Bassinets

There are no safety or design standards for this equipment.

A bassinet is really useful for the first three or so months of new baby being home. Choosing a style that is sturdy, height adjustable and safely mobile will optimise its use and the ergonomic efficiency for the carer, particularly the new mum. A bassinet requires minimal space and can take position next to mum wherever she is resting or working in the house.

If you can find a bassinet that has an adjustable height, it can be lowered for easy reach to baby while lying in bed and then elevate the height for upright stance, limiting bending forward to lift and lower baby. Bear in mind that the bassinet is only going to be used for as long as baby fits comfortably within the space and has minimal mobility. It’s worth thinking about the design versatility for future usage.

Safety points
to remember

  1. No design standard for this equipment so it is buyer/user beware.

  2. Choose something that is sturdy, mobile and height adjustable.

  3. For baby’s safety ensure that airflow through the sides of the bassinet is not compromised

  4. Castors must be lockable

Ergonomic points
to remember

  1. This is fundamentally neonatal care equipment, which means that mum’s body is very much in recovery mode; bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, weight bearing activities should be gentle and effortless.

  2. When in bed, align the height of the bassinet with the height of the bed; this will allow easy access to baby while mum is resting.

  3. Castors are important so the bassinet can be easily moved around the house.

  4. Adequate foot and knee space allows close torso positioning when lifting and lowering baby.

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