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Pamper Your Little Prince Or Princess

Baby bassinets are the perfect place to rest your baby while you sleep.

When you hold your precious baby in your arms for the first time, you won't ever want to let him go. But, like every other mom who has gone before you, you are only human - and humans need to sleep every now and again.

Let your bassinet keep your baby safe when your hands can't be there...





Like baskets on a stand, bassinets usually have a hood and are decorated in the most beautiful, frilly fabrics imaginable. Perfect for your precious little prince or princess.

Convenience for Mom

Bassinets can be placed next to your bed for nighttime closeness. Having your baby next to you during the night has the following benefits:

• You can reach over and soothe your baby when she wakes. This makes both of you happy - you don't have to leave your warm snuggly bed and she knows that mommy is right there when she is needed.
• It's easy to bring baby into your bed for nighttime feeding.
• You will both get more sleep. The security of a small space and closeness to mom encourage baby to develop a good sleep routine.
• You will recuperate from the battle wounds of childbirth more quickly if you don't have to keep getting up and down.
• Portable bassinets are easily moved around the house with you during the day so that you can keep an eye on your sleeping cuddle-bunny. Some portable bassinets even have rolling castors.

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Bouncy Baby Bonuses

• Baby gets the benefit of nighttime closeness with Mom, in a small cozy environment. This provides your baby with the security he or she needs during the early months of emotional development.
• Babies of working moms can catch up on mom's touch during the night, thereby maintaining a strong emotional bond.

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Health Highlights

• Research has shown that babies who sleep in their parents' room for the first year are at less risk of SIDS.

• Organic bassinets are available. These have been made from organic materials that have been grown without the addition of chemicals that may be detrimental to your baby's health
• Organic baby mattresses and bedding are available for baby bassinets. These are highly recommended, as synthetic mattresses have been associated with an increased SIDS risk. Read more about SIDS prevention here.

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Practical Pluses

Many bassinet baskets can be removed from their stands making them fully portable. You will have a happy baby when you travel because you can take his favorite place with you wherever you go.

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The Aesthetic Advantage

Bassinets are available in a dazzling array of designs. Anything goes from the ridiculous to the sublime when it comes to bassinets. You are sure to find something to match your bedroom decor. So knock yourself out and wrap your prince or princess in luxury.

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As with all small baby beds, the main disadvantage of bassinets is that they will only serve as temporary snuggle nests.

A bassinet can be used until your little bambino is around four months old, or rolling over by himself - whichever comes first. As soon as your baby starts to roll there is danger of the bassinet tipping, and you will have to move your baby to a conventional baby crib.

Other small beds to consider, that may last a bit longer are the bedside crib and the Amby bed. The bedside crib can be used until your baby reaches a weight of 30lbs regardless of age, and the Amby bed is recommended for use from birth to 12 months with a weight limit of 25lbs.



To get the most from your bassinet look out for the following design features:

• A detachable basket.
  Bassinets are easier to take traveling if the basket and frame can be separated. Check that the basket has handles long enough to meet in the middle so that you can carry the basket with one hand. Also make sure that the frame folds up for portability and easy storage.
• A retractable hood.
  Hoods are great for when you want to take baby outside. You don't want the sun getting in his eyes. On the other hand, you may not want the hood up when baby is inside and it will be easier to lay baby down and pick him up with the hood folded back. Make sure that the retracting mechanism works smoothly - no sticking.

• Rolling castors.
  The easier it is to move your bassinet the better.
• A veil.
  Not essential, but a beautiful touch of elegance.
• Entertainment gadgets.
  Some baby bassinets come with their own nightlights, mobiles and sleep soothers. These are a great advantage when you are trying to establish a good sleep routine.
• A bassinet mattress.
  Some bassinets come with a mattress included.

Remember to take entertainment gadgets and bassinet mattresses into account when you make price comparisons between the various baby bassinets on the market. If they are not included, you will need to buy at least some of these items in addition to the bassinet.

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This is your first priority. Babies spend 60-70% of their first year in their crib. It's up to you to make sure they sleep safely. It is essential to ensure that the baby bassinet you decide on, meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards for bassinet safety as an absolute minimum.

Minimum safety standards for bassinets include the following:

• A sturdy bottom and wide base for stability.
• A smooth surface - no protruding staples or hardware.
• Strong, effective locks on the legs to prevent folding while in use.
• A firm, snug fitting mattress.
• Locks on at least two of the rolling castors if applicable.
• Never lift or move the bassinet with baby in it.

Click here to learn about other infant safety issues that you cannot afford to ignore...



Most bassinets come with a mattress, skirt/liner and a hood. However, these items can all be bought separately if you would prefer to consider organic bedding, or if you have borrowed your bassinet and would just like to change the look.

The best bedding to use for your young baby is a receiving or swaddling blanket. Little ones love to be wrapped tight like they were in mommy's tummy. Look for one in a neutral color or colors to match your bassinet skirt and liner.

Baby bassinets are a wonderful way to pamper your newborn in the luxury she deserves.

Go ahead - have fun!

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