The arrival of a new baby is an exciting and joyous time for a family. It can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out the best way to keep your little one safe and comfortable. One important decision that new parents must make is whether to use a bassinet for their newborn. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using a bassinet for your newborn, including what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, what doctors recommend, and safe sleep tips from Arm’s Reach®.
About the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper
The Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® baby bassinet is a unique creation that began with a mother and father’s need for a safe sleeping environment for their baby. They, like many parents, had rediscovered the benefits of co-sleeping with their infants - increased bonding, ease of feeding and a greater sense of closeness - yet were concerned modern beds weren’t appropriate for a baby’s space. They solved this problem by placing the child at the side of the bed - literally within arm’s reach! Their result is a wonderful series of bassinets that keep babies close to their parents during the important early months of development.
Recommendations from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, for at least the first six months of life. This is because sleeping in the same room as your baby can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by as much as 50%. A baby bassinet is the perfect solution for keeping your little one close by while still providing a safe and separate sleeping space.
Doctors also recommend using a baby bassinet for the first few months of a baby's life. The small size and portability of a bassinet make it easy to keep your baby close to you, whether you are in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Newborn
In terms of safety, baby bassinets are designed to meet strict safety standards. They must pass rigorous testing to ensure that they meet or exceed safety guidelines set forth by organizations such as the AAP and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This includes testing for things like stability, strength, and the ability to withstand a certain amount of weight. Additionally, baby bassinets are typically equipped with locking mechanisms that keep the sides securely in place, ensuring that your baby cannot roll out or become trapped.
When it comes to safe sleep tips, the AAP recommends always placing your baby on their back to sleep, regardless of whether they are in a bassinet or a crib. This is because babies who sleep on their backs are at a lower risk of SIDS. Additionally, make sure that the bassinet has a firm and tight-fitting mattress and that the crib sheet fits snugly. This can help to prevent your baby from becoming trapped or suffocating.
It's also important to keep the bassinet in a safe place, away from any potential hazards such as windows or doorways. Additionally, avoid placing anything in the bassinet with your baby, such as pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals, as these can increase the risk of suffocation.
Finding the Best Bassinet for Your Baby
Depending on the size of the space where you live and the decor of your room, there are six options from Arm’s Reach that will meet your needs for finding the best bassinet for your baby.
Here are a few of the best selling bassinets from Arm’s Reach:
- The Clear-Vue™ Co-Sleeper® enables parents to reach over and draw your baby close for feeding, comforting and bonding. The innovative design has built in leg extensions to adjust to varying bed heights, and four castor wheels for easy mobility around the house. This bassinet also has the convenience of a large attached storage basket.
- The Cambria Co-Sleeper® bedside bassinet is an elegant bassinet choice featuring beautifully curved wooden ends. This bassinet has mesh sides making for great visibility and airflow.
- Designed to be adjustable in height, the Versatile™ fits all types of beds and is ideal for small spaces.
Key Highlights of What You Need to Know
Using a baby bassinet for your newborn can provide many benefits for both parents and babies. The AAP recommends using a baby bassinet for the first six months of a baby's life and pediatricians such as Dr. William Sears also recommend it. Arm’s Reach bassinets are designed to meet strict safety standards and provide a safe and separate sleeping space for a newborn. Always follow safe sleep guidelines and keep the bassinet in a safe place, away from any potential hazards. A baby bassinet can be a great way to keep your baby close and make sure they are comfortable, while also giving you peace of mind and supporting this wonderful bonding experience.