A bassinet is a bed built specifically for babies from birth to about four months (at which point they’re typically transferred to a traditional cradle). It’s often a mobile structure, designed to sit bedside so parents never have to be too far away from their kiddos. Though the bassinets of yore were typically made of simple wicker baskets, nowadays, these accessories are souped up with music capabilities, night lights, motion features, full-on swivel technology, and much, much more! But do you need a lot of tech to snag a lot of comfort for your little one? Well, I’m so glad you asked.
In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to the best bassinets on the market. They range from the classic to the ultra-modern, employing an array of different features to lull your newborn to sleep. After we explore my picks, I’ll also be sharing the methodology I used to select them, so you know exactly what factors to consider when shopping for your own. Plus, I’ll be rounding out this guide with a few expert tips to improve your buying experience.
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How We Picked
Now that we’ve gone over my picks, let’s chat a bit how I picked them! In this section, I’m going to detail all the factors I consider when searching and shopping for a bassinet.
Use
Firstly, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to use the bassinet. Do you want it to be right beside your bed or tucked away in a corner? Do you want it to rock, make noise, play songs, flash lights? Or, do you simply want a standard design that’ll keep your little one snug and secure? Once you’ve figured out how you’re going to use this accessory, you’ll be able to hone in on exactly the kind of bassinet you need.
Support
Regardless of the bassinet you go with, you’ll need to make sure that it’s able to support your newborn in a healthy position. A bassinet is meant to be used during some of the most vulnerable months of your baby’s life, so it’s crucial to find one that will keep your child safe.
To that end, you’ll want to land on a bassinet that prevents your baby from rolling onto its side. This can cause the face to turn onto the cover, resulting in life-threatening suffocation. Obviously this can be incredibly dangerous, so you’ll want to avoid this at all costs.
One way to do this is to choose a bassinet with an ultra-firm sleeping pad. The firmer pad, the more supportive it will be. An even, flat surface will further help to keep your baby on its back while they snooze. Also, try to avoid any spaces between the walls of the bassinet and the sleeping pad. These spaces can prove dangerous for young kiddos.
Weight
When shopping for a bassinet, you’ll also want to think about the weight of the overall structure. If you want to be able to use this device in multiple rooms, you’ll need a lightweight option either made of plastic or a lighter metal. This way, you can lift the bassinet into the bedroom, living room, or kitchen, depending on your needs.
To find out what the bassinet is made of, simply toggle over to the “details” or “construction” section of the item. There, it should list all the materials used along with the weight and overall dimensions of the bassinet.
Durability
Durability is another major factor to think about when shopping for a bassinet. You want this to be a super stable structure, so skimping on the durability is not something I would recommend. Take a look at how the joints of the device are connected together and whether or not any users have complained about wobbles or creaks.
I’d pay extra close attention to the description of the bassinet here. Buzzwords like “reinforced” are going to indicate that the structure is a little more secure than your run-of-the-mill bassinet.
Certifications
Another way to ensure that your bassinet is safe and stable is to look out for any certifications it might have. A JPMA certification is a popular one that signifies that the bassinet passes certain safety credentials as laid out by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. You may also see a CertiPUR-US certification, which tells you that the materials used are chemical and toxin-free.
But not all certifications are created equal, so make sure you do a little research beforehand to make sure the credentials are legit.
Sleepopolis Tips
To round out this guide, I’m going to provide you with a few tips and tricks you can use to improve your search!
There’s a big difference between making a one-time bassinet purchase for a single child and investing in a bassinet for multiple generations of children. So, keep that in mind as you search. If you’re planning to make this an investment piece, you may want to spend a little more money on a higher quality product.
You’ll also want to keep warranties in mind! The truth of the matter is that not every bassinet is going to work for every kiddo, so I recommend going with a brand that’s backed by a strong warranty.
If you’re not a particularly handy parent, you’ll want to go with a bassinet that’s easy to set up. Read user comments to learn about assembly and opt for a bassinet that can be built without tools!
FAQs
How long can you put a baby in a bassinet?
Most experts agree that a baby can stay in a bassinet until it starts to move around and pull up, which is generally around four months.
Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a bassinet?
Definitely! If the bassinet is sturdy, stable, and supportive, it can be a great sleeping environment for a newborn. Once they get bigger, though, they’ll want to move to a crib.
What is the best bassinet for a newborn?
The best bassinet for a newborn is one with a firm sleeping pad and stable base. This will help to prevent the baby from rolling over, which can cause suffocation.
Is a crib safer than a bassinet?
Both a crib and bassinet are safe for newborn babies. However, most experts agree that a bassinet should only be used for babies from birth to about four months.
Wrapping Up
Well folks, you’ve officially made it to the end of this guide! When shopping for a bassinet of your own, make sure to think about how you’re going to use it, what you want to be made of, and whether or not it’s safe for your newborn baby. Then you’ll be well on your way to securing the bassinet of your dreams.
