How To Choose The Best Bassinet For Newborn – Mom’s Guide 2017
A cradle or bassinet can be a comfortable and convenient place for your baby to sleep during her first few months. While a crib is fine, getting the best bassinet for newborn provides a cozier sleeping area to your little one. Parents can also move these baby beds easily from one room to another.
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**Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can also click links above to check current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Why Get A Bassinet?
Having a bassinet is an easy way to keep your newborn close to you. Although it is not as important as diapers or a car seat, having this item can be helpful in many circumstances. There are many reasons why many parents decide to include a bassinet in their must-haves list.
- If you are interested in co-sleeping, a little bed for your baby is the perfect option. With bassinet, parents can keep their baby in their own bedroom. This gives you a peace of mind as you can watch over your little one at all times.
- Bassinet is a compact and portable space that allows parents to easily move from one room to another.
- Visiting family or friends is easier with a bassinet. This item is also useful when traveling.
- Because your baby will be in the same room as you, changing diapers and late-night feedings are a lot easier.
How To Choose The Perfect Bassinet For Newborn
Your little one won’t be using a cradle or bassinet for long, so look for features that will work best during that short period of time. To help you get the best bassinet for newborn, here are some factors and tips that you need to consider in your search.
Safety
Bassinets are only used for four to six months, which is why some parents choose to buy a second hand. If you are purchasing used, you will want to carefully check the item for safety purposes. However, it is always better to buy new as safety standards change regularly.
You can also look for ASTM or JPMA labels as these groups participate in safety standards. One way to assess the safety of a bassinet is by using the same criteria when looking for a crib.
[ Read: Guidelines To Ensure That Babies Sleep Safely ]
Portability And Size
When looking for the best bassinet for newborn, you might also want to consider the size and portability. If you want to use a bassinet so your little one can sleep in any room, it is important that the item is easy to carry. If you intend to use it in your bedroom, make sure that the item will fit easily next to your bed like the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet.
Mesh Walls
Safe bassinets are designed with mesh walls for proper air circulation. This allows your little one to breathe safely in their most comfortable position.
Thin, Firm Mattress
During our research, we have found out that one of the common complaints of most parents is that the mattresses are either too firm or thin. According to ASTM standards, a bassinet mattress should have less than an inch thick and should be firm. This standard has been proven to lower the risk of SIDS.
Some bassinet and crib mattresses rest on MDF boards, which are controversial as MDF can emit formaldehyde. Look for the right item that meets the CARB Phase 2 Criteria to ensure that it releases only a low level of formaldehyde, similar to the level emitted by trees. This low amount is not considered dangerous to newborns.
Weight And Age Limits
Most cradle or bassinets available in the market have a weight limit of 15 – 20 pounds. You may also find products that can accommodate heavier babies. Before purchasing a bassinet, check the weight limit given by the manufacturer. Some items also add a maximum age about 4 – 6 months.
Additional Features To Consider
Some models offer additional features and functionalities that you might want to consider in a bassinet. Here are some of the options that you might come across.
Rocking Motion
One of the great features that many bassinets come with nowadays is a rocking mechanism. It can be calming for babies, especially when they want to sleep. This can be a nice feature, but it may introduce safety hazards not present in basic bassinets. Once your little one learns to roll over or move around, the shifting of weight could tilt the item.
If you are interested in choosing a bassinet with a rocking mechanism, make sure that it has a strong lock that can keep it in a stationary mode like in Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet.
Sounds And Lights
Many bassinets feature built-in functionality to light up, play sounds, music and vibrations. While this feature can help in soothing babies, some are more disturbed by these lights and noises. Running on batteries, you might need to switch them often to enjoy these features.
Canopy
Some bassinets like Dream On Me Karley come with a canopy to block the light out. This is useful when the item is next to your bed and you want to read or finish other tasks that require having the light on. Having a built-in canopy can be useful in many circumstances, especially if you do not want to distract your slumbering baby.
Top 5 Best Bassinet For Newborn
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To help parents look for the best bassinet for newborn, we have made a list of 5 products along with their features.
This bassinet by Dream on Me adds a touch of color to any bedroom with its modern contemporary design. This cuddly and charming item allows parents to keep their little ones close, cozy, and secure day and night.
It comes with a soft and delicate fabric with an elegant lace trim. This sturdy bassinet also provides an adjustable canopy and has a storage basket underneath with locking swivel casters. Ideal for busy moms and doting fathers, this item can accommodate newborns up to 25 lbs.
Pros
- Made of a polyester foam fabric, it features a double canopy and sleeping pad. Its compact design fits comfortably next to a bed without taking a lot of space.
- It provides a large storage basket to keep baby items close.
- This bassinet has locking swivel casters that let parents move it easily from one room to another.
