Buying a bassinet will help you keep a close eye on your baby, and allow you to have your baby sleeping in your room without having to make space for a full-size crib. If you’re shopping for a bassinet, these tips can help you find a safe one for your baby.
Bassinet Safety Standards
Be sure your bassinet meets current safety standards. Older bassinets were only subject to voluntary safety standards. If you’re buying used, do an extra check for safety problems. Look for labels that say JPMA or ASTM. Members of these groups participated in voluntary safety standards before the newer mandatory federal standards were enacted. Evaluate a bassinet the same way you would a crib. Does it have decorative posts sticking up from the sides that could catch on a baby’s clothing? If there are side slats, can you fit a soda can between them? If so, they’re too far apart to be safe. Are there decorative cutouts in the headboard or footboard that could entrap a baby? If there are any safety issues, do not choose that bassinet. All bassinets manufactured after this date and sold in the U.S. must meet these standards.
Weight and Age Limits
Check the instructions for the weight limit and other advice about when to discontinue using the bassinet. Most bassinets have a weight limit of 15 to 20 pounds. Some may be able to hold a heavier baby—but weight is not the only way babies outgrow their bassinets. Many babies will be too big for the bassinet well before they reach the weight limit. They may be too long/tall, or they may be developmentally too mature. Some manufacturers may add a maximum age or age range, which is typically 4 to 6 months. Keep a close eye on your baby so that you can tell if you need to stop using the bassinet before the stated limits. For example, if the manufacturer says that you can use the bassinet until 4 months and 20 pounds, but your baby is rolling over before reaching those limits, you should stop using it. Remember, babies learn new skills at lightning pace. If your baby is working toward rolling or sitting, transition to a crib or play yard to avoid falls. This is important because falls are the leading cause of bassinet-related injuries reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
To Rock or Not?
A rocking bassinet might be a nice idea, but it introduces safety hazards not present in stationary bassinets. Once the baby learns to move around a little or roll over, the weight shifting around in a rocking bassinet could allow enough tilt that your baby could become trapped against one side. Ask how it was stored. Bedding and wood pieces need to be stored in a cool, dry place so they don’t become moldy or warped. Make sure all of the original parts are there. If it has been modified, don’t buy it. Make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t have any gaps or soft spaces that could entrap your baby. Pay close attention to the mattress and supports, making sure the mattress doesn’t sag in the middle. If your baby’s face is pressed against the side, this could pose a suffocation hazard. Note that since babies often gain their rolling-over skills quickly, you may not even realize that your baby is at risk.
Portability
Bassinets are praised for their portability. The smaller size and weight of a bassinet make it easy to move around the house so your baby can always be near you. A sturdy set of wheels makes moving the bassinet even easier. Wheels with locks will prevent curious siblings from moving the baby around. It’s also nice if your bassinet can be folded or disassembled quickly for storage or travel. If it folds, test the latching mechanism before you buy it. Note how easy it is to tell when the bassinet is locked safely in place. Check the folding legs and the places where the bassinet itself attaches to the legs for solid latches. If you plan to disassemble the bassinet, check if it is easy to tell how it fits back together. If not, skip it. A difficult-to-assemble bassinet will be frustrating for you. And an improperly assembled bassinet is dangerous for your baby.
Mattress Support
It’s essential that the bassinet’s mattress is well supported. Mattress supports should be strong enough to hold your baby without bending or flexing. The entire mattress should be held up by the supports. Press along the mattress edges and in the middle to see if any spot dips easily. The hammock effect may be comfortable for some adults, but is dangerous for babies who can’t extract themselves.
Mattress Firmness
For an adult, it may seem like manufacturers want your baby to sleep on a rock. However, a firm sleep surface is a must for babies to reduce the risk of SIDS. The bassinet mattress should also not be heavily padded because you don’t want your baby’s face to be able to sink into it. Just like a crib mattress, the bassinet mattress should fit very snugly inside the bassinet. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the edge of the mattress and the sides of the bassinet. Frills and soft decor on the outside is fine, but make sure none of the frills or fluff extend into your baby’s sleep space.
Bedding
Consider what kind of bedding comes with your bassinet. All your baby really needs is a simple fitted sheet, and it should fit the bassinet mattress perfectly. Instead of blankets, dress your baby warmly enough to be comfortable without one. Or use a blanket sleeper. While cribs have standard sizes, bassinets do not, so it may be hard to find sheets that are just right for your bassinet. You’ll probably want to have at least one extra fitted sheet for the inevitable nighttime diaper explosion. It’s best if those sheets are easily removed for washing. Any fabric inside the baby’s sleep space is at risk of getting messy, so be sure the whole thing can be cleaned somehow. If the bassinet mattress doesn’t come with a waterproof cover, check if one is available for it. If not, consider if can you throw the whole mattress in your washer.
Bassinet Styles
Once you’ve dealt with safety, it’s time for fashion! Bassinets are available in many different styles, from sleek modern to classic and frilly. You can find bassinets that have baby-oriented themes, such as bears or lambs, or you might choose one with dark, glossy wood and fabrics that tie into your home’s grown-up decor.
A Word From Verywell
The primary goal for choosing a bassinet should be safety. Be sure that whichever one you choose meets federal safe sleep standards. Additionally, make sure to only use the bassinet until your baby reaches the recommended weight, age, and mobility limits. After that, transition your baby to a crib, so that they are always in a safe sleep environment.
