To buy… or not to buy? - Part 1: The Bassinette

Part 1: The Bassinette

By: Amanda

Jephtha

Amanda and her son Lex

With so many products and choices to choose

from, it can be difficult to decide what you really do and don’t need

to buy. Amanda Jephtha from Planning

for Babe writes this objective series to help you decide - with confidence.

From the frou-frou, flouncy bassinettes from the

80s, to the contemporary teepee inspired suspended cradles, bassinettes

can be as different as chalk and cheese. But do you actually need one?

Bassinettes are used for a relatively short period

of time; about 3-6 months, depending on the size of the baby and the

bassinette. Due to their small size, they can be moved easily around

the house, for both sleep and play time. Bassinettes suspended from

the ceiling are designed with mobility in mind; anchor points can be

installed in key locations (inside, outside or at mum’s), so

no matter where you are, your baby can sleep and play in a familiar

environment.

Your baby can be placed directly into a cot from

birth, saving you the added expense of a bassinette. Many babies, though,

find the open space of a cot overwhelming compared to the confines of

the womb, and may find sleeping difficult. A bassinette is a great option

for these babies, as it provides the cocooning effect - just like your

belly.

But how will you transition your baby from the bassinette

to the cot with minimal disruption? Will your baby be a creature of

habit and protest at the relocation? Should you just place your baby

in the cot from the start to save the potential hassle?

One option is to place the cot in the exact same

position as the bassinette. Once your baby has settled into the cot,

move the cot into its proper location; the key is to change one thing

at a time. If this isn’t possible, simply reverse the sequence. Move

the bassinette into the cot’s position until your baby is familiar with

the new surroundings, then make the transition into the cot.

And what will you do with the bassinette once your

baby has moved into the cot? Will it end up in the depths of the garage,

along with all the other baby paraphernalia? Will the bassinette be

just another expense to add to the evergrowing collection?

If space (both in the house during its use and later

during storage) is a problem, you can buy a bassinette which sits inside

the cot, suspended by the cot’s rails to allow for gentle motion. You

can adjust this type of bassinette to tilt on an angle, which is particularly

handy for windy babies. They also take up much less space once dismantled

compared to a full bassinette.

Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and

will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the

judge!

About The Author - Amanda Jephtha is the successful

owner of unique business Planning for Babe www.planningforbabe.com.au - exclusive baby planners.

Amanda’s expertise and friendly approach makes buying for your baby a pleasurable (rather than an overwhelming!) experience. Matching the perfect products to your individual lifestyle, Amanda makes sure you buy the right products first time around.

Check out her blog for her tips and insights.

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