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Given that newborns do sleep the majority of the day on and off, a bassinet can be a handy item to have as a sleep surface for the first few months. Since you could opt to go straight into a cot, you could think of it as more of a 'want' or 'nice to have' item.

The thing to know about bassinets is that there is no Australian Standard for bassinets, but, there are for cots. For that reason, if you are looking at getting a bassinet for the newborn stage, make sure you are familiar with what makes a safe sleep surface. Being informed before you buy ensures that your chosen bassinet is safe for your baby and fit for its purpose.

The great thing about bassinets is that they save on space when compared to a cot and can be portable between rooms and houses (for travel or staying over). They also are only useful for 3 to 6 months maximum depending on when your baby starts to roll and become more mobile, before you will need to be looking at a larger bed with higher sides. Keeping this in mind, consider if you will use it for more than one baby, how you could recycle it, or who you could pass it onto after your baby has grown out of it (if still in 'as new' condition).

What to look for:

- Design:

• Options include a co-sleeper bassinet, stand-alone bassinet, sleep nest or compatible pram/stroller bassinet. For information on these choices, see the topic Setting Up a Safe Sleep Surface
• It's handy to have accessible shelves or compartments underneath, in side pockets, or next to the bassinet for midnight nappy changing essentials, clothes changes or sheet changes
• If you'll need to move the bassinet between rooms, look for one with lockable wheels or a lightweight option such as a bassinet which can be used on a stand or without a stand
• If you have limited storage space and will want to use it for mutilple babies, consider a bassinet which can be dismantled and stored back in the box or a sealed bag between uses

- Safety:

• Ensure you can get a compatible sized mattress to fit snuggly on all sides. Any gaps can be an entrapment hazard for baby.
• Consider the height of the sides and discontinue use when your baby starts rolling, reaches the maximum height/length or starts pulling up on the sides. Bassinets are generally only safe for immobile babies. 
• If side-carred to a bed, ensure no gaps exist between the bed mattress/surface and bassinet surface and they are secured together with a safety strap (if provided). 
• Room sharing with your baby for the first 6 months is recommended so that you can monitor their wellbeing and provide comfort as needed.

- Materials:

• Easy to wipe down and machine washable surfaces
• Look for solid construction material such as timber (avoid MDF or plywood which often contain formaldehyde based glues), other natural materials or a metal framed bassinet.
• Non-toxic paint/finish/materials (such as certified organic where available)
• Mattress should be firm and made from new materials
• Consider a waterproof protector on the mattress and firmly fitting bassinet sheet under baby.

What to avoid:

• Avoid buying second hand unless you are sourcing it from a trusted person and clean non-smoking household. 
• Strong smell/off-gassing: If the item has a strong smell, it may indicate it is made with poor quality materials and glues and is unlikely to be suitable for use
• Flimsy construction and joins - regularly check any screws and joins are tight
• Any gaps between the mattress and side panels can be a suffocation or entrapment risk
• Avoid bassinet side panels which are overly padded and made from non-breathable materials
• Bassinets which have electronics and other wireless technology surrounding your baby 
• Ensure there are no loose items in the bassinet with the baby such as toys, pillows, loose blankets.

Check out the links below to find a range of bassinet buying options. If you are a member, peg this item and when you find your perfect product, select edit to add the link, image and update this description.