New parents have a lot of things to worry about. One thing you definitely don’t need is anxiety about your child’s safety when you finally get your little one to go to sleep. So what do you need to know about bassinet safety?
In this article, we’ll discuss why bassinet safety is important and provide 10 tips for making sure the bassinet is a secure space for your baby so you can get some much-needed rest of your own.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- The need for bassinet safety
- Bassinet safety guidelines
- Putting it all together: Creating a safe sleep routine
- Safe sleep is a team effort
The need for bassinet safety
It’s possible that you’ve started reading this article and you’re actually feeling new anxiety about things you hadn’t even considered before.
After all, your newborn can barely move on their own, and a bassinet is a very small, enclosed space, so what’s the worst that could happen with a baby in a bassinet? (Aside from them refusing to sleep and keeping you up all night, of course.)
It’s never our intent to cause parents more worry. However, the reality is that there are dangers to your baby in their bassinet you should be aware of.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show that in 2020, just over 900 infants lost their lives to accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed. Additionally, almost 1,400 babies died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is thought to be associated with risk factors such as babies sleeping face-down.
Thankfully, the best bassinet safety steps you need to take aren’t difficult. They’re mostly about properly setting up your bassinet and bedding, preparing your baby for safe sleep, and keeping the bassinet and the area around it clear.
Bassinet safety guidelines
1) Keep baby close by.
The first bassinet safety tip isn’t so much about the bassinet itself or how you use it, but where you put it.
No matter what, you should keep it near you. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having your baby sleep in the same room as you for the first year of life or, at minimum, at least the first six months.
If you’ve heard people use the terms “bassinet” and “crib” interchangeably, you may be interested to know that the difference between them is that a bassinet is designed to be smaller and more portable. That way, you can set it up anywhere in your home to keep your infant close.
Of course, some bassinets will be easier to move from room to room than others. For example, the Newton Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper is lightweight, easy to assemble, and breaks down into a carrying bag that’s great for travel.
2) Ensure the bassinet is stable.
Because they’re designed to be moved around, many bassinets come with wheels or folding legs. That’s convenient, but it means you need to make sure the bassinet is stable and secured in place before putting your baby in it.
If you buy a wheeled bassinet, make sure the wheels can be locked and that at least two of them are locked whenever the baby is inside. Take care during assembly and setup that the legs are stable and even, without any incline of the mattress.
3) Keep the surrounding area clear.
Once you’ve made sure your bassinet is structurally sound and not going to budge from where you’ve placed it, the next step is to remove any potential dangers from the area around it.
Eliminate anything that could fall into or dangle down into the bassinet. For example, avoid hanging mobiles with strings or ribbons. And, if the bassinet is near a window, make sure to secure any hanging blind cords away from the bassinet.
4) Use the right mattress.
Now that the bassinet is properly set up in a safe place, we can turn our attention to where your little one will lay their head, starting with the mattress.
The bassinet mattress needs to be the right size to fit inside the bassinet exactly, without room to shift around or gaps along the sides that a tiny arm or leg could get stuck in.
Most bassinets come with a mattress, but you should still check the fit. If you’re replacing a mattress, it’s ideal to get a replacement of the original mattress for your bassinet from the manufacturer.
Thankfully, the mattress in the Newton bassinet and bedside sleeper is completely washable from cover to core, so you shouldn’t need to worry about replacing it.
5) Use the right sheet.
And we do just mean sheet, singular, not sheets, plural. A single fitted sheet is all your baby should have in their bassinet.
The sheet should fit snugly to remove any risk of suffocation, and it should be made of a breathable material, like cotton, to reduce the risk of your baby getting overheated.
6) Remove dangerous distractions.
Your little one doesn’t need pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumper pads.
Aside from being potential distractions that could keep your baby from falling asleep, any of these things can become smothering hazards if your little one inadvertently rolls over against them.
The inside of your bassinet should contain the mattress, a sheet, and your bundle of joy — and nothing else.
7) Dress baby properly for sleep.
Another reason that blankets aren’t recommended for bassinets is temperature. If you get too hot during the night, you can fold back some of your bedding, but your baby doesn’t have that ability.
That’s why it’s so important to dress your baby properly before bedtime so they stay at a comfortable temperature.
Experts say that when it comes to baby pajamas, you should typically only use one more layer of clothing than an adult would need to be comfortable in a room of the same temperature. A onesie and a sleep sack are a good combo in most cases.
