Ever wonder where bassinet comes from? It’s from the French ‘bassin’ or ‘little basin,’ and you can see the resemblance. In earlier times, before modern materials, they were crafted from wicker, earning them the charming name ‘wicker cradles.’
We all want the safest sleep for our little ones, and a dedicated cot is ideal. But let’s be real, those cots can be huge! Especially when space is tight, like in apartments or smaller homes, bassinets are becoming a lifesaver. They offer a safe sleep solution without taking over the entire room.
But is that all a bassinet has to offer? Let’s explore how to choose a bassinet for newborn based on its features and advantages.
Choosing a bassinet for a newborn
Finding the right bassinet for your little one can get tricky, but focusing on safety as the primary aspect makes it simpler. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for, and what to absolutely avoid:
Must-haves for a safe bassinet:
- Rock-solid stability : Look for a bassinet with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base. This ensures it won’t tip over, even if your curious little one moves around.
- Secure sidewalls : This of the sidewalls as a protective barrier. All four sides should be at least 300 mm (about 12 inches) higher than the mattress. This prevents your baby from accidentally rolling out as they start to move more.
- The type of mattress : The mattress should be flat and firm, providing essential support for the development of a baby’s spine. Also, ensure there are no gaps between the mattress and the bassinet’s sides. Finally, the mattress should be no thicker than 75 mm (about 3 inches) to maintain safety guidelines.
- Breathable design : Airflow is key which is why you should look for good breathability zones on all four sides. This helps reduce the risk of suffocation and keeps your baby comfortable with proper ventilation.
What to steer clear of while choosing a bassinet for your newborn:
- Excessive decorations : At best, avoid cute ribbons and padded sides. They are likely to lead to overheating and suffocation. Safety trumps style in this case.
- Cardboard construction : While bassinets are eco-friendly, the cardboard ones are not ideal in humid climates. The dampness caused can weaken them, leading to potential breakage.
- Know when to transition from a bassinet to a cot : Once your baby shows signs of rolling (maybe within four months), it’s time to move them to a safe cot. This is a crucial safety step.
What to consider while using a bassinet for newborns?
Bassinets offer a fantastic way to keep your little one close in those early months. However, they are a temporary haven, so here are some steps to ensure using them safely:
- As mentioned earlier, transition from a bassinet to a safe cot once your baby shows signs of rolling about in the bassinet. It’s like moving from a starter car to a family-sized vehicle, which is a necessary upgrade.
- Adjust those side panels to make sure they are locked in the upright position while your baby is asleep.
- The bassinet comes with foldable leg features. So, you will have to double-check if the bassinet’s legs are securely locked. You don’t want unexpected collapses!
- Keep the bassinet away from anything that could pose a hazard such as curtains and blinds (strangulation risks), HVAC systems (like heaters as overheating is a big no-no), and power points (so your baby does not reach out to risky electrical points).
- Make sure to do a quick check of the screws and bolts of the bassinet every day.
- Consider using a safe sleeping bag. It’s like wearing a blanket that helps regulate your baby’s temperature.
By considering these safety points, you’ll ensure your baby’s bassinet experience is safe, sound, and filled with sweet dreams. You can also confidently choose a bassinet for a newborn from the safety and comfort angles.