How To Polish Your Bassinet? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

Do you put your baby to sleep in a bassinet? Are you at a lost for maintaining cleanliness?

Even the name “bassett” brings up pictures of a sleeping infant snuggled in soft blankets. However, your baby’s bassinet is likely to be home to more germs than you know thanks to milk, tears, sweat, and other bodily fluids.

Is there a special way to disinfect a bassinet? Thankfully, it’s not as hard as it may seem. Here, we’ll go over some basic hygiene practices for babies’ sleeping quarters, so you can rest easy knowing your child isn’t being exposed to any unneeded germs.

What Is a Bassinet?

When cleaning a bassinet, it helps to have an understanding of all of its components. Bassinets vary in appearance from one another, but they all share a common style.

Baby beds, known as bassinets, often have a small basket on a pedestal. Without the risks of bed-sharing, bassinets allow parents to have their newborn close by for easier feedings and peace of mind.

How to Clean a Bassinet (6 Simple Steps) - Mom Loves Best

Generally speaking, there are three types of bassinets:

  • They are the most conventional type of bassinet, which is stationary. They are usually not meant to be moved and are hence solid and heavy. Your infant’s tiny bed will have a mattress inside of it.
  • Moms on the go need portable bassinets. Some portable bassinets have wheels for easy transport, while others can be swiveled to let you to move just the top without repositioning the 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.

Regardless of the sort of bassinet you have, it is important to clean it frequently to prevent the spread of germs to your newborn baby.

The Advantages of Bassinets for Baby Sleep

Space Saver Bassinet

Because of its portability and compact size, the bassinet is an excellent option for the first bed a baby will have. Put it close to your bed so you can check on the baby and soothe him or her if you wake up throughout the night. Certain bassinets feature vibrating units that can be attached and used to lull a baby to sleep.

Bassinets save Lives

Babies born too soon can rest easier in a bassinet. For portability and convenience, bassinets are the best option for transporting a newborn baby. They can be kept close to the parents’ bed so that the infant can be watched over and comforted as needed all through the night. It has been found that bassinets have a lower risk of causing sudden infant death syndrome than other types of cribs. Infant death from SIDS occurs in babies less than a year for no apparent reason. For infants aged between one month and one year, it is the leading cause of death. A bassinet has provided a secure place for countless infants to sleep. We think it’s important that all newborns go home in one.

Bassinets as the best baby crib for parents and child

It is common practice for new parents to keep a baby monitor close to their bed so that they can keep an eye on their infant all through the night. Some may see this as necessary for their children’s protection, while others may see it as a means for parents to reassure their children that they are okay. There are many advantages to placing a baby monitor close to the parents’ bed.

Having a baby monitor close to the bed is helpful so that parents can see and hear their child if they wake up crying in the middle of the night. Parents who are having trouble sleeping because of a new baby may find this useful. In addition, many modern baby monitors include cameras that allow parents to observe their infants as they sleep, giving parents who are concerned about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other health issues some measure of comfort.

Anxiety levels in both parents and their young children can be lowered by using a baby monitor in a room close to where they sleep. A youngster who wakes up in the middle of the night sobbing may be swiftly calmed and put back to sleep if they can see and hear their parent.

Sleep Vibes with bassinets

Although bassinets come in a wide range of styles and sizes, they always share the ability to accommodate an optional vibration attachment. Newborns who are still adjusting to life outside the womb may benefit greatly from the use of this vibration machine, which can help lull them to sleep.

Several distinct vibration devices are available for use with bassinets. In some, motors generate a subtle shaking motion; in others, balls move gently back and forth in an oscillating pattern. Regardless of the specific model, most vibration units come with a variety of speed and intensity settings so that parents can find the optimal combination for their child.

Many parents have found that employing a vibrating machine aids in getting and keeping their infant sleeping. Babies who have trouble sleeping or who tend to be cranky at night may benefit from this. Moreover, if the infant is suffering from gas pains or colic, a vibration device can be used to help relax and soothe the child.

To sum up, a bassinet with a vibration unit attached can be a wonderful tool for ensuring that your newborn gets the sleep he or she needs throughout the first few months of life. You should get certain things to make your baby’s sleep more pleasant.

When To Clean Your Bassinet

You should take the time to clean your bassinet thoroughly if you see any dust or grime accumulation. However, to ensure you deal with seen and unseen dirt, there are a few rules of thumb to follow.

Some experts suggest cleaning baby’s bedding once or twice weekly. When compared to the frame of your bassinet, this number is much less. Remember 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.

You may not need to go to great lengths to clean it very often unless your infant has recently recovered from an illness or there is obvious soiling. In other words, use your own judgment.

Disassembling Your Bassinet

When cleaning a bassinet, first disassemble it so that you can get at all of the parts. In the case of most bassinets, this entails emptying the basket and the base.

