How to Set Up and Use a Bassinet

A crib and bassinet are safe places for sleeping infants. A crib is larger than a bassinet, while a bassinet is more compact and fits in a smaller space. When choosing a bassinet, there are a few things to know in order to keep your newborn cozy and comfortable while inside.

Safety First

At Pottery Barn Kids, we believe in safety first. We urge you to make certain that your bassinet meets the safety standards created by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These were implemented in 2013 and 2014 to keep children safe. Bassinets are temporary sleeping spaces for newborns, but offer convenience. The mattress should be firm and flat, just like a crib mattress. Check for gaps along the sides to ensure your bassinet is safe for your infant during the early months of their life.

Why Use a Bassinet?

A bassinet is usually smaller than a standard crib. Newborns love the cozy, womb-like environment of a bassinet which can lead to better sleep. Its size offers the option of setting up your baby in your bedroom and other places in your home that may not accommodate a crib. Many parents enjoy the option to have their newborn nearby during naps or even during the night. Portability allows parents and caregivers to move the bassinet around the home easily. The design of a bassinet makes it easier to bend down and pick up a baby thanks to the lower sides. Plus, it eliminates the strain of leaning over a rail to put your baby into the bed. This is especially handy when it’s nursing and feeding time during the early days of bringing baby home.

Setting Up a Bassinet

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper set up. Make sure it’s stable and safe before you insert a liner over the bassinet’s interior. Any pad or mattress should fit snugly in place to prevent gaps along the sides. A waterproof mattress cover helps to protect the liner from damp diapers and leaks. Bassinet fitted sheets usually have elastic around the head and foot sections only, rather than around the entire edge. This is for additional safety. You won’t need baby blankets. Instead, dress your baby in sleepers to keep them warm without additional blankets.

Sleep Time in a Bassinet

Bassinets are designed for use in the first few months of a baby’s life. The general rule of thumb is to keep a bassinet for infants under 20 to 25 pounds and a crib to hold a baby over 20 to 25 pounds. Always check the bassinet manufacturer’s weight and age limit recommendations.
Typically, babies are ready to make the switch over to a crib by three to four months of age or when the baby reaches 20 to 25 pounds

If your baby begins to roll over sooner than that, the bassinet may not be ideal for sleeping. As soon as your baby sits up, at around six months, bassinets will be too shallow for safety. This milestone indicates it is time to transition to a crib or playpen for naps to ensure complete safety for your sleeping child.

How to Choose

When planning your baby’s sleep, there is a place for both a bassinet and a crib. Think of a bassinet as training wheels for your baby. It offers a convenient and portable way to keep baby close in the early months, which can be easier on parents. Choosing a bassinet that meets current safety standards is the most important consideration when making this choice.