How Frequently Should You Wash the Bassinet? Many new parents wonder this, and it’s not always easy to find an answer. Is there a recommended frequency for wiping off the bassinet?
To what extent may you let the time pass between cleanings? How can you make sure your kid is safe in their cot at night? How much will this cost in terms of both time and money? This blog article will address these issues and more.
What Is A Bassinet?
Babies often sleep in a bassinet for the first four months of their lives. They have the appearance of an oval, are sided with mesh or cloth, and are constructed for portability.
The bed is elevated to around the level of an adult’s waist by the bassinet’s base. When setting down their infant, many parents have found this taller structure to be helpful.
For mothers who have had a cesarean section, a bassinet may be a more practical option than a crib because of the need to set the baby down and pick them up without bending over the side.
The aesthetics and hues of bassinets can vary greatly. Many also have storage space in the floor or even a hooded canopy above the bed. The evolution of the bassinet has resulted in some fun extras, such as:
- Lights
- Sounds
- Rocking
A bassinet is no longer a safe resting option for your infant after they reach 20 pounds or can roll over on their own, according to experts. Around four months of age, based on your baby’s development and growth, you should consider moving them out of the bassinet.
Bassinet Pros
- You’ll need to find a smaller place to sleep with your newborn infant (transitioning from a tight womb to a small sleeping area rather than a large crib)
- You can easily transport your infant from one room to another.
- Is lighter than a baby’s cradle
- Easy to share a room with others
- Great for apartments and other compact dwellings
- Priced lower than a standard crib
- It’s a lot less of a hassle to put the baby down.
Bassinet Cons
- Potential for tipping due to small size and high center of gravity
- Short-term use only
Do You Need a Bassinet?
There are several reasons to use a bassinet, but the two most prominent are probably its portability and the peace of mind it provides.
A bassinet can ease the stress of those midnight feedings by putting your baby within easy reach. (And at two in the morning, we’ll gladly take whatever ease we can get.) When it’s time to feed the baby, whether you’re breastfeeding or giving him a bottle, you won’t have to move too far from your cozy bed. This can be especially helpful for new mothers who are still healing from childbirth and so have limited movement.
When you first become a parent, it may seem like worrying is the only thing that comes naturally. A bassinet can help ease your mind during those first few months. Most bassinets may be set up at the same level as your bed, so you can easily check on your baby to make sure everything is well. Having them close by also makes it easier to hear when they are beginning to stir or become fussy, alerting you to the fact that it is almost time for a snuggle or a feeding. They are also useful for parents who want to be close to their infant but who do not want to bed-share, which is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
However, not all parents will welcome such close physical proximity. Putting your kid to sleep in the nursery crib could be the best option if you’re a light sleeper or if the constant gurgling and squeaking is making you nervous.
When Do You Need a Bassinet?
In general, you should keep your child in a bassinet until he or she is at least three months old and has developed the motor skills necessary to move around on their own, push up on their hands, and turn over. The maximum allowed weight for a baby in a bassinet varies from one model to the next.
How Often you Should Clean Your Baby bassinet
They should be washed at least once every couple of weeks, but more often if they get particularly dirty. Bedding that can be easily changed as needed: Baking soda and warm water make a great combination for a quick clean. It’s recommended to wait 15 minutes before wiping. Then, after you’re done cleaning, simply put the lid back on top.
How To Clean a Bassinet
Keep your baby’s sleeper in pristine condition by adhering to these six easy steps. However, if you have any doubts about whether or not they will work with your bassinet, you should refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
1. Gather Supplies
In most cases, you probably already have the bare necessities lying around the house to clean your bassinet:
- Safe for use on newborns and infants, this detergent is perfect for washing clothes.
- Sponge, rags, and dusters, all brand new.
- Use a spray bottle filled with hot water.
- To clean gently; use as a gentle disinfectant.
Having access to all of these tools will streamline the cleaning procedure.
2. Remove Bedding and Linens
Bedding and linens are likely to become the dirtiest parts of your bassinet. Pull them out and sort them by wash type.
3. Remove Hood and Linings
Hoods or additional bedding may be purchased separately for some bassinets. Take the fabric off and wash it if you can.
4. Wash Linens
Use a fragrance-free, gentle detergent on all your baby’s cotton bedding. Wash according to the care label’s recommendations, or by hand if you’re not sure.
