What your baby sleeps on matters just as much as what they sleep in. If they sleep in a bassinet, it’s important to choose a bassinet mattress that benefits and supports them. But knowing what to look for can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve created this buyer’s guide for purchasing a bassinet mattress. Here we offer four tips for choosing the right mattress to keep your baby safe and comfortable while they’re sleeping!
We’ll also cover a few recommendations for safe sleep, no matter where your baby lies their head. But before we get to that, let’s talk about why you may put your baby in a bassinet in the first place.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- Benefits of using a bassinet
- Another option: the mini crib
- When to purchase a bassinet mattress
- Tips for choosing the right bassinet mattress
- Safe sleep in a bassinet
Benefits of using a bassinet
For in-depth help in deciding which one is right for your baby, take a look at our Bassinet Vs. Crib: What’s The Difference And Which One Is Best For Your Baby? article for a comparison and breakdown of the two.
What are some of the advantages of using a bassinet for your newborn?
Ease of access
A bassinet is small enough for you to put right beside your bed. Although you should never sleep with your baby in bed with you, having them close allows you to easily reach them during the night.
Mobility
Bassinets are more mobile than cribs. They also weigh less, and many bassinets come with wheels that make it even easier to move the bed as needed.
Pro Tip: As convenient as mobility is, remember to lock the wheels once you’ve finished moving it. And remember: never move the bassinet when your baby is snoozing inside.
Lower price tag
A bassinet can be less expensive than a crib, offering a more economical option as you set up the nursery.
The only thing to keep in mind is that before you know it, your baby will grow out of their bassinet, and you’ll be purchasing a crib. Take this into account as you make decisions.
Saving space
The main reason most parents choose a bassinet over a crib for the first few months of their baby’s life is to save space.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sharing a room with your baby, but not the same sleeping surface. They suggest following this rule until your baby is at least six months old.
With this recommendation in place, a bassinet is a good space-saving option when you can’t fit a full-sized crib in your bedroom.
But what if you want something bigger than a bassinet but smaller than a standard-sized crib? Introducing the mini crib.
Another option: The mini crib
There are two crib sizes: standard and mini.
A standard-sized crib measures around 52 inches long and 28 inches wide and is big enough to accommodate your little one for several years. In fact, a convertible crib is capable of converting into a toddler bed, providing your child with sweet dreams from their newborn stage to four years old.
However, if you’re planning to have your infant sleep in your room, a standard-sized crib is probably not the best fit.
Measuring 24 inches by 38 inches, a mini crib is bigger than most bassinets but smaller than a standard-sized crib, making it a good option for room-sharing or small nurseries.
Although your growing little one will need to make the switch to a bigger bed around (or before) their second birthday, a mini crib may allow you to keep your infant in your room more easily for the time being.
If you choose this type of crib, what are the mattress options? We recommend our breathable Crib Mattress, which comes in standard as well as mini sizes.
This comfortable mattress is ultra-breathable, allowing your baby to breathe right through if they roll over onto their stomach during the night. And the breathability provides air circulation so your baby won’t wake up with a sweaty back!
This mattress is also free of foam, glue, latex, and springs and is washable from cover to core.
Now knowing your options, if a bassinet is still the best choice for your baby and your family, carry on!
But before you make any decisions on which bassinet to buy, check out our article Bassinet Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For When Buying Your Baby’s Bassinet.
Now, let’s discuss bassinet mattresses.
When to purchase a bassinet mattress
Your newborn will need a place to lie their head as soon as you get home from the hospital! So, if a bassinet is your baby bed of choice, you’ll want to have it set up well before your due date or the date you plan to bring your adopted baby home.
Most bassinets come with a mattress already. If your bassinet doesn’t come with a mattress or you aren’t pleased with the one included, you’ll need to consider purchasing one separately.
Also, if your bassinet mattress is worn out, replace it right away. If it's dirty? Think about replacing it, especially if the surface can’t be easily cleaned.
During the newborn stage, your baby may spit up quite a bit, even while lying down. That and other messes will happen on their mattress and, if left untreated, can create an unhealthy sleep environment for your baby.
Tips for choosing the right bassinet mattress
When searching for a mattress for your baby’s bassinet, there are a few things to keep in mind. We want your baby to be safe while they’re sleeping, so take a look!
