What Is a Bassinet? How To Build A Bassinet?

To What Extent Do You Plan On Having Children? When that query is answered positively. Then I dare you to prove yourself the finest parent possible by constructing a safe and secure cradle for your newborn. I hope the do-it-yourself bassinet ideas I’ve compiled here will motivate you to create something wonderful.

You should have some carpentry experience and the appropriate tools before beginning any of the bassinet projects listed below. Making this might be impossible if you have no prior experience with woodworking.

What Is a Bassinet?

Understanding the many components of a bassinet is essential for keeping it clean. Each bassinet is unique, but they all share a common aesthetic.

A bassinet is a portable crib for infants that consists of a tiny basket on a pedestal. Without the risks of bed-sharing, bassinets make it convenient for parents to keep their newborn close by during the night for feedings and peace of mind.

In general, there are three types of bassinets:

• These conventional bassinets are stationary, which is how most people think of them. They are not meant to be moved around as they are solid and typically composed of wood or metal. Your infant’s tiny bed will have a mattress inside of it.
• Moms on the go benefit from the portability of bassinets designed specifically for them. Some portable bassinets have wheels for easy transport, while others may be swiveled to allow you to move just the top without repositioning the entire base.
• A baby can sleep better in a swinging bassinet because it gently rocks back and forth, lulling them to sleep. In order to reduce the possibility of injury, most mobile bassinets are smaller and lower to the ground.

If you have a newborn baby, it is imperative that you keep the bassinet clean at all times.

Things You Will Need

• A large, oval basket
• Cushioning, padding, or foam.
• Sheet that is intended to suit a bassinet
• Pink, blue, or a sheet with a baby motif
• Scissors
• The use of a needle and thread.

Tip

In place of a foam mattress in a bassinet, you can use a pile of blankets. These will be little tougher to shape than foam, but will still work.

Expecting a child is both a joyful and nerve-wracking experience. After all, there are a lot of things to think about, from playthings and apparel to couches and baby formula. Most new parents want to be completely prepared for their newborn’s homecoming from the hospital. To do this, a bassinet is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment you can acquire. A bassinet is a portable crib that may be set up anywhere in the house, from the bedroom to the living room when you’re awake and about. If you don’t have the money to buy a brand new bassinet, don’t worry; you may make one out of cheap materials from a thrift store. It’s possible that you already possess all the required items in your home’s storage areas. What follows are suggestions for how to put together something unique and comfortable.

How to Build a Bassinet

Look in storage areas or secondhand shops for a large, robust oval basket. The length of the basket’s base must be at least 19 to 22 inches to accommodate a brand new infant. The longer the basket, the longer it will be useful because babies only get bigger.

Visit a fabric shop and pick up some foam. The minimum length for the base of your basket should be 22 inches, and it should be at least two inches thick. Get a square of foam that’s just a tad bigger than the base of your basket. When you don’t want to spend money on foam for your basket’s bottom, you may make do with an old pillow by cutting and resewing it into an oval form. Foam is preferable because it does not have the same lumpiness. To give your bassinet a more refined look, pick up a couple yards of white eyelet material from the fabric store.

The basket’s base should be lined with the foam. Then adjust the size by cutting it to size. Remove the foam and place it on the bassinet sheet. It should now resemble a miniature mattress in the shape of an oval.

Put the eyelet material or another sheet with a baby design into the basket first. In the center of the sheet, push down into the bottom of the basket, poking it into the corners. The remaining sheet should drape over the top edges of the basket and flow up into the interior.

The oval foam mattress should be placed at the base of the basket. The sheet must be securely fastened. Your bassinet ought to be warm and welcoming now. Baby’s bassinet should be set up near to the bed.

When To Clean Your Bassinet

You should take the time to clean your bassinet thoroughly if you see any dust or grime accumulation. However, there are some guidelines to follow to ensure that you address both obvious and hidden grime.

Clothes for infants should be washed once or twice weekly, according to some authorities. The amount required for your bassinet’s frame is much lower. Keep in mind that your infant may not come into direct touch with the frame, and that exposure to a few bacteria may actually help them develop a stronger immune system.

There may not be a need to go to great lengths to clean it unless your kid has recently recovered from an illness or there is obvious soiling. Make your own judgements.

Disassembling Your Bassinet

Disassembling a bassinet is necessary before cleaning it. In most cases, this will necessitate removing the bassinet’s bedding from its basket and its stand.

