By Belinda Castles
Researcher | Kairangahau
A bassinet creates a cosier sleeping environment than a cot. And it’s convenient – you can move it from room to room and place it next to your bed.
The downside is you’ll get at most 5 to 6 months' use from a bassinet. As soon as babies can support their own weight and lift themselves, they should go into a cot.
What to look for in a bassinet
When buying a bassinet, these are the things you should look for:
The bassinet should be sturdy and durable, with a wide base.
Its mattress should fit snugly around all sides with no gaps larger than 25mm.
There should be no sharp edges or protrusions that could hurt a baby or snag their clothing.
Castors make a bassinet easier to move around – but there should be lockable brakes on at least 2 of them.
To prevent a folding bassinet from collapsing accidentally, its legs must lock securely.
Mesh sides provide good ventilation.
Tip: Bassinets aren’t a necessity – your baby can go straight into a cot.
Moses baskets
Moses baskets are similar to bassinets but lighter and more portable.
Avoid Moses baskets that have puffy fabric sides. Never put anything that has soft or quilted fabric close to a baby who still doesn’t have head or neck control – they may suffocate.
Sleeping safely
The safest sleeping place for a baby is a cot or bassinet beside your bed – but always make sure you put him or her to sleep on their back, to reduce the risk of cot death (SIDS).
There’s no Australian or New Zealand safety standard for bassinets. However, how it’s used may pose a greater danger than the bassinet’s construction. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 115 deaths in bassinets in the US between 2019 and 2021. Most of these deaths were associated with extra bedding, in particular pillow.
Reduce the risks
There should not be anything in the bassinet which could cover your baby’s face. This includes pillows or toys as well as extra bedding such as a bumper, duvet or quilt.
Make sure the mattress is firm and don’t use an extra mattress in the bassinet – a baby could slip under it.
Position your baby at the foot of the bassinet so they can’t slip under the covers.
Tuck in the bedding securely and make sure it comes up no higher than the baby’s shoulders.
Remove the baby’s bib before bedtime. Also remove ribbons or laces from around the neck of the baby’s clothing.
Useful information for new parents
How to choose a safe cot for your baby
We break down what to consider when buying a cot.
