There are different types of bassinets to choose from such as Portable, Rocking, Round, Moses baskets, Cradle, Wood, Oval, Bassinets with and without wheels. Whichever type you choose, here are some tips to consider in making the right choice.
Safety
Choose a baby bassinet that meets the safety standard of the industry. It should be certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association. Check out the association's website for their list of certified brands.
Portability
Bassinets make travelling with your baby a plus. Depending on the bassinet, it can be doubled as a car seat. Baby Bassinets should be able to be moved easily from one location to another. Depending on its structure and design you should be able to carry or wheel baby around the house without hassle. It is important to test the straps and wheels of the bassinet to ensure baby's safety.
Comfort
It is important to check the baby bassinet mattress for comfort. Make sure it is not too soft or too firm. Test for firmness by pressing your finger on the mattress. If your finger sinks down easily, the mattress is too soft. If your finger barely makes an indentation, it is too firm. Your finger should bounce quickly up from the mattress. The mattress should fit snugly within the frame of the bassinet. There should be no gaps or overlaps. The largest space you can allow should not be bigger than your finger which you can test by inserting a finger into the gap between the mattress and the mattress frame. If you can easily two fingers in the gap, then the mattress is too small and may be a risk for baby's safety.
Space
The baby bassinet should be placed in a clutter free space. Although most bassinets are portable think about the area where it will stay most of the time. Are your hallways, passageways, and doorways wide enough for the bassinet to pass through.
Quality
Take into consideration the sturdiness of the bassinet to ensure that it will not move when your baby is inside. There should be a locking mechanism on the wheels, legs should be sturdy and have a leg lock to prevent collapsing. If the bassinet sways it should have locks also.
Features
There are many features to choose from when selecting a bassinet such as rocking mechanism, mobile, underneath storage basket, music system, hooded, canopy, removable base, wheels and straps. Choose the features that best fit your needs.
Price
Prices range from as low as $54 to as high as $500 or even higher. Think about the comfort and safety features so whichever price range is suitable for you, make sure the bassinet is safe.
Timeframe
Keep in mind that baby bassinets are not suitable for babies over four months or your baby begin to roll or begin to try to crawl. Then it will be time to switch to a crib. Don't despair! You can use the bassinet as a storage unit for toys, and for everyday baby needs. You can also pass it down getting the value out of it for many babies to come.