Are bassinets suitable sleeping solutions for new babies? Yes! We explain their benefits and go over safety tips to help you pick the right one.
Bassinets have been a parenting staple for a very long time. These functional and comfortable infant sleeping solutions have certain advantages over cribs that make new parents’ lives easier.
Not all parents are familiar with these fantastic sleeping solutions, though. This article explains the basics of bassinets, their benefits, and safety tips that all parents should know.
Bassinet basics
A bassinet is a small bed that’s made specifically for babies from birth to about four-six months old according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They can be made of different types of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, wicker, and bamboo. They typically have fixed legs or wheels. Some bassinets have a hood.
Their side walls are low and often made of mesh. This allows a freer flow of air and lowers the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The AAP recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months, and bassinets make it extra easy to watch and feed little ones without the risks of co-sleeping in the same bed. Sleeping in the same room in a bassinet next to the bed also helps new parents comfort their babies.
The benefits of bassinets
New parents need all the help they can get since infants require 24/7 attention and care. Bassinets have a slew of benefits for both parents and babies that include:
They can be portable
Bassinets can be portable which allows them to be a safe and comfortable place to sleep no matter where you are going. They can fit in cars and airplanes and work well on a trip to grandma’s house or somewhere else.
They are space savers
Cribs, cradles, and toddler beds all occupy a lot of space. Even the smallest baby bed is bigger than a bassinet. A bassinet takes up less space, is easier to move from room to room, and can be transported out of the house.
They are a safe co-sleeping method
As mentioned earlier, the AAP recommends sleeping in the same room as your newborn, but not the same bed, which can lead to suffocation via blankets, pillows, or accidentally rolling over onto the infant. Constant worry over a precious new baby can easily rob parents of much-needed sleep. A bassinet that has a wall that is flush with a parent’s bed allows the caregiver to sleep next to their baby safely and allows for easier, more comfortable feedings during the night.
Bassinets have many benefits, and while they are safe, you still want to make sure they meet specific safety requirements. Let’s go over a few.
Safety tips for bassinets
Parents will always worry about their children, and newborns can be the most worrisome. Parents don’t need to worry about their child’s safety in a bassinet, however, as long as they meet safety requirements.
Safety is a top priority with a bassinet from its firm mattress to its mesh sides. Here are more safety tips:
Only move it when it’s empty
Never move a bassinet with an infant resting inside. Always remove the baby first and then move the bassinet to avoid a baby falling onto the floor or rolling around inside.
Use the wheels and locks
If you don’t employ wheel locks, bassinets with wheels can accidentally roll away. Even those with only two wheels can roll farther than you think if the wheels aren’t locked in place, especially if a pet or sibling bumps into it.
Some bassinet legs fold for more accessible storage. However, if the legs aren’t locked into position, the bassinet can collapse when you put the baby inside. Never place a baby in a bassinet without first locking its legs.
Use only designated accessories
Sometimes, parents want to add a thicker mattress or change the sheet color, but using improper accessories can be a choking or suffocation hazard. This includes toys, pillows, and plush animals. It is recommended to never use anything in the bassinet that wasn’t made for it specifically. Purchase sheets, blankets, and accessories directly from the manufacturer to ensure everything fits correctly.
Make sure nothing is hanging nearby
Window blind cords, lamp pulls, and even crib toys that hang over the bassinet pose a risk for infants. Even a baby monitor cord can be dangerous. Place a bassinet far away from anything that could fall or be pulled down into it to avoid choking and suffocation risks.
Ensure its CPSC and ASTM certified
The government provides children’s product certifications for items that children use. It is a section of the Consumer Product Safety Act that tests product safety for consumers.
Bassinets are one of the safest places your baby can sleep outside of your arms. These common-sense safety tips can keep your newborn stay safe and content while tucked away napping.
A bassinet can help keep parental worries at bay while you enjoy staring at your new little bundle of joy. They don’t stay this small forever. Enjoy keeping them close to you while you can because they’ll be off and running before you know it!
Interested in learning more about bassinets?
Sleeping spaces are an integral part of the parenting experience, especially in the first few months. Li’l Pengyu cares about making better products for your baby. We know that caring for a new baby can be overwhelming, so we aim to help you and your baby rest easy.
Our bassinets are safe – independently tested and certified by the CPSC and ASTM to meet the highest standards for quality, safety, performance, and functionality. They are also lightweight, breathable, and portable. Their assembly process is easy as no tools are required and all parts click into place easily.
For more information about our bassinets, discover what we have to offer.