Different materials on your bassinet will necessitate different cleaning methods. The mattress cover can go through the washing machine while the mattress itself is washed by hand and the frame is dusted.

A set of instructions for cleaning and assembling the bassinet should have been included with your purchase. You should read them thoroughly before continuing forward.

Find the manufacturer’s customer service department or conduct some online searching if you can’t locate the bassinet’s original instructions. Instructions could be available on the internet.

How To Clean a Bassinet

Maintain the quality of your baby’s sleeper by adhering to 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 brand and model.

1. Gather Supplies

It’s likely that you already have the cleaning supplies need to properly care for your bassinet at home:

  • Soft enough to use on baby clothes.
  • We’ll need a new sponge, some clean towels, and some dusting tools.
  • A bottle of hot water to use as a spray.
  • Disinfectant that is mild on the system.

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

2. Remove Bedding and Linens

Bedding and linens are likely to become the dirtiest parts of 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 more padding inside. In the event that the material may be taken apart, it should be cleaned.

How To Clean A Bassinet In 7 Steps (Cleaning Supplies Included)

4. Wash Linens

Use a fragrance-free, gentle detergent on all of your baby’s cotton bedding. You should wash it according to the care recommendations, or by hand if you’re not sure.

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. Using a spot treatment pen or spraying a cloth with warm water and a small amount of detergent is an effective method for this.

5. Disinfect the Frame

After you have 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 wipe off the entire frame. Next, dry the frame thoroughly with another cloth to prevent corrosion.

6. Reassemble the Bassinet

When you are through cleaning your bassinet, you can put it back together. If this is your first time disassembling it, you should take your time. Ensure its steadiness is a top priority.

Some bassinets are easy to assemble while others 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 for them.

The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022

Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series

Pros

  • With a solid four-legged foundation,
  • Full rotation in all directions
  • Accessible for nursing mothers

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Tough to maneuver
  • Bulky

In our opinion, the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series is the best baby bassinet on the market. This bassinet provides not only a comfortable place for your baby to sleep, but also a nightlight, a floor light, a sound machine with adjustable volume, and two vibration settings to help calm your baby. The bed of the bassinet can be rotated around in all directions so that you can get to your baby without waking them up.

A fitted sheet is included, and there are two storage pockets for your convenience. An infant up to 20 pounds can sleep securely and comfortably in it from the moment of birth. 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.

This item weighs 30 pounds, measures 45 inches on each side, and has a weight capacity of 20 pounds.

Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Pros

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Adjustable double canopy offers protection against insects.
  • It folds up into a tiny package, making it convenient for stowing away.

Cons

  • There is no means to alter the height.
  • The mattress protector is not included.
  • It’s possible that the canopy’s zipper will get caught.

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. The bassinet’s luxurious sleeping mattress, sturdy metal frame, and weight limit of 25 pounds ensure that baby will always be comfortable and secure in this sleeping arrangement.

Weight: 12.4 oz. | Dimensions: 33 x 19.5 x 37 in. | Capacity: 25 lb.

Best Splurge: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

Pros

  • Practical smartphone/tablet program for monitoring and remote supervision of children
  • The adaptive technology will modify itself to suit your baby’s needs.
  • The style is streamlined and mid-century modern.

Cons

  • Controlling the bassinet’s speed is an app-only feature.
  • There is no means to alter the height.
  • App may have trouble connecting at times

From time to time, the app might have connection issues.

The SNOO’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity may all be customized by the parent’s tablet or smartphone. The app monitors baby’s sleep patterns and notifies parents when their child has awoken too soon or too often. All of these high-tech additions do add up to a hefty price tag, but parents should take note that SNOO also provides a rental scheme to help spread out the cost.

Weighing in at 38 pounds, the product has a maximum load capacity of 25 pounds and measures 30 by 16 by 32 inches.

Best Compact: Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet

Pros

  • Slim-folding design
  • A lightweight structure
  • Capable of being rocked or fixed in one position

Cons

  • No convenient pockets
  • Must be rocked by hand
  • It’s silent and there are no noises playing.

If you’re looking for a small bassinet, go no further than this model by Fisher-Price. The folded width of the Soothing View Bassinet is a mere four inches, making it extremely portable. When not folded up, it doesn’t require much storage space either.

You may put baby at ease by simply pushing on the bassinet and turning on the soothing music. If you don’t want the bassinet to move about while it’s not being used to rock a baby to sleep, you can disable the rocking feature.

Weight of Item: 13 Pounds | Dimensions (inches): 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 You can’t weigh more than 20 pounds.

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Pros

  • One’s own height can be set.
  • App on a smartphone can trigger actions and play audio remotely.
  • Assembling it doesn’t need any special equipment.

Cons

  • Costly
  • Heavy
  • Connection issues may occur occasionally when using this app.

