Bassinet Buying Guide

You can use a cot from the day your baby is born. However, in the first months, you may find a bassinet a m ore convenient and comfortable sleeping place for your baby. A bassinet is a small, portable bed and is suitable for a baby until they are around 6 months old (or until your baby can sit up unassisted).

The benefit of a bassinet is that it can be easily moved from room to room, letting you keep a close watch on your sleeping baby. When you're ready to go to sleep, you can rest the bassinet alongside your bed, ideal for those late night feeds. Some bassinets can be attached to your bed and have drop down side panel for convenient feeding and comforting during the night, these are called co-sleepers.

What You Should Consider When Choosing A Bassinet

Bottom/Base

Make sure the bassinet has a sturdy bottom to hold your baby's weight and a wide base to prevent it from toppling over. Look for high-quality construction and stability.

Legs

If the stand folds, make sure its legs lock so the bassinet doesn't collapse unexpectedly. If it has wheels they should lock to prevent accidental rolling.

Wheels

If the bassinet features wheels, make sure they are lockable so the baby is safe when sleeping.

Height and Weight Specifications

The bassinet must be able to support your baby and carry their weight. Bassinets may look similar in size, however their height and weight capacity may vary greatly.

Standalone Bassinet or Co-Sleeper

Consider which will best suit your needs. A standalone bassinet can easily be moved from room to room, letting you keep a close watch on your sleeping baby. When you're ready to go to sleep, you can rest the bassinet alongside your bed, ideal for those late night feeds. A folding bassinet can be taken away on trips, giving your baby a familiar place to sleep. A co-sleeper can be securely attached to your bed with straps, and has a drop down side panel for convenient feeding and comforting during the night. It can also be used as a stand-alone bassinet with the side panel raised.

Ongoing Checks

Check the stand's screws and bolts often to make sure they are tight.

All bassinets and co-sleepers available at Farmers are certified for use in New Zealand and comply with current safety standards. Check with your local Plunket service if you have any safety concerns or require further advice.