Are you deciding whether or not you need to purchase both a bassinet and a pack ‘n play? This guide has all the answers you need! We will compare both a bassinet vs pack ‘n play so you can make the best-informed decision for you and your baby.
One of my favorite parts about the anticipation of a new baby is starting to think of and create your baby registry. I was so excited and impatient that I started mine near the beginning of my second trimester.
There are so many different products these days that it can almost be overwhelming. Before deciding what brands you want, you will need to decide which products you even need. Some of those products are a bassinet vs. pack n play. Which do you even need? Or are both necessary?
There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding which product will be best for your baby to sleep in before they are big enough to sleep in their crib.
Here we will go over all the pros & cons, differences & similarities, and all the little details you need to know when deciding if you want a bassinet, pack n play, or maybe even both.
This Post Is All About Comparing A Bassinet vs Pack n Play.
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Comparing A Bassinet vs Pack n Play
What Is A Bassinet?
A bassinet is a small portable bed designed for newborns from birth to about 6 months old. Bassinets are intended to provide your baby a cozy and safe sleep space before moving on into a crib. Typically a bassinet is used in the parent’s room for safe sleeping so you are able to keep a close eye and ear out for your newborn baby to reduce the risk of SIDS.
There are many kinds of bassinets these days. There are ones that will rock and soothe a baby with the click of a button, there are ones with a hood or canopy, ones that open on one side to mimic co-sleeping in your bed, ones that fold up for easy storage or tight spaces, and there are ones with wheels or handles to make it easy for you to bring into another room.
Pros:
- Since their size is smaller than a crib, they are perfectly suitable for being next to your bed and in small spaces.
- Their lightweight nature also makes it easy to move from room to room.
- Some bassinets have a rocking and sound feature, which makes soothing a baby much easier.
- It can be less expensive than a crib.
- The padding is soft and comfortable for a small baby to sleep on.
Cons:
- Bassinets have a short lifespan since a baby will quickly grow out of it around 6 months.
- Some are expensive.
- Since they have a short life span, you will need to purchase a different bed for them to sleep on sooner than later.
- Some can be heavy and not intended to be moved often.
What Is A Pack N Play?
A Pack n Play, also known as a playard or playpen, is a versatile baby product that serves as a portable crib, play area, and travel bed for infants and young children. A Pack n Play typically consists of a collapsible frame made of metal or plastic and a fabric enclosure with mesh sides. The frame can be easily folded and unfolded, making it compact and portable for travel or storage. The fabric enclosure provides a safe place for your baby to sleep or play.
Pros
- Some pack n plays have additional features, such as a removable bassinet attachment, so you can use the pack n play as a bassinet.
- They are lightweight and compact enough to fit next to a parent’s bed or take on vacation.
- Some come with a changing table attachment.
- They are very versatile and can be used for many different things, such as a playpen, a bassinet, or a changing table.
- They have a longer lifespan.
- When folded up, they only take up a little space, which makes for easy storage.
Cons
- The sleep padding is more of a firm surface which is less comfortable than the padding of a bassinet or crib.
- If you want to make it more comfortable with a mattress insert, you will have an added expense. (not recommended to use on the bassinet attachment)
- The base is very low without a bassinet attachment, making it difficult to take a newborn in and out of.
- They take some practice to learn how to set it up.
- They are bulkier than a bassinet when set up.
How Are They Similar?
Although there are key differences between a bassinet vs pack n play that make them very different from one another, there are also some similarities worth noting.
- Sleeping Space: Both a Pack ‘n Play and a bassinet are designed to serve as infant sleeping areas. They typically come with a padded surface where the baby can sleep.
- Portability: Both products are designed to be portable. Many can be easily folded or disassembled, making them convenient for travel or moving from room to room. This portability allows you to keep your baby close by, whether at home or when staying overnight at another location.
- Size: Both a Pack n Play and a bassinet are generally smaller and more compact than full-sized cribs. They are designed to accommodate newborns and infants up to a certain age or weight limit.
- Co-Sleeping Capability: Some bassinets and certain Pack n Plays models are designed to be used as co-sleepers. They can be placed next to your bed, allowing for easy access to your little one during nighttime feedings or soothing.
Functionality Differences
While these two products can be used to sleep in, there are a few differences between them that are vital when choosing which one would be better for your needs.
- Versatility: A pack n play is more versatile than a bassinet. It can be used as a bassinet with an insert or take it out, and you can use it for your toddler to sleep in.
- In addition to providing a sleeping area, it can also be used as a playpen or play area for the baby during awake hours.
- A pack n play can also be used as a changing table with the right attachment. (many pack n play models will come with the attachment)
- Age Range: While a bassinet is typically designed for newborns up to around four to six months old, a pack ‘n play can accommodate infants and toddlers up to about two to three years old, depending on the specific model. The higher weight capacity and larger size of a pack n play allow it to accommodate older and more active children.