Make sure to wash linens that are permanently attached to the bassinet, especially if they come into contact with your baby’s skin. To address this, you can use a spot treatment pen or spray some warm water into a cloth and very gently dab on some detergent.
5. Disinfect the Frame
Be sure to launder any bedding that comes into direct contact with your baby’s skin, including any that is sewn into the bassinet itself. This can be done using a spot treatment pen or by spraying a cloth with warm water and rubbing it gently with a touch of detergent.
6. Reassemble the Bassinet
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your bassinet. It’s important you take your time, especially if it’s the first time you have taken it apart. You want to ensure it’s stable.
Put together your bassinet again once you’ve given it a thorough cleaning. If this is your first time disassembling something similar, you should take your time. You need to make sure it’s sturdy.
The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022
Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series
Pros
- Solid, four-legged footing
- A swiveling design that can be rotated in all directions
- A swiveling design that can be rotated in all directions Facilitates breastfeeding mothers’ daily routines
Cons
- Heavy
- Restrictive in terms of mobility
- Bulky
Our top option is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series because it has so many great features that are sure to please both baby and parent or caregiver. 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 bed can be rotated through a full circle, making it easy to get to your infant without waking them up.
A fitted sheet is included, and there are two storage pockets for your convenience. Babies as little as a few hours old can use it safely, and the maximum weight is 20 pounds. The lack of wheels on this bassinet makes it a bit more difficult to sneak out of bed without waking baby.
The product has a maximum weight capacity of 20 pounds and is 36 inches by 45 inches by 36 inches.
Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- The double canopy, which can be adjusted, serves to shield users from insects.
- Because it folds down so compact, it can be stowed away virtually anywhere.
Cons
- There’s no way to modify the height
- Case for the mattress is available for purchase separately.
- The canopies’s zipper is prone to getting trapped.
This bassinet, which comes in a variety of colors, is easy to transport and store, and it features a double sleeping canopy with mesh panels that allow parents to keep an eye on their baby without interfering with airflow. The sturdy metal frame and the soft mattress in the bassinet provide baby’s comfort and safety up to the weight limit.
Having a weight capacity of 25 pounds, the product has dimensions of 33 by 19.5 by 37 inches and a total weight of 12.4.
Best Splurge: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet
Pros
- An easy-to-use app for smartphones and tablets that allows parents to keep tabs and enforce rules from afar.
- Your kid will be soothed without you having to do anything, thanks to adaptive technology.
- Contemporary style with a nod to the past
Cons
- The bassinet’s speed can be adjusted via app.
- There’s no way to modify the height
- App connectivity issues are possible.
The SNOO is the cutting edge of bassinet technology (and has a nice mid-century modern aesthetic to boot). This bassinet responds to the sounds of an infant, such as grunting or wailing. Then the bassinet will play peaceful white noise while gently rocking and swinging the infant.
With the SNOO, parents may remotely modify the device’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity via an app on a mobile device. The software keeps tabs on baby’s sleeping habits and notifies parents when they need to pay more attention. 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.
Weighs in at 38 pounds, measures 32 by 16 by 30 inches, and has a maximum load capacity of 25 pounds.
Best Compact: Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet
Pros
- Slim-folding design
- Compact and lightweight
- Capable of being rocked or fixed in one position
Cons
- There is no in-built storage space.
- Has to be rocked by hand
- There is silence and no music.
This bassinet from Fisher-Price is the best option if you’re looking for a little bassinet. The folded width of the Soothing View Bassinet is only four inches, making it extremely portable. Even when it’s not folded up, it doesn’t take up too much room.
To assist calm the infant, just flip a switch and gently push the bassinet in either direction. Turning the bassinet’s rocking mechanism off allows it to be used in a stationary position.
A Product Weight of 13 Pounds | Dimensions (inches): 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 Limit of 20 pounds in weight
Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
Pros
- It’s possible to alter the height
- An app on a smartphone may activate and silence a home theater system.
- Tool-free assembly is a feature.
Cons
- Costly
- Heavy
- App connectivity issues are possible.
The 4moms mamaRoo is a portable crib that can grow with your child from birth to 25 pounds and provides a safe place for them to sleep while also calming them for improved sleep. The bassinet can be rocked or swayed at one of five speeds, and there’s also a lullaby machine to help the baby go off to sleep. A timed function, operable from the parent’s smartphone, aids in the establishment of a regular bedtime routine for the infant.