Different materials on your bassinet will necessitate different cleaning methods. The mattress cover can go in the washing machine, but the mattress itself should be washed by hand and the frame dusted.

Cleaning and assembling instructions for your bassinet should have been included in the packaging. You should read them thoroughly before continuing forward.

Digital Tip

If you have misplaced the directions for your bassinet, you can either contact the company directly or conduct an online search. You can probably find some sort of guide online that will tell you what to do.

How To Clean a Bassinet

For long-lasting use of your baby’s sleeper, follow these six easy steps. They should work for most bassinets, but if you have any doubts, you should refer to the manual for your particular make and model.

1. Gather Supplies

Some common household items can serve as effective cleaning agents for your bassinet:

• The safest detergent for washing baby clothes.
• Clean mops, rags, and dusters, please.
• Warm water in a spray bottle.
• Safe and effective disinfection.

When you have all of these tools on hand, cleaning is a breeze.

2. Remove Bedding and Linens

Most of the cleaning effort for your bassinet will be focused on the linens and bedding. Take them out and sort them by type of cleaning required.

3. Remove Hood and Linings

Some bassinets have hoods or additional padding inside them. Take the fabric off and wash it if you can.

4. Wash Linens

All of the baby’s cloth bedding should be washed with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent. Care for according to the manufacturer’s directions, or better yet, wash by hand.

The sheets that come with a bassinet should be washed often, especially if they come into touch with the baby’s skin. Spot treatment pens can be used for this purpose, or you can spray some warm water onto a towel and very gently dab some detergent over it.

5. Disinfect the Frame

After you’ve taken everything out of the bassinet, including the mattress, you may start disinfecting the frame. What kind of disinfectant you put on your bassinet will be determined by its material.

Use a clean cloth to thoroughly dust off the entire frame. Once the frame has been cleaned, dry it well with another cloth to prevent rust.

6. Reassemble the Bassinet

Following a thorough cleaning and drying, you can put your bassinet back together. If this is your first time disassembling it, you should take your time. Verify its steadiness before proceeding.

Some bassinets are easy to assemble, while others can take more time. Your baby will spend a lot of time in his or her bassinet, so you’ll want to make sure it’s safe and comfortable.

The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022

Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series

Pros

• The strength of a four-legged stool
• Rotates a full circle
• Easy access for nursing mothers

Cons

• Heavy
• Tough to maneuver
• Bulky

Our top option is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series because it has so many great features that will make life easier for both baby and 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. You can get to your baby quickly and quietly thanks to the 360-degree swivel bassinet.

A fitted sheet is included, and there are two storage pockets for your convenience. There is a 20-pound weight limit, but it is safe for a newborn to use right away. The lack of wheels on this bassinet can make it difficult to silently get your baby out of bed in the middle of the night.

Weight: 30 pounds | Length: 36 inches | Width: 45 inches | Depth: 45 inches | Maximum Weight: 20 pounds

Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• The double canopy, which can be adjusted for optimal pest protection,
• Folding design enables for convenient storage in limited quarters.

Cons

• There is no way to alter the height
• The cover is not included with the mattress.
• The canopy’s zipper is prone to getting trapped.

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. The bassinet includes a luxurious mattress, a strong metal frame, and a weight limit of 25 pounds, so baby will be safe and comfortable while sleeping in it.

There is a 25-pound weight limit on this item with a maximum product size and weight of 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 can help calm him or her down in no time.
• Modernist architecture from the 1950s and 1960s

Cons

• Your smartphone is the sole way to adjust the bassinet’s speed.
• There is no way to alter the height
• Occasionally, the app may experience connection issues.

There is no better bassinet on the market than the SNOO, which combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek, midcentury modern design. This bassinet will respond to your newborn’s cries, grunts, and other sounds. The bassinet will then swing and rock the infant gently, all while playing calming white noise.

The SNOO’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity may all be customized via a parent’s smartphone or tablet. This app monitors baby’s sleep patterns and notifies parents when their child has awoken too early. SNOO’s expensive price tag is understandable given all of its advanced capabilities, but the company also provides a leasing 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
• Framing that’s easy on the weight
• It’s has a rock-and-lock feature, so you can set it and forget it.

Cons

• No convenient pockets
• Have to rock it by hand
• There is silence and no music.

This bassinet from Fisher-Price is the best option if you need a little crib for your baby. The Soothing View Bassinet may be folded to a mere four inches in width for easy transport. It doesn’t take up much room even when it’s not folded up.

