How Close Should Bassinet Be to Bed for Safe Infant Sleep?
When it comes to the safety and well-being of our little ones, every parent wants to make sure they are doing everything right.
So, when it comes to choosing the perfect spot for your baby’s bassinet, how close should it be to your bed?
Experts say it’s not just about convenience, but also about ensuring the utmost safety for your precious bundle of joy.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the recommended distance between the bassinet and the bed.
Get ready to make an informed choice that will provide the perfect balance of closeness and safety for your baby.
how close should bassinet be to bed
The bassinet should be placed at least 1 foot away from the bed to ensure infant safety and minimize the risk of suffocation.
It should be positioned away from windows, cords, and other hazardous objects.
Personal experience suggests a distance of around 2 feet between the bassinet and the bed allows for easy movement and prevents knocking over the bassinet.
The bassinet should not be placed near a window or air conditioner to avoid discomfort from direct heat, cold, or sunlight.
Key Points:
- Bassinet should be placed at least 1 foot away from the bed for infant safety and to prevent suffocation.
- It should be positioned away from windows, cords, and other hazards.
- Personal experience recommends a distance of around 2 feet between the bassinet and the bed for easy movement and to avoid knocking it over.
- Avoid placing the bassinet near a window or air conditioner to prevent discomfort from direct heat, cold, or sunlight.
Check this out:
💡 Did You Know?
1. Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing the bassinet within arm’s reach of the parent’s bed? This proximity allows for easy access during nighttime feedings and provides the safest sleeping environment for your baby.
2. In Scandinavian countries like Finland, it is common practice for parents to place their newborns to sleep in cardboard boxes instead of bassinets. This tradition, known as the “baby box,” aims to promote safe sleep practices and has been credited with significantly reducing infant mortality rates.
3. The optimal distance between the bassinet and the parent’s bed may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and preferences. However, experts generally advise against directly attaching the bassinet to the bed, as it increases the risk of accidental suffocation or entrapment.
4. Research has shown that having the bassinet positioned at a similar height to the parent’s mattress can be beneficial in promoting bonding and facilitating easy access for breastfeeding. Adjustable bassinets or the use of bed risers can help achieve this desired alignment.
5. For parents who choose to use a bassinet with motion features, such as rocking or swaying, it is essential to ensure that the bassinet is securely placed and cannot move or tip over. Regularly inspecting the stability of the bassinet can help prevent accidents and create a safe sleeping environment for your little one.
Recommended Distance For Bassinet Placement
Experts recommend placing a bassinet at least 1 foot away from the bed to ensure infant safety and minimize the risk of suffocation. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping the bassinet close enough to easily reach, but far enough away to prevent suffocation or other dangers. Personal experience suggests a distance of around 2 feet between the bassinet and the bed allows for easy movement and prevents knocking over the bassinet.
- Bassinet should be placed at least 1 foot away from the bed
- Keep the bassinet close enough to easily reach, but far enough to prevent suffocation
- Recommended distance is around 2 feet between bassinet and bed.
Avoiding Hazards Around The Bassinet
The bassinet should be positioned away from windows, cords, and other hazardous objects. It should not be placed near a window to avoid discomfort from direct heat, cold, or sunlight. Avoid placing the bassinet directly in front of an air conditioner to prevent direct wind blowing on the baby. It is advised to keep a fan several feet away from the bassinet to prevent direct wind blowing up the baby’s nose, causing dryness and difficulty breathing. There should be nothing blocking the way between the bed and bassinet to ensure easy access in case of quick movement.
Ideal Conditions For Bassinet Placement
It is suggested to keep the bassinet near a closet for easy access to diapers and clothes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the bassinet close enough for easy reach, but far enough to avoid suffocation or other dangers. They also recommend that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Cribs are the most traditional choice for a baby to sleep in, as federal guidelines regulate all modern cribs and they can be used for the child’s entire first year. However, bassinets are an alternative option for parents who want their baby to be close to them while they sleep, but they should be placed at least one foot away from anything else in the bedroom, including the parent’s bed.
–Keep the bassinet near a closet for easy access to diapers and clothes.
–Bassinets should be placed at least one foot away from anything else in the bedroom, including the parent’s bed.
–Cribs are the most traditional choice, regulated by federal guidelines and can be used for the child’s first year.
–Newborns should sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Safety Guidelines For Bedside Co-Sleepers
Attaching a bassinet to a bed is not advised by the AAP. The article provides recommendations for safe bedside co-sleepers for newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not advise co-sleeping in the same bed due to the increased risk of SIDS. There are no Consumer Safety Product standards for in-bed sleepers. In-bed co-sleepers, mattresses, or sheets not specifically recommended for your co-sleeper, and positioners or other devices meant to alter the way your baby lies on the mattress are to be avoided. The article suggests some top picks for safe bedside co-sleepers.
- Attaching a bassinet to a bed is not advised
- Safe bedside co-sleepers for newborns are recommended
- Co-sleeping in the same bed increases the risk of SIDS
- There are no Consumer Safety Product standards for in-bed sleepers
- Avoid using mattresses, sheets, or positioners not specifically recommended for your co-sleeper
“The American Academy of Pediatrics does not advise co-sleeping in the same bed due to the increased risk of SIDS.”
