Crib Connect – Baby Crib Info & Reviews

Category: Bassinets

  • Bassinet Reviews

    Reading reviews about different baby products is just part of being a responsible parent. We’re very fortunate to have the internet, since it gives us instant access to what other people are saying about particular baby products. When choosing which bassinet is best for your baby, if you’re like most parents, you’re going to do your research. Part of this research should involve reading bassinet reviews. Here’s some information to help you learn about reading (and writing) bassinet reviews.

    Writing a Bassinet Review

    To help other parents make their decision about which bassinet is best, be sure to share your experiences! By telling other people about your opinions about a particular bassinet that you’ve owned, you’re helping them make better decisions for their child’s safety. It’s especially important to report any potential problems you’ve had with a bassinet, since other parents need to be warned about potential safety issues.

    Reading Bassinet Reviews

    When reading bassinet reviews, there are a few key factors that you should pay attention to. These include:

    Durability
    Pay attention to what other customers mention about the durability of the bassinet. Did it have weak joints? Did the support for the bassinet seem secure? Were there any issues with handles, straps or other items becoming frayed or broken? If you’re spending a lot of money on your baby’s bassinet, you want to make sure that you’re actually paying for a quality product. By reading reviews that test the bassinet’s durability, you can gain a better understanding of its quality.

    Potential Safety Issues
    Always pay attention to any potential safety issues that have been identified by other customers, no matter how small. Did the bassinet have any issues being transported? Was the mattress an improper fit? Were there any gaps between the side of the bassinet and the mattress? Always assume that any claims about safety are valid, unless they have been expressly identified and addressed by the manufacturer.

    Compliments
    With so many people posting negative reviews about products, it’s easy to forget that some people might have compliments as well! While it’s important to take all compliments with a grain of salt, pay attention to any recurring trends that are commonly mentioned in the complimentary reviews. For example, if more than one person mentions that a particular bassinet was able to last through several pregnancies, this could be a good indication that the bassinet has good durability.

    Cut-and-Paste Reviews
    Be wary if you see the exact same positive or negative review posted on several different review websites. In some cases, a company (or an opposing company) may have an employee or affiliate write a biased review in order to artificially influence the ratings of a particular product. For example, if a company feels that one of their bassinets has gotten unfairly poor reviews, they may have someone write a glowing review pointing out why the other reviewers were wrong. Always take all bassinet reviews with a grain of salt, and don’t believe everything you read.

  • Bassinet Accessories

    A bassinet is a great and traditional way to keep your baby secure during their early months. Though not all parents use bassinets anymore, many people still like the traditional look of a bassinet in their family room. Bassinets can be useful, as long as you follow a few safety precautions, and don’t use them after your baby is over four months of age.

    Like so many other baby products, bassinets have a wide variety of accessories available as add-on features. Some of these accessories are useful, while others simply make your bassinet appear more visually attractive. Depending on your needs, you might choose to purchase some accessories for your baby’s bassinet. Here’s a quick guide to bassinet accessories, and which accessories might be useful for your baby.

    Bassinet Canopy
    A bassinet canopy is one of the accessories that’s included in many bassinets. Since your baby is usually only in a bassinet as a newborn, they’re still very sensitive to light. Your baby’s eyes shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause lasting damage. Also, your baby’s skin is still very delicate and thin. This means that your baby could be easily burned by excessive sunlight. That’s why a bassinet canopy is so important – it helps keep dangerous light out of your baby’s bassinet. Some types of bassinet canopies can be easily adjusted, which gives you more freedom to position your baby’s bassinet in certain rooms of your home. Also, some bassinets have canopies that can be completely removed for easy transportation of the bassinet.

    Bassinet Bumpers
    Bassinet bumpers are cushy accessories that are meant to protect your baby from becoming injured on the edges of the bassinet. However, these bumpers can also pose a safety hazard, since they can cause a restriction of airflow around your baby while in the bassinet. Because of this, many pediatricians recommend against using bumpers in your baby’s bassinet, unless they’re made of a breathable material.

    Bassinet Stroller Attachment
    Some bassinets can be inserted directly into a stroller to make transporting your baby around town much easier. This bassinet accessory is usually a special type of stroller that has securing mechanisms that are used to hold the bassinet. However, keep in mind that most bassinets aren’t able to be used for your baby after four months of age. Because of this, it might be better for you to invest in a traditional stroller instead.

