The main difference between a play yard and a bassinet is a small portable crib usually for newborns and a play yard is a larger enclosed play area for kids of all ages.
There are so many options when it comes to providing a safe place for your baby or toddler to play, sleep, and lounge. As a new parent, you will be faced with the challenge of determining which options are best for your child depending on their age or the environment.
I’ll explain some of the biggest differences between a play yard and a bassinet so you can figure out which option is best for your growing family’s needs.
What is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a small, portable crib that provides the perfect sleeping conditions for your newborn baby. Whether you are looking for a mobile bassinet that has wheels or one that sits low to the floor, there are plenty of unique options to choose from. Most of the time, bassinets have a hood so that your baby can rest comfortably in the shade.
These lightweight mini cribs are a great solution for parents with newborns who frequently wake up throughout the night for feedings. Unless you get a portable one, a bassinet might not be the best option for traveling or taking trips to grandma’s house. However, because of its size, it is perfect for moving throughout the house so you can keep your little one close by during the day or night.
While bassinets are helpful tools when it comes to caring for newborns and small babies, they are only useful for the first few months of your child’s life. After your baby starts crawling and becoming more mobile, the bassinet won’t be as safe for nap time. This is because they will be at risk of tipping it over or crawling out of it. Most babies begin to outgrow their bassinets at about 6 months of age.
What is a Play Yard?
A portable play yard, on the other hand, is a lightweight play area that is enclosed with a mesh lining on top. It is made from fabric that is both breathable and flexible, ensuring a safe and comfortable place for your child.
Play yards are an incredible naptime and playtime solution for babies, toddlers, and small children. This is because they offer a safe space for your child to play that they won’t be able to crawl out of or tip over. Some parents even consider play yards to be an essential tool when it comes to caring for little ones.
Most play yard designs include built-in or detachable mesh roofs that prevent children and toddlers from climbing out of them and keep them safely out of reach of danger or trouble. You can even use your play yard as a storage space where you can keep some of your child’s toys, blankets, or stuffed animals when they are not using them. Play yards provide safe playing, lounging, and sleeping accommodations for children of all ages, but they work especially well for babies and toddlers.
Parents play yards because of their lightweight design that is simple to set up, convenient to store, and easy to travel with. You can use a play yard anywhere and everywhere: inside, outdoors, while traveling, and in any other place that you can think of. You can even use your play yard as a crib if you are traveling over a long distance and will need to stay somewhere overnight. No matter what sorts of activities you and your child are up to at the moment, everyone can benefit from the addition of a play yard.
Are Bassinets and Play Yards Interchangeable?
While bassinets and portable play yards have different uses, they also have a lot of things in common. For example, both a bassinet and a play yard are convenient options when it comes to providing a peaceful nap area for your little one. In addition to this, play yards and bassinets are lightweight, versatile, and can be easily moved throughout your home as needed.
With that said, bassinets and play yards are not necessarily interchangeable. Although a play yard can be used in all of the same ways that a bassinet can, its multi-functionality extends even further than just providing a napping space for your newborn. For instance, bassinets can only be used for the first few months of your child’s life, while play yards can be helpful tools for caring for your child as they learn to crawl, cruise, and walk. Some play yards even have removable bassinet attachments that can be used during the newborn stages.
