Is the bassinet you have purchased for your baby going to be safe for him? It seems to me that the parent purchasing a cradle can truthfully give an answer to that question.
I will share a few of the issues I've come across with traditional rocking bassinets.
The first and obvious great thing about this type of cradle is its rocking motion, which newborns seem to absolutely love.
In my daughter's early months of life, she oftentimes fell asleep as I marched her around in circles at our home.
For nine months, a baby is in nearly continuous motion in his mother's belly, depending on how lively a mother is during pregnancy.
Therefore, certainly an infant would find the movement he's grown accustomed to as soothing.
But is a rocking bassinet safe? One particular company recalled a rocking bassinet because it remained in a tilted position, which could cause a baby to roll and become wedged against the corner, side or bottom, making the infant at risk of suffocation.
One infant reportedly was discovered purple and out of breath.
I would be devastated to be the parent who found her child like that.
Don't think I'm saying that all of these types of bassinets are bad, though.
Most come equipped with a locking feature, which should alleviate possible fears of your infant rocking out onto the floor.
I definitely believe every parent or caregiver should be sure that whatever bassinet is chosen, it has the seal of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), a trade organization whose safety standards are higher than the federal government's standards.
Also, please remember to read the manual.
Every single bassinet is constructed differently and has a weight limit.
A larger baby may be more at risk than a smaller one because those extra pounds could cause a cradle to tumble.
Another great thing about rocking bassinets is that many brands are portable, a feature that will bring new parents delight.
If the model includes wheels, you easily can move from room to room and then put your little one in it for a nap.
Other types collapse into a flat position, so they can effortlessly be stored in a vehicle without taking up much space.
Do your research.
Inspect individual baby bassinets.
There's a significantly lowered chance your child will be injured or killed if you have done your homework.