What is a rock and play bassinet? What are the benefits of having one? How to choose the best rock and play bassinet for your child? We have the answers you’re looking for.
Did you ever hear that old saying: “Babies grow in their sleep.“ ? Well, it is true! Having a good sleep at night or even a daily nap increases your baby’s growth. According to many studies, the growing effect of sleep also works when sleep patterns are irregular or changeable. So, it is very important to find a safe and comfortable place for our baby to sleep in. And grow. Besides baby beds, baskets and different types of cradles, there are also the bassinet. So let`s find out something about it!
What are rock and play bassinets?
Bassinet is another type of cradle specifically designed for babies from birth to about four months. They are generally created to work with fixed legs or casters, and typically have a basket-like structure on free-standing legs. Recent studies have shown that bassinet usage in the United States nearly doubled to 20% from 1992-2006. So it must be a good thing!
What are the benefits of having a bassinet?
Doesn’t Take Up Too Much Space
Your bedroom is not big enough for a crib, and you want to keep your baby close to you. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that newborns sleep in the same room as the parents, but in a separate sleeping space. Bassinet is something you can put next to you while you`re resting in your bedroom and make sure your baby is safe all the time.
It’s Portable
You need a compact, portable bed that you can move from room to room in order to keep baby close to your side during their earliest days after her birth.
It`s easy to use: This is really important if you`re recovering from a C-section delivery, or you just had a difficult birth. The sides of a regular crib are much higher than a bassinet, so putting your baby down and picking him up can be difficult. The sides of a bassinet are shorter than your arms, so you can put your baby down and pick her up easily without bending over.
It’s Perfect To Travel With
You plan to travel often? This way you can bring a crib for your baby anywhere you go. It`s light weighted and doesn`t take up much space in the car.
Price You Can’t Beat
If you currently don`t have enough money to buy a real crib, bassinet can be a perfect choice for you since it costs way less. Since you will use the bassinet only for a few months, you’ll still need to buy some kind of crib later, but that does allow you to spread out the cost of nursery furniture over time, instead of buying it all before your baby arrives.
How to choose the best rock and play bassinet for your child?
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the best choice. When buying a bassinet, you should look for:
Safety
The materials that come into contact with your baby’s skin and mouth can, unfortunately, present a real and present risk. Look for the natural fabrics without harmful chemicals or flame retardants. Also, a bassinet needs to have mesh walls, because this provides proper air-flow and safe breathing for your baby.
Good Mattress
The mattress should be firm and less than an inch thin. Also, look for mattresses that meet the CARB Phase 2 criteria: this assures that it emits an extremely low level of formaldehyde.
Cleaning
Always look for bassinets with removable linings: this means they`re machine washable and that will make your life so much easier.
Portability
Most of the bassinets available to buy are very portable, meaning they can easily break down or fold up for convenient transportation. But, keep in mind you also need your bassinet to be stable when you want your baby to sleep in peace.
Here are the top 5 rock and play bassinets, according to us!
Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet
Another great product from Fisher Price: their Rock`n`Play portable bassinet is perfect to keep your baby close to you, in the perfect portable sleep environment. A flat elevated sleeping surface and rocking motion will help your baby fall sleep easily. There is also the twist and lock option fort stationary use. This bassinet it’s lightweight and easily folds for portability from room-to-room or travel. Pad is machine washable and dryer safe. Maximum weight is 25 pounds.
Pros: Lightweight, portable, great for travel.
Cons: Limited rocking motion.
Check out the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet here.
Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
Handle the noise and anxiety of teething with this machine washable seat pad featuring adorable Sanrio Baby characters. This Fisher-Price infant-to-toddler rocker has a deep, cozy seat, reclining seat back, calming vibrations and more to make life easier on mom and baby.
Pros: Super portable, very calming for the newborns.
Cons: The quality of the frame is not the best.
Check out the Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker here.
Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing, Dual Motion Baby Swing
This Fisher Price bassinet is a great way to calm your newborn with toys, but it is also a safe place for sleep. The fabric is made of polyester, it is machine washable and very comfortable. The My Little Snugapuppy Deluxe Sleeper has a wonderful rocking action and calming vibrations. It features a plush puppy head support and a plush body insert to comfort baby. The frame rocks gently with a push from mom. The sides have breathable fabrics, and it is very portable and easy to bring along on visits or trips.
Pros: Lightweight, portable, very soft fabric and the rocking calms the baby.
Cons: The incline is too much for a newborn.
Check out the Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Swing, Dual Motion Baby Swing here.
Fisher-Price See and Soothe Deluxe Bouncer
The Fisher Price Deluxe Bouncer gives baby a great place to rest and play. It has a cozy, elevated seat that keeps baby in easy reach, and the bounce assist pedal allows for hands-free bouncing. The Fisher Price See & Soothe Deluxe Bouncer is the perfect spot for your infant.
Pros: Easy to set up and washable
Cons: Not as durable as most rockers
Check out the Fisher-Price See and Soothe Deluxe Bouncer here.
Fisher-Price Fawn Meadows Deluxe Bouncer
With Fisher Price Deluxe Newborn Rocker you get a nighttime sleeper & playtime seat in one. It is made of good quality, soft fabric and breathable mesh on the sides. Both are easy to clean and machine washable. It also includes a rocking option and calming vibrations that will sooth the baby. It is very easy to assemble and fold, great for traveling and storage. Includes a linkable clacker toy that your baby will love.
Pros: Very comfortable and calming, easy to move around.
Cons: Not the best material.
Check out the Fisher-Price Fawn Meadows Deluxe Bouncer here.
Hopefully this article helps you choose the right rock and play bassinet for your needs. We’ve tried to outline the benefits and how to choose the right rock and play bassinet.
