I am not going to enter into the debate over whether a bassinet is a necessary purchase. I know I REALLY loved having one next to MY bed for the first three months after both of my babies were born. I also think they benefited from the intimate feel of being in a bassinet. Both of my children used this bassinet until they were about 4 months old; that is when their fingers reached the sides when their arms were extended out (for some reason they both liked to sleep on their backs with their arms shot straight out). They definitely could have stayed in it longer, but I found that when their fingers touched the sides of the bassinet, they tended to wake up… and we all know “A rested baby is a happy one” . . . and a rested baby means a happy mother as well.
Dimensions.
The “tub” portion of the bassinet is 3 feet long and about 15 inches wide at the bottom (21 inches width from the top). This bassinet is approximately 9 inches deep and is 28 inches tall.
~ What I like about it. ~
• Will Become a Family Heirloom.
First of all I was lucky enough NOT to have to purchase mine (so I can’t tell you what the price is, and the link to the manufacturer didn’t work for me). What made our bassinet even more special was the fact that all of my nieces and nephews have used it. This bassinet is DEFINITELY family heirloom quality. It’s made out of a classic-looking, sturdy white whicker that is sure to blend into any style décor. It is also built to last. The white paint is a little chipped in places, but that seems to be a repair that would be minor to make if needed.
• Easy.
That’s easy to use, find sheets for and to clean. To use the bassinet all you have to do is pull out and secure the legs, place a sheet on the mattress, and it is ready to greet the newest addition to your family. When shopping for sheets look for the “Jumbo” or large bassinet sheets. We used ones made by Carters, which can be found in ToysRUs. When not in use you simply fold up the legs so it resembles a tub. I like to place mine in a large plastic leaf bag, sealed with packing tape, before storing it in our basement. All fabrics are easy to remove and are machine washable and can be machine dried as well.
• Removable Mattress.
The vinyl-covered mattress is approximately two-inches thick. This mattress is easy to remove which is great because that means you are able to raise it should your infant catch a cold. To elevate slightly simply lift one side and place a few folded receiving blankets underneath the mattress. If you need to clean the mattress, simply wipe clean with an antibacterial wipe, allow to dry, then replace the sheet.
• Removable Canopy.
Personally I never cared for the canopy and never used it. We removed and stored it (wrapped up in a plastic leaf bag) in our basement. When it’s time to loan the bassinet to the next set of expectant parents the canopy will be easy to reattach.
~ One Word of Caution. ~
Any time you move this bassinet make sure you check the leg locks for secure positioning! We moved our bassinet nightly (into our computer room then back into the bedroom). One night before placing our baby in the bassinet I noticed that one of the leg locks was slightly bent. As long as those leg locks are in place the bassinet is secure.
~ Do I recommend this Bassinet?
Truth be told I am not sure what brand of bassinet I have or how much it cost because ours has been “in the family” for at least eight years. I looked through all of the bassinets Epinions has listed and this picture and description fits mine the best. What I recommend you do is to really examine all of the jumbo-sized bassinets before you buy one. I don’t think you need one that vibrates or that plays music. The most important feature here is that it be “jumbo-sized” so your baby can become familiar and secure in their first bed (those little ones must have a life-span of about 4 weeks tops). You will also want to check to make sure the legs have some sort of safety locking system.
My bassinet has made six newborns, ranging in weights from 5 lbs 3 oz to almost 9 lbs, more secure during their first few months of life…. And equally as important, helped 3 new moms feel more at ease during that time too. It is still in excellent condition and ready for the next newborn baby. Will it be mine or my daughter’s one day in the far off future?
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