Bassinet
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. In some parts of the more developed world, such as Australia, a bassinet is also the term for a baby bouncing device used to relax a baby when it is going to sleep.
In a hospital environment, a special form of sealed bassinet is used in a neonatal intensive care unit.
On many domestic and nearly all long distance flights, most airlines provide a bassinet (which is attached to a bulkhead) to adults travelling with an infant, i.e. a child under the age of two. The use of the bassinet is restricted by the infant's size and weight.[1][2]
Research has shown that the mattress influences SIDS outcomes; a firm mattress lowers SIDS risk.[3]
Stationary or portable
Although there are many variations, they fall generally into two categories:
- light and portable types sometimes called "Moses baskets", after the Jewish and the Biblical character Moses who as a baby was hidden in a basket
- 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 its 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 pram or baby carriage are common.
Infant bed
Once babies are able to roll over by themselves, at three or four months of age, it is no longer safe for the baby to be left in a bassinet as they could tip themselves out, so they must use an infant bed instead.
See also
References
- ^ Example of airline travel information regarding children and infants, Qantas
- ^ Picture of an airplane bassinet, Flickr
- ^ SIDS & Kids Statement on the use of second hand mattresses
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