1) Put safety first
Because babies have underdeveloped skeletal and muscular systems, they can’t easily adjust their sleeping positions. So, if something is uncomfortable or they feel pressure on a specific part of their body, they’re stuck in that position.
So, an important feature of a bassinet mattress is being able to distribute pressure. At the same time, it needs to be firm to protect babies from suffocation. The goal of a good mattress, then, is the right balance of pressure distribution and firmness.
Firmness
As a parent, one of your top concerns is your baby’s safety, especially when it comes to their sleep. And because they spend so much of that sleeping time in their bed, their mattress becomes a vital part of their health.
According to the AAP, one way to keep your baby safe is to make sure their mattress is firm and comfortable. The firm surface reduces the risk of suffocation. If your baby’s bassinet mattress is too soft, it could be dangerous.
Tip: To check the firmness of your baby’s bassinet mattress for safety, see if your baby’s head makes an indentation in it. If the indentation stays after you lift your baby back up, the mattress may be too soft.
You can also press on the mattress with your finger at both its center and its edges. If it springs back easily, you know it’s firm enough.
And firm enough is perfect. The mattress doesn’t have to be so hard and uncomfortable that it makes falling asleep and staying asleep difficult; it just needs to be firm.
Thickness
If the mattress in your little one’s bassinet is too thick, it could increase the risk for suffocation. But if it’s too thin, it won’t be comfortable for your little one. The right amount of thickness is important for both safety and comfort.
Always follow your bassinet manufacturer’s guidelines for approved mattress thickness.
Fit
Before choosing which bassinet mattress is best, pay attention to the shape and size of your baby’s bassinet. Most traditional bassinets are oval- or rectangular-shaped, measuring about 30 to 33 inches long by 15 to 18 inches wide.
In order to provide the safest sleep environment, make sure the mattress fits snugly inside the bassinet. If you don’t have the correct dimensions, this won’t be possible. So before you begin your search, make sure to measure your little one’s bassinet.
2) Consider your baby’s comfort
Material
Babies spend a whole lot of time sleeping, so the material of their mattress makes a difference. When you’re looking for a mattress, safety comes first, but after that, you want to find one covered in material that’s comfortable for your baby.
Some mattresses can cause your baby’s skin to itch, making them extremely uncomfortable. And when that happens, your little one won’t sleep well during naps or the night.
Additionally, if you notice your baby suddenly isn’t sleeping as well after days or weeks of sound sleep, give their mattress a thorough inspection to see if there’s anything on it that might be causing them discomfort.
Support
Your sweet baby’s head and body are growing and developing constantly, so choose a mattress that supports that growth and gives your baby the quality sleep they need to achieve all of their developmental milestones.
Temperature regulation
Newborns can't regulate their body temperature, so they’re highly sensitive to the conditions around them. And because they don’t move around much when they sleep, the places where their bodies touch the mattress can get overheated and sweaty.
This means that the breathability of your baby’s mattress becomes very important. A highly breathable mattress, like our Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper mattress, allows air to circulate behind your baby’s back.
Noisiness
While your baby won’t move around a lot while they sleep, they do have something called the Moro reflex, which is a natural reflex that develops between 28 to 32 weeks of gestation and disappears between three to six months of age.
Also called the startle reflex, this is a normal, primitive response to a sudden loss of support, feeling off-balance, or experiencing extreme stimulation. Imagine your baby feeling like they’re falling. This is the situation that would trigger the Moro reflex.
Because your baby will continue this reflex throughout the first few months of life, they’ll make a lot of jerky movements in their sleep. Typically, they throw out their arms and then pull them back in.
And if their bassinet mattress is covered in a loud material (like plastic), it may make noises when this happens. And then your baby may wake up.
Choosing the right bassinet mattress can relieve this noise problem. But you can also prevent the full release of your baby’s arms if they’re swaddled properly. Your little one needs to be tight and cozy while sleeping.
If they’re not, the Moro reflex, or the noise their mattress makes as a result of it, can wake them up.
3) Choose a bassinet mattress that’s built to last
Durability
A durable bassinet mattress should last months before showing any signs of deterioration. Mattresses that deteriorate after only a few uses can keep your baby from getting a good night’s sleep.