- This lightweight and versatile product can accommodate babies up to 25 pounds while still providing plenty of room.
- It has breathable mesh around the sides and the top can be zipped shut to keep insects away.
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported that the mattress is thin. Applying any sort of pressure makes you feel the wooden base underneath.
This portable bassinet by Fisher-Price can easily be carried around the house and folded up. It has the right size to keep your little one close by.
In addition to portability, it also comes with a machine washable pad, a soft rattle and a mirror for entertainment. This bassinet rocks with a gentle push and it come with reversible feet to convert the item into stationary mode. Always ready on the go, it can be used by newborns less than 25 lbs.
Pros
- This flat, elevated sleeping surface for babies comes with reversible feet so parents can convert it to a stationary bassinet.
- It has the right size to keep your little one close. It is easy to assemble and sits comfortably next to bed. It can also be carried around the house or on the go.
- This bassinet comes with a machine washable pad, soft rattle and mirror for play.
- This space-saving item can accommodate children less than 25 lbs.
- Rocks with a gentle push to soothe baby to sleep, it comes with a breathable mesh to allow better air flow.
Cons
- The item does not rock well and barely moves on hardwood floor.
- The mirror is not removable and may cause distraction.
This bassinet by HALO rotates and swivels 360 degrees. This feature allows you to keep your little one close while sleeping comfortably and safely.
Its side wall lowers and can be locked in the upright position when desired. Ideal for nursing mothers and those recovering from C-sections, it has a stable 4-point base that adjusts to fit most beds from 22 inches to 34 inches tall. Its base can tuck under the bed, making it ideal even for small bedrooms.
Pros
- 360 degrees rotation makes getting in and out of the bassinet easier. This product is ideal for nursing mothers and those who had C-sections.
- Tending to baby is easy as the side wall lowers and it can also be locked in the upright position. The mesh sides allow parents to see their babies clearly.
- It comes with 100% polyester coordinating fitted sheet. It is made from polyester that wipes clean. The sheet is also machine-washable.
- JPMA certified, this bassinet provides a polyurethane mattress pad that is waterproof. It is independently tested to meet or exceed U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Health Canada safety standards for bassinets.
- Its stable 4-pount base can be adjusted to fit most beds.
Cons
- The mattress is thin and flat.
- It is more expensive than most bassinets.
This bassinet by Delta Children comes with an adjustable and removable canopy. It features soothing and calming nightlight to provide a comfortable sleeping area for babies. A selection of pre-loaded lullabies will gently send your baby to sleep.
This product has machine-washable fabric, polyester fiber pad and steel frame polyester. It also comes with two large storage basket to keep baby’s essentials close. Designed for babies up to 15 pounds, it meets or exceeds all ASTM and CPSC Standards and JPMA certifications.
Pros
- This bassinet comes with an adjustable and removable canopy to block out the light. This allows your little one to sleep without disturbances even if the light is turned on.
- It features soothing and calming nightlight to help babies fall asleep. The fabric is machine-washable, making it easy for parents to clean and maintain the item.
- This product meets or exceeds all ASTM and CPSC Standards and JPMA Certifications.
- A large, two section basket underneath provides plenty of space to keep all baby’s essentials close.
- Designed for infants up to 15 pounds, its lightweight frame with locking casters makes it easy to transfer the bassinet from one room to another.
Cons
- It may require switching the batteries often to use nightlight and music.
This product by Graco Pack N Playard features a full-size bassinet that provides a great spot for baby to take a nap anytime and anywhere. The removable bassinet is designed for babies under 15 pounds. It has automatic folding feet and wheels for a compact fold, allowing you to take the item no matter where you go.
This playard is also equipped with a toybar with soft toys to entertain your little one. This ultra-easy fold bassinet comes with a convenient carrying bag for storage or traveling purposes.
Pros
- This bassinet is ideal to keep babies comfortable at home or away. It is designed to make it easy to pack up, stand, and store.
- It is equipped with a toybar with soft toys to amuse your baby.
- The removable bassinet is designed for babies under 15 pounds and the playard can be used by children less than 35 inches tall.
- It has a strong, breathable mesh to keep the baby safe at all times. This item also offers many changing possibilities.
- Fabrics can be wiped clean so parents can continue enjoying their time with their little ones.
Cons
- The net is a little bit rough as not as soft as other breathable mesh.
Conclusion
It is important to choose the right items for your family’s personal needs. Getting the best bassinet for newborn allows your little one to sleep comfortably while being next to you. Each product has specific features that make them ideal for certain circumstances, such as mobility and co-sleeping. Our favorite for overall use is Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Basinet.
It has lightweight frame with locking casters that make it easy to move from room to room. Meeting or exceeding all ASTM and CPSC Standards and JPMA Certifications, this item is also easy to clean and provides a storage basket for baby’s essentials.
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