Bassinet

This article is about an infant's bed. For the medieval helmet, see bascinet.

Modern reproduction of a medieval cot and rattle, c. 1465

Movable, but not portable, home bassinet

Rooming-in bassinet

A bassinet or bassinette is a bed specifically for babies from birth to about four months, and small enough to provide a "cocoon" that small babies find comforting.

In a hospital environment, a special form of sealed bassinet is used in a neonatal intensive care unit.

On many domestic and nearly all long distance flights, most airlines provide a bassinet (which is attached to a bulkhead) to adults travelling with an infant, i.e. a child under the age of two. The use of the bassinet is restricted by the infant's size and weight.^[1][2]

Research has shown that the mattress influences SIDS outcomes; a firm mattress lowers SIDS risk.^[3]

Stationary or portable

Although there are many variations, they fall generally into two categories:

• light and portable types sometimes called "Moses baskets," after the Biblical character Moses, who, as a baby, was hidden in a basket
• sturdier but less portable cradles

In both cases, they are generally designed to allow the resting baby to be carried from place to place while close to its mother. Within the home, they are often raised on a stand or other surface to reduce back strain when bending over to tend the baby. Wheeled frames to convert a bassinet into a pram or baby carriage are common.

Infant bed

Main article: Infant bed

Once babies are able to roll over by themselves, at three or four months of age, it is no longer safe for the baby to be left in a bassinet as they could tip themselves out, so they must use an infant bed instead.

See also

• Baby transport
• Sleep

References

1. ^ Example of airline travel information regarding children and infants, Qantas
2. ^ Picture of an airplane bassinet, Flickr
3. ^ SIDS & Kids Statement on the use of second hand mattresses