Are you an expectant or new parent looking for tips on how to properly elevate your baby in their bassinet? Providing a safe sleep environment is essential when it comes to newborns, and understanding how proper sleeping positioning contributes to this can help ensure they get the best rest possible. In this article, we’ll explore why elevation is important, explain the safest way of elevating a baby in their bassinet, and provide some helpful additional advice. Keep reading to learn more about how to elevate baby in bassinet!
Elevating your infant can be both beneficial and important for their comfort and safety. Not only does it provide extra protection against the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but it also helps relieve gas, acid reflux, or congestion that an uncomfortable child might experience. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of elevations available on the market today, important considerations when making your decision, as well as tips on how to properly position your baby once they are elevated safely in their bassinet.
Why May You Want to Elevate Baby in Bassinet?
1. For More Comfort
One of the main reasons that parents may want to elevate their baby in the bassinet is for more comfort. Elevating the bassinet can help to ensure that your baby’s head, neck, and spine are properly aligned while they sleep. This makes it easier on them since they won’t have to strain as much to keep their heads up while they’re sleeping.
2. To Reduce Reflux
Another common reason to elevate a baby in the bassinet is to reduce reflux. If your baby has a tendency to spit up or throw up more often than usual, elevating their head and torso can help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with this condition. By helping them keep their food down, it can also reduce the amount of mess that you have to clean up afterward.
3. To Reduce SIDS Risk
Finally, elevating your baby in the bassinet can also help to reduce its risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Elevating and supporting them correctly helps to ensure that airways remain open and unrestricted, thereby reducing the risk of SIDS.
In summary, elevating your baby can provide them with a more comfortable sleep experience as well as reduce their risk for reflux and SIDS. With these benefits in mind, it’s definitely worth considering how to elevate your baby in a bassinet if you feel that it may be beneficial for your child. It’s important to remember, however, that the bassinet should be elevated safely and securely so as not to put your baby at risk of falling or being injured in any way.
How to Elevate Baby in Bassinet in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Make Sure the Bassinet is Sturdy and Secure
The very first step is to make sure the bassinet is stable and secure. Check for any loose screws or bolts that could cause the bassinet to be unstable. It will also help to place the bassinet on a flat and even surface.
Step 2: Place Baby in the Bassinet
Once the bassinet is secure, it’s time to place your baby inside. Make sure that your baby is lying on its back with their head slightly elevated to prevent them from choking or aspirating any liquids. It’s also important to ensure that the baby is comfortable and not too hot or cold.
Step 3: Adjust the Mattress
To make sure your baby is properly elevated, adjust the mattress to a slightly elevated angle. This can be done by using a foam wedge or even just by propping up one side of the mattress so it sits at an angle.
Step 4: Secure the Mattress
To make sure the mattress stays in place, use a few pieces of duct tape or strong washi tape to keep it secure. This will also help to prevent your baby from sliding down during their sleep. Be careful while doing this.
Step 5: Monitor Your Baby
Finally, be sure to monitor your baby while they are in the bassinet. Make sure that the angle of their head remains elevated and the mattress stays in place. Check on them periodically throughout the night to make sure they are safe and comfortable.
Following these 5 steps will help you safely elevate your baby in a bassinet, ensuring that they get a good night’s sleep. With proper monitoring, your baby will be safe and comfortable while they rest. Taking the time to properly elevate your baby’s bassinet can make a huge difference in their sleep quality and overall well-being.
Some Additional Tips to Elevate Baby in Bassinet
1. Do Not Sleep With Baby in Bassinet
Never place your baby to sleep in a bassinet with an elevated position. It can pose a risk of suffocation and it is not suitable for overnight sleeping. It will also be uncomfortable and not provide the necessary support for your baby.
2. Use Bassinet on a Firm Surface
When elevating your baby, use a bassinet with a firm surface such as wood or plastic, that is designed to hold up under the weight of your child. Otherwise, the elevated position may cause your bassinet to collapse and put your child in danger.
3. Do Not Elevate the Baby for Extended Periods of Time
Make sure not to keep your baby elevated in the bassinet for longer than necessary. This can cause discomfort, as well as put strain on their developing muscles and joints. Therefore, make sure to monitor your baby carefully when they are in an elevated position.
4. Place Baby in the Proper Position
To ensure your baby’s safety and comfort when elevating them, make sure to place them in the proper position. This means they should be lying on their back with their feet pointing up towards the head of the bassinet. Additionally, use a pillow or small blanket to provide extra padding and support.
5. Consider an Adjustable Bassinet
If you want to elevate your baby but are not sure how to consider getting an adjustable bassinet. These allow you to adjust the height of the bed and can be great for keeping your baby comfortable in a range of positions.
Following these tips when elevating your baby in a bassinet can help ensure their safety and comfort. Remember to always use caution when adjusting the height of the bassinet, and avoid leaving your baby in an elevated position for extended periods of time. With the proper precautions, you can create a cozy sleeping environment for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take When Elevating a Baby in a Bassinet?
When elevating a baby in a bassinet, it is important to take several precautions. First, make sure that the elevation is only enough to allow the mattress and bedding to remain flush with the edges of the bassinet’s frame. Too much elevation can create gaps between the mattress and the frame which can lead to an unsafe environment for the baby.
Additionally, use only products specifically designed to raise the height of a bassinet while ensuring safety. If you do attempt to improvise your own method, be sure that all edges are well-padded and that there is no risk of the elevation slipping or collapsing. Finally, always check the bassinet for any signs of wear or instability before placing your baby in it.
What Benefits Does Elevating a Baby in a Bassinet Provide?
Elevating a baby in a bassinet can provide several benefits. By elevating the mattress, air circulation around and underneath the bedding is improved which helps keep the sleeping environment cooler and more comfortable for the baby. Additionally, elevating a bassinet can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as it helps keep the baby away from dust mites and other allergens which are known to increase the risk of SIDS.
Furthermore, by positioning a baby higher in the bassinet, parents can easily reach in to soothe and comfort their baby. Finally, elevating a baby in a bassinet can provide a more aesthetically pleasing look for the nursery as well as provide an extra measure of safety for the baby. By raising the baby higher off the ground, it is easier for parents to monitor their sleeping infant and prevent potential hazards.
Can I Use a Crib Instead of a Bassinet to Elevate My Baby?
No, it is not recommended to use a crib instead of a bassinet for elevating your baby. This is because the size and design of bassinets are specifically designed for newborns and infants, making them much safer and more comfortable for sleeping. As babies grow, their needs change and so do the safety requirements of their sleeping environment. So while it is possible to use a crib to elevate your baby, it is not the safest or most recommended option.
Conclusion
In closing, elevating your baby’s bassinet can be a great way to keep them safe and protected. Not only does it provide them with greater ventilation, but it also allows parents to monitor their little ones more closely. With this method of elevation, babies can experience an even better quality slumber and rest more peacefully.
Now that you know how to elevate baby in bassinet, you can start implementing these techniques, and rest assured that your little one is healthy and secure!
