If they don't comply, the product can be recalled from the market under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. There are also American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary safety standards for full-size cribs, which most manufacturers also use as a guideline.
Bassinets and cradles are subject to an ASTM voluntary safety standard (juvenile products that don't comply with a voluntary standard can be recalled if the Consumer Product Safety Commission considers them a safety hazard), but are not subject to any mandatory federal safety standards. That's why we advocate full-size cribs over bassinets and cradles, which are the products we'll focus on in this report. Bassinet manufacturers can voluntarily comply with ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for bassinets (indicated by a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA certification logo on the package), but they are not required to do so. JPMA certification on a bassinet can offer a layer of protection that uncertified models cannot.
A bassinet is a compact baby bed made of fabric, wicker, or woven wooden splints; some come with wheels and can usually be moved easily from room to room. Many have a rigid hood that can be attached on one end to block light.
Cradles are bassinets that rock from side to side. Both types of baby beds take up little space. As we mentioned in Cribs, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sharing a room, not a bed, with your baby for his first six months. A full-size crib could go in your bedroom initially, but if you're short on space, a bassinet or cradle (some do double duty) is your next best bet. A bouncer seat, a swing, or a play yard with a bassinet insert are acceptable for an impromptu snooze, provided none has any loose fabric, which is a suffocation hazard. Don't add loose fabric, such as a blanket, comforter, or any type of pillow or stuffed animal.
A co-sleeper is an infant bed that fits into or attaches to an adult bed. Because safety standards for co-sleepers haven't been established, the AAP doesn't recommend them, and we don't either. Since there are no safety standards for Moses baskets—a basket with a bottom pad and puffy fabric sides with handles, designed so you can easily tote your baby from room to room—we don't recommend Moses baskets either.
In the absence of any safety standards for co-sleepers, the ASTM International has recently agreed to develop co-sleeper or
"bedside" sleeper standards after being lobbied by Consumers Union. In the meantime, co-sleepers on the market are not required
to meet any standards, and are consequently an "unregulated" product. Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, recommends against the use and purchase of co-sleepers until a safety standard is developed.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal. Bassinets have had some safety issues—rough, sharp inside edges and soft sides that can trap a baby. (The soft, thin mattress found in most models is designed to reduce the hazard of suffocation.) The hinged legs on folding bassinets have been known to give way accidentally. Fortunately, safety standards were updated by ASTM in 2006, and are the basis of JPMA certification, which signals that a product meets those voluntary safety standards. Buy new and look for the following manufacturers, which carry the JPMA certification seal: Amby Baby, Kolcraft, Scandinavian Child, Simplicity for Children, and The First Years.
If you opt for a cradle, go with one that barely rocks. Cradles with a pronounced rocking motion can press a tiny baby against the side of the unit, which can pose a safety hazard. Look for a model with a frame suspended on hooks, or with locking hardware to stabilize the rocking motion so the cradle won't tilt too much.
Consider a bassinet or cradle as only a quick fix. Once your baby begins to push up on his hands and knees or reaches the manufacturer's maximum weight (usually 15 to 18 pounds,
but sometimes as high as 25 pounds), whichever comes first, it's time to move him to a crib. Although you won't believe it
when you bring your baby home, he'll soon be busting out of his bassinet; some babies run out of leg and headroom in just
three quick months. So factor that into your budget and buying decision.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands of bassinets and cradles are, in alphabetical order: Amby Baby (www.ambybaby.com), Badger Basket (www.badger basket.com), Eddie Bauer (www.djgusa.com), Kolcraft (www.kolcraft.com), Posh Tots (www.poshtots.com), Scandinavian Child (www.scichild.com), Simplicity for Children (www.simplicityforchildren.com), and The First Years (www.thefirstyears.com). Prices range from $40 for basic bassinets to $800 (and more) for custom-made deluxe bassinets decked out with elegant, flowing bed skirts and decorative ruffles and bows, or intricate wooden or ornate iron cradles. In general, you'll find a lot to choose from in the basic to slightly upgraded range—$70 to $175.
The hammock cradle, also known as a motion bed, by Amby Baby ($238), which is certified by JPMA, can be used for babies up
to 25 pounds. Its angled, slightly upright sleeping position is designed to help babies suffering from colic and reflux.
RECOMMENDATIONS
First, decide whether or not you truly need a bassinet or cradle. If the crib you've selected fits in your bedroom, consider having your baby sleep in that from day one, then shift the crib into the nursery when your baby is 6 months old or so. If you do want a bassinet or cradle, consider how you'll use it and how portable you'll need it to be. If you just want a place for your baby to sleep nearby at night, buy a basic model, preferably one that's JPMA certified. (View other bassinets and cradles with some caution. Most likely they're also in compliance with the voluntary safety standard, but unless they've been officially JPMA certified, you can't be sure.)
Look for a model with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base. There should be no sharp points or edges on the inside or outside, or small parts that could be a choking hazard. If the bassinet or cradle is made of wood, it should be free of splinters. Check any folding mechanisms. If the legs or frame collapse for storage, make sure they lock into place when the unit is set up. Make sure the mattress and padding are smooth and extra firm, and fit snugly. The mattress pad should be no more than 1½ inches thick.
Use only a fitted sheet provided by the manufacturer or one specifically designed to fit the dimension of the mattress. Buy at least three fitted sheets so you have one to use, one for the wash, and one as a backup. Don't use a pillowcase or another size sheet as a substitute. If you need any parts, get them from the same company that made the cradle or bassinet. To order, check the instruction manual.
Abide by the manufacturer's weight and size specifications and stop using the product when it's time. There are usually warnings on the product, sometimes a lot of them. A note about assembly: Some bassinets have as many as 13 parts, and you may need a Phillips screwdriver and a good half hour to put the puzzle together. Bassinets and cradles have a short life span. If budget is a consideration, it doesn't make sense to splurge on this item. Cradles and bassinets, especially those embellished with a flowing skirt and bows, can pull on your heartstrings but dent your pocketbook. Such window dressing is nice, but definitely not necessary.
