Practical Wicker Bassinet for New Babies

It is often safer for newborn babies to sleep in a wicker bassinet rather than in a crib. The small size and portability of a bassinet allows the baby to sleep in the room with its parents and helps them respond quickly to the needs of their new family member.

When fitting a mattress to the bassinet, make sure it fits snugly in the base of the bassinet. If you can fit more than two fingers between the side of the bassinet and the mattress, then a larger mattress is needed. A wide gap between the mattress and the bassinet must be avoided to eliminate the danger of suffocation. Don't use soft, fluffy pillows as a substitute for a bassinet pad or mattress for the same reason.  Make sure the edges of the wicker bassinet are smooth so that the baby does not get cut or scratched. If the bassinet has wheels, they should be locked when baby is on board.

The wicker bassinet should only be used for newborns up to six months old. Once the baby starts to roll over and push up it is time for him or her to be transitioned to a crib. Some parents question the feasibility of using a bassinet for only a short period of time. The small enclosure of the bassinet often helps calm new babies as the small space provides a sense of security to them.