October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, a good moment to talk about one of the biggest decisions new parents make: where their baby will sleep.
For the first months, many families choose a bassinet. It's small enough to keep beside your bed and cozy enough for a newborn. But not all sleep spaces are equal. Here's what to look for, and how to set it up safely.
This guide is for general information. Always follow your pediatrician's advice and your bassinet's own instructions.
Why a bassinet? Room sharing, explained
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in their parents' room, on a separate sleep surface, for at least the first six months. Room sharing can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%, and it makes night feeds and comforting much easier.
The AAP does not recommend bed sharing under any circumstances. A bassinet beside your bed gives you closeness without the risks.
What to look for in a safe bassinet
1. It meets federal safety standards
The AAP advises using a crib, bassinet or play yard that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Look for clear information from the brand about how their bassinet is tested and certified. If you can't find it, ask.
Every Design Dua bassinet is tested to the ASTM F2194-16e1 bassinet safety standard and undergoes lead testing by CPSC-approved laboratories.
2. A firm, flat, non-inclined surface
Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface with no incline.
3. A snug-fitting mattress
The mattress should fit tightly, with no gaps around the edges where a baby could get stuck. Use only the mattress made for that bassinet, never an extra pad or a substitute.
4. Stable, sturdy construction
The bassinet should sit level and steady, whether on the floor or on a stand designed for it. Check that the stand locks securely and doesn't wobble.
5. Clean, safe materials
Look for materials free from lead and harmful chemicals. Our bassinets are handwoven from natural elephant grass and are flame retardant, lead free and pesticide free, with organic options available.
6. Clear weight and age limits
Every bassinet has limits. Stop using it when your baby reaches the weight limit, or once they start to roll over or push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first. Then move them to a crib.
How to set up a safe sleep space
Even the safest bassinet only works when it's set up right. Follow these every time:
- Back to sleep, for every nap and every night
- Keep it bare. Fitted sheet only: no blankets, pillows, bumpers or soft toys
- Room share, don't bed share. Place the bassinet close to your bed
- Avoid overheating. Dress baby in light layers; a wearable sleep sack can replace a blanket
- Never add extras like padding, positioners or inclined inserts
It can feel tempting to make the bassinet look cozier. Resist it. For babies, bare is best.
Why parents choose Design Dua
We believe you shouldn't have to choose between safety and beauty. Every Design Dua bassinet is:
- US safety tested
- Flame retardant, lead free and pesticide free
- Handwoven from natural elephant grass by artisans in Upper East Ghana
- Designed with intention, with names from the Gurenɛ language, from the Bilia to the Signature
They're the only factory-made elephant grass baby products in West Africa, made to strict standards and made to be treasured.
Sources
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained — HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
- Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations — Pediatrics (AAP
