Five bassinet safety tips for new parents
As a new parent, there’s a lot to keep track of: feeding, napping, cleaning, bonding—all while trying to take care of yourself too! The addition of a baby to the family means investing in a good crib or bassinet as well, the latter of which is a smaller, cheaper, and more movable bed for your newborn.
Many parents love bassinets because they give them the option to bring their child into other spaces for nap time so it’s easy to work without having to worry about being in a different room. They’re especially useful in the fourth trimester as you both adjust to a routine together, so moms and dads will often utilize a bassinet as a full-time sleep space for their newborn too. This flexibility is why bassinets are such a go-to product for new parents!
Whatever you have planned for yours, it’s helpful to know how to incorporate this staple into your home seamlessly and securely. Let’s talk bassinet safety tips!
1. What to look for when shopping
First, let’s touch on the safety features you’ll want to see when buying your bassinet. There are guidelines enforced by regulating organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that ensure standardized safety protocols for manufacturers to follow. Definitely opt for a bassinet that meets or exceeds these protocols.
Assembling your bassinet is another key detail. Be careful to properly set it up so that it’s stable, and follow directions carefully—and there’s no shame in bringing in an expert to assemble it for added peace of mind! Designs with a wide base and sturdy legs minimize the risk of tipping over, and if the wheels make you uncomfortable, there are stationary bassinet options as well.
2. Say no to bedding
So, you’ve got your bassinet built and you’re ready to make it cozy. The “bare bones is best” approach applies here: as with a regular crib, you shouldn’t incorporate loose bedding, pillows, toys, or stuffed animals in a bassinet. It’s safe to snugly swaddle your newborn as long as they aren’t rolling over yet, but once they do, it’s time to stop swaddling in order to protect them from possible suffocation.
For any spills or leaks, a washable fitted sheet keeps the inside of the bassinet clean and sanitary for your baby. The mattress you choose plays a role in all of this too (we like the Newton Baby crib mattress). While it’s tempting to create a lush environment for your baby, it’s much safer for them to sleep in an empty bassinet or crib—in the meantime, extra cuddles before bed never hurt!
3. Consider placement carefully
An essential part of bassinet safety is deciding where and how you’ll use it. Parents typically bring the bassinet to them; that way, they’re able to get chores done without having to close a door on their little one in the process. Of course, you don’t want your daily routine to wake them up, which is why picking a place to park that bassinet for their late morning nap may get tricky.
It’s best to position the bassinet on a flat surface away from stairs, windows, or hazards that a curious infant could grab onto (such as corded blinds) and in an area that’s conducive to rest. Avoid any inclines or angles in the bassinet itself—your baby should lie flat on their back for safe sleep. And it’s a good rule of thumb to keep the bassinet within arm’s reach while supervising them.
4. Note that bassinets are temporary
New parents quickly realize just how fast babies outgrow everything, and the bassinet is no exception. Since infants age out of bassinets, you’ll inevitably have to transition them into a larger crib for better (and safer) sleep at some point. Until then, a bassinet is a convenient and comfy spot for your infant to nap, stretch, and watch the world go by!
In comparison to a crib, the sides of a bassinet are short and the center is shallow, so your baby is going to need a safer space to wiggle around after they become mobile and learn how to sit up on their own. The indicated weight and height limits on your bassinet take the guesswork out of this eventual transition, but you can always clarify your questions with your pediatrician or a certified pediatric sleep consultant.
5. Make sure you maintain it
Lastly, we recommend regularly checking your bassinet for any problems that might arise, such as wear-and-tear damage and loose or broken components. Despite how fast babies grow, it’s still beneficial to do a once-over every now and then to confirm that the bassinet is as solid as it was the day you bought it; you can also monitor potential recalls on your particular model.
Care for your baby’s bassinet by washing the sheet and mattress as necessary. This lessens allergens and improves hygiene, which could in turn correct underlying sleep issues. By keeping your bassinet in good working order and cleaning it consistently, it’ll always be ready any time your little one starts dozing off.
Sleep support in a bassinet and beyond
Bassinet safety can be as simple as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, but there are plenty of other sleep secrets you’ll need to know as a new parent. At My Sweet Sleeper, the goal is to support everyone in the household so you can all snooze soundly from day one. Our consultants personalize the experience to address your unique concerns and achieve sweet dreams for the whole family.
We specialize in helping babies and young children who struggle with sleep, anticipating challenges and mitigating disruptions to their rest early and effectively. Parents of newborns find solace for their babies (and themselves!) by working with us to establish healthy sleep habits, which we design to fit practically into your life.
The My Sweet Sleeper team knows firsthand what a whirlwind new parenthood is, and we’re eager to guide you and yours toward balanced rest as a family during this exciting chapter. Schedule a consultation today!
Related Articles:
Supporting a mom who just had a baby.