By pressing a button, the bassinet can be gently pushed to assist calm the infant. Turning the bassinet’s rocking mechanism off allows it to be used in a stationary position.

Item Weight: 13 Pounds | Size of Package: 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 inches | Weigh No More Than 20 Pounds

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Pros

• Adjustable in height
• Smartphone app remotely controls motion and sounds

Cons

• Costly
• Heavy
• Occasionally, the app may experience connection issues.

The 4moms mamaRoo is intended to provide a secure sleeping environment for your infant up to the weight of 25 pounds while also calming him or her for improved rest. There are five various motions and five speeds to help rock your baby to sleep, and a lullaby machine is included. 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

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

Cons

• Toy bassinets without accompanying stands.
• All other strollers are incompatible.
• The bassinet stand is quite expensive.

This lightweight bassinet is an excellent alternative for parents who need something they can take with them everywhere they go, as it is compatible with the widely used Uppababy Cruz stroller (and is sold 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 multiple placement options, including a flat, secure surface, an elevated stand (available separately), or the ability to clip onto the stroller for naps on the go.

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 down into a small size for transportability
• Easily moveable thanks to the wheels attached to the base
• For visual stimulation, the toy bar can be removed.

Cons

• There is no way to alter the height
• Some people may find it challenging to put together
• Is 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. This design is suitable for use from birth up until the infant reaches 15 pounds thanks to the included bassinet insert. The toy bar may be removed and replaced with other toys to give your infant a wider range of visual stimulation.

The maximum allowable weight for this item is 15 pounds, yet it weighs 22.9 pounds. The dimensions are 40 inches by 28.5 inches by 29 inches.

What to Look for in a Baby Bassinet

Size

Although most bassinets for infants are considerably smaller than even the smallest crib, you should still take this size into account. Whether you’re shopping ahead of time or in anticipation of the baby’s arrival, it’s important to think about where you’ll put the bassinet. Make sure the bassinet will fit into the designated area before making a purchase.

Some bassinets, like the Graco Pack’n Play On the Go Playard, are collapsible, lightweight, and easy to transport (view on Amazon). If you’re short on storage space but still need a place for baby to sleep during the day and at night, a Pack ‘n Play or similar bassinet may be easily set up wherever it’s needed. In general, you shouldn’t put the bassinet under your bed because you never know when a pillow or blanket can fly off in the middle of the night.

Added Features

These days, many bassinets have more to offer than just a place for babies to sleep, thanks to their innovative designs and convenient extras. It also has a canopy, a play yard, stroller attachments, and speakers so the little one can listen to music while they ride. You should think about whether you can do without these extra features or whether they are truly necessary, as they will come in handy whether you are traveling or trying to get baby to sleep at home.

The UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet (see on Amazon) is one such product; it can be attached to a bassinet stand, has a parasol, and keeps bugs out. This bassinet has a bug screen and a sunshade to make baby comfortable and secure when mom and dad want to spend time outdoors. Or, you can use it at home when you’re resting or sleeping.

Purpose

As obvious as it is that a bassinet is designed for a baby to sleep in, many parents and caregivers don’t realize 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

For the bassinets aimed at keeping you close to your little one, one of the sides can be zipped down for diaper changes, feedings, or even playtime. You want to ensure all sides are up while baby is sleeping. There are also bassinets designed with rocking or vibrating motions to help put a baby to sleep.

The bassinets designed to keep you near to your baby have a removable side that zips down for diaper changes, feedings, and even playing. If you put your infant to sleep on their stomach, make sure all four corners are over their head. Rocking bassinets and vibrating bassinets are also available to aid in calming a fussy infant.

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 age and weight limits on the use of bassinets, and parents should be mindful of these constraints. If your child has reached a specific weight or age and has outgrown the manufacturer’s guidelines, he or she is at risk of damage.

You should read the instructions for your bassinet carefully to make sure you know how to set it up and use it properly. Some newborns learn to roll over fairly 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 are not obligated to utilize a bassinet. They offer a number of advantages for parents and caregivers, including portability, compactness, and features that are essential for specific children. However, infants can begin using a crib for sleep as soon as they arrive home from the hospital. Think about how you now live and what would be most practical for your family. A bassinet is an excellent substitute for a crib if you lack the necessary space.

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

Your baby may start rolling over or sitting up before they reach the recommended age or weight for use of the bassinet. Keep a close eye on them; you may need to move them to the crib earlier than the manufacturer of their bassinet recommends.