Remove any hats your baby may have on before putting them down for a nap or for the night. These can cause overheating and can also be a suffocation risk if they shift down over your child’s face.
8) Put baby in the proper position.
Your favorite sleep position might be on your stomach, your back, or your side. But when it comes to your newborn, there’s only one proper position, and that’s on their back.
Statistics show that babies who sleep on their backs are safer than babies who are allowed to sleep on their stomachs or sides. Plus, there’s the added benefit of making it easier to see their adorable sleeping face!
If your child is starting to be able to roll over on their own, it may be time to transition them out of the bassinet; more on this a little later.
9) Consider swaddling.
One way to tackle the issues of proper sleep position and proper choice of jammies for your infant is to swaddle them.
Swaddling your baby calms the startle reflex which may disturb their sleep, helps regulate their temperature, and also keeps them from accidentally scratching themselves in their sleep with their tiny, sharp fingernails.
Important note: Stop swaddling your baby as soon as they show signs of rolling over, usually around two to four months.
10) Know when to transition to a crib.
The last important part of proper bassinet safety is knowing when it’s time to put away the bassinet and transition your growing baby into a crib.
Generally, a baby is ready for a crib when they achieve certain milestones.
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They start to roll over. A bassinet is a small space. If your baby starts to roll, they might get their face pressed up against the side and not be able to roll the other way.
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They are too big for the bassinet. Most bassinets have a weight limit. Check the instructions for your model. Also, if your baby has grown enough that their head is touching one end and their feet are touching the other end, it’s time to move to a crib.
- They start to sit or pull up. Your baby’s strength and coordination will develop quickly. If they can sit up on their own or use the sides of the bassinet to pull themselves up, it’s a sign that they could climb out and are ready for a crib.
Moving to a crib can be a big change, but the good news is that all the safe sleep habits and routines you’ve built up with the bassinet still apply.
The crib should have a firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame (no gaps around the edges), a tight-fitting sheet, and nothing else inside.
For more information on transitioning into a crib, check out these articles from the Newton Baby blog:
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How To Transition Your Baby To A Crib: The Complete Guide
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How To Get Your Baby To Sleep In A Crib
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Crib Safety Tips: Everything You Need To Know To Keep Your Baby Safe
- Crib Mattress Buying Guide: How To Choose A Mattress For Your Baby
If it’s time to start looking for a crib, Newton offers everything you need to make the switch safe and comfortable, from the crib itself to breathable and washable crib mattresses to supremely soft organic cotton sheets. We’ve got your baby covered!
Creating a safe sleep routine
As parents, we want to protect our babies from every single thing that could possibly hurt them. This is especially true when it comes to sleep.
Your baby sleeps a lot throughout the day and night, so creating a safe and healthy sleep environment is one of the most important jobs you’ll have.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the rules and advice, but remember, all the safety guidelines we mention in this article are about one thing: giving your baby the best chance at a safe and restful night’s sleep.
A good way to put everything together in a nice, neat package is to create a safe sleep routine that becomes a habit. When something is a habit, you don’t have to think about it as much, which is a huge help when you’re tired and running on very little sleep yourself.
Let's walk through a safe sleep routine step by step so you know how it all works.
Check the room and bassinet.
The first step in creating a safe sleep routine is to check your little one’s room and the bassinet for potential dangers. Is the bassinet in the right spot? Ideally, you want it in the same room as you, so make sure the area around the bassinet is clear.
Look for hazards such as loose curtains, hanging cords from blinds, and even picture frames on a nearby table that could fall into the bassinet. A quick check of the surroundings takes only a few seconds but can make a big difference.
Next, check the bassinet itself. Is it stable? If it has wheels, are they locked? A quick jiggle of the bassinet will give you the answers to these questions.
Is the mattress firm and flat? Is the sheet tight and smooth? After a while, these simple checks will become second nature and you’ll be able to do them without skipping a beat.
Get your baby ready for bed.
After you check the room and the bassinet, it’s time to start the routine that will get your baby ready for bed. Maybe it’s a bath, a gentle massage, or a quiet story. Whatever your routine, a key part is dressing your baby for sleep.
