Having a first child is unforgettable for most parents, but caring for them can be tough. A baby bassinet helps your little one sleep safely and comfortably, making it a must-have for parents. So, it's important to know all about baby sleepers.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about baby bassinets and their benefits. You will also learn the different bassinet types, top choices, and some safety tips.
The Benefits of Having a Baby Bassinet
A baby sleeper offers many benefits, such as these:
Convenience
Convenience is a baby sleeper's biggest benefit. Lightweight and compact bassinets are easy to transport around the house. You can keep your kid close during the day in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. The mobility of a bassinet lets you monitor your baby and respond quickly to their needs.
Baby and Parent Sleep Improvement
Baby bassinets help parents and newborns sleep better. Having a bassinet beside your bed makes it easier to care for a baby who wakes up often at night. This setup helps parents sleep after caring for a newborn. The warm, covered bassinet helps babies relax and improves sleep.
Portability
Many bassinets have wheels and are lightweight enough to move around. Families that travel or spend time in different parts of their home would appreciate this function. You can keep your baby's sleep environment consistent wherever you move the bassinet. Some bassinets have travel bags for overnight trips or visiting relatives and friends.
Space-Saving
Bassinets are ideal for tiny apartments and households because they are smaller than cribs. They keep your baby close without taking up too much space and are small enough to fit by your bed. This space-saving benefit also helps parents who want to keep the bassinet in a nursery with other furniture.
Transition Aid
Bassinets help babies transition from a parent's room to their own crib. A bassinet may feel safer and less daunting for a newborn than a crib. This familiarity can help the baby adjust to a new sleeping position.
Secure Sleeping Environment
Any parent prioritizes safety, and a bassinet keeps newborns safe. Most bassinets have breathable mesh sides, strong frames, and firm mattresses to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents.
A bassinet prevents babies from rolling out or becoming wedged between the bed and the wall, which can be a bed-sharing issue.
Easy Nighttime Feedings and Diaper Changes
A bassinet near your bed simplifies nighttime feedings and diaper changes. You can feed your infant just by reaching over instead of walking to another room.
For breastfeeding women, this convenience makes the procedure easier and faster. Many bassinets have pockets for diapers, wipes, and other supplies, making diaper changes quicker and less likely to disturb your baby's sleep.
Types of Bassinet
Baby bassinets and cradles come in different kinds and features. Here are the main types:
Traditional Bassinets
These classic baby beds are usually small and oval-shaped and placed right beside your bed for easy access at night. They typically have mesh or slatted sides for airflow and visibility. The lower sides make it easier for parents, especially those recovering from a C-section, to reach the baby. Some come with a rocking feature or wheels for added convenience.
Smart Bassinets
Smart bassinets are more high-tech. They can rock, vibrate, or play soothing sounds to help calm your baby. Some models even detect when your baby is fussing and respond automatically. Others let you control the features through an app.
Bedside Bassinets (Co-Sleepers)
These bassinets are made to stand next to your bed to speed up overnight feedings and diaper changes. Some are attached directly to your bed, and many have a lower side for easy reach. While it allows you to keep your baby close, experts advise against in-bed co-sleepers, as sharing a bed with your baby can increase the risk of accidents.
Stroller Bassinets
Babies who aren't ready to sit on a stroller seat can use these bassinets as stroller attachments. You can remove them from the stroller and put them on a stand when it's time to sleep. Just make sure they meet all the safety standards, especially if they’re older models.
Cardboard Bassinets
These cardboard bassinets, known as “baby boxes,” are popular and given to new parents. Although affordable and simple, several experts worry about their safety, especially in humid environments that might degrade cardboard. It’s important to follow all safety guidelines if using one.
Moses Baskets
Moses baskets are lightweight, often made of wicker, and easy to move around. They provide a firm, flat surface for your baby to sleep on, but they should never be carried with the baby inside or placed on high surfaces, as that could be dangerous.
Top Baby Bassinet Choices
Here are some of the best baby bassinet choices you can consider getting.