A maximum of 25 pounds is allowed for this item, which weighs 30 pounds and has dimensions of 24 by 34 by 39 inches.
Best Stroller-Compatible: UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet
Pros
- Umbrella with a high UV protection factor (UPF 50+) and a length that can be extended
- Protection against insects is included.
- In order to improve airflow, the mattress and foundation have perforations and openings, respectively.
Cons
- Please note that the bassinet stand is not included.
- All other strollers are incompatible.
- Pricey bassinet stand
This lightweight bassinet is an excellent alternative for parents looking for a product that can be used both at home and on the road, as it is compatible with the widely used Uppababy Cruz stroller (and is sold with the Uppababy Vista stroller). This bassinet can accommodate infants weighing up to 25 pounds, and it has a parasol and canopy that both unzip to increase airflow and have a UPF rating of 50+. The Uppababy bassinet can be used on the ground, on an optional stand, or attached to the stroller for naps on the go.
The maximum weight for this item is 25 pounds, and its dimensions are 30.25 inches by 16.6 inches by 24.75 inches.
Best Play Yard: Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
Pros
- Conveniently folds up and stores away
- Mobility enhanced by a wheeled base
- Visual stimulation toy bar that can be removed
Cons
- There’s no way to modify the height
- Some people may find it challenging to put together
- Not equipped with a handle for transport
The Graco Pack ‘n Play is a well-liked portable playpen due to its convenience in assembly and disassembly. With the included bassinet insert, you can use this design from the time of birth up until your child reaches 15 pounds. The detachable toy bar offers your infant additional visual stimulation.
Weight: 22.9 ounces | Size: 40 x 28.5 x 29 inches | Capacity: 15 lbs.
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. You should give some thought to the location of the bassinet, whether you’re making the purchase before or after the baby’s arrival. Make sure the bassinet you buy will fit into the designated area by measuring the area first.
Such as the Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard, certain bassinets are collapsible, lightweight, and easy to transport (view on Amazon). The Pack ‘n Play or another bassinet can be set up where it is needed for naps and overnight, and then stored out of the way when not in use. In general, you don’t want the bassinet to be too close to the bed so that the baby isn’t startled in the middle of the night by loose bedding.
Added Features
These days, many bassinets come with a variety of features that make them useful for more than just putting baby to bed. There’s also a canopies, play yard, stroller attachments, and audio options. You should think about whether you can do without these extra features or if you will find them very vital, as they will come in useful whether you are traveling with baby or attempting to put baby to sleep at home.
The UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet (see on Amazon) is a good example; it can be attached to a stroller, a bassinet stand, and it even features a parasol and a mosquito shield. This bassinet has a sunshade and bug cover, making it ideal for families that spend lots of time outside. 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 against all babies sharing a bed, therefore it is important to choose a bassinet that is appropriate for your situation. 2
To facilitate diaper changes, feedings, and even playtime, some bassinets have a removable panel that can be unzipped from one side. While baby is napping, make sure the sides are raised. To assist soothe a baby to sleep, manufacturers have created bassinets that rock or vibrate.
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 quickly folded for transport and storage if your family enjoys taking trips.
FAQs
How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?
There are several criteria, including your child’s age, weight, and developmental milestones, that will determine how long they can sleep in a bassinet. There are often weight and age limits on the use of bassinets, and it’s best to adhere to these. 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.
The best course of action is to read the instructions for your bassinet carefully. Certain babies learn to turn over fairly soon after birth, and the instructions on some bassinets advise against using them after that point.
Can my baby just skip the bassinet and go straight to a crib?
Simply said, absolutely. You shouldn’t feel obligated to utilize a bassinet. Some parents and caregivers find the extra functions indispensable, and the portability and compact design are obvious benefits. Infants, however, can begin using a crib for sleep as soon as they are delivered. Consider your way of life and the needs of your family as you make your decision. A bassinet is an excellent substitute for a crib if you don’t yet have the room for one.
When should my baby go from the bassinet to a crib?
Your baby may start rolling over or sitting up before they reach the weight or age recommendations for your bassinet. Keep a close eye on them; you may need to move them to the crib earlier than the manufacturer of their bassinet recommends.
