Bassinets Buying Guide
When along comes baby 
, there are a lot of products to consider buying to make life easier. When it comes to bassinets, however, the decision on whether or not to purchase is really up to the parents, since it's more of a luxury or sentimental item than an absolute necessity. While many parents just opt for using a crib , some choose to use a bassinet for the first four to six months, as it can be easily placed next to the bed , moved from room to room and kept as a keepsake after its short period of use.
Before Buying
When picking out your bassinet, consider:
- Full-size, regulation cribs are endorsed by Consumer Reports as being the best sleeping option for babies, not bassinets.
- Bassinets that have complied to voluntary safety standards are the best choice.
- If you want a folding model, make sure that all the latches lock properly in its upright position.
- Wider is better to provide your newborn with as much support as possible.
- Make sure the mattress fits super-snugly in the base of the bassinet, because a gap can cause accidental suffocation.
- Make sure that the edges of the bassinet are smooth to prevent scrapes.
Safety Notes
Keep these things in mind once you've purchased your bassinet:
- Pets must be kept out of the same room. They can easily knock over or collapse a bassinet.
- When the bassinet is in a stationary position, the wheels should be locked at all times.
- Remember that your bassinet has a weight limit. Once your baby exceeds this limit, it is dangerous to have him or her continue to sleep there.
- Don't add any extra decorative bedding, as this can pose a suffocation hazard.
Varieties
- Bassinets come with both manual and battery powered rocking options.
- Some have wheels while others are stationary.
- Hoods can be folding, stationary to detachable.
Related Guides
Some other goodies for the baby on the way:
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