Hammock VS Bassinet

Hi,

Just wanted opinions on whether I should get a hammock or a bassinet for my baby.
I really like the idea of the hammock, and if i bought one it would be used as its only bed for the first 6-12 months.

The only thing that worries me is that from the ads I've seen on youtube and websites, is that the baby's back is curved like in a capsule, which I have heard is not good for long periods or for night time sleeping.

Any advise would be much appreciated, as I have to make the decision soon, as I need to buy it before I go interstate!

with my first two they slept in a bassinet for the first 6 months, but with dd#3 she hated it and I brought a hammock, she slept in that till she was 8 months old, then she rolled face down in it, but others have stayed in them till 12 months.

It also depends on what hammock you get to how long they will last, mine is am amby hammock, and some babies out grow bassinets quickly to.

It realy is a persnol choice, yes the baby back is slighlty curved in the hammock, but it is just like cradling them in your arms.

Hope this helped a bit.

I have both (bassinet from my first bub), My hammock is an Amby.

Tristan sleeps in the bassinet overnight and the hammock during the day. I find the hammock really helps with his reflux. Since starting him sleeping in the hammock his reflux has really improved.

I had a bassinet for Nate, but had to tske it back as he was nearly too long for it when we brought him home.
At 4months I bought a hammock. Wish I'd done it sooner. He only sleeps in it during the day. It is much more snuggly (ie similar to sleeping on mum).

I used an Amby baby hammock for DS1's day naps and it was brilliant. But DS2 hated the hammock so he went straight into his cot.

It's definitely a personal decision, good luck!

I have a hammock for Phoebs, but she sleeps better in the cot.
It's a bit of a gamble. I bought mine from eBay, so its no big deal for me that she doesn't much like it as I didn't spend a whole lot on it.
Having said that, the resale on your hammock (if your baby doesn't like it) is pretty good, so I'd go for that over a bassinet personally.
It's worth having a cot early too IMO - having another bed in another room can be handy for day sleeps and bubs will eventually be in the cot anyway.

My only concern for having a hammock would be that they get used to the swaying/free movement and then when they go to the cot they won't have that. We are using cradle for first 8-12 weeks then cot.

well i had a bassinet and he was out of it in less than 8 weeks but IMO it depends on the bub

We have one of just about everything a baby can sleep in - after DD2 and her reflux and sleeping problems.

I really like our hammocks (we have two, one in the bedroom and one in the nursery). Depending on the hammock, a lot of them have an insert or cushion that gives them a flat base. But unless they ar really folded up, I don't think the curve is a problem for their spine.

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I used an Amby baby hammock for DS1's day naps and it was brilliant. But DS2 hated the hammock so he went straight into his cot.

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We had the exact same thing, DS1 loved the hammock and DS2 hated it so went straight in to the cot.

I found it invaluable with DS1, he just loved it, I wish DS2 did, he might sleep better in the day that way.

I'll admit I don't know much about hammocks. But I got a basinette with wheels so I'll be able to move him around the house with me. I'd rather do that than have him only able to sleep in the one room.
But maybe hammocks can be moved from room to room too?

We've gone for a hammock (yet to use it!) based on what friends have said about babies growing out of bassinets in no time. Even tho hammocks tend to only be used til about 8-10 months most people I've spoken to have raved about them (epsecially for collicky, reflux babies) and if by chance your baby doesn't take to it they are sooooo in demand you'll sell it on no worries :)
Apparently the curve once you've inserted the mattress is minimal and many chiroparctors actually recommend hammocks over cots....

Good luck with your decision!

we had an amby hammock but ended up selling it as ds2 hated it, so now he's in the basinette.
you can get basinettes quite cheaply- especially atm with all the sales going on-eg. target

We just hired a hammock for daysleeps - honestly I wish I had've known about this MUCH sooner (ds is 9 months).

Why don't you look at hiring one? I am paying $88 for 3 months. Looks like there are plenty of places that do it, and no skin off your nose if bubs doesn't like it.

Re getting used to the swaying movement - I hired it because of that! DS will easily do 2 sleep cycles during the day in a sling or pram, but only 1 in the cot.

We didn't use the basinette for long - actually only had it beside our bed for a few days and then he ended up in bed with us until 12 weeks hehe.

TBH I think it's a good to have options. We have used basinette, co sleeping, cot, sling, pram, hammock - but as I said I wish we had've got the hammock sooner - it's so womb like LOL I'm sure he would have loved it as a newborn.

HTH

Tish