You’re having a baby!!! How Exciting! I bet you can’t wait! You must be SO happy. These were things I heard a lot when I was expecting, and sure, I was excited and happy, don’t get me wrong.

But so many times I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs I’m absolutely terrified! And with that would come the onslaught of guilt for not feeling 100% positive 100% of the time.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s okay. It’s okay to be worried, and stressed, and scared, and all those other emotions that make you not only human but a great parent.

It means that you understand the responsibility of raising your own tiny little human. It means you care about the choices you’re making.

And oh, there are so many choices to make, an important one of which is between a bassinet and a mini-crib, so I consulted my health visitor as well as my baby’s pediatrician about the differences between them, and here is what I discovered.

Everything You Need To Know About Mini-Cribs

What Is A Mini-Crib & Who Is It For? 

As the name suggests, a mini-crib is basically a crib, just smaller. They are smaller in both size and weight.

They do tend to be somewhat heavier than the typical bassinet.

A mini-crib is often portable which can be quite an advantage as in many cases you’ll be able to simply wheel it into a different space or room.

You may decide to choose a mini-crib if you have a smaller bedroom and you can’t quite fit a standard-sized one in the room.

They also tend to be a lot cheaper than your standard crib and so are the perfect solution for parents on a budget.

They also work really well as an option for babies that are sharing rooms with siblings, or for a sleeping space at Nanny and Grandad’s house.

So there are plenty of reasons why you may opt for this style of crib.

When it comes to using them, you’ll use them pretty much the exact same way you would a larger crib. They have the same purpose and for the most part, look exactly the same too – just a little bit smaller.

I ended up buying both a mini crib and bassinet at different points and I have some tips on the best mini crib mattress, here. The mini-crib I went with was this Dream On Me Violet model, and it served us very well.

The finish is completely non-toxic; it’s lightweight, which makes shifting it a darn sight easier; and it’s adjustable so it can deepen as your child grows.

It doesn’t have wheels, though, which may or may not concern you.

Pros Of A Mini Crib

• Less Expensive – A mini-crib is often a fraction of the price of a standard crib and yet still does the job perfectly. This can be a really great option since we all know just how much you have to purchase to be ready for your little bundle of joy.
• Good For Small Spaces – Your house is likely already very crowded with all the baby paraphernalia that is required, you are in need of the best crib for small spaces! And if you don’t have a huge space, things can become cramped pretty quickly. This allows you to slot your crib into your home without taking up too much space.
• Portable – These cribs really are a breeze to move which can really come in handy. This means that you can take your crib wherever you need it to go.
• Easy To Assemble – We all hate sitting and trying to assemble things together, right? Well, these cribs are always so much easier to assemble than their larger counterparts.

Cons Of A Mini Crib

• Less Sturdy – If you’re looking for super sturdy and durable, these cribs may disappoint slightly. The ones with wheels have a tendency to be a little wobbly too.
• Bedding Availability – Due to the nature of the crib, finding the correct bedding can be fairly difficult as the options on the market are limited.

Everything You Need To Know About Bassinets

What Is A Bassinet & Who Is It For?

Bassinets are a size smaller again from your mini-crib. They are designed to be both portable and temporary. They tend to rest on either a stand or legs, though sometimes on wheels too.

They are generally oval-shaped and their main purpose is to allow your baby to be close to your bed.

We are all well warned about the lack of sleep forthcoming as expectant parents. You’ll have nightly feeds, changes, and even playtimes. And it can really help to have a bassinet right beside your bed.

You may choose to have a bassinet if you want to keep your baby very close to you as you sleep or to make those nightly wake-up calls easier and more convenient, read here on when your baby is to big for a bassinet.

My sister got me this fantastic Mika Micky bassinet before my baby even arrived, and it was a total lifesaver. Easy to assemble and disassemble, getting it about is an absolute breeze.

My partner and I even took it to a hotel room when taking our child to meet her grandmother for the first time.

It’s also very sturdy and the all mesh side eliminates the chance of suffocation, the thought of which was keeping me up at night utterly horror-stricken.

It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless!

Pros Of A Bassinet 

• Inexpensive – Bassinets will be even cheaper than a mini-crib which can make them the perfect start-up choice especially if you are on a budget.
• Good For Small Spaces – Since these sleeping spaces are specially designed to slip in right next to your bed, they tend to be pretty compact and can easily fit in smaller spaces.
• Portable – A bassinet is very small and very light, which makes it very easy to move. This can be perfect for when you want to keep the baby in the same room as you without waking them.
• Keep Your Little One Close – Any new parent doesn’t like their child too far away from them and with a bassinet you can keep them super close. It also makes getting up in the night that little bit easier.

Cons Of A Bassinet

• Temporary – Bassinets will only last around 6 months. So you will have to purchase a more permanent solution at some point. This can mean extra spending in the long run.
• Less Sturdy – A bassinet will be even less sturdy than a mini-crib. This is because they are just so small and light-weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can A Baby Use A Bassinet?

There are a few milestones to keep an eye out for when it comes to transitioning your child from a bassinet to a mini- or full-size crib.

The first sign it’s time for a change is their weight. At 15 lbs, it’s better to move them onto a more secure structure.

The next sign is related to their mobility. If your child can push up on their hands and knees, the chances of them falling from their bassinet increase dramatically.

This can happen anywhere between 4 and 6 months, but even if your child is still relatively immobile at the 6-month threshold, it’s best to move them over to a crib.

Can A Newborn Sleep In A Mini-Crib?

Although we used our bassinet for the first few months, you can absolutely use a mini-crib as soon as you return home from the hospital with your newborn.

However, to be on the safe side, choose one from a reputable brand with tons of good reviews.

Final Thoughts

A bassinet or a mini-crib can be the perfect option for your new arrival. And really it will all come down to your personal preference.

But the way that I would look at it is that a mini-crib is a better option if you need a crib in a smaller space, while a bassinet is the better option if you want to keep your little one as close to you as possible.

Hopefully, I’ve made at least this one decision a little easier. Remember, you’re doing great and you’re going to be an amazing parent!

And, of course, Congratulations! You’ve got this!

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