When Is A Baby Too Big For A Bassinet?

Wondering when is a baby too big for a bassinet?

Then let us help answer your questions with our guide on how long can you use a bassinet.

Baby’s grow quickly, so after a few months you might start wondering when you need to transition your baby out of their bassinet.

But making the transition can seem quite overwhelming.

Don’t stress, in this guide, we are going to walk you through when is baby too big for bassinet and ways you can transition them out of their bassinet.

And if you love this guide to when to move baby from bassinet to crib, then make sure to check out these guides on mini crib vs crib, best crib alternatives, and best waterproof crib mattress pad.

How To Tell When Is Baby Too Big For Bassinet

Now that you are aware of what a bassinet is, let’s look at some ways you can tell if your baby is too big for the bassinet.

Movement

One way to know if your baby is too old for the bassinet is by watching their movement.

As babies grow older, they tend to move around more when sleeping.

If your baby is moving around a lot, this can be a sign that you might need to consider transitioning out of the bassinet.

This is especially the case if you notice that the bassinet is restricting your baby’s movements. This is a clear sign that your baby has outgrown the bassinet.

A lot of bassinets have guidance on baby movements.

For example, most bassinets will come with guidance stating that if your baby can roll over onto their tummy they are too big for the bassinet.

This is the same for whether your baby can now pull themselves up as the walls of the bassinet are not high enough to support a baby that can peer over them.

Weight

Another way to check if your baby has outgrown the bassinet is to see if they are too heavy for the bassinet.

The general rule is that babies should use a bassinet when they weigh between 10lb to 20lb.

You can also check to see if your bassinet has any weight restrictions. If your baby does not meet the weight restrictions of your bassinet then they are too big for them.

Size

Another good indicator of whether your baby is too big to use the bassinet is the size of the bassinet itself.

Most bassinets are made for newborns, so eventually, your baby will be too tall to fit in the bassinet.

You can check this by noticing if their heads and toes touch the top and end of the bassinet.

It is also possible to check this by looking at how your baby sleeps.

If you think your baby looks squashed or is struggling to find a comfortable position in the bassinet, then it is time to move on from the bassinet.

Age

If you are still not completely sure, then you can use your baby’s age as guidance. Most babies will need to move out of the bassinet by the time they reach six months old.

Some babies move out of the bassinet when they are younger.

The general guidance is that your baby will have outgrown the bassinet between the ages of 4 to 6 months.

When To Stop Using A Bassinet

There are lots of factors that can indicate when to stop using bassinet and when to move your baby from a bassinet to a crib.

If you are unsure if you should be making the transition, ask yourself some of the below questions:

• Does Your Baby Have Enough Room?
• Are their toes able to touch the ends of the bassinet when kicked out?
• Is your baby within the bassinet weight limit?
• Are they waking frequently or look like they are uncomfortable in their bassinet?
• Is your baby showing signs of rolling over?
• Is your baby rolling over?
• Is you baby able to pull themselves up into a sitting position?
• Is you baby able to pull themselves up into a standing position?

If you notice any of these signs, then it is time to stop using the bassinet!

How To Transition Baby From Bassinet To Crib

Once you have determined that your baby is too big, you’ll want to make sure you transition them out of the bassinet safely.

Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Create A Routine

It is a known fact that babies sleep better when they have a routine to follow, so creating a routine will help them to settle into the transition of sleeping in a crib.

A great routine includes bathing your baby, reading them a book, giving them cuddles, and then settling them ready for sleep. 

Take It Slow

The key to successfully transitioning your baby out of their bassinet and into a crib is to take it slow.

What we mean by that is, once you start to realize your baby is going to outgrow their bassinet soon, have your baby sleep in the crib during nap times.

This means that your baby will start to get used to sleeping in the crib so when you move them in the crib at night, they are already used to sleeping in there.

Keep The Crib In The Same Room

Changing your baby’s routine at night completely can be very stressful for them. It is always better to change one thing at a time to make your baby more comfortable.

So the key is to keep the crib in the same room as the bassinet was in until they get used to sleeping in the crib.

Stay With Them

This tip can be interpreted in two ways. The first way is to stay with your baby for a while after they have settled in the crib.

The second way is to stay with them by sleeping in the same room as their crib is in.

When you stay with your baby, they will feel more comfortable which can make the transition easier.

Final Thoughts What Age Should A Baby Stop Sleeping in a Bassinet

Working out when your baby is too big for their bassinet just became simpler!

Remember, the best thing you can do for your baby is to make sure they are safe and comfortable.

When it comes to determining whether your baby is too big for their bassinet it is best to check for all the signs we have listed.

We hope this helps you determine whether your baby needs to leave the bassinet.

And if you loved this guide to baby too big for bassinet, then make sure to check out these guides on when can babies sleep with a blanket, how many crib sheets do I need, and best baby monitors.