It may seem that choosing a place for your infant to sleep is a given. After all, isn’t that what the crib you bought is for? The truth is that during the first few months of life, your baby will be calmer and sleep better if they are in a womb-like environment and closer to YOU. This is where a bassinet, cradle or baby Moses basket comes into play. Leave the big crib in the nursery and find one of the hundreds of adorable baby bassinets to keep your baby in close quarters. Many have traditional handles perfect for toting baby from one room to the next without waking them. And the best part is you can keep your baby in the bedroom with you so you will be sure you will hear every sound and sniffle your baby makes during the night.
According to experts, a baby basket or bassinet in the room WITH YOU is safer than bed-sharing. It will help you sleep soundly at night, as well, because you will feel more relaxed. If you are planning to breastfeed, getting to your baby quickly helps them ease back to sleep more efficiently (Which also means you can get back to sleep more quickly).
When looking for a baby basket or bassinet, the key is to find one that is both sturdy and easy to clean. Make sure that the mattress is removable and well-fitted, and that you can find tight fitting sheets for the mattress. Some of the baby baskets or bassinets have legs or wheels which mean that you can transport them around the house without waking the baby. Even though your baby will not be rolling over or moving much in the very beginning – you want to make sure the walls are high enough to provide safety to your baby. Keep in mind babies can use their reflexes to scoot their bodies around in sleep; so, you may notice your baby against the side of the bassinet after a short while (which is why you should be sure to never leave your baby unattended on an adult bed or couch.)
Certainly, you will need that beautiful crib in the nursery at some point. There will come a day in the next few months where the nursery will be alive with the sounds of a baby. What most new parents don’t realize, however, is that leaving the baby in the nursery, even with a baby monitor, causes a lot of stress and many trips up and down throughout the night, especially in the first few weeks after birth. If you haven’t had your shower yet, check out a bassinet or Moses basket, and put it on your list. Even though it will only be useful for a very short time, it will definitely make your life easier.
Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
