How To Make Bassinet From A Storage Tub? Step-By-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
20 min read

If you’re a first-time parent, building a bassinet from scratch can be a daunting task. This article serves as a detailed tutorial on how to fashion a bassinet out of a plastic storage bin.

What Is A Bassinet?

Babies often sleep in a bassinet for the first four months of their lives. Their circular form, mesh or cloth sides, and lightweight construction make them convenient for transport.

The bed is elevated to about waist height thanks to the bassinet’s foundation. When setting down their infant, many parents have found this taller structure to be helpful.

If you’ve recently had a C-section, for example, you might find it difficult to reach over the rail of the crib and pick up your baby to place him or her down, making the bassinet a more practical choice.

Bassinets can be found in a wide range of styles and hues. Numerous options feature ruffled details, hoods, and concealed storage space. The evolution of bassinets has resulted in some nifty extras, such as:

  • Lights
  • Sounds
  • Rocking

When your baby reaches 20 pounds or can roll over on their own, the bassinet is no longer a safe place for them to sleep. Your baby’s growth and development will tell you when it’s time to move them out of the bassinet, but a good rule of thumb is approximately four months.

DIY On How to Make Bassinet From A Storage Tub - Krostrade

Bassinet Pros

  • Baby’s first bedroom is on the small side (transitioning from a tight womb to a small sleeping area rather than a large crib)
  • Transporting your infant around the house is a breeze.
  • Less than the weight of a standard baby crib
  • Easy to share a room with others
  • Fits nicely in little apartments
  • Affordable alternative to buying a crib
  • You can more easily put your baby to sleep.

Bassinet Cons

  • Potential for tipping due to small size and high center of gravity
  • Just a couple months of use.

Steps on how to make a bassinet from a storage tub

Step 1: Locate a suitable box or other container for storing the infant.

Step 2: Line the interior of the tub with an absorbent material (cloth, towels, sheets, etc.) to cushion your child and help keep them dry.

Step 3: Add multiple layers of thick fabric for warmth, as you don’t want the temperature to be too high where it could cause pain, or too cold where it might create chills or shivering.

It’s best to use numerous layers of anything that is both soft and robust enough to withstand repeated use without ripping readily.

Fourth, after the lining has been placed, place the bottom cover on top of it, leaving no space between the two, to prevent urine from soaking through to the mattress.

Step 5. Your baby will sleep wonderfully in a portable bassinet throughout those first few months of life. Because it may be set up close by, parents don’t have to worry about waking their child or disrupting their sleep to do things like cleaning, feeding, or changing diapers, all of which allow them to get more rest.

Step 6: Construct the bottom base from a sturdy material, such as plastic, that won’t crack if the item is accidentally dropped on a hard floor. Wheels connected would make it easy to move the crib around the house, whether to a brighter area of the house or to a new room, and the width would allow for easy access and a safety belt, if necessary.

Steps on how to put kolcraft vibes bassinet together

First, you should have a firm grasp on the nature of the goods you intend to acquire.

Secondly, check that it comes with the features you require at a price you can afford.

Finally, before making a final decision on which product to buy, it is a good idea to read reviews written by other customers who have used the product before you. This will give you an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others and possibly benefit from the advice they have to offer.

Since many individuals express their opinions online in the form of social media posts, blogs, forums, etc., this should help lessen the likelihood of squandering money on a product that doesn’t live up to expectations.

How long can a full-size bassinet be used for?

Babies only need full-size bassinets for the first four months of their lives. While some parents use them as a playpen, others opt for a dedicated crib or playard because of the additional space and safety features they provide.

How to get my six weeks old to like the bassinet?

The bassinet needs to be in a spot where your baby can see it and you, so she knows you’re close by and can feel secure.

What are some benefits of having a removable full size?

Because babies prefer to be swaddled and held as much as possible, but still require a safe place to sleep, portable full-size bassinets are ideal.

Their design introduces infants to new situations early on, which may help them become more adaptable as they grow. In addition, the mesh sides make it simple to check on your baby without getting up or bending over to see if she needs anything in the middle of the night.

Crawling is an important developmental milestone between the ages of three and four months, therefore it’s possible that babies won’t feel safe in these anymore by this point. However, some parents still opt for playards even at this age. Some parents choose to forego the convenience of a portable bassinet in favor of a more permanent fixture in their home.

If you want something lightweight and portable but don’t need it to double as a crib, a bassinet with a detachable mattress is a great option. Due to their lighter weight and more compact dimensions, they can make traveling a breeze.

It’s also common for them to collapse for easy storage in trunks or airplane overhead compartments. Most come with mesh sides, just like larger choices, but without the extra weight, so your baby can snooze safely close by while you do housework or prepare meals. Some include roomy drawers or bins underneath for stowing away necessities like diapers, wipes, blankets, and toys until the next visit.

Steps on how to build a glider rocker bassinet

The most common style of bassinet for infants is a glider rocker, which can be purchased ready-made or assembled by the parent.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate a solid wooden chair to utilize as your foundation. It shouldn’t take more than two hours to construct one yourself if you decide to go that route (depending on how complicated the design is).

