Almost 50 percent of newborns sleep in a bassinet within the first two months of life. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) encourages manufacturers to follow set guidelines, manufacturers of bassinets are not required by the government to meet any safety standards. According to incident data reported in the "Federal Register" on March 24, 2010, by Todd Stevenson, Secretary of the CPSC, there have been 209 incidents related to bassinets and cradles since 2006, including 61 deaths. To reduce risk of bassinet-related injury, choose a bassinet that adheres to CPSC guidelines and strictly practice infant sleep guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Bassinets
Bassinets are small beds for babies designed to be convenient and attractive. In the last decade bassinets have gained in popularity because of their size, mobility and appeal as a decorative nursery furnishing.
AAP Guidelines
In the Nov. 2005 issue of "Pediatrics," the AAP offers its policy on sleep guidelines that apply to all sleep environments. The guidelines stress placing baby on his back, removing all loose bedding and soft objects such as blankets and plush toys and keeping baby's sleep environment separate but close. The AAP also urges following manufacturer's recommendations regarding maximum age, weight and height.
CPSC Guidelines
In the April 28, 2010, issue of the "Federal Register," the CPSC recommends guidelines in an article titled,"Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking." The CPSC guidelines state that bassinets have a "wide base" and "sturdy bottom," smooth surfaces with no rough, exposed edges or hardware, a locking mechanism for legs, a firm, snug mattress and a limit regarding age, size and weight of baby. Bassinet manufacturers are not required to follow these guidelines.
Injuries
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in babies one month to one year old. According the CPSC injury database, 53 babies died in bassinets from 1990 to 2004. In many of these deaths AAP guidelines were not followed. In almost 70 percent of these cases soft bedding and blankets were in the bassinet, and 50 percent of babies were on their belly. 85 percent died from lack of oxygen caused by asphyxia or suffocation. The majority of incidents recorded by the CPSC since 2006 have been from hardware failure or design flaws, including collapse, locking defects and tilting issues resulting in strangulation or suffocation.
Tips for Bassinet Safety
Create safer sleep environments by following AAP guidelines and choosing a bassinet that meets CPSC guidelines. Check that slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart--any bigger and baby's head may become wedged. Fit mattress and sheet snugly, leaving room for no more than one finger around mattress. Tighten bolts and screws. Lock wheels, secure locking legs to prevent collapse and fasten swinging mechanism. Be wary of family heirlooms--these bassinets often do not meet guidelines. Consider bassinets with mesh sides that allow airflow. Follow age, size and weight recommendations. Generally bassinets are not for babies older than five months and perhaps younger, if baby can roll or lift up off hands or arms. Visit the CPSC website periodically to watch for recalls, and only use manufacturer replacement parts.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Bassinet Use and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy
- KidsHealth: Ensuring Babies' Safety in Bassinets
- BabyCenter: How to Buy: A Bassinet or Moses Basket
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Policy Statement
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: Safety Standard for Bassinets and Cradles
