Bassinet comes from the French word for basin, which is the shape designed to contain your newborn up to about 4 months old. Your infant will spend a lot of time in this comfy cradle, where he will feel snug and cozy in its cocoonlike structure. A bassinet is ideal for parents with limited space since it is compact and designed so you can easily move your baby from one room to another. A bassinet allows parents to keep constant watch over their infant. You can place a bassinet alongside your bed at night so you are readily available when your baby needs feeding or comfort. Also called a "Moses basket," bassinets have been around for ages and provide an excellent alternative to a conventional crib during the initial months of a baby's life.
What to Look for
Bassinets come in a range of styles. The most important element when shopping for a bassinet is that it comes with a sturdy bottom area along with a wide base. Screws and bolts should provide optimum security when tightened. Many bassinets come on rolling casters, which should lock securely in place. Folding models are also available, which are convenient for storage when they are not in use. Make sure the legs lock securely so that the unit doesn't collapse unexpectedly. Rocking bassinets as well as those with musical features are helpful in gently soothing your baby to sleep. Bassinets that come with stands are essential for helping avoid back strain while tending to your infant. Some models include detachable hoods or canopies as well as skirts and other types of decorative trim. Look for a bassinet with a storage drawer and drop sides for extra convenience. Mattresses and mattress pads should be carefully fitted to conform to the exact size of the bassinet base.
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for a bassinet, look for one with a well-built frame to avoid accidental collapse. If you don't need a baby bed that is portable, you may consider buying a standard crib instead. Since bassinets are made for the first five months or so of a baby's life, they are useful only for a short amount of time, which may not be cost effective for you. If you decide to use a crib, make sure you install a baby monitor nearby to keep close tabs on your infant. When using a bassinet, make sure you keep it out of the way of pets that can knock it over during a bout of enthusiasm! It is a good idea to also keep it out of the way of an older baby who might get into some unsupervised play with the infant. Check all screws and bolts often to make sure they are secure. Bassinet mattresses should fit perfectly inside the structure. If there is space to put two fingers between the mattress and the side of the bassinet, your mattress is too small.