- Storage: Pack n plays are commonly designed to be foldable using a one-handed fold, allowing for easier storage when not in use. While a bassinet has a small footprint, the bedding portion of it will often need to keep its shape while the rest of it can be taken apart. This can cause it to be bulkier for storage.
- Comfortability: Bassinets are made with comfort in mind. A bassinet has much more comfortable padding, while a pack n play comes with a thin, foldable pad.
The main difference between the two is that a pack n play can be used longer and is more versatile than a bassinet. Although, there is no pack n plays with a built-in rocker or sound machine as some bassinets have. Their size is also a key difference.
Size & Weight Limit Comparison
The size and weight limit of a bassinet vs pack n play will differ between brands. However, a pack n play is a decent amount bigger and will hold more weight than a bassinet. The space beside your bed where your little one will be sleeping will have a huge factor in which sleep gear will best suit your needs.
Here are some of the best bassinets and pack n plays to compare in size and weight limit.
Dimensions: 34″L x 34″W x 42.5″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 20 lb.
Fisher Price Rock With Me Foldable Bassinet
Dimensions: 9″L x 22.44″W x 24.41″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 25 lbs.
Dimensions: 24.5″L x 36.1″W x 32.7″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 lbs or until your Infant begins to push up on their hands and knees.
Delta Children Delux Bedside Bassinet
Dimensions: 35.5″L x 21″W x 45.5″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 15 lbs.
Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Dimensions: 35.83″L x 18.9″W x 32.28″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 25 lbs.
Graco Pack n Play With Bassinet And Changing Table Attachment
Dimensions: 27″L x 29″W x 33″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 25 lbs.
Pamo Babe Portable Playyard With Bassinet Attachment
Dimensions: 39.4″L x 27.6″W x 27.6″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 33 lbs.
Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
Dimensions: 45.5″L x 31.5″W x 25.5″H
Maximum Weight Recommendation: No exact maximum weight, but it can be used until 3 years old.
Is A Bassinet Or Pack n Play Safer?
Both a bassinet and pack n’ play are perfectly safe for your little one. The mesh lining on the sides makes them breathable.
While your baby is still young, it is recommended to swaddle them until they are able to roll over unassisted.
Once your baby is no longer swaddled, it is a good idea to switch to a pack n play or a crib. It won’t be long until they start to pull themselves up, which will be dangerous in a bassinet.
If your little one has not been switched into their crib by 6 months of age, I would suggest using a pack n play since they are much deeper and perfectly safe for standing babies.
Please also make sure to read the safe sleep guidelines for any pack n play or bassinet you purchase. Each will have their own do’s and don’ts for safe sleeping in their specific baby products.
Are They Portable?
The simple answer is yes, they are portable. A pack n play folds very easily and can be put in a bag that you can carry over your shoulder. This makes them perfect for vacationing or staying the night anywhere other than home.
Most Bassinets are also portable. Many of them have wheels to roll around the house, some can fold up, and some can detach the bedding from the stand and easily carry it.
However, some bassinet models are not meant to move and can be very heavy.
We ended up purchasing a Snoo after hearing all the raving reviews from friends. (it really is such an amazing bassinet for so many reasons) However, out of personal experience, a Snoo is not transport friendly. They are very heavy, and we have a 2 story home.
Because of the heavy nature of that particular bassinet, we did purchase a pack n play as well. We kept the pack n play bassinet in the living room downstairs for our daughter to nap in or use as a changing station.
When we went on vacations, we easily packed it up. We still use the pack n play for all vacations. (my daughter is 1.5 years old, for reference)
Final Thoughts
There are many differences and similarities between a pack n play vs a bassinet. They are both very useful baby products for safe sleeping in the early months.
Your decision on which is best for you will come down to your needs and lifestyle. A bassinet could be a perfect fit if you do not want to occupy too much space beside your bed.
Or if you like to travel, a pack n play is a fantastic choice since it’s easy to pack up and you can use it for a longer period of time.
If you decide you would like your little one to sleep in your room for the first year, a pack n play is perfect since it has more sleep options with the bassinet insert.
Or if you’re like me and live in a 2-story home, purchasing both is a great choice. That way, you don’t need to carry it up or down the stairs.
The biggest things to consider when choosing which you will need are your living space, how long you want to use it for, what your storage space looks like, and how portable you need it to be.
This Post Was All About The Key Differences Of A Bassinet vs Pack n Play.
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Love the comparison! I have 5 kids and have now done many different combinations of using both. My youngest is in a pack and play that we got a mattress for while he awaits his room assignment ; ) But I love the bassinet for when they are so teeny tiny right next to the bed!
thank you! I agree, they are both useful for different situations.