The second step is to make sure to get one with an ottoman, as this can help calm fussy newborns by allowing them to “ride” the motion of their parents’ legs while they sit, resulting in a rocking motion that will help them fall asleep more easily.

The third step is to put everything together, which shouldn’t take too long unless you’re creating a model that has a lot of extra parts. If you already have a regular bassinet or crib, you can use that instead; just be careful that the baby doesn’t get her limbs caught in the slats or the boards.

The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022

Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series

Pros

  • Maintaining steadiness on four independent pillars.
  • The design allows for a full rotation in all directions.
  • Easily accessible for nursing mothers

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Unable to move freely
  • Bulky

We recommend the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series to families looking for a high-quality baby bassinet that will appeal to both infants and their caretakers. This bassinet not only provides a safe and comfortable sleeping space for your baby, but also a nightlight, a floor light, a sound machine with adjustable volume, and two vibration settings. The bassinet bed may be rotated around in all directions for easy access to your infant.

A fitted sheet is included, and there are two storage pockets for your convenience. It has a weight restriction of 20 pounds and is safe for use as soon as the baby is born. However, because it does not have wheels, this bassinet can be noisy if the baby tries to sneak out of bed.

Limit of 20 pounds

Amazon.com: Yacul Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper, with Music Box, Easy to Assemble Bed to Bed, Adjustable Portable Crib for Infants Baby Boys and Girls (Dark Gray) : Baby

Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Pros

  • Easily portable and lightweight
  • Adjustable double canopy keeps bugs at bay
  • It folds up into a tiny package, making it convenient for stowing away.

Cons

  • One cannot modify the height.
  • You’ll need to buy a cover for your mattress separately.
  • The canopy’s zipper could become jammed.

This foldable bassinet comes in a variety of colors and features a double sleeping canopy with mesh panels that allow parents to keep an eye on their baby while providing some shade and protection from the elements. Baby will be secure and comfortable in the bassinet, which features a luxurious mattress, a strong metal frame, and a weight limit of 25 pounds.

The maximum weight for this item is 25 pounds, and its dimensions are 33 by 19.5 by 37 inches.

Best Splurge: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

Pros

  • App for smartphones and tablets that allows for monitoring and parental management.
  • Technology that adapts to your baby’s needs is now available.
  • Sleek and sophisticated, the mid-century modern style

Cons

  • The bassinet’s speed may only be adjusted through the accompanying app.
  • One cannot modify the height.
  • The app’s connection could be flaky at times.

The SNOO is the cutting edge of bassinet technology, and it comes in a sleek mid-century modern appearance to boot! This bassinet can recognize your newborn’s sounds, such as grunting or crying. The bassinet will then play relaxing white noise and gently rock and swing the infant.

The SNOO’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity can all be customized by the parents using a mobile app. The software monitors baby’s sleep patterns and notifies parents when they are needed. All of these high-tech additions do add up to a hefty price tag, but parents should take note that SNOO also has a renting option.

The maximum weight for this item is 25 pounds, and its dimensions are 30 inches by 16 inches by 32 inches.

Best Compact: Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet

Pros

  • Slim-folding design
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Adjustable rocking and locking mechanisms

Cons

  • There is no hidden pocket.
  • Can only be rocked by hand
  • There is silence and no sound effects

This bassinet from Fisher-Price is the best option if you’re looking for a little bassinet. In its collapsed state, the Soothing View Bassinet takes up only four inches of space. It doesn’t take up much room even when it’s not folded up.

To calm the infant, just flip a switch and gently push the bassinet. The bassinet can be placed in a stationary position when the rocking option is not needed.

Product Dimensions (Inches): 13 | Weight (lbs.): 13 This item measures 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 inches (H x W x D). Weight Restriction: 20 Pounds

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Pros

  • There is a mechanism for adjusting the height.
  • An app on a smartphone may activate and silence a home theater system.
  • Tool-free assembly is a feature.

Cons

  • Costly
  • Heavy
  • The app’s connection could be flaky at times.

The 4moms mamaRoo is a portable crib that can be used from birth up to 25 pounds and is meant to keep your baby secure and comfortable while they sleep. The bassinet can be rocked and swayed at five different speeds, and there’s also a lullaby machine to help the baby go off to sleep. In addition, it has a timer function that parents can use to establish a nighttime routine for their infant and adjust from anywhere using their smartphone.

Weight: 30 pounds | Length: 24 inches | Width: 34 inches | Height: 39 inches | Maximum Capacity: 25 pounds

Best Stroller-Compatible: UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet

Pros

  • Shade canopies with a UPF of 50+ are available.
  • The mosquito net is included.
  • Mattress has perforations and a slatted frame that allows air to circulate.

Cons

  • Stand for bassinet not included; purchase separately.
  • This item is compatible with UPPAbaby strollers only.
  • It’s not cheap to buy a bassinet stand.

