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What Safety Features Should a Good Bassinet Have?

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Sturdy and stable are the basic safety features that a bassinet should have. I know your “concern” about your baby’s health when you’re a new mom or expecting. And it usually happens when you’re a new mom. From this perspective, I bet you are concerned, “What safety features should a good bassinet have?” 

Don’t worry; let’s discuss its ins and outs for convenience. Here’s our detailed guidance on How to choose a bassinet?

A bassinet is an essential piece of furniture for new parents. It provides a safe sleeping environment for their newborns. However, it is the safest sleeping position for infants. It can help to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

But there are many more safety features in a bassinet you should know about. It’s most important to choose a good bassinet with proper safety features. Yet, it’s crucial to keep track of the baby’s well-being. 

However, many more baby monitoring apps are available to keep track of a baby’s well-being while they sleep.

Here, we will discuss the safety features that a good bassinet should have.

Sturdy Construction:

Sturdy construction is essential for ensuring your baby’s safety. At the same time, they are in the bassinet. Bassinets should have a broad base. These are from good materials like wood or metal to provide stability. 

“What safety features should a good bassinet have?” is an unstoppable discussion. You’ve got to know more and more. But in this content, we want to inform you of some basic and most important points about what to do. 

So, let’s continue to read. 

A bassinet that is not sturdy enough may tip over or collapse. That increases the risk of injury to your baby. 

Check the bassinet’s legs to ensure they are wide enough to provide a stable base. And that the frame is strong enough to support your baby’s weight and any other items placed in the bassinet.

Besides, you’ve to check the fastenings in the bassinet. We ensure they are secure and do not pose a choking hazard to your baby. It includes checking the screws, nuts, and bolts to ensure they are tight.

A sturdy bassinet is one of the most important features. It is worth it when choosing one for your baby’s safety and comfort.

Breathable Mattress and Bedding:

A breathable mattress and bedding are crucial to your baby’s safety and comfort. A firm and snug-fitting mattress avoid suffocation. That fits best within the bassinet is essential to prevent suffocation or SIDS.

Soft mattresses of these types do not work. These can create gaps between the mattress and the sides of the bassinet. Because here, your baby’s face or limbs can become trapped. And this situation leads to suffocation.

It would help if you chose breathable bedding from natural fibers. Such as cotton or bamboo. If you want to know the best cotton and bamboo sheets, check out our selection of the best bedding sheets

It ensures proper air circulation and prevents overheating. An increased risk of SIDS is associated with overheating. And it can also cause your baby to become uncomfortable and irritable. 

National Institutes of Health define overheating as a SIDS risk factor as

“Babies should keep warm during sleep. But not too warm. Overheating is likely to result in a deep sleep. And it isn’t easy to arouse. Using excessive blankets or covering your baby points to overheating and lack of oxygen. This condition is dangerous for your baby. 

So parents and caregivers don’t overdress on your baby. And keep them at the thermostat for comfortable research. How do you consider the temperature suitable for a baby?

Let’s read if the room temperature is comfortable for an adult. Then it’s appropriate for your baby.

Additionally, avoid using pillows, bumpers, or other soft objects in the bassinet. They can pose a suffocation risk to your baby. 

Choosing the right mattress and bedding for your baby’s bassinet is important. It keeps your baby safe and comfortable. Check our selection of the best bassinet mattress. 

Lockable Wheels:

Lockable wheels are an essential safety feature to look for in a portable bassinet. Check our review on the best portable bassinets to choose from. They provide stability and prevent the bassinet from rolling or moving. Which could pose a safety risk for your baby. 

Check whether the locks are easy to engage and disengage. It is important when you choose the lockable wheels bassinet. Also, they provide a secure hold on the wheels. 

When you lock the wheels of the bassinet, ensure the bassinet is stable and does not tip over.

Lockable wheels are important for parents, especially for those who need to move their baby’s bassinet from room to room. They provide the convenience of a portable bassinet. While ensuring your baby is safe while they sleep. 

Always lock the wheels before placing your baby in the bassinet. And double-check that the locks are secure before moving the bassinet. It will help prevent any accidental movement or tipping of the bassinet, which may harm your baby.

The other safety features you may concern when using a bassinet are as follows:

Mesh Sides: 

Mesh sides are another important safety feature to look for in a bassinet. Mesh sides provide visibility for you to track your baby while they sleep. Also, it promotes air circulation to help prevent overheating. Mesh sides are also safer than solid sides as they avoid suffocation risks. 

Your baby can breathe when the baby’s face or mouth comes into contact with the mesh sides. 

