New parents always face many problems in raising children. One of them is when to stop using the bedside bassinet. The bassinet creates a sense of security like the womb for the baby in the early stage of growth. The baby can fall asleep peacefully with gentle rocking.
However, as the baby grows up day by day, it may no longer be appropriate to continue using the cradle. If it is stopped too early, the baby may have difficulty falling asleep due to lack of security; if it is stopped too late, it may affect the formation of the baby's sleeping habits.
Read more:What to Do When Your Baby Won't Sleep in a Bassinet
Therefore, scientific judgment on when to stop using the bassinet for a baby is of great significance to the healthy growth of the baby. This article will focus on this issue and provide practical suggestions for parents.
Basic Cognition of Bassinet Use
As a parenting tool, the baby cradle has a long history. Its principle is to simulate the baby's feelings in the womb by gently rocking, so as to soothe the baby's emotions and help him fall asleep.
In terms of material, common ones are wooden, rattan, and plastic bassinet. Wooden bassinets are sturdy and durable, exuding a natural atmosphere; rattan bassinets are breathable; plastic bassinets are light and portable.
In terms of functions, some bassinets have automatic rocking functions, so parents do not need to operate them manually, saving energy; some bassinets can be adjusted in height, making it easier for parents to take care of their babies. Here you can take a look at the Papablic Baby Bedside Bassinet. The six height adjustment functions allow you to customize the height of the baby bassinet according to different locations, whether it is a high bed, a living room sofa, or a kitchen. This flexibility helps to put your baby at the perfect height for easy access, making it a practical choice in any parenting situation.
However it should be noted that not all babies are suitable for using a newborn bassinet. Some babies may be sensitive to rocking, and using a newborn bassinet will make them feel uncomfortable, causing spitting up, crying, etc.
Baby Growth Stage and Bassinet Use
Baby growth can be divided into different stages, and the needs of the newborn bassinet are also different in each stage.
In the newborn period, the baby has just left the mother's body and is unfamiliar with the external environment. The rocking of the newborn bassinet can give them a familiar sense of security and help them adapt to the new environment. At this time, the baby sleeps for a long time and spends most of the time in the newborn bassinet.
From 2 to 4 months, the baby gradually adapts to the external environment and begins to be interested in the surrounding things, but the sleep is still shallow, and the rocking of the baby bed can still help it fall asleep.
From 4 to 6 months, the baby's neck and back strength gradually increase, and they begin to try to turn over. If you continue to use the baby bed at this time, there are certain safety risks.
After 6 months, the baby's mobility is further improved, and he is no longer satisfied with the small space in the baby bassinet. At this time, parents need to consider stopping using the baby bedding.
Key Signals to Stop Using the baby bassinet
Some behaviors of the baby are signals to stop using the baby bassinet. When the baby starts to turn over frequently, it means that his body coordination and muscle strength have improved. The space of the baby bassinet can no longer meet his activity needs. Continuing to use it may cause the baby to collide and get injured.
If the baby resists staying in the portable baby bed and cries as soon as it is put in the baby bedding, it means that they are less dependent on the portable baby bed and are more inclined to explore the outside world.
In addition, changes in the baby's sleep pattern, such as prolonged sleep time and frequent waking up during sleep, may also be a sign that the baby's bedding is no longer suitable. At this time, parents need to pay attention to the baby's sleep and stop using the cradle in time.
How to Scientifically Transition to a Crib?
The transition from a baby bassinet to a crib needs to be gradual. First, parents can place the crib in a room that the baby is familiar with in advance so that the baby can gradually get familiar with the existence of the crib.
Secondly, during the daytime nap, try to let the baby fall asleep in the crib to let them adapt to the new sleeping environment. In the beginning, the baby may not adapt, and parents can accompany the baby, pat the baby, and give comfort.
In addition, place familiar comfort toys for the baby in the crib, such as small blankets, plush toys, etc., to increase the baby's sense of security. When sleeping at night, the frequency of using the baby bassinet can be gradually reduced, and finally, a complete transition to the crib can be achieved.
Read more:Crib or Bassinet: Choosing the Right Sleep Space for Your Baby
Common Misunderstandings of Parents
In the process of stopping the use of the baby bassinet, parents are prone to some misunderstandings. Some parents are worried that the baby will not adapt, and they are reluctant to stop using the baby bassinet, which causes the baby to develop a habit of relying on the baby bassinet and it is difficult for the baby to fall asleep independently.
Some parents are too hasty when transitioning to the crib, and suddenly put the baby in the crib, which makes the baby fearful and affects the quality of sleep. In addition, some parents ignore the safety of the crib and fail to check whether the crib fence, mattress, etc. meet the safety standards, which brings safety hazards to the baby. Parents need to avoid these misunderstandings and scientifically guide their babies to stop using the baby bassinet.
Long-Term Planning for a Safe Sleeping Environment
Creating a safe sleeping environment for the baby is an important task for parents. After stopping using the baby bassinet, it is crucial to choose a suitable crib. The height of the crib fence should be appropriate to prevent the baby from rolling over; the mattress should be moderately soft and hard to ensure the healthy development of the baby's spine.
In addition, keeping the room well-ventilated and the temperature and humidity appropriate will help the baby fall asleep. When the baby is sleeping, avoid placing too many plush toys to prevent blocking the baby's mouth and nose and causing the risk of suffocation. As the baby grows, parents also need to constantly adjust the sleeping environment according to the baby's needs.
Conclusion
When to stop using the baby bassinet, parents need to comprehensively consider the baby's growth stage, behavioral signals, and other factors. Scientifically stopping the baby from using the baby bassinet and transitioning to the crib is crucial to the development of the baby's sleeping habits and healthy growth.
In the process of parenting, parents should continue to learn scientific parenting knowledge and create a good growth environment for the baby. The Papablic brand focuses on the research and development of parenting products. Its parenting products, such as the Baby Tongue Cleaner that helps with baby's oral hygiene, the Baby Changing Pad that is essential for changing baby's diapers, and the Bottle Sterilizers that ensure the hygiene of baby bottles, are of reliable quality and can provide parents with thoughtful help in parenting and accompany babies in their healthy growth.
