Ways To Wash A Bassinet A How To Guide

Do you put your baby to sleep in a bassinet? Have you run out of ideas for maintaining cleanliness?

Even the name “bassett” conjures up images of a sleeping infant snuggled in soft blankets. However, it’s easy for your baby’s bassinet to harbor more germs than you realize between milk, tears, sweat, and other bodily fluids.

I need to know how to properly disinfect a bassinet. Thankfully, it’s not as hard as it might seem at first. We’ll go over some basic hygiene practices for babies so you can rest easy knowing your child isn’t being exposed to anything that could make them sick while they sleep.

What Is a Bassinet?

You must be familiar with the various components of a bassinet in order to clean it properly. Although they are all unique, bassinets share a few common design elements.

A baby’s first bed, a bassinet, is typically a small basket on a stand. Without the risks of bed-sharing, bassinets allow parents to keep their newborn close by for easier feedings and peace of mind.

There are three main types of bassinets on the market today.

• Traditional bassinets are stationary designs. They are usually not meant to be relocated due to their solid construction of wood or metal. Your infant’s tiny bed will have a mattress inside of it.
• Mobile mothers benefit from the portability of bassinets. Some folding bassinets have wheels for easy transport, while others can be swiveled to allow you to move the top without repositioning the entire base.
• Baby will find solace and comfort in the gentle rocking motion of a swinging bassinet lulling them to sleep by rocking them Most portable bassinets are smaller and lower to the ground to reduce the possibility of injury, whether from the bassinet’s flexible legs or its movable basket.

Babies are easily infected, so it’s important to keep any kind of bassinet clean and disinfected.

Advantages of Bassinet

There are many good reasons to buy a bassinet for your baby. A bassinet is preferable to a crib for a number of reasons, including:

1. Being able to move the baby’s sleeping quarters from room to room is a huge convenience when there is a brand new baby in the house; this allows you to keep the baby close to you and under close supervision no matter where you are. They’re also helpful when taking a baby on the road. A baby bassinet that can be taken on the go is a convenient and secure sleeping option for your little one when you’re away from home. Bassinets are portable and easy to transport due to their light weight.
2. Cost-Efficient- A bassinet is an affordable option for most families due to its small size and low price. Bringing your baby some solace does not have to break the bank. There is a wide variety of brands and designs available to meet a variety of needs and price points.
3. Hooded Bassinets Many bassinets come with a hood that can be removed to shield the baby from light. Your baby may sleep more soundly and for longer periods of time if you do this.
4. You can keep diapers, extra clothing, and other baby necessities organized and within easy reach with a bassinet’s storage system. Invest in a bassinet with drawers so you can keep diapers, wipes, and other necessities within easy reach.

Disadvantages of Bassinet

There are benefits to using a bassinet, but it also has some drawbacks.

• A bassinet won’t hold up as long as a crib would. The bassinet is only appropriate for use up to about six months of age. No baby can use the bassinet after the maximum weight has been reached.

When To Clean Your Bassinet

You should give your bassinet a thorough cleaning if you see any signs of buildup or dirt. However, there are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you deal with both obvious and hidden grime.

Some authorities advise laundering baby’s bedding once or twice weekly. The amount required for your bassinet’s frame is much lower. Keep in mind that your infant may never come into contact with the frame, and that exposure to a few germs may actually help them develop a stronger immune system.

It may not be necessary to go to great lengths to clean it very often, unless your baby has recently recovered from an illness or there is obvious soiling. Make judgment calls.

Disassembling Your Bassinet

A bassinet should be disassembled before being cleaned. Most bassinets require the mattress and sheet set to be removed from the basket and stand in order to be cleaned.

Depending on the fabric that makes up each component of your bassinet, you’ll have to clean it in a specific way. The mattress cover can go in the washing machine, while the mattress itself should be washed by hand and the frame dusted.

Instructions for cleaning and assembling the bassinet should have been included in the packaging. Before moving forward, please read them thoroughly.

Get in touch with the company’s customer service department or do some online research if you can’t locate the original bassinet instructions. You could try looking for guidelines on the internet.

How To Clean a Bassinet

If you stick to these six easy steps, your baby’s sleeper should last for many years to come. They should work for most bassinets, but if you have any doubts, you should refer to the manual for your particular brand and model.

1. Gather Supplies

You probably already have everything you need to clean your bassinet at home, including:

• Soft enough to use on babies’ clothes.
• Use a new sponge, cloth, and dusting tool.
• A bottle of hot water to use as a spray.
• Mildly sanitizing.