    Bassinet Skirt
    Bassinet skirts are a cosmetic accessory for bassinets, but are favored by many parents looking for a more traditional appearance for their bassinet. A skirt for a bassinet is usually used for a raised bassinet, and extends down over the support system onto the floor. A bassinet skirt can give a raised bassinet an elegant, flowing appearance. If you aren’t looking to spent money on a bassinet skirt, you can always make your own easily by using a pattern from a crafts store. All it takes is some fabric, elastic material, trim (usually lace) and a sewing machine!

  • Bassinet Mattress

    If you plan to keep your newborn baby in a bassinet, you’ll probably end up purchasing a bassinet mattress. Trying to decide which bassinet mattress is best for your baby? Confused about the different types of bassinet mattresses available online? We can help! Here’s a quick guide to some of the information about bassinet mattresses that will help you make the best choice for your baby.

    Bassinet Mattress Safety

    There are a few safety tips that need to be followed when choosing a bassinet mattress. Some types of bassinet mattresses may actually be dangerous for your baby, or pose a serious safety risk. The best way to prevent this is to make sure the bassinet mattress that you purchase is designed for the bassinet you own. Some bassinet mattresses aren’t a perfect fit in certain bassinets. If you purchase one of these mattresses, return it right away! The mattress in your bassinet should sit snug against the side of the bassinet, and not bow in the middle. The mattress itself should be completely flat, and provide an even surface for your baby to lay on. There are some serious safety risks associated with an improperly fitted bassinet mattress, including an increased risk for suffocation. Your baby’s bassinet should be a stable, level area where your baby can sleep comfortably.

    Firm Bassinet Mattress

    The best type of mattress grade to purchase for your baby’s bassinet is a firm mattress. Though this may seem like it would be uncomfortable for your baby, it’s the best choice for your baby’s safety. Most all pediatricians and baby experts agree that a firm grade mattress is the safest and best choice for a newborn. If your bassinet mattress is too cushy, it could mean that your baby could be at risk for developing respiratory problems, or having restricted airflow around their head. It’s also best to avoid any excessively soft mattress pads that fit on the top of the bassinet mattress, since these may also pose risks for your baby.

    Organic Bassinet Mattress

    Many parents choose to purchase an organic mattress for their baby’s bassinet, due to the potential benefits. An organic bassinet mattress is usually made with fibers that are all-natural, and is free of any chemical components or toxic dyes. Organic bassinet mattresses are favored by many parents that feel that exposure to synthetic fibers at a young age could be dangerous for infants. However, organic bassinet mattresses are often more expensive than some other types of mattresses that aren’t certified organic.

    Waterproof Bassinet Mattress

    It’s always best to consider purchasing a waterproof mattress for your baby’s bassinet. Many babies will have several “accidents”, in some cases more than three times per night! It’s best to assume that you’re going to spend a lot of time cleaning out your baby’s bassinet. A waterproof mattress will protect your mattress from stains, damage and mildew that could result from the mattress being kept damp.

  • Bassinet Sheets

    Bassinet sheets are one of the most important items to purchase when preparing for your new baby. If you’ve chosen to use a bassinet for your baby’s first few months, be prepared to keep at least seven sets of sheets on hand. When purchasing bassinet sheets, there are so many different choices! There are colorful bassinet sheets, and sheets that have prints of popular cartoon characters. There are synthetic fiber sheets, and bassinet sheets that have been certified organic. There are even sheets that are designed to be resistant to messes! With all of these choices, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right type of bassinet sheets for your baby’s needs? Here is a quick guide to bassinet sheets, and some information to help you decide which type of bassinet sheets are best for your baby.

    Bassinet Character Print Sheets

    Many parents like to purchase bassinet character print sheets for their baby. These sheets may feature popular cartoon characters, superheroes or princesses. Character prints are a fun way to bring some color to your baby’s bassinet, and may match the theme of your baby’s room as well. For example, if you’re designing your baby boy’s room around a superman theme, you could purchase colorful printed superman sheets for your baby’s bassinet. No matter what character print you choose, remember that it won’t matter to your baby! By the time that they can recognize characters on their sheets, they will probably have graduated from a bassinet into a full sized crib.

