Baby bassinets, co-sleepers, cradles, and Moses baskets are the most popular baby crib alternatives. You can use them safely for the first 5 or 6 months depending on your baby size and motor skills developed during that period. The important thing is to follow closely manufacturer's directions and recommendations. Baby crib alternatives make a great spot for your baby for many hours each day, because infant's main activity will be sleeping and exploring while lying down. It is also very convenient for parents or caregiver, easy movable around the house, because of the light weight and sometimes wheels attached to it.
Baby bassinet, cradle, or co-sleeper are great accessories to build up the proper emotional bonding between the newborn and new parents, they give the opportunity to keep your infant close by. Another very important benefit, which helps newborns feel safer and secure in the smaller, cozy bassinet then in the big and airy crib.
Baby Boy Crib Bedding
While shopping for crib or bassinet always look for certified models. Certification is indicated by a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association- JPMA.
It is also a good idea to complete and mail in product registration cards so a company can contact you directly in the event of a recall. The most common defects in cribs or bassinets are:
- drop-side failures resulting from both hardware and crib design,
- slats and spindles could break too easily,
- the flaws create entrapment and suffocation hazards,
- faulty hardware, railings that are to low, posing a fall hazard
- mattress supports that leave a gap between the crib and the railing.
Staying up-to-date on recalls can help you to recognize unsafe products that can still be in circulation in stores and resale shops. Second hand, used cribs are not recommended!
There are many things to consider while looking for a perfect bed for your baby:
- If you are planning to have more children soon it is a good idea to buy a bassinet, co-sleeper or cradle or just a crib. That way you can use these products while your kids grow through stages. If you are planning to have one child, you may consider buying a crib that converts to a toddler, day, or full-size bed.
- Some bassinets convert into changing tables, many include pockets and storage underneath for diapers. Some even convert into toy boxes, useful when your child has outgrown the bassinet function.
- Some bassinets morph into cradles with a quick-release latch and retractable wheels.
- Some bassinets or co-sleepers have a handle so you can carry it around the house; some have wheels to easy roll the whole thing.
- Many models are enhanced with electronics: songs, soothing sounds, rotating toys, vibrating mattresses, night lights with timers.
- They come in different sizes and shapes from rectangular, oval to round. Some are equipped with canopies to block the light. Many of them can be a nice and convenient addition to your bedroom for a while.
When buying and using a bassinet, cradle or co-sleeper, always follow safety recommendations, size specifications, closely follow manufacturer's instructions when assembly needed, and stop using the product when your baby can roll over, push up on his hands and knees, or sit up by himself.
