Nothing matters more than your baby's safety, especially during sleep. Bassinets provide a cosy, convenient sleep space for newborns, but using them safely requires understanding the essential guidelines that protect your little one. This comprehensive guide covers everything Australian parents need to know about bassinet safety, from choosing the right product to daily use practices.
Understanding Australian Safety Standards
In Australia, bassinets and cradles must comply with the mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 2195. This standard sets specific requirements for structural integrity, mattress firmness, breathability, and stability that all products sold in Australia must meet. When shopping for a bassinet, look for products that clearly state compliance with this standard on their packaging or documentation.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) actively monitors baby sleep products and issues recalls when safety concerns arise. We recommend registering your bassinet with the manufacturer if an option exists, and periodically checking the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website for any recall notices related to your product.
Never use a second-hand bassinet without thoroughly checking for recalls, damage, or missing parts. Safety standards have evolved significantly over the years, and older bassinets may not meet current requirements.
The Firm, Flat Mattress Rule
The mattress is arguably the most critical safety component of any bassinet. Australian safe sleep guidelines, aligned with Red Nose Australia recommendations, emphasise that babies should always sleep on a firm, flat surface. A mattress that is too soft creates a suffocation risk, as a baby's face can sink into the material and restrict breathing.
To test mattress firmness, press your hand firmly into the centre. A safe mattress should spring back immediately and not retain an impression of your hand. If the mattress feels soft or squishy, or if it contours around your hand, it does not meet safety requirements.
Equally important is using only the mattress that came with your bassinet. Aftermarket mattresses may not fit properly, creating dangerous gaps where a baby could become trapped. Even a gap of just a few centimetres between the mattress and bassinet walls poses a serious entrapment risk.
The Bare Sleep Surface Principle
One of the most important bassinet safety rules is keeping the sleep surface completely bare. This means no pillows, no loose blankets, no bumpers, no toys, and no sleep positioners. These items, while often marketed to parents as helpful or comforting, significantly increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The only items that should be in your bassinet are the baby and a fitted sheet specifically designed for that bassinet's mattress. Nothing else.
If you're concerned about your baby being cold, dress them in appropriate sleepwear such as a sleeping bag or swaddle (until they show signs of rolling). Room temperature should be maintained between 18-22°C, which allows babies to regulate their body temperature effectively without extra bedding.
Positioning and Placement
Where to Place the Bassinet
Red Nose Australia recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six to twelve months of life. Position your bassinet close to your bed where you can easily see and reach your baby, but ensure it's not so close that adult bedding could fall into the bassinet.
Keep the bassinet away from:
- Windows with cords from blinds or curtains (strangulation hazard)
- Heaters, radiators, or direct sunlight (overheating risk)
- Electrical outlets and cords
- Heavy items on shelves above that could fall
- Ceiling fans (if the bassinet has a canopy that could be caught)
Baby's Sleep Position
Always place your baby on their back to sleep. This single practice has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS. Back sleeping should continue until your baby can roll independently in both directions, at which point they've typically outgrown the bassinet anyway.
Position your baby with their feet at the bottom of the bassinet rather than the centre. This prevents them from wriggling down under bedding (if any lightweight blanket is used) and becoming overheated or trapped.
Structural Safety Checks
Before each use, and especially when assembling a new bassinet, perform these safety checks:
- Stability: The bassinet should not wobble or tip when you apply gentle pressure from any direction. If it has wheels, ensure the locking mechanism works reliably.
- Hardware: Check that all screws, bolts, and fasteners are tight and none are missing. Loose hardware can lead to structural failure.
- Fabric and Mesh: Inspect mesh panels for tears or holes that could trap tiny fingers. Check fabric attachments for secure stitching.
- Base Integrity: The base supporting the mattress should show no signs of sagging, cracking, or damage.
- Folding Mechanisms: If your bassinet folds, ensure the locking mechanisms engage fully and cannot accidentally release.
Set a reminder to perform a thorough safety check monthly, and always after the bassinet has been moved, transported, or reassembled.
Weight and Age Limits
Every bassinet has manufacturer-specified weight and age limits that must be strictly followed. Most bassinets are designed for newborns up to approximately 9 kilograms or until the baby shows signs of being able to push up on hands and knees, roll over, or pull themselves up—whichever comes first.
These limits exist because a heavier or more mobile baby can destabilise the bassinet or potentially climb out and fall. Once your baby reaches any of these milestones, it's time to transition to a cot, even if the weight limit hasn't been reached. For more details, see our guide on understanding bassinet weight limits and age guidelines.
What to Avoid
Several common practices and products should be avoided for safe bassinet use:
- Inclined Sleepers: Products that position babies at an angle have been linked to infant deaths and are not recommended for unsupervised sleep.
- Wedges and Positioners: Despite marketing claims, these products are not necessary and create additional suffocation risks.
- Cot Bumpers: Even in bassinets, padded bumpers are a suffocation hazard and provide no safety benefit.
- Swaddling Mistakes: If swaddling, ensure it's done correctly with hips loose, and stop swaddling before baby can roll.
- Sleeping in the Bassinet During Motion: If your bassinet rocks or sways, always stop the motion once baby is asleep for extended sleep periods.
Supervision and Monitoring
While bassinets are designed for sleep, a sleeping baby should never be completely unattended for extended periods. Room sharing for the first six to twelve months is the gold standard recommendation, as it allows parents to respond quickly if any issues arise.
Baby monitors can provide additional peace of mind but should never replace direct supervision or safe sleep practices. Video monitors are particularly useful for keeping an eye on your baby from another room, but remember that technology can fail.
When Something Seems Wrong
Trust your instincts as a parent. If something about your bassinet seems unsafe—an unusual noise, visible wear, or a component that doesn't look right—stop using it immediately and investigate. Contact the manufacturer for guidance, or consult with your child health nurse if you have concerns about your baby's sleep environment.
Safety is never about being overly cautious; it's about creating the best possible environment for your baby to sleep soundly while you rest easier knowing you've done everything right.
For official Australian safe sleep guidelines, visit Red Nose Australia at rednose.org.au. For product safety information and recalls, check the ACCC Product Safety Australia website.