’t want or need a bassinet after all. Or, you may find that it’s a perfect addition to your home.

Balancing Baby Sleep With Safety

There are all manner of baby items that are incredibly helpful to parents. However, it is vitally important that you understand how they are meant to be used.

Keeping our babies safe comes above all convenience factors.

The idea of transitioning your baby from a bassinet to a crib may seem daunting, especially if they’re sleeping well.

However, if they are too big for their bassinet then it is a transition that is absolutely necessary.

Your baby will adjust to their new sleeping arrangement and you’ll rest easy in the knowledge that they are safe.

#1 Manufacturers Instructions

The very first thing you need to consider when deciding if your baby is too big for a bassinet are the manufacturer’s instructions.

You cannot put a blanket statement over when a baby is too big for a bassinet because each bassinet is different.

They are different sizes and made of different materials.

Therefore, you need access to the instruction manual so that you can see exactly what the safety parameters are.

I’ve found that modern bassinets are larger than standard cribs. However, some may be on the smaller side.

There will also be weight limits. If you want to use your bassinet for a longer time then be sure to pick on with higher weight limits.

#2 Physical Development of Your Baby

Another key factor when making this decision is the physical development of your baby.

Babies start moving around within a general time frame. For some, rolling over begins at 3-months old, while others don’t roll until 5-months old.

If your baby is beginning to roll around and really move inside their bassinet, then it is time to move them.

While most bassinets have fairly permeable walls, it still isn’t great for your baby to be tucked right up close to them. The sides of the bassinet aren’t very high either, so if your baby can sit up then you absolutely want to move them to a crib.

It would be too easy for them to fall out if they are already that mobile.

#3 The Space You Have

If all safety measures are met then there’s no rush to move your baby out of their bassinet.

Many families choose to use a bassinet due to the limited space that they have. If you don’t have to use a crib, then don’t.

Another thing to consider is that if your baby has grown out of their bassinet, look for a mini crib instead of a full-size one. If you don’t have enough space for a traditional crib then there are other options!

Traditional bassinets are wonderful for newborn babies. They feel a lot more snug than a great big full-size crib so it makes sense to want to use it for as long as possible.

#4 Sleep Quality

Something else that may come up is a decline in sleep quality.

If your baby is too big for their bassinet, then they may wake more frequently. They may be moving around and bumping into the sides, which disrupts their sleep.

Of course, we don’t want them to be waking through the night if they don’t have to.

So, try transitioning them to a crib and see if it helps the issue. It may take a few nights for them to settle into their new sleep environment.

Another thing that may happen is that you as the parent just aren’t getting the sleep you need. Using a bedside sleeper is wonderful for dealing with feedings in the middle of the night.

However, there comes a time when your baby may need to be in their own room. Oftentimes, this coincides with when your baby has outgrown their baby bassinet and it is not longer the safest place for them to sleep.

#5 The Kind of Bassinet You Use

As I touched on above, bassinets come in many shapes and sizes. Therefore, the kind of bassinet you use will also determine when your baby is too big for it.

With my youngest child, I bought a bassinet that was on the larger size. Because she was such a tiny little thing, she was able to stay in it for a long time.

However, my sister used that same bassinet with her son and he was in it for a very short time. He was a big boy and couldn’t stay in it for long.

If you haven’t purchased a bassinet yet then do keep this in mind.

What to Replace the Bassinet With

So, your baby is officially too big for their bassinet, what do you replace it with?

Believe it or not, but a standard crib is not the only option. Let’s chat about what sleep situations you can choose from.

Crib

Of course, a crib is the default choice for many. A crib is what babies have been using for years.

As long as there is a firm, clean crib mattress, it is a very safe sleep setup and can be used for a long time.

Use a tight fitted sheet and avoid using bumpers, and keep the crib clear of all blankets, pillows, and toys for at least the first year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long determined these to be a hazard. The risk of sids is a real thing when unsafe sleep environments are used.

Many cribs are convertible these days meaning you can convert them into toddler beds. This gives them plenty of longevity.

Mini Crib

If space is an issue then I highly recommend using a mini crib. This will replace the bassinet so that your baby has a safe place to sleep.

However, a mini crib will give a lot of the same space-saving benefits that the bassinet did.

They do tend to be easier to move around as well.

Related: Mini Crib vs Crib

Pack n Play

Finally, we have the Pack n Play (also known as a portacot or travel crib).

If you want to invest in a safe sleeping space for your baby that can be easily taken down and moved, this is a good solution.

Pak n Plays also tend to be less expensive making them a great option for those who are budget conscious.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is not wise or safe to add extra things that aren’t recommended by the manufacturer. You want your baby to be on a firm surface and to have nice, tight crib sheets. Loose blankets are considered suffocation hazards and definitely can become safety issues.

They may not be as pretty, but they sure are practical!

How to Transition Out of the Bassinet

How do you transition out of the bassinet without upsetting your baby too much?

If your baby is still within the safety parameters then you can do this gradually. The best time to do it will depend on your circumstances.

If, however, your baby is already too big for the bassinet then you’ll have to just do it cold turkey.

My suggestion would be to set up their sleep environment so that it is exactly the same in every other way aside from the new sleeping space. If you use white noise, keep using that. Their sleep time should look just the same as usual.

If you’re doing it gradually then you have a bit more grace.

I would start with just one nap a day in the crib. Do that for a couple of days and then add another nap in.

Once all naps are being had in the crib, you can go for nighttime.

Alternatively, you could start with nights first. Often babies are a lot more tired at bedtime and less willing to fight sleep. Just do their usual bedtime routine and continue as per usual.

Either way, give your baby time to adjust. For some babies, it is a big change, but for others, it doesn’t phase them much.

Final Thoughts

Bassinets are wonderful for families with limited space in their homes. They’re also wonderful for being able to move your baby around the home.

However, they will inevitably grow out of it.

The key is to understand when it is no longer safe for your baby to be in their bassinet.

The best way to transition your baby to their new sleeping arrangement is going to depend on if you need to do it right away or can take your time. However, it’s a good idea to keep their sleep routine the same in all other ways while making the transition.

Follow the safe sleep advice so that you can have peace of mind and know that you’ve made the best choice for your new baby.

I hope these tips help you to make an informed decision on when baby is too big for their bassinet.