Babies can be injured if a bassinette tips over, the bottom breaks or the folding legs collapse. Use our tips for buying and using bassinettes.
About bassinettes
A bassinette is a small bed for young babies that is normally used temporarily for the first few months before babies become active. After that time, it is safer to move a baby to a cot.
Risks and injuries
Infants can fall out of a bassinette and suffer serious injuries if:
- the bassinette tips over
- the bottom breaks
- the folding legs collapse
- the sides are not high enough.
Babies can also suffocate if the bassinette has the wrong mattress or if you use pillows or folded quilts as mattresses.
Buying tips
- Ensure the sides of the bassinette are at least 300 mm higher than the top of the mattress base.
- Ensure it has a wide stable base and a sturdy bottom so that it won’t tip over.
- Ensure the mattress fits well and is firm, smooth and no more than 75 mm thick.
- If the product has folding legs, make sure it cannot accidentally fold during use.
Safe use
- Follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.
- Follow guidelines on the appropriate weight and size of babies who can safely use the product.
- Keep the bassinette clear of curtains, blinds, heaters or power points.
- Regularly check that screws and bolts are tight to avoid accidental collapse.
- Trim decorative bows and ribbons so they are short, and stitch them securely to prevent strangulation.
- Never use pillows or folded quilts in a bassinette as these can cause suffocation.