    Organic Bassinet Sheets

    Some parents like to purchase organic bassinet sheets for their baby’s bassinet. Since babies are so sensitive to environmental changes in their first few months, it is possible that they could be negatively affected by certain types of sheets. Some sheets are chemically washed, or may contain toxic dyes in their material. Sheets made of synthetic fibers could cause your baby to develop respiratory problems, or cause your baby’s skin to become irritated. To prevent this from occurring, you can purchase organic bassinet sheets, which are kinder to your baby’s skin. Organic bassinet sheets also are usually made of all-natural fibers, and don’t contain any toxic dyes or washes. Many parents like organic bassinet sheets as a “peace of mind” item, since it means their baby won’t be exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals.

    Fitted Bassinet Sheet Safety

    When choosing a fitted sheet for your baby’s bassinet, you need to be cautious. A bassinet fitted sheet must be completely snug around the mattress inside your bassinet. There shouldn’t be any loose fabric around the sides, or any areas where the sheet can be easily pulled away from the mattress. The corners of your fitted sheet should be tight against the mattress as well. This is extremely important, because any loose fabric in your bassinet’s fitted sheets could put your baby at risk for suffocation. Also, too much loose fabric in your fitted sheet could restrict airflow around your baby, which could increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

  • Bassinet Bedding

    In the advertisements for baby bassinets, you often see a comfortably sleeping infant surrounded by cushy blankets. Bassinet bedding is an important part of setting up your bassinet for your new baby. Bassinets are favored among many parents, and are used up until a baby is able to roll itself over. When choosing your bassinet bedding, there are a few things you should know. Here’s a quick guide to bassinet bedding.

    How Many Bedding Sets Should I Have?

    You might not realize it, but you should have at least seven sets of bedding for your baby’s bassinet. While this may seem like a lot, consider what might happen with a newborn baby. Babies are prone to making messes, either as diaper overflow or spitting up food. What if your baby spits up on their blankets three times per night? This means that you’ll have to go through three sets of bassinet bedding, which will all need to be washed and dried before being used again. Seven sets of bassinet bedding should give you enough so that you’ll be able to keep enough extra clean sets on hand for accidents.

    Matching Bassinet Bedding

    If you have chosen a theme for your baby’s room, you’ll probably want to make sure that your baby’s bassinet bedding matches your theme. However, don’t worry too much about buying expensive matching bassinet bedding sets for your baby’s bassinet. Stick to neutral colors that are easily able to be cleaned in the event that they become stained or soiled. You can always go for more decorative bedding when your baby moves out of a bassinet and into a crib at four months of age.

    Bassinet Bedding Prices

    Don’t spend too much on bedding for your bassinet! Remember, your baby will only be able to be in the bassinet until they can roll over, which usually happens at around four months of age. Also, bassinet bedding will probably become stained, torn or otherwise soiled. Stick to simple bassinet bedding that’s inexpensive yet durable.

    Cheap Bassinet Bedding

    The best place to find cheap bassinet bedding? Your local thrift store! Since babies grow out of their bassinets so fast, you’ll probably find a wide assortment of bassinet bedding at the thrift store. In most cases, the bedding is extremely inexpensive, since many thrift stores receive a large number of donations for bassinet bedding. Though it may be more difficult to find a matching set, for many parents it’s well worth it for the price.

    Bassinet Bedding Safety

    Your bassinet bedding should be able to be tucked snugly around your bassinet’s mattress, keeping your baby comfortable without being tight enough to restrict blood flow. The blankets and sheets should only be able to be pulled up to your baby’s armpits, since any higher could pose a suffocation hazard for your baby. Also, try to purchase bassinet bedding that’s made with natural fibers, without any toxic dyes or materials. If you wish, you can also purchase organic bassinet bedding, which may help your baby avoid toxin contamination.

  • Bassinet Types

    Thinking about purchasing a bassinet for your baby? Bassinets are a great way to keep your baby comfortable during their first four months. However, did you know that there are many different types of bassinets? Just like many other baby products, bassinets may have included features to help make caring for your baby much easier. Here is a bit of information about the different types of baby bassinets.