How can you tell if the mattress you’re considering is durable? Pay attention to its quality.
For example, a poor-quality bassinet mattress will fall apart easily and may have bumps or lumps. This surface would not only be uncomfortable for your baby but also unsafe.
Waterproof, washable cover
For your baby’s bassinet mattress to last as long as possible, it needs to be waterproof. Why? Because your infant will spit up and have accidents. It’s unavoidable.
But you can avoid an unsafe sleeping environment! To create an environment where mold and mildew can’t grow, choose a waterproof, washable mattress cover to protect your little one’s bassinet mattress.
Once your baby graduates to a crib, switch to our Waterproof Crib Mattress Pad, which is available for cribs as well as twin beds.
The waterproof, breathable fabric lining provides waterproof protection under a layer of air. With an additional ⅜” of air circulation on the surface of the mattress, this mattress pad adds a layer of airflow over the sleep surface to enhance breathability.
It’s also machine washable for easy cleanup when accidents happen.
4) Check the labels
Chemicals
Many products, even some designed for babies, end up off-gassing after you purchase them.
This process involves a new product slowly releasing small amounts of chemicals into the air over time. This release happens naturally from the materials themselves and may sometimes cause a noticeable smell.
To minimize off-gassing, check the labels on your baby’s bassinet mattress for plastic and other harmful substances. And always research the materials labeled on the bassinet mattress if you’re not sure what something is.
If you notice a substance that could harm your baby, keep looking for another bassinet mattress!
Fire resistance
All mattresses sold in the U.S. must meet federal flammability standards. Manufacturers use different methods to comply, including barrier fabrics and other fire-resistant materials.
Nearly 92 percent of the market (or most major sleep-product brands) use highly controversial fire retardants due to their cost-efficiency. Look for a stamp of certification from the GREENGUARD Gold program to verify that a product meets strict standards for low chemical emissions.
The GREENGUARD Gold program is the strictest certification offered by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and recognizes products that are safe for children to use.
A GREENGUARD Certified product has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and emissions and has passed the test, meeting strict standards for low emissions levels and helping you maintain good indoor air quality.
The GREENGUARD Gold Certification goes one step further by requiring lower total VOC emission levels and ensuring that products are safe for use in schools, nurseries, and healthcare facilities.
We’re proud to say that here at Newton, our cribs, mattresses, and mattress pads are all GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Safe sleep in a bassinet
Part of keeping your baby safe while they sleep is choosing a safe bassinet and bassinet mattress. Once you have that checked off your list, be sure to follow safe sleep practices day in and day out, regardless of whether your baby is sleeping in a bassinet or in a crib.
While we already mentioned one of the safe sleep recommendations: sharing your room (but not your bed) with your baby, there are a few additional recommendations we’ll discuss here.
1) Keep the bassinet bare.
When you lay your baby down to sleep, the bassinet should be bare. That means only the bassinet mattress, a fitted sheet if needed, and your little one.
While they may seem cute or cozy, toys, baby pillows, blankets, and crib bumpers can be choking and suffocation hazards. And if you have a fitted sheet on your baby’s bassinet mattress, be sure that it fits tightly.
Once your baby is in a crib, the same rule applies. Outfit their crib with a fitted sheet like our Organic Cotton Sheets and nothing more! These supremely soft sheets are made with all-around elastic to guarantee a safe, snug fit on any crib mattress.
With ultra-breathability, our muslin sheets offer superior airflow (just like our mattresses) to keep your baby comfortable all night long. Choose from multiple classic patterns to fit your nursery theme.
2) Put your baby on their back.
As you put your baby in their bassinet for naptime or nighttime, remember that they should always be laid down on their back. It’s safer than sleeping on their side or tummy.
What about when your baby starts rolling over? This usually happens sometime around four months old, and they should be out of a swaddle by the time they get the hang of rolling.
You’ll still put them to sleep on their back, but if they use their new skills to roll over in the middle of the night, you can let them be; there’s no need to turn them over again.
3) Give your baby tummy time.
Although you should always put your baby on their back to sleep, tummy time is essential during waking hours! Spending time face-down helps them develop the muscles that will allow them to reach important developmental milestones.