Additionally, mesh sides provide a secure barrier. So, it prevents your baby from rolling out of the bassinet. You should ensure that the mesh sides are secure and attached to the frame of the bassinet. So it prevents them from losing and creating gaps even when your baby could become trapped.

Portability: 

A portable bassinet is an excellent option for parents who need to move their babies on the go. But the portability of the bassinet mustn’t compromise its safety. 

The bassinet should have sturdy wheels or legs that lock in place. So that it prevents it from moving when your baby is inside. Also, ensure the bassinet has a sturdy carrying handle to support your baby’s weight.

Adjustable Height: 

An adjustable height feature is important to be sure of when choosing the best bassinet. Adjustable height bassinets are best to use. And like heaven for those who struggle with back pain or have had a Caesarean section delivery. 

However, Here’s a list of the top 8 Bassinets For the C section. You can check.

With an adjustable height feature, you can raise or lower the bassinet. And set it to a comfortable height. That makes it easier to reach and tend to your baby. It also helps keep your baby safe from other pets or young siblings.

Weight Limit: 

A weight limit is another safety feature. When choosing the right baby bassinet. It is important to consider when choosing a bassinet for your baby. Ensuring the bassinet can support your baby’s weight. 

Also, checking its standard without compromising its safety is important. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines of weight limits and age restrictions. Once your baby has reached the recommended weight limit or age, it is time to transition them to a crib.

For more check out this content “When to stop using bassinet?

Safety Certifications: 

Before purchasing a bassinet, certified checking is important. 

Always buy from an independent safety organization. Such as JPMA certification. Safety certifications ensure the bassinet meets specific standards. 

Here’re the top JPMA-certified bassinets to look for. Certified bassinets are safer and more reliable than others. 

Non-Toxic Materials: 

It is important to choose a bassinet that is made from non-toxic materials. Your baby will spend a lot of time in their bassinet. So it is crucial to ensure that the materials used in constructing the bassinet are safe. Look for bassinets made from solid wood or the best material. 

So that it does not contain harmful chemicals or toxins. It will help prevent your baby from exposure to toxic substances. The substances that could cause health problems.

No Recalled Parts or Accessories: 

As a careful parent, ensure that the bassinet you choose has no recalled parts or issues. Check the manufacturer’s website and consumer safety organizations for any recalls. 

You can check their safety warnings on the bassinet you are considering. It will help ensure you are not purchasing a dangerous product that could harm your baby.

FAQs on “What safety features should a good bassinet have?”

What certifications should a bassinet have?

According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), the bassinet is safe and meets safety standards. It is JPMA-certified and CPC (child’s product certification) certified. These are the best-to-use bassinets. 

How long is a bassinet safe?

The bassinet is safe at 4 to 6 months of age. The transition is usually placed by 4 to 6 months of age. Plus, check out the recommended weight, age limit, and other factors. Read our How When to stop using a Bassinet?

What are the 5 possible causes of SIDS?

Here are the most common causes of SIDS:

1. Placing a baby on his stomach rather than on his back.

2. Overheating the baby during sleep

3. Premature or low birth weight 

4. Sleep on a too-surface bedding

5. Family history of failure, other siblings who die SIDS

How can I prevent SIDS in my bassinet?

There’s no accurate or guaranteed way to prevent SIDS. But you can prevent your baby from SIDS by following some tips.

According to Mayoclinic.org, these are the SIDS coming symptoms and causes

  1. Put your baby back to sleep
  2. Don’t overheat (avoid unnecessary blankets or pillows)
  3. Keep the baby bassinet in your room
  4. Breastfeed
  5. Immunize the baby
  6. Offer a pacifier

Conclusion: “What Safety Features should a good bassinet have?”

I’m sure as a mom you will choose the best one using things for your child. 

Choosing a good bassinet with proper safety features is crucial. It is important for a newborn’s well-being. 

Parents should look for sturdy construction and breathable mattresses. With all this, proper and comfortable bedding is important. The bassinets with mesh or transparent sides are safe. 

When choosing the best bassinet, lockable wheels, and adjustable height are important. To check the safety certification, no loose or dangling parts are crucial to look at. Bassinet’s weight limit specified by the manufacturer is a must to look. 

References:

Hallo Sleep:- Newborn Bassinet Safety Tips

CPSC.gov:– Durable Infant or Toddler Products 

National Institute of Health:- SIDS Risk Factors

Webmd.com:- What is a Bassinet

Consumerreport.org:- Bassinet & Cradle Safety Guidelines

Marchofdimes.org:-Safe Sleep For Your Baby

WebMD:- 10 Steps To Help Prevent SIDS

Rednose.org:- Surfaces For Safe Sleep

Sleepfoundation.org:- Best Room Temperature For Sleeping Baby