A bassinet or cradle can be a convenient and comfortable sleeping place for your baby during the first few months. A crib is fine too – but your baby may feel more at ease in a smaller, cozier space.
Other advantages: You can move these portable baby beds from room to room, letting you keep a close watch on your sleeping baby. At night, you can put the bassinet or cradle right next to your bed for easy middle-of-the-night feedings and comforting.
Your baby will probably outgrow the bassinet or cradle by 4 to 5 months old. To get the most for your money, try a play yard with a removable bassinet and get two useful baby products in one
Important safety notes
Consumer Reports cautions that bassinets and cradles are not as safe as cribs because they aren't currently subject to the same rigorous safety standards. When choosing a bassinet or cradle, the organization says, choose a basic model that's certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (you'll see a JPMA seal on the packaging).
Avoid bassinets and cradles with a motion or rocking feature, as these have caused suffocation when babies rolled against the edge.
As with a crib, your bassinet should have a firm mattress that fits snugly without any space around the edges.
If you have pets or other young children in the house – for instance, a dog who might knock over a bassinet, a cat who might climb in, or a toddler who might try to lift your baby from a bassinet – use caution or stick with a crib instead.
What about Moses baskets and bedside co-sleepers? Consumer Reports says it's best to steer clear because there are no safety standards for these products. Also, Moses baskets are often lined with puffy fabric, which raises a baby's risk for suffocation or SIDS.
What to look for when buying
Choose a bassinet or cradle with the JPMA seal. You'll see it on the packaging.
Make sure the bassinet has a sturdy bottom to hold your baby's weight and a wide base to prevent it from toppling over. Choose high-quality construction and stability. Check the stand's screws and bolts periodically to make sure they're tight.
If the stand folds, make sure its legs lock so the bassinet doesn't collapse unexpectedly. If it has wheels, they should lock to prevent accidental roll-aways.
As with cribs, slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart (to prevent your baby's head from slipping through or getting stuck).
The bassinet should have a firm mattress that fits snugly, with no more than two fingers of space between the side of the mattress and the side of the bassinet.
Make sure the product is specifically designed for use as a bassinet. Although it may look pretty, a makeshift bassinet – such as something made out of a wicker basket – isn't safe.Beware of rough or sharp edges on the inside of the bassinet that could hurt your baby.
Some bassinets come with bedding. If the set includes a quilt or pillow, know that these are for decorative use only. Don't put these items in the bassinet with your baby because soft bedding is a potential SIDS hazard.
What it's going to cost you
You'll spend between $65 and $150 for a basic bassinet or cradle. Fancier models can run to $500 or more.
