Should my newborn sleep in a bassinet or cradle before a crib? It's a personal preference, but a…

Should my newborn sleep in a bassinet or cradle before a crib?

It's a personal preference, but a bassinet or cradle does have some advantages for a new baby. When he's tiny, your baby may seem cozier in a cradle or bassinet than a full-size crib. He may look particularly un-cozy in a crib with no extra bedding, such as blankets or quilts, which aren't recommended for your sleeping baby because they raise the risk ofSIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

You might also appreciate the small size of a bassinet or cradle compared to a crib. If space is limited, this makes it easier to have your baby to sleep in the same room with you. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents (although not in the same bed), because it's thought to reduce the risk of SIDS. Rooming-in also makes evenings easier for breastfeeding moms.

Portability is another advantage of a bassinet or cradle. Many are made to be easily moved to another room, so your baby can nap in one room and sleep in another room at night.

If you use a cradle or bassinet, make sure it's well supported on the bottom so it can't collapse. And it should have a wide base to keep it from tipping if someone bumps against it. Keep in mind the manufacturer's weight and size limitations, making sure to move your baby to a crib when he's too big for the smaller bed. If you can't find manufacturer's guidelines — because your cradle has been handed down, for example — a 20-pound limit is reasonable.

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