Newborns spend most of their time—about 16 hours a day—sleeping. How can you be sure that you’re keeping your baby safe while they sleep the day (and night) away?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you have your baby sleep in the same room (but not the same bed) as you for at least the first 6 months. Setting up a bedside sleeper bassinet in your bedroom makes it easy to stay in line with this guidance—and because you can just roll over to pick up your baby for nighttime feedings, it can help you and your baby both get a better night’s sleep.
Wondering how to choose the best bassinet for baby? We’ve narrowed down the features you should look for when making your pick.
Safety Comes First
Make sure you choose a bassinet that checks all the boxes for safety: It should have a firm, flat mattress that’s not too soft or puffy.
And once you’ve chosen a safe bassinet, create a safe sleep environment by covering the mattress with a tight-fitting sheet (only use sheets made by the manufacturer of the bassinet to ensure the correct fit) and keeping all blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, and other soft objects out of the bassinet.
Easy Access to Baby
Next, think about the features that will make the bassinet easier to use, such as adjustable height that lets you position the bassinet so it’s level with your bed. This feature is especially important if you're recovering from a C-section—you’ll really appreciate being able to adjust the height so you can pick up your baby without having to bend over.
You should also choose a bedside sleeper bassinet with breathable mesh sides; the mesh fabric increases airflow to your baby and makes it easier for you to keep an eye on your baby while he or she is sleeping.
An Extra Set of Hands
Imagine having an extra set of hands that will rock, bounce, or sway your baby to sleep while you’re getting some much-needed rest. Sound too good to be true? Think again. You can get a bassinet that actually mimics the natural movements you make to get your baby to sleep.
These high-tech bassinets offer a range of motions and speeds and play white noise to create a womb-like environment that comforts and calms your baby and helps them stay asleep longer. Many can even be controlled by an app on your phone that lets you change the movements and sounds until you hit on the just-right combination to get your baby to sleep—so you don’t even have to get out of bed to keep your baby comfortable and happy. The best baby bassinet is one that soothes baby almost as much as being in your arms!
A Place for Everything
Last but not least is storage: when you’ve got a newborn baby you can never have too much storage. Choose a bassinet with a basket accessory that provides lots of space for extra diapers, wipes, swaddles, pacifiers, burp cloths, and other nighttime essentials so everything you need is right at hand.
Find The Best Bassinet For Baby—And For You!
The best baby bassinet can mean a better night’s sleep for you and your baby. When a newborn is in the house, it's important for everyone to get their rest. Keep these suggestions in mind when you’re picking out baby gear—and you’ll all rest a little easier.