Keeping all of these tools on hand will simplify the cleaning process.

2. Remove Bedding and Linens

Bedding and linens are likely to get the dirtiest in your bassinet. Take them out and sort them by type of cleaning required.

3. Remove Hood and Linings

There are bassinets that have hoods or extra padding built in. Take the fabric off and wash it if you can.

4. Wash Linens

Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent on all of your baby’s linens. If in doubt, hand wash according to the care instructions.

Linens that are sewn into the bassinet should be washed regularly, especially if they come into contact with your baby’s skin. You can use a spot treatment pen or spray some warm water onto a cloth and very gently dab on some detergent to accomplish this.

5. Disinfect the Frame

After you have taken everything out of the bassinet, including the mattress, you can start disinfecting the frame. Depending on the material of your bassinet, a different kind of disinfectant may be required for cleaning.

Clean the entire frame by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Then, wipe the frame down with a dry cloth to prevent rusting.

6. Reassemble the Bassinet

Reassemble your bassinet after you’ve given it a thorough cleaning and drying. If this is your first time disassembling it, you should take your time. You should make sure it is secure.

There are bassinets that are easy to assemble and others that take more time. A newborn will spend a lot of time in their bassinet, so you’ll want to make sure it’s safe and comfortable.

Things to consider before you buy a bassinet:

The bassinet is a very secure place for infants to sleep. Many parents prefer them because they are lightweight and simple to transport. Buying a bassinet for your baby requires some careful consideration.

• One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a bassinet is whether or not it has been constructed with safety in mind.
• Simple to set up — There is no time to waste when you have a newborn at home if you have to spend hours putting together the bassinet. So, get a bassinet that’s simple to set up and maintain.
• Look for an easily assembled bassinet, and make sure it is of high quality so you can trust it to hold your child’s weight.

The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022

Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series

Pros

• Strong, stable, four-legged foundation
• Rotates a full circle
• Easy access for nursing mothers

Cons

• Heavy
• Not easy to maneuver
• Bulky

Our top pick is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series because it’s a high-quality bassinet with features that appeal to both babies and their caregivers. Your baby will be comfortable sleeping in this bassinet, which features a floor light, a nightlight, a sound machine with adjustable volume, and two vibration settings to help calm him or her. You can get to your baby without waking them up thanks to the 360-degree rotating bassinet.

Two convenient pockets provide space for small items, and a fitted sheet is also provided. A newborn baby can use it as soon as they are born, and it can hold up to 20 pounds. The lack of wheels on this bassinet makes it a bit more difficult to sneak out of bed in the middle of the night.

It has a maximum load capacity of 20 pounds and measures 36 by 45 by 45 inches.

Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Pros

• Portable because it is lightweight
• The double canopy, which can be adjusted, serves to shield guests from insects.
• Folding design makes for convenient, space-saving storage

Cons

• The height can’t be changed.
• Separately available mattress protectors
• The canopy’s zipper often gets stuck.

This bassinet is lightweight, foldable, and features a double sleeping canopy with mesh panels that allow parents to keep an eye on their baby while also providing some shade and protection. The bassinet’s plush mattress, sturdy metal frame, and weight limit of 25 pounds ensure that baby will be secure and comfortable during sleep.

The product has a maximum weight capacity of 25 pounds and measures 33 inches in length, 19.5 inches in width, and 37 inches in height.

Best Splurge: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

Pros

• Easy-to-use mobile app for monitoring and setting limits
• Technology that adapts to your baby’s needs will automatically help him or her relax.
• Mid-century modern style

Cons

• The app is the only way to change the bassinet’s speed.
• You can’t change the height
• Sometimes the app has trouble connecting.

The SNOO is the cutting edge of bassinet technology (and it comes in a sleek mid-century modern design to boot!). This bassinet responds to the sounds a newborn makes, such as grunting or crying. The bassinet will then play soothing white noise while gently rocking the infant.

The SNOO’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity can all be customized from a parent’s smartphone or tablet. The app monitors baby’s sleep patterns and notifies parents when their child requires assistance. While the high price tag is undoubtedly a result of all these innovative features, it’s worth noting that SNOO also provides a rental option.

