Making a baby’s bassinet more comfy is one of many things new parents worry about to ensure their newborns are comfortable and content. There are several safety factors associated with baby sleep comfort.
Have you ever wondered how to make a bassinet more comfortable?
Since your little one will be spending so much of their time there, the bed must be as comfortable as possible.
After all, a good night’s sleep is essential for healthy growth, development, and well-being.
However, providing safe sleep conditions is often easier said than done.
While there are many concerns to consider when it comes to a baby’s environment, including the temperature, humidity, breastfeeding, or swaddling, fewer things can be as crucial for that all-important good night’s sleep as the bassinet itself.
That’s right, the actual foundation itself. The mattress pad you place upon it is not what makes your baby so comfortable.
Instead, it’s what’s underneath the mattress that provides the ultimate foundation for comfort.
A bassinet is sometimes necessary if you have a newborn, as it allows for closer proximity to the child for feeding and other needs.
You can even use it as a temporary bed until the baby is older and can sleep in a crib or move the baby to another bedroom.
Review: Best Bassinet With Wheels
Why a Bassinet Is Good for Your Baby
Bassinets are an excellent choice for a baby’s first bed. Why is that? Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of using a bassinet:
- Small Size: Bassinets are generally smaller than cribs, making them perfect for rooms and living spaces with limited space.
- Safety: Most bassinets come with mesh sides that provide an added level of safety for your baby. Mesh sides allow for better air circulation and give you better visibility, so it’s easier to check on your little one during the night.
- Portability: Most bassinets have wheels or handles, allowing you to move them from room to room easily. Some models can also be folded up, making them easy to store when not being used.
- Extra Storage Space: Some bassinets come with handy storage space underneath, where you can keep things like diapers, wipes, and other essentials close by throughout the day and night.
- Easy Access: Bassinets are often placed right next to mom’s bed, providing easy access during those late-night feedings or quick diaper changes.
How to Make a Bassinet More Comfortable
Your baby will be spending a lot of time in their bassinet, so it’s essential to know how to make a bassinet more comfortable as possible.
With that said, here are some helpful tips you can follow:
1. Use a Fitted Sheet
Using a fitted sheet is considered the best way to keep your baby warm and snug in their bassinet.
This ensures the mattress stays in place and allows you to remove and clean the cover with ease.
Fitted sheets come in packs of two and are made by most baby brands.
2. Add a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector will help keep your baby’s mattress clean while they’re wearing nappies and can also reduce the risk of allergies by protecting against dust mites.
If you choose one that’s breathable, it will help keep your baby cool on hot nights, too.
3. Use a Good Quality Cotton Blanket Or Cellular Blanket
Your baby shouldn’t sleep under loose covers but under a firm blanket for extra warmth.
Cellular blankets are lightweight but warm, making them perfect for use in the warmer months.
Learn more from a related post: How To Clean a Bassinet
Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Bassinet
Aside from those tips mentioned above, you can check out these elements to make your baby more comfortable while in a bassinet.
- Check the firmness of your baby’s mattress. If it’s too soft, it can cause the baby to sink in and the sides of the bassinet to become too close to your child’s face. The mattress should fit snugly in the bassinet.
- Keep your baby’s head uncovered while sleeping to reduce the risk of suffocation or strangulation.
- Put your baby to sleep on her back, with her feet at the end of the bassinet or stroller. This prevents her from moving into a position that could obstruct her airway if she slides down under loose bedding or blankets.
- Don’t use soft objects such as pillows, quilts, or comforters in your baby’s bassinet, because they can suffocate them. Instead, use lightweight blankets specifically designed for infants and keep them away from your baby’s face.
- Let your little one sleep on his back for every sleep time naps and at night until he is one year old. You can place him in a bassinet that meets safety standards and is in good condition. Aside from that, keep soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, and loose bedding out of his sleep area.
How to Know Your Baby Is Uncomfortable in a Bassinet
After observing the above tips and guidelines, you should be sure that your baby had a nice sleep.
Here are things that you should watch out for:
A baby is pretty easy to figure out if they are unhappy with something. They will cry, make weird noises, fuss, and squirm around.
When babies are uncomfortable in their bassinet, they won’t sleep well.
They will be awake the whole time, and you won’t be able to comfort them through it.
If a baby is comfortable in their bassinet, they will sleep for long periods without fussing or crying.
A too-small bassinet can cause your child to feel uncomfortable and not want to sleep in it because of the tight space.
If your little one suddenly starts banging her legs or head against the sides of the bassinet, this can be a sign she is too cramped in the small bed.
A bassinet that is too large may cause your child to roll around and could potentially fall off the edge of the bed while sleeping.
Summary
Knowing how to make a bassinet comfortable for a baby is one of the simplest and best ways to show him you love him and care about his sleeping quality.
Any parent, who has ever spent the night in a chair by the bassinet, knows how important it is to have that peace of mind or even a place to sleep yourself.
In general, a bassinet should be a calm, comfortable space for your baby.
If you take the time to choose the right one and set it up correctly, you’ll have a pleasant place to tuck your infant into in the coming months.
As with most baby gear, make sure you know how to make a bassinet more comfortable for your family’s specific needs.
That way, you know it will last as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bassinets so uncomfortable?
It’s because they’re on wheels; they tend to shake a little when the wheels roll over an uneven surface.
If the bassinet is shaking while your baby is trying to sleep, they will wake up.
Can I put a blanket under the bassinet mattress?
The bassinet mattress should already be firm enough for your baby. So, if you add another layer, it might be too hard for your baby.
It is tempting to use the blanket to make the bassinet feel more comfortable, but it is a bad idea.
Is a bassinet comfortable for a baby?
Yes, a bassinet is comfortable for a baby. It’s soft and cozy, like a cradle.
It’s padded on every side, so there are no hard edges to bump into. There’s also enough room for the baby to stretch out and move around.
Nurse Practitioner at Venus Med Spa
