How to Choose a Good Bassinet for Your Baby

It is the instinct of parents with a newborn to keep their baby close most of the time. It is one way to ensure that the infant is safe. Moreover, safe sleep experts strongly suggest babies sleep in the same room as their parents (not in the same bed) for six to 12 months.

Bassinet safety standards

When choosing a bassinet, ensure it meets the current safety standards by looking at the ASTM or JOMA labels. The standards require the bassinets to be durable and stable, with guidelines regarding the baby bed's soft parts and mattresses to ensure that these parts minimize the risk of entrapment or suffocation.

What features to consider about bassinets

When choosing the best and safest baby bassinet you can find for your baby, remember that you do not have to purchase a one-size-fits-all style like in the past. Now you can find several options, such as those you can attach to your bed to make overnight feedings easier. Your choice can depend on safety, functionality, portability, and other features to help you and your baby to sleep comfortably.  

• Age and weight limits. Modern bassinets have 15 to 20-pound weight limits, although some can hold heavier infants. Some manufacturers produce bassinets that babies can use until their sixth month. However, it is important to monitor your baby. If the baby starts to roll over, it indicates that your baby should stop using a bassinet and that it's time to move into a sturdier and more stable crib.

• Rocking mechanism. Some babies sleep better if the bed moves with a gentle rocking motion. However, you should ensure that the bassinet has a lock to keep it in steady mode. The locking mechanism will keep the baby safe and prevent the bassinet from moving or tilting over.

• Portability. Portability is an important feature of a bassinet. Its smaller size and weight make it easier to carry and move the bassinet around the house, so you can always keep a close eye on your little one. Choose one with a sturdy set of wheels so you can easily push it around. Moreover, it should have a locking mechanism to prevent the bassinet from rolling around unintentionally.

• Storage. Aside from portability, choosing a bassinet that you can fold and open quickly for travel and storage is better. Once folded, it is important to test the latching mechanism before purchasing it. Inspect the folding legs and the places that connect the bassinet to the legs to ensure that the latches are solid. Also, check how easy and quickly you can open it.  

• Mattress. The bassinet's mattress should be firm and well-supported. The mattress support should not flex or bend. Further, a firm mattress can minimize the risk of SIDS. It is also important to ensure that there is no heavy padding on the mattress to prevent the baby's face from sinking into the padding. The mattress should fit snugly into the bassinet. You can use a fitted cover specifically made for the bassinet mattress.

A good bassinet ensures the safety and comfort of your baby. Before purchasing one, check that it meets the federal safe sleep standards, and only use it until the baby reaches the suggested age, weight, and mobility limitation.