Bassinet

Modern reproduction of a medieval cot and rattle, c. 1465

A bassinet, or bassinette is a bed specifically for babies from birth to about four months, and small enough to provide a "cocoon" that small babies find comforting.

Although there are many variations, they fall generally into two categories: light and portable types someties called "moses baskets", and sturdier but less portable cradles. In both cases they are generally designed to allow the resting baby to be carried from place to place to be close to it's mother. Within the home they are often raised on a stand or other surface to reduce back strain when bending over to tend the baby, and wheeled frames to convert a bassinet into a perambulator are common, (and in fact some will use the term bassinet for any sort of perambulator).

Once babies are able to roll over by themselves, at three or four month of age, it is no longer safe for the baby to be left in a bassinet as they could tip themselves out.

In a hospital environment, a special form of sealed bassinet is used in a neonatal intensive care unit.

See also

• Infant bed