For safe tummy time, both you and your baby should be fully awake. Make it a special, enjoyable time for your baby by getting on the floor with them and bringing their favorite toys.
Tummy time can even start on day one of your baby’s life, it just might look a little different for newborns. Think skin-to-skin contact or placing them on your lap, for example. Read more tips for tummy time here.
4) Offer a pacifier at bedtime.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your baby a pacifier at nap time as well as bedtime as another way to promote safe sleep.
This should start after your newborn has gotten the hang of breastfeeding (typically a couple of weeks). If you aren’t nursing, feel free to offer the pacifier earlier.
Just remember to keep the “bare bassinet” rule in mind here. The pacifier should be free of any sort of strap. And, if your baby simply doesn’t want the pacifier, that’s OK, too. There’s no need to force it.
5) Care for yourself and your baby.
Creating a safe environment is essential for safe sleep, but there are other steps you can take to keep your baby safe and healthy. That includes taking care of yourself and your baby!
Take your little one to their regularly scheduled check-ups and make sure they are getting the right amount of nutrients through breastfeeding or formula.
You’ll also want to look out for your baby’s health by taking care of yourself. Avoiding alcohol and drug use, as well as stopping smoking, can contribute to your baby’s sleep safety.
Learn more about baby sleep safety here.
Helping your baby sleep well
In your search for a bassinet mattress, remember to put your baby’s safety first, which is what we do here at Newton. But also consider your little one’s comfort level so they can get a good night’s sleep!
Choose a bassinet mattress that’s built to last. Making sure the mattress you choose is waterproof and durable is key. And don’t forget to check the labels!
Once you’ve chosen the perfect bassinet and mattress, look out for your baby’s sleep safety day in and day out with the recommendations we mentioned above.
And finally, once your baby outgrows their bassinet and they’re ready to sleep in a crib, check out Newton’s breathable crib mattress. You can trust us to provide your baby’s safe sleep necessities!
Frequently asked questions
Why does the AAP recommend sleeping in the same room as your newborn?
The AAP recommends room sharing until your baby is at least six months old for two critical reasons.
First, studies have shown that babies sleeping in the same room as their parents can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is at least in part because babies who sleep with their parents wake up more easily during the night, which helps prevent SIDS.
Second, having your baby nearby makes breastfeeding much more convenient. Breast milk is digested quickly, meaning babies wake up frequently due to hunger. Repeated trips to your baby’s bedroom are tough to maintain. Having your baby right there makes it so much easier!
Is it hard to transition from a bassinet to a crib?
Some babies may have no issues switching from a bassinet to a crib, while others may struggle for the first few nights (or weeks!) in a new environment. Both (and everything in between) are totally normal responses to the change.
A few ideas to try to make the transition smoother include:
- Starting with naps in the new crib
- Introducing the crib while your baby is awake in the daytime
- Keeping a consistent bedtime
- Placing a familiar smell in the crib (like the sheet from the bassinet if it fits)
How do I know if my baby’s bassinet mattress fits correctly into the bassinet?
The mattress dimensions should basically be the same size as the dimensions of the bassinet. This ensures that gaps won’t trap any part of your baby’s body.
A great hands-on test for mattress sizing is the two-finger test. You should be able to just barely fit the width of your two fingers into the space between the wall of the bassinet and the mattress. If your fingers slip in easily, the mattress is probably too small.
What do I do if my baby won’t sleep in their bassinet?
Don’t give up trying! More than likely, your baby isn’t rejecting the bassinet. They may just have a hard time falling asleep anywhere that isn’t your arms! This is common, and while it may make sleep time challenging, there are tips you can try.
Try putting your baby into the bassinet when they’re tired, but not asleep. This precise timing can make falling asleep easier. What are the signs that your baby is just the right amount tired? You may see them rubbing their eyes, yawning, crying, or clenching their fists.
You can also try swaddling your baby. The cozy comfort of a swaddle can give your baby the same sense of security as your arms. Another suggestion is to reduce stimulation. Try fading out sound and light in the hour right before you lay your baby down to sleep.
Finally, focus on a simple bedtime routine that cues your baby for relaxation and sleep. You could give them a bath or a massage. You could read them a story or sing a song. Or all of the above! The more consistent you are with the routine, the more your baby will connect it to sleep.