    Bassinets with Hoods
    Many types of bassinets have a cloth or plastic hood that helps to block out excessive light. Since your baby’s eyes are still developing, it’s important that you don’t allow them to be exposed to direct light. Also, sunlight can damage your baby’s sensitive skin, so it’s best to always purchase a bassinet that has a hood. In many cases, these hoods can be adjusted or detached from the bassinet itself.

    Portable Bassinets
    If you’re constantly on the move, a portable bassinet might be the right type of bassinet for you. Portable bassinets offer more freedom over their stationary counterparts, since they can be easily moved with you from room to room. Want to watch TV while keeping an eye on your sleeping baby? Portable bassinets give you the ability to

    Stationary Bassinets
    A stationary bassinet is usually raised up on a platform, putting the baby at a level where they can be easily accessed by their family. Stationary bassinets may also have covers, and may also have rolling wheels so that they can be easily moved from room to room. These bassinets are able to be used up until the baby is four months of age, when the baby is usually moved to a traditional crib.

    Co-Sleeper Bassinets
    A co-sleeper bassinet is a special type of bassinet that allows the baby to sleep close by its mother. The co-sleeper bassinet can be attached to a regular bed, with a lower side that faces the bed. This gives a mother the ability to be next to her baby throughout the night. Some parents favor co-sleeper bassinets especially in the first few months with their baby, since it gives them more comfort knowing their baby is nearby.

    Rocking Cradle Bassinets
    Some types of bassinets are fitted in the form of rocking cradles. These types of bassinets are usually low to the ground, and have rails that allow the bassinet to be easily rocked from side to side. Rocking cradle bassinets are not usually meant to be permanent sleeping solutions, especially for households with pets. Since they’re so low to the ground, the baby could be exposed to the attentions of home pets, which could cause health problems.

    Moses Baskets
    The “Moses Basket” bassinet is simply another name for a light and portable bassinet that can comfortably hold your baby. These types of bassinets are usually very snug, and may have a handle or strap for easy portability. Most Moses Basket bassinets can also be put in the same category as portable bassinets.

  • Bassinet Brands

    It’s no secret – there are thousands of different products for babies. Baby bathtubs, rockers, strollers, cup warmers, wipe covers and many other products are sold at most baby supply stores. However, how many of these items do you actually need? In some cases, you have to ask yourself if the price of the item is really worth the convenience.

    When it comes to choosing your baby’s bassinet, you’re going to have a lot of options available to you. Different types of bassinet brands will have different features, different materials and different prices. Which one is best for your baby? In the end, it comes down to personal choice and common sense. Here’s some information about different bassinet brands that will help you decide which brand of bassinet is best for your baby.

    Choosing a Bassinet Brand

    There are a few things you should consider when choosing a bassinet brand, including:

    Bassinet Brand Reviews
    It’s very important that you read the reviews of a particular brand before purchasing it. Try to gain a better understanding of the company’s quality standards by reading reviews on a variety of products. Also, see if any of the previous customers have written reviews about the bassinet company’s customer service. In the event that you have to make an exchange or return, you want to make sure that you’ll easily be able to navigate through the company’s returns department.

    Brand Availability
    Unless you’re purchasing your bassinet online, you might have a slightly limited choice as far as bassinet brands that are available in your area. Many stores carry a variety of popular brands, such as Doodlefish and Graco. However, some of the lesser known brands might be a bit more difficult to hunt down in your local stores. If you can’t find a product that you really want, you can always ask the store to order it for you. Many baby supply stores will be more than happy to order a special brand of bassinet for you, and you should be able to pick it up directly from the store.

    Brand Price
    Just like with many other products, bassinet brands have “brand names” that may be more expensive simply for the marketing name. In most cases, you’ll be able to easily discern the price tiers in bassinet brands, since many of them are more expensive. Remember – in some cases, a higher price might also mean higher quality. It’s important to do your research about specific bassinet brands before making your decision.

