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Bassinet
By Peter Redmon
To parents who are bringing home from the hospital that new bundle
of joy, few products are more useful than the baby bassinet. As parents
seek to integrate this new child into the everyday and every night routine
of the family, observation of the child is of paramount importance.
Convenience becomes the order of the day. The bassinet fills this need
with its mobility and by keeping the child at eye level and within arms
length, be it in the bedroom, kitchen, family room, upstairs or downstairs.
Since babies seem to sleep more soundly in a small space for those first
few weeks, the bassinet is an ideal choice. Relatively inexpensive,
the bassinet can be used with each new child and often becomes an heirloom
that is passed down to subsequent generations. Of course, proud parents
wish to display the baby and since there are many eyelet, lace and satin
gowns available for the bassinet, it becomes the perfect showcase when
friends come to visit. American manufacturers supply two basic sizes:
standard and jumbo. They will accommodate the baby for approximately
three months; the child is then ready for a crib.
Tips When Purchasing
There are no federal standards for the bassinet; therefore, when shopping
for one it is necessary to use good common sense and oneÕs own judgement
in making the choice. Many models are available from both domestic and
foreign manufacturers, but the basic elements to consider are the same
regardless of country of origin and obviously they center around safety.
Following are the major questions to answer when shopping for a bassinet:
- Are the legs or base securely attached to the upper body, and does
the unit have stability?
- Are the legs or base supported by metal braces that are securely
riveted in place?
- Do all folding braces have a safety mechanism that keeps the unit
from accidentally folding?
- Is the unit free from sharp protrusions or edges that could harm
the baby or another child?
- Does the mattress pad fit the bassinet properly so that there are
no large voids around the edge?
- Is the manufacturer or supplier known in this country, and does
it stand behind the product?
Certainly there are other considerations including color and style,
oneÕs own taste, and cost. The most popular price range is $39.95 to
$79.95. Also, decorative dressing can add as much to the cost as the
bassinet itself.
Setup and Safety
Once the purchase is made and the bassinet is brought home, it is first
important to save the carton for future storage. Next, an inspection
should be made to the base of the unit for any damage that may have
occurred during shipment, and the casters should be checked to see if
they pivot and roll freely. Bassinets are on casters so that they can
be conveniently moved from room to room. Furthermore, most have legs
or stands that can be folded for transportation upstairs or to grandmotherÕs
house. Caution: Babies should never be left in the bassinet during transportation
by car or even from room to room. When setting the bassinet up, extend
the legs or stand into the full open position, and slide the safety
lock on each brace into place. The hood should always be used to shield
the child from harsh light or drafts, and it adds to the cuddly atmosphere
of the product. Bassinets should not be used as a changing station,
but should be kept as a clean, dry place to sleep. Before use, the mattress
pad should be covered with a sheet. Nothing else should be allowed in
with the baby such as extra blankets, pillows, or toys which may contribute
to suffocation. Parental responsibility and supervision of other children
who may want to climb or look into the bassinet is very important. It
is worth repeating that the baby must always be removed when the bassinet
is rolled or transported from one location to another.
Peter
Redmon is the President of W.C. Redmon Company. |
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