1. Venice Child Sunset Dreaming Bedside Bassinet
The Venice Child Sunset Dreaming Bassinet's ergonomic shape and lightweight construction make it comfortable for parents and babies. Perfect for travel or compact places, the bassinet folds and unfolds smoothly. Its mesh walls keep your baby cool and comfortable. A safe bed connection lets parents keep their baby close at night in this bassinet.
Features:
- Integrated easy glide system for quick folding and unfolding
- Safe locking straps for secure attachment to the bed
- Soft, washable compressed cotton mattress
- Seven adjustable height settings to fit various bed heights
- Dimensions: 36.5"L x 22.5"W x 31.5"H
2. Unique Love Design Baby Basket, Nordic Sea (Limited Edition)
This handmade baby basket's natural, eco-friendly design makes it a safe, warm haven for your newborn. The soft cotton walls, padded mattress, and pillow create a peaceful sleep environment. Lightweight and portable, the Unique Love Design Baby Basket is ideal for traveling parents. This basket's minimalist, modern form complements any decor.
Features:
- 100% handmade using soft cotton and recycled materials
- Portable design with handles for easy transportation
- High-quality plywood base for added stability
- Dimensions: 27.6"L x 15.7"W x 7.9"H
3. Orbelle Gaga Rocking Cradle
Orbelle Gaga Rocking Cradle improves newborn sleep with style and functionality. Its basic wooden design in numerous finishes matches any nursery. Safety features like hand-rounded corners and a gently rocking motion help your baby fall asleep. A non-toxic finish protects your baby, and built-in brakes keep the cradle steady.
Features:
- Made from solid pine wood for durability
- Includes a comfortable vinyl mattress
- Assembly tools included for quick setup
- Dimensions: 36'' H x 39.5'' W x 27.5'' L
Bassinet Safety Tips
Here are some essential bassinet safety tips to follow:
1. Keep Baby Close By
For the first six months, keep your baby's bassinet in your bedroom. Room-sharing lets you monitor and respond to the baby more easily. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing to lessen SIDS risk.
2. Ensure The Bassinet is Stable
Safe bassinets require stability. Place the bassinet on a flat, level surface with all legs or supports touching the floor. Lock the bassinet wheels to prevent movement.
Check the bassinet for wear and damage that could impact its stability, like the screws and fastenings. The risk of a baby falling lowers with a stable bassinet.
3. Keep The Surrounding Area Clear
Clear the bassinet area of risks. To avoid strangulation, keep the bassinet away from:
- Windows
- Drapes
- Cords
- Blinds
Keep the bassinet away from heaters and other heat sources to avoid overheating. Also, avoid placing heavy objects like picture frames or shelves above the bassinet that could fall and injure little ones.
4. Remove Risky Distractions
To make the bassinet secure, remove toys, cushions, blankets, and plush animals. Only a firm mattress and fitted sheet should be in the bassinet. Avoid bumper pads, which can suffocate and strangle. An empty bassinet gives your baby a safe and clean sleeping place.
5. Dress Baby for Bed
Dressing your infant for sleep is essential for safety and comfort. Choose room-temperature, lightweight, breathable clothing for your baby before putting them in the bassinet.
The general rule is to dress your kid in one more layer than an adult would in the same setting. To keep your infant warm in their bassinet, use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets.
6. Position Baby Properly
SIDS risk is greatly reduced by sleeping with your baby on their back. Pediatricians and child safety organizations worldwide recommend “back to sleep.”
Avoid sleeping on your baby's side or stomach to avoid asphyxia. To prevent wriggling, keep the baby's head exposed and their feet at the bassinet's bottom.
7. Consider Swaddling
Swaddling can help your baby feel safe while sleeping. Swaddle using a lightweight blanket that is snug but not too tight to allow hip and leg movement.
To prevent breathing problems, avoid tight swaddling around the chest. Also, stop swaddling once your infant starts rolling over to prevent suffocation.
Get Your Baby Bassinet Today
Investing in a baby bassinet secures a comfortable space for your newborns to sleep. By considering the safety standards and portability of your baby sleeper, you'll choose the perfect one for your baby. With this guide as your help, finding the perfect bassinet has never been easier.
Check out these bassinets and enjoy your precious moments with your baby!
