How To Put A Bassinet Together? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The bassinet is the most secure resting arrangement for your infant. You may rest easy knowing your baby is in a safe environment thanks to the detailed instructions provided in this blog post on assembling a bassinet. In little time at all if you follow the instructions below, you’ll have a fully operational bassinet!

What Is A Bassinet?

An infant’s first four months of life are spent sleeping in a bassinet. They include a lightweight, portable design and an oval shape with mesh or cloth sides.

The bed is elevated to the height of a typical adult’s waist by the bassinet’s base. Numerous parents have reported that the added height of this construction makes it easier to lay down their infant.

A C-section mother, for example, may not be able to easily reach over the crib’s edge to lay down or pick up her infant, making a bassinet a more practical alternative.

Numerous styles and hues of bassinets are on the market. Many even include extra space for clothes and books under the bed in addition to the standard ruffled style and hood. Bassinets have evolved over time to include several neat extras, such as:

• Lights
• Sounds
• Rocking

If your baby is over 20 pounds or can roll over on their own, you should no longer put them to sleep in a bassinet. Expect to move your baby out of the bassinet at roughly four months of age, based on their age, development, and size.

The Advantages of Bassinets for Baby Sleep

Space Saver Bassinet

With its portability and modest weight, the bassinet is a perfect option for the first bed your baby will have. It can be set up close to the parents’ bed so that they can keep an eye on the infant and soothe him or her if necessary. Some bassinets have vibrating units that may be clipped on to help put baby to sleep.

Bassinets save Lives

Premature infants can benefit from the special design of bassinets. Bassinets are the best option for infants because they are portable and easy to transport. They can be set up close to the parents’ bed so the infant can be watched and comforted as needed during the night. Furthermore, bassinets are safer for babies against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than conventional cribs. The term “sudden infant death syndrome” refers to the unexpected passing of a newborn younger than a year. Between the ages of 1 month and 1 year, it is the greatest cause of death for newborns. Many infants have slept soundly in a bassinet. We think it’s only fair that newborns be allowed to go home in one.

Bassinets as the best baby crib for parents and child

Having a baby monitor close to the bed is a popular choice among new parents so that they can keep an eye on their child all through the night. Some may see this as necessary for their children’s safety, while others may see it as nothing more than a measure of parental concern. Having a baby monitor next to the parents’ bed is helpful for a number of reasons.

Sleep Vibes with bassinets

Although bassinets can be found in a wide range of sizes and styles, they always share the option of include a vibrating device for soothing the baby. Babies who are still adjusting to life outside the womb can benefit greatly from the calming effects of this vibration machine, which can also be used to assist adults fall asleep.

There are a few different types of vibration units that can be attached to bassinets. Some units use motors to create a gentle shaking motion, while others use oscillating balls that move back and forth. The intensity and speed of the vibrations can be controlled by the parents, regardless of the type of vibration device utilized.

Attachable vibration devices come in a variety of styles and are suitable for use with bassinets. Some devices use motors to provide a mild shaking motion, while others employ oscillating balls that travel back and forth. Regardless of the specific model, most vibration units provide multiple speed and intensity settings so that parents can find the optimal combination for their child.

What are Other Options for how Long can I use a Bassinet?

The majority of new parents will want to stock up on these products before their little bundle of joy arrives, yet everyone needs a little extra time to get the nursery just right before making the big changeover.

Steps on How to put a Bassinet Together

First, get a screwdriver and take apart the canopy and structure of the bassinet. Be careful not to scratch or damage any parts of your bugaboo stroller while doing this.

Remove the screws that hold the bassinet’s canopy to the frame with a screwdriver. In doing so, take care not to scratch or otherwise damage your bugaboo stroller.

Step 3. After that, position the mattress in the middle of the bassinet. Covering your child with more than half of a blanket or other item in bed is not conducive to a healthy sleeping environment.