Product Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 32 Inches Maximum Weight Capacity: 25 Pounds

Best Compact: Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet

Pros

• Slim-folding design
• Compact and lightweight
• Possesses a rock-and-lock mechanism

Cons

• No convenient pockets
• Needs to be Rocked by Hand
• No noise or music

This bassinet from Fisher-Price is the best option for a small space. The folded width of the Soothing View Bassinet is only four inches, making it extremely portable. It doesn’t take up much room even when it’s not collapsed.

A gentle push on the bassinet, activated by the touch of a button, can help calm a fussy infant. The bassinet can be placed in a stationary position when the rocking option is not needed.

Exact 13-pound Shipping Weight | The 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 inch (HWD) dimensions of the product. No more than 20 pounds

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Pros

• The height can be altered.
• An app on a smartphone can trigger actions and play audio.
• Zero-tool assembly required.

Cons

• Costly
• Heavy
• Sometimes the app has trouble connecting.

The 4moms mamaRoo is made to not only provide a secure sleeping environment for your baby up to the weight of 25 pounds, but also to calm and comfort them for improved rest. The bassinet sways and rocks at five different speeds, and there’s a lullaby machine built in, too. A timer function, operable from the parent’s smartphone, aids in the establishment of a regular bedtime routine for the infant.

Weight: 30 pounds | Size: 24 by 34 by 39 inches | Maximum Capacity: 25 pounds

Best Stroller-Compatible: UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet

Pros

• Extendable sunshade with a UPF rating of 50
• Anti-mosquito net built in
• Mattress with perforations and a slatted frame to promote airflow.

Cons

• Stand for bassinet not included.
• All other strollers are incompatible.
• An expensive bassinet stand

This portable bassinet is a great option for parents who need something they can use at home and on the go, as it is compatible with the best-selling Uppababy Cruz stroller (and comes bundled with the Uppababy Vista stroller). This bassinet can accommodate infants weighing up to 25 pounds, and it has a sunshade and canopy with a UPF of 50 that can be unzipped for increased ventilation. The Uppababy bassinet can be clicked onto the stroller for naps on the go or placed on a flat, stable surface with the Uppababy Bassinet Stand (sold separately).

Weight: 8.8 pounds | Size: 30.25 x 16.6 x 24.75 inches | Max Capacity: 25 pounds

Best Play Yard: Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard

Pros

• Conveniently foldable and stowable
• The base has wheels, making it mobile.
• Visual stimulation toy bar that can be removed

Cons

• The height can’t be changed.
• Confusing to put together for some
• lacks a handle for easy transport

The Graco Pack ‘ Play is a well-liked portable playpen because it can be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, and relocated. The bassinet insert in this design makes it suitable for use from birth up until the baby reaches 15 pounds. Baby can get some additional visual stimulation from the detachable toy bar.

FAQS

How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?

Your baby’s age, weight, and developmental milestones will all play a role in determining how long they can stay in a bassinet. It is important to remember that many bassinets have weight and age limits. If your child has reached a certain weight or age and has outgrown the manufacturer’s guidelines, he or she is at risk of injury.

The best course of action is to carefully read the instructions that came with your bassinet. Some babies learn to roll over very soon after birth, prompting the recommendation that their parents and caregivers stop using the bassinet.

Can my baby just skip the bassinet and go straight to a crib?

Yes, in a nutshell. You shouldn’t feel obligated to use a bassinet. For some parents and caregivers, the extra features are as important as the portability and compact size. However, a crib can be used for infants from the moment they are born. The best option for you and your family will depend on your individual preferences and way of life. A bassinet is a great alternative to a crib if you don’t yet have enough room for the former.

When should my baby go from the bassinet to a crib?

There may be weight and age restrictions on your bassinet, but your baby may be rolling over or sitting up before then. Keep a close eye on them; the manufacturer’s recommended transition time from the bassinet to the crib may come sooner than you expect.

CONCLUSION

Because infants’ immune systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to illness than adults and need germ-free environments in which to thrive. Therefore, the following instructions for cleaning a bassinet are not only effective, but also very simple to implement.

If you don’t have time to clean the bassinet yourself due to work or other commitments, you can always hire a professional cleaner. In addition to keeping the bassinet spotless, make sure the rest of the nursery (or wherever the baby will be sleeping) is tidy as well.

However, you should not let your guard down too much in order to let your baby’s immune system develop. Experts agree that infants can benefit from playing in natural environments like dirt or sand.

Furthermore, as long as you keep your house clean, you have nothing to worry about in terms of harmful germs. And lastly, parents need to know which ones are safe and which ones aren’t.