- Top picks for safe bedside co-sleepers:
Ensuring Safe Sleep In Play Yards
Play Yards are considered an alternative to a crib in the bedroom and a safe sleep surface for infants. They are subjected to safety standards, making them an extremely safe option for room-sharing. When purchasing a play yard, it is recommended to look for models made in 2013 or newer and check for any signs of wear and tear. To ensure safety, it is important to avoid using thick mattresses, loose bedding, bumper pads, toys, or blankets in a play yard.
Important Information:
- Play Yards are a safe choice for sleep and room-sharing.
- Look for play yards made in 2013 or newer to ensure safety.
- Check for any wear and tear before using a play yard.
- Avoid using thick mattresses, loose bedding, bumper pads, toys, or blankets in a play yard.
Tip: Always prioritize safety when choosing and using a play yard.
That being said, the top pick for a play yard is the Graco Pack n Play.
Top Pick:
- Graco Pack n Play
Important Considerations For Baby Sleep Safety
A playpen can be used as a crib as long as the baby sleeps on their back with no bedding. A newer cradle with a locking arm is recommended to prevent unintentional rolling over. Older cradles, soft crib mattresses, or soft bedding should be avoided. Rocking sleepers, seats, and car seats should be avoided for longer stretches of sleep, although they can be used temporarily. Pacifier use and breastfeeding are said to reduce the risk of SIDS. The baby’s room temperature should be kept at around 68 degrees, and safely swaddling the baby is recommended for better sleep. Swaddling should be stopped by 8 weeks old or when the baby shows signs of rolling. It is recommended to choose baby products approved by organizations such as the CPSC, ASTM International, or JPMA. Parents should consider the height of the baby’s sleeper if they are having a C-Section, as bending low may be difficult. If bringing the baby into bed to feed during the night, they should be returned to their sleep place before falling back asleep. Always place the baby on their back to sleep. Once the baby can roll over independently, there is no need to flip them back onto their back if they roll over while sleeping. Sleep positioners, crib bumpers, blankets, and soft animals should be avoided as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Moses Baskets with soft bedding and sides should only be used for photo opportunities. Broken or missing parts in cribs, bassinets, chairs, or other devices should not be used. Mattresses should have no more than two fingers width between the sleeper’s side and the mattress. Mobiles should be removed from above the crib once the baby is able to sit up as they could be pulled down. Cribs should not be placed near windows, cords or blinds, or furniture with objects that the baby may pull down onto themselves. Having a sleep schedule is important for both the baby and parents.
- Use a newer cradle with a locking arm
- Avoid older cradles, soft crib mattresses, or soft bedding
- Avoid rocking sleepers, seats, and car seats for longer stretches of sleep
- Consider pacifier use and breastfeeding to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Maintain the baby’s room temperature at around 68 degrees
- Safely swaddle the baby for better sleep
- Choose baby products approved by organizations such as the CPSC, ASTM International, or JPMA
- Consider the height of the baby’s sleeper if having a C-Section
- Return the baby to their sleep place before falling back asleep if bringing them into bed to feed at night
- Always place the baby on their back to sleep
- Once the baby can roll over independently, no need to flip them back onto their back if they roll over while sleeping
- Avoid sleep positioners, crib bumpers, blankets, and soft animals
- Use Moses Baskets with soft bedding and sides only for photo opportunities
- Avoid using broken or missing parts in cribs, bassinets, chairs, or other devices
- Ensure mattresses have no more than two fingers width between the sleeper’s side and the mattress
- Remove mobiles from above the crib once the baby is able to sit up
- Avoid placing cribs near windows, cords or blinds, or furniture with objects that the baby may pull down onto themselves
- Establish a sleep schedule for both the baby and parents
FAQ
Where should I put the bassinet in my room?
The ideal location to place the bassinet in your room is next to your bed. Following the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), room sharing has been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%. By having your baby’s sleeping space within close proximity, you will find it more convenient to attend to their needs such as feeding and comforting, while also providing you peace of mind as you can keep a watchful eye on your little one.
How long should babies sleep in bassinet next to bed?
For optimal safety and comfort, babies should sleep in a bassinet next to the bed for approximately 4-6 months. This time frame is recommended by experts, taking into consideration the developmental milestones of babies and the specific safety guidelines provided by the bassinet manufacturer. It is important to regularly check the height and weight restrictions specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the baby is still within the safe limits. Once the baby outgrows the bassinet or is able to roll over independently, it is generally recommended to transition them to a crib to provide them with a more spacious and secure sleeping environment.
How far should bassinet be from wall?
It is recommended to place the bassinet at a distance of one foot from the walls and furniture to ensure the baby’s safety. This distance allows for proper airflow and reduces the risk of the baby getting entangled in cords or objects near the bassinet. Additionally, it is important to cover the bassinet mattress with a snug-fitting crib sheet with elastic corners and avoid using any additional bedding to prevent suffocation hazards.
When can I move my baby from bedside bassinet to crib?
As your baby reaches the six-month mark, you may start considering when to transition them from a bedside bassinet to a crib. However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. While the general guideline suggests around six months, it is essential to consider your baby’s development milestones, such as sitting up and rolling over. If your baby has not yet reached these milestones, it might be safer and more comfortable for them to remain in the bassinet a little longer. Additionally, you should also factor in the overall quality of sleep for both you and your baby in the same room, as this can influence your decision.