With these simple steps, it should only take about five minutes at most to complete this task. All you need to do is add a baby, some supplies, and plenty of love to this secure environment.

Is There Anything else I Should Know?

When the baby isn’t in the room, no one older than the child should be allowed near the crib.

Keep the child’s head from poking out over the side of the crib while they sleep.

Don’t put more than two pillows or other soft items in the crib with the infant at a time, and only use mesh bumpers to reduce the risk of asphyxia.

By the time a baby is three months old, you should take down the mobile and any other decorative items that hang over a crib or bassinet.

How to Set up a Delta Bassinet

Delta bassinets have been around for quite some time. Although most parents struggle with the setup of this device, it really is rather easy if you just follow these steps:

First, check that the mattress can be easily inserted into and removed from the foundation. Put the three legs into their respective holes and tighten the screws to keep everything in place.

Second, lay your infant on top of his or her new bed. If you followed the instructions, you now have a completed Delta bassinet. Get some sleep, please.

As you begin caring for your newborn, this is one less item to stress over. When you get a good night’s sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you get a good night’s sleep before bed, you’ll be more alert and engaged with your baby when he or she wakes up for feedings in the wee hours of the night and morning.

Is it Safe to Put a Blanket in the Bassinet?

Yes! Follow these principles at all times to keep your baby safe and content: Never, ever leave a youngster alone, even for a minute. Infants and young children should always be put to bed on their backs instead of their stomachs or sides.

Always make sure there is at least two fingers’ worth of space between your child’s head and the crib railing, and never put anything in the bassinet with your infant unless it comes immediately out of their mouth after feeding.

Babies can suffocate on blankets and stuffed toys if they get in the way of their breathing while they sleep, so keep them out of reach at all times.

Avoid using the bumpers that can be found surrounding standard-sized bassinets, as some newborns have been found dead in them.

The 7 Best Bassinets of 2022

Best Overall: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series

Pros

• Using all four corners to ensure safety
• Rotates a full circle
• Facilitates breastfeeding mothers’ daily routines

Cons

• Heavy
• Restrictive in terms of mobility
• Bulky

Our top option is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series since it has so many features that are useful for both baby and his caretakers. This bassinet has everything you need to make your baby feel comfortable while they sleep: a soft place to lay their head, a nightlight, a floor light, a sound machine with adjustable volume, and two vibration settings to help calm your little one. The bed of the bassinet can be rotated through a full circle, letting you get to your infant without waking them up.

A fitted sheet is included, and there are two storage pockets for your convenience. A newborn baby can use it from day one, and the weight limit is 20 pounds. It’s important to remember that this bassinet does not have wheels, which can make it difficult to silently get your baby out of bed in the middle of the night.

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
• Having a double canopy that can be adjusted to your liking is a great method to avoid being
• The ability to fold down to a compact size makes it ideal for stowing away in tight quarters.

Cons

• There is no way to modify the height
• It’s not included with the mattress.
• Canopy zip may become jammed quickly.

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 mattress, sturdy metal frame, and weight limit of 25 pounds ensure that baby will always be comfortable and secure in its sleeping space.

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

• Tracking and remote parental controls in one convenient app for smartphones and tablets
• 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

• The bassinet’s speed can be adjusted via smartphone app.
• There is no way to modify the height
• Sometimes the app has problems connecting.

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. White noise and gentle motion from the bassinet will further calm the infant.

The SNOO can have its motion, sound, and cry sensitivity adjusted by a parent from a distance using a mobile device app. The software monitors baby’s sleep patterns and notifies parents when their child requires assistance. 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
• Simple construction; little weight
• Flexible in its rocking or immovability

Cons

• There is not a single pocket to be found.
• To be rocked by hand
• That’s right, there’s no background noise or musical accompaniment here.

This tiny bassinet from Fisher-Price is ideal for traveling parents. The folded width of the Soothing View Bassinet is only four inches, making it extremely portable. When not folded up, it doesn’t take up much room either.

