Do I really need a bassinet?

Safe sleeping
Having your baby sleep in your room (but not in your bed) for the first 6 to 12 months reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) according to Sids and Kids.

A bassinet is usually the most practical, space saving option for your bedroom.

Portability
There are lots of reasons why you may wish to move your baby’s bed around. If you have a large house, if you stay overnight at nanna's a lot, if you travel regularly. Or you may just like having your baby sleep close during the day.

A portable bassinet will allow you to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping place for your baby wherever you need it.

Ease of use
It is much easier to tend to a baby in a bassinet. They are higher so you don’t need to bend into a cot to tuck them in or comfort them.

Don’t underestimate how helpful this is to a new mum who has just gone through the ringer of giving birth.

Limited room
Obviously if you have limited space, a bassinet for the first six months is much more practical than a full sized cot.

Comfort
Your tiny new baby is used to being confined in a compact space and they look so small in a big cot. Sometimes you feel more comfortable putting your baby to bed in a smaller, more accessible place to sleep.

Important note
There are no Australian Safety Standards for bassinets so follow the Australian Government guidelines for safe sleeping:

• ensure your bassinet has a wide and stable base and sits on a stable floor
• remove all ribbon and ties to prevent strangulation
• the sides should be at least 300mm high measured from the mattress base
• use a firm mattress that is a snug fit and not thicker than 75mm

Providing a safe place to sleep for your baby is the number one priority. SIDS prevention is critical. See the Sids and Kids website for the latest information.