Bassinets/Cradles

A bassinet is likely to be the very first bed for your baby. While it is perfectly acceptable and safe to introduce your baby to a full-sized crib from the onset, traditionally parents use a bassinet for the first few weeks or months of a baby’s life.

Tips for Selecting Product

• Look for one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base.
• Mattress or mattress pad should fit snugly and be firm and smooth.
• Swinging cradles should have a way to keep them from swinging once a baby is asleep.
• Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Tips for Use

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the bassinet or cradle.
• Check screws and bolts periodically to ensure they are tight.
• If the product has legs that fold for storage, make sure that effective locks are provided to ensure that the legs do not accidentally fold while in use.
• Only use the mattress provided by the manufacturer. Never use pillows or add extra padding.
• Decorative bows and ribbons should be trimmed short and stitched securely to prevent strangulation.
• Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib which meets current federal and ASTM standards.
• Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
• Always use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.
• Never place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.

For Baby Under 12 Months

• Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
• Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys and other pillow-like products from the crib.
• Cover bay with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby's chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress. For newborn, consider swaddling.
• Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering.
• Only use bumper pads designed to fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securly into place. Bumper ties must not exceed nine inches. Make sure the bumper pad can be secured along the sides of the crib.
• Check periodically for loose threads or stitching which could cause gagging or choking.