The 4moms mamaRoo is intended to not only provide a secure sleeping environment for your baby up to the weight of 25 pounds, but also to calm and comfort your baby 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. It has a timer feature that parents can use to establish a nighttime routine for their infant and is controlled by their smartphone.

Product Dimensions (in inches): 24 x 34 x 39 Maximum Weight (in pounds): 25

Best Stroller-Compatible: UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet

Pros

  • Canopy that provides shade with a UPF of 50+ and may be extended
  • Bug net included.
  • In order to improve airflow, the mattress and foundation have perforations and openings, respectively.

Cons

  • The bassinet is not included with the stand.
  • All other strollers are incompatible.
  • Pricey bassinet stand

This portable bassinet is sold with the Uppababy Vista stroller and is compatible with the famous Uppababy Cruz stroller. This bassinet can accommodate babies up to 25 pounds and has a ventilated base and mattress, as well as a parasol and canopy with a UPF of 50+ that unzip for increased air circulation. You may put the Uppababy bassinet on a flat, solid surface, elevate it with the Uppababy Bassinet Stand (available separately), or attach it to the stroller for a snooze on the go.

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

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

Pros

  • Modular construction allows for quick and simple packing and storage.
  • Portability achieved by a base fitted with wheels.
  • Visual stimulation toy bar that can be removed

Cons

  • There is no means to alter the height.
  • Some may find it challenging to put together.
  • Lacks a handle for easy 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.

What to Look for in a Baby Bassinet

Size

While many baby bassinets are much smaller than a standard crib, you’ll still want to think about the size of the bassinet before purchasing. Whether you’re buying before or after your little one arrives, spend time considering where you plan to use the bassinet. Take measurements of the space to ensure you’re not buying a bassinet you will have to return because it didn’t fit.

Even though most bassinets for infants are considerably smaller than even the smallest crib, you should still take this size into account. If you’re planning on buying a bassinet, either before or after the baby arrives, it’s important to think about where you’ll put it. Make sure the bassinet will fit in the room before you buy it by measuring the available area.

Added Features

These days, bassinets come with a variety of functions that make them useful for more than just putting baby to bed. A canopies, play yard, stroller attachments, and music options are available as supplementary amenities. You should think about whether you can live without these features or whether you will find them indispensable, as they will be of use whether you are traveling or attempting to put your baby to sleep at home.

The UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet (see on Amazon) is one such product; it can be clipped into a stroller, used with a bassinet stand, and features a sunshade and a bug cover. Because to its bug protection and sunshade, this bassinet is ideal for families that spend a lot of time outside. It could also be used at home for sleeping and napping.

Purpose

It may seem obvious that a bassinet’s primary function is to provide a safe place for a baby to sleep, but many parents and caregivers fail to recognize 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.

The bassinets designed to keep you near to your baby have a zippered side that opens for diaper changes, feedings, and even playing. When baby is napping, make sure the sides are up. Some bassinets even rock or vibrate to help 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 may be utilized for other purposes. Consider bassinets that are lightweight, compact, and portable 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. Please note that many bassinets have weight and age limits. If your child has reached a specific weight or age and has outgrown the manufacturer’s guidelines, he or she is at increased risk of damage.

The best course of action is to read the instructions for your bassinet carefully. Some newborns start rolling around in their bassinets soon after birth, and the instructions on these products advise against using them after that point.

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

Short answer: yes. No bassinet is necessary; in fact, it is not even recommended. The extra functions are a requirement for some parents and caregivers, and they are easy to transport and take up little room. However, infants can begin using a crib for sleep shortly after birth. Consider your way of life and the needs of your family while making a decision. A bassinet is a great alternative to a crib if you don’t yet have enough room for the latter.

How to Clean a Bassinet That Doesn't Come Apart Step by Step Guide

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

Make sure your baby is within the weight and age requirements for your bassinet, but keep in mind that they may start rolling over or sitting up before then. Keep a close eye on them; you may need to move them to the crib earlier than the manufacturer of their bassinet recommends.

Conclusion

A bassinet is an excellent choice for your infant’s sleeping quarters. They are far less expensive than purchasing a crib and still offer the same level of safety and comfort for your baby.

You should look for a bassinet that is both comfortable and safe for your baby. It should be sturdy enough to last through the baby’s toddler years. Some bassinets may not be safe or of high quality, so it’s important to do research before buying.

Your baby’s health and safety come first and foremost in your life. It can be difficult to decide which of the many possible infant sleep solutions to use. Many parents are confused about the distinction between a co-sleeper and a bassinet. Both of these alternatives are preferable to sending your child to sleep in another room because they can be used in your own space. So. To learn more about selecting a safe and comfortable co sleeper for your baby, read this post. Following your reading of this piece, you will make a choice. To see what I mean, please click here.

Any parent with a newborn should consider purchasing a bassinet or Co-Sleeper. They have everything a parent might desire for a child, including being inexpensive, secure, and cozy.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.