Must-Have Bassinet Features When Shopping for Your Living Room
With its versatility and compact size, a bassinet can be the perfect solution for keeping baby close in your living room. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? The key is identifying the must-have features that allow a bassinet to seamlessly fit into your living room and keep baby comfortable and secure.
When evaluating bassinets for your living room, prioritize options with enhanced portability, space-saving design, and extras that make naptime easier. Focus on safety first, then look for convenience and style features that suit your needs. Here, we break down the most important features to look for when shopping for a living room bassinet.
Focus on Portability
One of the biggest perks of using a bassinet in your living room is having the flexibility to move it around easily. So portability should be a top priority when comparing different models.
Wheels for Rolling Around the Room
Wheels allow you to smoothly roll the bassinet to wherever you need it to be in the living room. Having the freedom to reposition the bassinet makes it easier to keep baby nearby, whether you're relaxing on the couch, prepping meals in the kitchen, or even working from home.
Lockable wheel brakes help keep the bassinet stable once placed. And wheel locks are a must for when baby is sleeping inside - no rolling around then! Wheels that pivot in all directions offer the most maneuverability around furniture.
Foldable or Collapsible Design
Many portable bassinets are designed to fold up into a more compact shape. This makes storing or transporting the bassinet much simpler when not in use.
Look for bassinets with an easy, one-handed fold mechanism. And check how compact the unit becomes when collapsed - more condensed sizes are better for tucking away.
Foldable frames allow bassinets to be taken on trips with you or stored out of sight. But they collapse quickly when you need a sleeping spot for baby in the living room.
Built-In Carry Handles
Bassinets meant for portability typically include built-in carry handles. These allow you to picks up and transfer the bassinet between rooms with ease.
Recessed handles blend seamlessly into the frame when not in use. But they provide a secure grip for lifting the bassinet as needed. Ergonomic handles make carrying more comfortable.
Handles combined with a lightweight design enable moving the bassinet wherever you want to go. This allows creating an ideal naptime spot for baby anywhere in your home.
Compact Size
One of the biggest advantages of a bassinet over a full-size crib is its petite footprint. Be sure to choose an option sized right for your living room's layout and available space.
Small Footprint
In general, bassinets are designed to take up minimal floor space. This compact size makes them a smart solution for fitting into tight living rooms.
But footprints can vary between models, so always check the product dimensions. Average bassinet lengths are around 40-50 inches long and 20-30 inches wide.
Compare footprints to find the right bassinet for your room. Even a few inches difference in width or length can impact fit.
Adjustable Canopy and Height Positions
Customizable features allow tailoring the bassinet to your living room. An adjustable canopy lets you control shade and airflow. Meanwhile, adjustable height positions enable positioning the bassinet at your preferred level.
Canopies that slide up and down or removable canopy covers allow modifying shade easily. And adjustable legs or frames let you tweak the height as needed.
Nesting Bassinets
For the ultimate space-saving design, look for "nesting" bassinets specifically made for small rooms. These compact, pod-like bassinets feature a completely self-contained shape with integrated frames and bedding.
Since everything nests within the base, they have an incredibly condensed footprint. Nesting bassinets can squeeze into tight spaces and maximise your living room real estate.
Prioritize Safety
While features like portability and size are key, safety should always be your top concern when choosing any sleep product for baby. Be sure to vet bassinets thoroughly for critical safety elements before purchasing.
Wide, Sturdy Base
A properly sized, weighted base prevents tipping and provides stability. Look for wide bases relative to the rest of the dimensions for optimal security. Materials like wood and metal ensure sturdiness.
Metal or wooden legs with flared feet improve stability even more. And crossbars between legs further strengthen the base.
Avoid any lightweight, poorly constructed bases that could easily tip. Your bassinet must provide a firm, steady foundation for napping.
Breathable Mesh Sides
Mesh fabric sides promote healthy airflow and make it easy to see baby while asleep. Breathability minimizes risks like overheating and rebreathing. Plus, the transparency keeps baby visible without disturbing them by opening the bassinet.
Alternatively, some transparent vinyl models allow visibility while still keeping drafts out. But sufficient airflow is essential either way.
Mesh is vastly safer than opaque sides, which can obstruct breathing and supervision.
JPMA Certification
Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal. This indicates rigorous safety testing to meet or exceed all applicable standards.
JPMA certification is voluntary, so only the safest baby products will take the extra steps to qualify. It designates compliance with safety regulations and bassinet guidelines.
The certification provides peace of mind that the product adheres to strict quality and safety benchmarks.
Consider Convenience Features
Once you've checked off the essentials like portability and safety, look for extras that make using a bassinet in your living room even more convenient.
Soothing Motions
Many bassinets now include built-in rocking or vibration features. Gentle motions help lull baby to sleep. Look for adjustable speed settings to find the perfect pace.
Other models allow sliding the bassinet bed itself to rock. Or some have detachable vibration units that can be turned on or off as needed.
Music, Sounds, and White Noise
Soothing sounds help create a calming environment for baby's naps. Look for bassinets that play lullabies, nature noises, or white noise.
MP3 plugin options let you play your own music too. Volume control, timers, and night lights provide more customization.
Extra sound and light features make it easier to set the stage for restful sleep.
Underneath Storage
Convenient storage built into the base means you can keep essentials within reach. Look for roomy baskets or compartments perfect for extra diapers, wipes, blankets, and more.
Just be sure stored items don't obscure visibility or pose tipping hazards.
Handy storage ensures necessities are nearby for easy diaper changes or swaddling.
Coordinate Styles with Your Living Room Decor
While function is most important, you can also choose a bassinet style that complements your living room's decor. Select neutral colors for versatility or vibrant hues that pop.
Soft grey works with almost any color palette and won't show stains. White cribs feel bright and airy. Wood finishes introduce natural warmth and match rustic decors.
Or make a bold statement with eye-catching colors and modern materials like rattan weaves. Any style is fine as long as safety basics are covered.
Blend form and function by picking a stylish bassinet suitable for your living room vibe.
Choosing a bassinet that seamlessly fits into your living room boils down to a few key features. Prioritize portable, compact models with ample safety protections. Then consider useful extras like storage, sounds, and motions based on your needs.
Focus first on identifying bassinets designed for mobility and small footprints. Safety is always the priority, so guaranteed sturdiness and breathability are must-haves.
You can make a convenient sleep space for baby in your home with the right bassinet. Carefully evaluate all of the features and options to find the perfect pick for your family.