Is A Bassinet Necessary For Stroller? Pros And Cons [2022]
Are you expecting a baby? Well, congratulations!
However, you are probably debating with your partner whether you should buy a stroller for your newborn that has a bassinet.
A bassinet is simply a bed that is specially designed for babies from birth to about four months.
This mini crib is designed to provide a safe and cozy sleeping environment for your newborn.
Nowadays, most stroller brands have bassinet attachments that allow a cozy and safe sleeping environment for newborns even while on the go.
Strollers with bassinets have made it easy for parents with a busy lifestyle to move with their newborns without worrying about their safety and comfort.
So, the big question is: is a bassinet necessary for stroller?
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of a bassinet stroller in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Now, without further ado, let’s get into the article.
Is a bassinet necessary for stroller?
A baby bassinet is not necessary for a stroller but it is very helpful if you want to enhance your newborn safety and comfort while on the go.
A bassinet stroller is a stroller frame with wheels and a removable bassinet attached to it.
They are designed to carry infants or newborns while lying in a flat position.
Newborns cannot support their neck until when they are at least 3 months old.
Bassinets are highly recommended for carrying newborns because they allow the baby to relax safely and also sleep in a comfortable position that allows safe sleep.
A study conducted by AAP revealed that strollers with bassinets help to reduce the risk of SIDS by allowing them to sleep on their back.
Strollers with bassinets are designed to allow newborns to lie flat with plenty of room to stretch as opposed to lying in an inclined position as is the case with baby carriers.
Multiple studies have shown that the best position for an infant to sleep is on a flat firm surface and that is exactly what bassinet strollers provide.
Besides providing comfort and safety to your infant while sleeping or relaxing, baby strollers with bassinets also play a crucial role in ensuring that your newborn achieves developmental milestones on time.
Lying in a flat position allows newborns to get sufficient oxygen for healthy development.
Research conducted at Bristol University found out that putting an infant in a 40 degrees inclined position increases both respiratory and heart rate significantly, which in turn, reduces oxygen saturation thus suffocating the baby.
So, if you have been thinking of buying a stroller with a bassinet for your newborn but wondering whether you are making the right choice, the answer is YES, buying a stroller with a bassinet is a great decision, especially if you travel a lot.
It will ensure that your baby rest in the best position even when on the move
Benefits of bassinet stroller
It provides freedom of movement
Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a bassinet stroller is that it provides freedom of movement.
Your baby will not be trapped in an unnatural position as is the case with baby carriers.
Your baby will be able to stretch her legs, wiggle, move her head freely, and much more.
This means that your baby can stay in the stroller for an extended period of time without getting tired.
It allows your infant to fall asleep while on the go
If you travel a lot and don’t want to disrupt your baby’s sleeping pattern, purchasing a bassinet stroller is a great choice.
A bassinet stroller will allow your baby to sleep in a natural position, meaning she will get quality sleep even while on the move.
They provide support to infants
Bassinet strollers provide much-needed support to newborns. Infants or newborns cannot support their own heads until they are at least 3 months old.
This is because their muscles are not yet developed to enable them to sit in an upright position for an extended period of time.
A bassinet stroller will provide support to your baby’s weak muscles for as long as she needs it.
They assist in the spinal and hip development of the baby
Bassinet strollers allow babies to lie in a flat position thus allowing the spine to develop correctly.
If you put your baby in an upright position, then it may lead to improper development of the spine and hip.
At birth, the baby’s spine is usually C-shaped then gradually grows into an S shape.
The flat surface that bassinet strollers provide allows the proper hip and spinal development.
They provide comfort and safety
Bassinet strollers are designed with newborns’ comfort and safety in mind.
So, besides allowing your baby to sleep in a natural position, bassinet strollers also provide comfort and safety.
You don’t have to worry that your baby will slide and fall down when you are out on a stroll.
They are easy to use
Bassinet strollers are simple and easy to use. Any new parent will tell you that the last thing they want is a stroller that gives them a hard time using.
Bassinets strollers are incredibly simple and easy to use. Unlike baby carriers, bassinet strollers don’t have a lot of straps, levers, attachments, and snaps.
You will have an easy time using your bassinet stroller, thanks to its simplicity.
Disadvantaged of bassinet strollers
They have a lot of free space
Bassinet strollers have a lot of free space for the baby to roll around. This is dangerous, especially for newborns who are very small and fragile.
If you hit a bumpy patch or turn too fast, your baby may roll and get hurt.
Limited use
Bassinet strollers can only be used for a maximum of six months, depending on the baby’s individual development.
The fact that you will have to transition to a bigger stroller within a short period of time means that you may not get value for money.
Final verdict
If you are thinking of buying a stroller with a bassinet but wondering whether it is worth the extra money, we hope that this article has been informative.
Bassinet strollers have a number of benefits including convenience, simplicity, and comfort both to the baby and the parent.
They are ideal for parents who travel a lot because they allow the baby to sleep comfortably while on the move.
The fact that they allow infants to lie flat on their backs means that they can sleep for an extended period of time comfortably.
If you plan to have your infant take a nap while walking on the streets or if you are often on the move, then a stroller with a bassinet may be helpful.