A gentle push on the bassinet, activated by the touch of a button, can help calm a fussy infant. Turning the bassinet’s rocking mechanism off allows it to be used in a stationary position.

Total Item Weight: 13 Pounds | Size of Package: 22.44 x 33.07 x 24.41 Inches To a maximum of 20 pounds.

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Pros

• You can change the height to fit your needs.
• Movement and music can be controlled from a distance using a smartphone app.
• Assembling it doesn’t need any special equipment.

Cons

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

The 4moms mamaRoo is a portable crib that can grow with your child from birth to 25 pounds, providing a safe place for them to sleep and promoting restful nights. 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 function that parents can use from their smartphones to establish a regular sleep routine for their infant.

The maximum allowable weight for this item is 25 pounds, and its dimensions are 24 inches by 34 inches by 39 inches.

Best Stroller-Compatible: UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet

Pros

• Shelter from the sun with a built-in UPF of 50+ that may be extended
• Bug net included.
• Mattress has perforations and a slatted frame that allows air to circulate.

Cons

• Stand for bassinet not included.
• All other strollers are incompatible.
• A bassinet stand can add hundreds to the cost of a bassinet.

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 has a UPF 50+ sunshade and canopy that unzips to increase airflow, and it is suitable for infants up to 25 pounds in weight. The Uppababy bassinet has three different sleeping options: a flat, solid surface, a raised stand (available separately), or the stroller itself.

Product 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

• With its convenient foldable shape, this portable item is easy to pack and store.
• The base is mobile thanks to wheels.
• Visual stimulant toy bar that can be removed

Cons

• There is no way to modify 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. This design is suitable for use from birth up until the infant reaches 15 pounds thanks to the included bassinet insert. Your infant can have some additional visual stimulation with the detachable toy bar.

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. Think carefully about where you want to put the bassinet, either before or after the baby arrives. Make sure the bassinet will fit into the designated area before making a purchase.

Such as the Graco Pack n Play On the Go Playard, certain bassinets are collapsible, lightweight, and easy to transport (view on Amazon). While it is preferable to have a dedicated area for a bassinet, if you are short on storage space, a Pack ‘n Play or similar bassinet can be used for naps and nocturnal sleep. In general, it’s best to keep the bassinet a safe distance from the bed to prevent any accidents involving the baby.

Added Features

Thanks to improvements in design and the inclusion of convenient functions, today’s bassinets serve as much more than just a place for babies to sleep. There’s also 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 if you will find them very vital, as they will come in useful whether you are traveling or trying to get baby to sleep at home.

The UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet (view on Amazon) is one such example; it can be clipped onto a stroller, converted into a bassinet, and even comes with a parasol and a bug cover. This bassinet has a mosquito shield and sunshade to keep baby comfortable and safe on hot days, making it an excellent choice for families that enjoy spending time outdoors. You can also use it at home for restful snoozes and quiet nights.

Purpose

Although it may seem obvious that a bassinet is designed for a baby to sleep in, many parents and caregivers fail to recognize that thinking about the bassinet’s intended use will 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 have rocking elements or are designed to simulate co-sleeping in a safer fashion.

To facilitate diaper changes, feedings, and even playtime, some bassinets have a removable panel that can be unzipped from one side. When baby is napping, make sure the sides are up. 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 how the bassinet might be useful in other settings. Consider bassinets that are lightweight, compact, and portable if your family enjoys taking trips.

FAQs

How long can my baby sleep in a bassinet?

Several criteria, including your child’s age, weight, and developmental progress, will determine how long your infant can be in a bassinet unattended. You should be aware 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 risk of damage.

Reading the instructions for your bassinet carefully is your best bet for understanding the manufacturer’s suggestions. 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 shouldn’t feel 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. Babies, however, can begin using a crib for sleep as soon as they are born. Consider your way of life and the needs of your family as you make your decision. A bassinet is an excellent alternative to a crib if you don’t yet have enough room for the latter.

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.