Think about the temperature of the room. Is it cool enough that you would be comfortable with a shirt, shorts, and a blanket? If the answer is yes, then your baby likely needs similar covering.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your little one’s room temperature between 68℉ and 72℉. This range helps prevent your baby from getting too hot or too cold.
Additionally, Instead of adding blankets to their bed, dress them in a onesie and a sleep sack. A sleep sack is a great choice for keeping your baby comfy and safe while they sleep. It’s like a wearable blanket that keeps them warm without the danger of a loose blanket.
If, on the other hand, the room is warm enough that you would be comfortable with just a shirt and shorts, maybe a onesie for your baby is enough.
And remember, hats are a no-go for sleep. They can cause your baby to get too warm and can also slip down over their face while they sleep.
For more information on dressing your baby for a comfy night’s sleep, check out these articles from the Newton blog:
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How To Dress Baby For Sleep: The Complete Guide
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TOG Chart: What Is TOG & How To Dress Your Baby For Sleep
Lay your baby down to sleep.
You’ve done all the prep. Now it’s time to lay your baby down to sleep in the bassinet. Always place them on their back (the phrase “Back is best” can help you remember). This is the single most important rule for bassinet safety.
When you lay them down, their arms may flail or they may startle a little. That’s normal, but if it becomes an issue, swaddling can help.
If you do swaddle, make sure it’s snug and that your baby can’t wiggle out. An unraveled swaddle can become a suffocation risk. And remember to stop swaddling once your baby looks like they’re ready to start rolling over soon.
Once your baby’s in the bassinet, take one last look. Are they on their back? Is the bassinet empty except for them and the fitted sheet? Are they dressed appropriately?
If you can answer yes to all these questions, you’ve done your part to create a safe sleep environment!
Safe sleep is a team effort.
When it comes to bassinet safety (and sleep safety in general), remember you’re not alone. These are topics that doctors, nurses, and other parents care a lot about.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If you’re not sure if a bassinet is safe, check that it meets current CPSC standards or has a JPMA safety certification.
If you’re worried about your baby’s sleep, talk to your pediatrician. They are a great resource and can give you personalized advice.
By following the bassinet safety guidelines in this article, you can create a safe and cozy sleeping environment for your baby. This will not only protect them from danger but also help you feel more confident as a parent.
When you know your little one is safe, you can relax and get some much-needed rest yourself.
Safe sleep and sweet dreams with Newton
When it comes to parenting a newborn, there’s nothing you can take for granted, especially not your baby’s safety when they finally go to sleep. Bassinet safety is something new moms and dads definitely need to be conscious of.
To have the peace of mind your little one is sleeping safely, pick a sturdy, stable bassinet with a properly fitting mattress and sheet. In addition, keep the bassinet itself and the space around it free from potentially dangerous clutter. And dress and position your baby correctly.
It may seem like a lot, but once you have a bassinet and bedding you feel good about, the rest is mainly just developing good habits and routines when it’s time to try to get your baby to sleep.
At Newton, we offer a range of safe sleep products for your little one, from bassinets to mattresses and sheets. We’re also always updating our blog with more advice for parents, so check back regularly.
Hopefully this advice on bassinet safety helps you sleep better — when you can get any sleep at all, of course. Hang in there, mom and dad, and try to treasure this time. Your little one will be in a “big boy” or “big girl” bed before you know it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best humidity for sleep?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best humidity level for sleeping is between 30% and 50%. This applies to both you and your baby.
If the humidity is higher than 50%, you and your little one may have a hard time falling asleep and could wake up more frequently through the night. This is because high humidity prevents your body’s core temperature from dropping, which is necessary for sleep.
It can also make you uncomfortably sticky and damp, which can wake you up or keep you from falling asleep.
When should I move my baby to their own room?
Deciding when to move your baby into their own room usually depends on a number of factors, including their weight, height, and physical capabilities.
Once your little one reaches the weight limit of the bassinet or starts running out of room, it’s time to move them to a crib. This may mean moving them to their own room.
Similarly, once they start to sit, push up on their hands and knees, and roll, it’s no longer safe for them to sleep in a bassinet.
How can I make the sleeping environment better for my baby?
In addition to following all bassinet safety guidelines, give your baby a better chance of sleeping through the night by creating a cool, dark, quiet, and comfy sleeping environment.
This includes choosing a safe and breathable mattress, using blackout curtains to reduce the light, adding a white noise machine, and keeping the temperature between 68℉ and 72℉.