    Here’s a list of some of the bassinet brands that are currently on the market:

    1. Badget Basket
    2. Baby Doll
    3. Baby Delight
    4. Baby Jogger
    5. Burlington Basket
    6. Doodlefish
    7. Eddie Bauer
    8. Gus & Max
    9. Graco
    10. Hoohobbers
    11. Inglesina
    12. Kidsline
    13. Kolcraft
    14. Maddie Boo
    15. Picci
    16. Orbit
    17. Sleeping Partners
    18. Trend Lab
    19. Summer Infant
    20. Stokke
    21. Mountain Buggy
    22. Arm’s Reach
    23. Argington

  • Bassinets

    Crib or bassinet? Surprisingly, many parents often ask themselves this question, even though cribs and bassinets are two entirely different pieces of baby furniture. Here’s a bit of information about bassinets, how to choose a bassinet, and some very important information about the correlation between bassinets and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

    What is a Bassinet?

    There are several key differences between bassinets and baby cribs. First, a bassinet is much, much smaller than a baby crib, and is used for a different purpose. The bassinet is usually only slightly larger than the baby, and cushioned with padding. The baby’s head is elevated slightly, and a blanket covers most of the baby’s body. The bassinet is meant to provide a “cocoon” environment, which is said to be soothing to newborns. Due to the close fit of a bassinet, it’s said to remind infants of the womb, and may keep them comforted until they are a few months of age.

    The bassinet is usually rounded, in an oval shape. Some bassinets are attached to a stand, and may or may not have rolling wheels on the bottom. The bassinet is said to most closely look like a “cradle”, since it often has a decorative piece of cloth that half-covers the bassinet. This cloth can help shield the infant from direct sunlight.

    Bassinets can be purchased with a variety of accessories, ranging from attachable toys to built-in mobiles that hang over the bassinet itself. Some bassinets even have an audio system, which can be used to play soothing music or ambient sounds as the baby sleeps. However, when choosing accessories for your bassinet, try to stay away from bumpers, extra cushions or stuffed toys placed inside the bassinet. These items can cause a higher instance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

    Bassinets and SIDS

    There has been a lot of controversial information involving a connection between bassinets and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). While the official cause of SIDS is as of yet still unknown, it’s theorized by some doctors to be the result of an improper amount of oxygen-rich air being able to reach a baby. Also, babies may suffer from SIDS as a result of re-breathing expelled carbon dioxide. Due to the tight nature of a bassinet environment, many experts have studied if a bassinet can contribute to SIDS.

    However, what they discovered was fairly interesting. In reference to bassinets, an increase of SIDS is seen only if the mattress inside the bassinet is plush or very soft. SIDS increases were not seen in bassinets that had an extra firm mattress in the bottom.

    Also, infants with higher occurrences of SIDS had bumpers or extra padding in their bassinet, which may have interfered with airflow. Because of this, many baby experts advise against placing items in your baby’s bassinet, including stuffed animals, extra blankets and unneeded cushions. Also, if your baby is covered with a blanket in the bassinet, you should only allow the blanket to come up to just under your baby’s arms. This way, the blanket can’t accidentally shift to cover your baby’s mouth and nose.

    Stationary vs Portable Bassinets

    When choosing a bassinet for your baby, you will have to choose between two different types – a stationary bassinet, or a portable bassinet. A portable bassinet is sometimes also called a “Moses Basket”, after the bible story about baby Moses floating down a river in his bassinet. Portable bassinets are favored as a more mobile method of keeping a baby from moving excessively. Since the bassinet is designed to be a cocoon, this means that the baby will be snug and secure.

    A stationary bassinet is popular in many households as a way to keep a newborn infant immobile and safe. Stationary bassinets sometimes have a half-cover, as seen on a traditional baby carriage.

    How Long to Use a Bassinet

    It’s only safe to use a bassinet for your baby for a specific period of time. Bassinets are great for newborns, since they provide a safe “cocoon” environment. In many cases, hospitals will provide a bassinet so that a mother can be close to her baby immediately following delivery. Also, on some airplanes, the plane attendants will provide a soft bassinet attached to a bulkhead for parents with newborns.

    However, a bassinet can only be safely be used to keep a baby in until the age of four months, or until the baby is able to roll over by itself. At this time, there is a danger of suffocation, and the baby should be moved to a regular crib.

    Here are a few more of our articles where you can learn about Bassinets:

    1. Bassinet Brands
    2. Bassinet Types
    3. Bassinet Sheets
    4. Bassinet Mattress
    5. Bassinet Bedding
    6. Bassinet Accessories
    7. Bassinet Reviews