This lightweight bassinet is a fantastic alternative for parents who want something they can use both at home and on the road, as it is compatible with the widely used Uppababy Cruz stroller (and is available with the Uppababy Vista stroller). This bassinet, which can hold infants up to 25 pounds, has a ventilated base and mattress, as well as a parasol and canopy with a UPF of 50+ that zip open to allow for greater air circulation. The Uppababy bassinet has three different sleeping options: a flat, solid surface, a raised stand (available separately), or the stroller itself.

Dimensions: 30.25 x 16.6 x 24.75 inches; Weight Capacity: 25 lbs.

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

Pros

  • Conveniently folds up and stores away
  • A movable base with wheels
  • Visual stimulant toy bar that can be removed

Cons

  • One cannot modify the height.
  • A challenge for some to put together
  • Lacks a handle for easy transport

The Pack ‘n Play by Graco is a well-liked portable playpen because it can be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, and relocated. This model is suitable for usage with a newborn and can be utilized until the infant reaches 15 pounds thanks to the included bassinet insert. The detachable toy bar offers your infant additional visual stimulation.

Dimensions (in inches): 40 x 28.5 x 29 Maximum Weight (in pounds): 15

What to Look for in a Baby Bassinet

Size

Although many infant bassinets are considerably smaller than a regular crib, you should nonetheless take that size into account. Think carefully about where you want to put the bassinet, either before or after the baby arrives. Check the dimensions of the room to avoid buying a bassinet that won’t fit and then having to return it.

The Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard is one example of a collapsible, lightweight bassinet (view on Amazon). While it’s preferable to have a dedicated area for a bassinet, sometimes it’s necessary to make do with less. In such cases, a Pack ‘n Play or similar bassinet can be used for naps and overnights, and then easily stored away during the day. Overall, you don’t want the bassinet to be too close to the bed in case your baby rolls out of bed in the middle of the night and gets caught between the sheets and covers.

Added Features

These days, many bassinets have more to offer than just a place for infants to sleep thanks to their innovative designs and convenient functions. A canopies, play yard, stroller attachments, and even music can be found among the extra amenities. You should think about whether or not you need these extra features before deciding whether to buy them or not.

The UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet (see on Amazon) is a good example; it can be clipped into a stroller, used with a bassinet stand, and features a sunshade and a bug cover. This bassinet has a mosquito shield and a parasol to keep baby comfortable and secure on hot days, making it an excellent choice for families that enjoy spending time outdoors. It could also be used at home for sleeping and napping.

Purpose

Even while it’s obvious that a bassinet’s primary function is to provide a safe place for a baby to sleep, many parents and caregivers don’t know that thinking about the bassinet’s intended use can help them get the most use out of it. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding bedsharing for newborns of any age, however some bassinets incorporate rocking elements or are meant to simulate co-sleeping in a safer fashion. 2

The bassinets designed to keep you close to your baby typically have one side that zips down for easy access for diaper changes, feedings, or playtime. It’s important to keep the baby’s head up on all sides as they sleep. In addition, there are bassinets available with rocking or vibrating motions, both of which can be used to soothe a baby to sleep.

You should prioritize the safety of your baby’s sleep, but you should also think about your lifestyle and whether or not the bassinet will be useful in other settings. Consider bassinets that can be folded up and stored conveniently if your family enjoys taking trips.

Amazon.com : Baby Bassinet, Bedside Sleeper for Baby, Easy Folding Portable Crib with Storage Basket for Newborn, Bedside Bassinet, Comfy Mattress/Travel Bag Included (White and Gold) : Baby

FAQs

How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?

A baby’s ability to sleep in a bassinet for extended periods of time is influenced by a variety of characteristics, including but not limited to age, weight, and developmental milestones. Some bassinets have weight and age limits regarding their use, and this must be respected. If your child has reached a specific weight or age or has passed a certain developmental stage, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent injury.

To be safe, it’s advisable to study the bassinet’s instructions cover to cover to make sure you grasp every nuance. Some newborns learn to roll over fairly soon after birth, prompting the recommendation that they no longer utilize a bassinet.

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

In short, yes. There’s no requirement for you to use a bassinet. They are convenient for travel and space-saving, and the additional features are a necessity for some parents and caregivers. However, babies can start sleeping in a crib immediately after birth. You’ll want to think about your lifestyle and what will work best for your family. If you don’t have the space for a crib just yet, a bassinet is a perfect alternative option for a safe sleep space.

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

Short answer: yes. Don’t feel obligated to utilize a bassinet. Additional functions are a must for some parents and carers, and they are portable and compact, making them ideal for trips. However, infants can begin using a crib for sleep shortly after birth. Your way of life and the needs of your family should be taken into account. A bassinet is a great alternative to a crib if you don’t yet have enough room for the latter.

Conclusion

Any bassinet that can keep a newborn asleep for more than an hour at a time is a good investment. A good starting point is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series (view on Amazon). It has two different vibration settings, a dimmerable nightlight, a bright floor light, a programmable sound machine, and a volume control. The SNOO Smart Baby Bassinet (see price on Amazon) features a built-in microphone and speaker that detects baby’s cries and automatically begins rocking the bassinet.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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