If you are looking to purchase among bassinet, crib, and pack n plays, then this article provides you with enough information to finalize your decision. We will define all these three products in detail and then mention some of the differences to understand the key features of these products. If you are looking for a difference between a bassinet and Cradle you can visit here.
Bassinet Vs Crib Vs Pack n Play: Which is best for your baby?
Table of Contents
What is Pack n Play?
A pack n play is basically an item of multifunctional furniture for a baby that can be used as a crib, travel crib, napper, and its different models can be used as a perfect play yard for the baby. It is like a crib but its dimensions and size are titles smaller than a regular baby Crib, also lighter in weight. Bur, it has a heavier frame and a solid structure than the travel-crib.
It doesn’t mean that the size of pack n play is fixed it comes in different sizes. Pack n play comes in different styles, few can be stripped down and can be used as a play yard or a perfect place for sleep, while other types can have different options like changing tables, bassinets, storage tables, mattresses, etc. It is introduced by the Graco company, also there are different types of sleeping and
Pack ‘n Play can act as:
- A Baby Crib
- A playpen
- A Napper or bassinet
- Diaper storage
What is a baby Bassinet?
The bassinet is normally used for sleeping and they come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. It is like a small crib and normally it has a hoop on top of the head size, wheels, and a handle for moving around. Most bassinet in the USA is 100% safe if you follow the safety instructions.
The bassinet is used for the movement of the baby but most moms used it for sleeping and most of them keep it next to their bed for feeding diaper changing and other late-night emergencies.
What is Baby Crib?
Baby Cribs are specially designed for sleep and normally consist of larger size as compared to the bassinet and pack n play. A baby crib is an independent baby product and normally use for sleeping. Although it is a standalone baby product, there are different types of baby cribs like convertible cribs and non-convertible cribs available.
The most common conversions of baby cribs include:
- A standard crib
- Baby bed
- A day bed
- A single or double bed
Differences between Bassinet Vs Crib Vs Pack and Play
The following table will explain some of the key features of all Cribs, bassinets, and pack n play:
| Crib | Pack n Play | Bassinet |
| Normally crib is a fixture and we place it on a permanent. | These are portable. | Also moveable and most of them have wheels. |
| The crib is relatively a large baby product as compared to pack-n-play and bassinet. | playpens are smaller with a smaller sleeping surface | the bassinet can be easier in a smaller house |
| Normal Baby cribs are not supported for travel. | these are like travel cribs and are very useful during traveling. | |
| Cribs have a more solid shape but are more expensive as compared to the bassinet and pack-n-play. | Relatively less expensive. | The bassinet is also less expensive as compared to the crib. |
| These baby products are safe for baby sleep. But cribs are a better product for night sleep. you can also use the different Crib Vibration machines for sleeping | ||
| The sleeping surface is more comfortable in the crib. | These baby products have thin mattresses. however, you can find the best play-n-play mattress here. | |
| Have a large space for sleeping. | Less sleeping space as compared to the crib. | |
| The baby crib has a high weight limit. | Less a weight limit as compared to bassinet and crib | Less weight limit as compared to a baby crib. |
| No cover or hood | Few pack n play has a cover but not all. | The bassinet has a hood and most often is movable |
| You can use baby cribs for years | Recommended for newborns | Suitable for 3 to 6 months babies. |
| Mostly used for baby sleeping | You can convert pack n play as a play yard for baby play area. | Only for sleeping |
| A Standalone baby product | A bassinet can be attached to another surface like bed or any other play yard. | |
Bassinet Vs Crib Vs Pack n Play: Which Is Best For Sleep?
You can consider the following points while choosing among these baby products:
- Age of baby
- Size of bedroom or space in your baby nursery
- Portability (if you required)
- Cost
- Which product is safer for your baby
- Do you want to use it for other than sleeping
When talking about Bassinet Vs Crib Vs Pack n Play for the best option for your baby to sleep then you must consider comfort first, as these products are for baby sleep. however, baby cribs are considered more comfortable as compared to the bassinet and pack n play.
The baby crib has a soft mattress for baby sleep and is more comfortable for your baby, whereas the pack-n-play has a thin and hard mattress and most babies don’t feel comfortable. Similarly bassinet also a little lacking with the mattress’s comfort and softness. But both bassinet and pack n play as its own purposes and importance, these baby products are best for newborns and quite suitable for a comfortable sleep.
FAQs:
Can Pack N Play be used as a bassinet?
Yes, it is able to be used as a bassinet. However, you should be very careful, because it is not a safe place for your baby. The bassinet is simply creating your baby comfortable sleeping place for the night time. In the case of pack-n-play, your baby can fall from the top. It is also not safe for your baby because the foldable mattress is not thick enough. It is not very soft, and it might cause suffocation of your baby. So, it is always better to buy a bassinet for your baby.
Is a bassinet or pack n play better?
Honestly, it depends on your needs as to which one is best for you. The bassinet is great for a newborn who can’t yet hold it’s head up. The pack n play is great for when you need to put them down for an extended period of time. It is great for traveling. I would recommend getting a bassinet if you intend on having another child, as it is good for when your child is very young, and it’s easier to store than a pack n play. If you do intend on having another child, then I would get the pack n play. If you don’t, then I would go with the bassinet.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right space for your baby’s sleep is similar to choosing the right crib. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it truly comes down to what’s most important to you. If safety is your biggest concern, your best option would be a bassinet, followed by a crib and then a pack n play. However, if portability is your biggest concern, your best option would be a pack n play, followed by a crib and then a bassinet.
But obviously, all parents have different requirements and circumstances so review all the features and differences before going for a final decision.