Inclining a bassinet is important in creating a safe and comfortable sleeping space for your baby. Inclining the bassinet helps to relieve discomfort due to acid reflux, as well as helping babies with nasal congestion sleep more comfortably.
Additionally, by raising the head of the bassinet, you can create a feeling of security since it’s similar to the feeling of being swaddled. Inclining a bassinet will help your baby get more restful sleep and even reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
One of the major advantages of inclining a bassinet is that it can help reduce reflux and spitting up in babies. When babies lie flat, their stomach acid often backflows into the esophagus, causing them to spit up or experience discomfort.
Inclining the bassinet at an angle helps elevate the baby’s head above its stomach, reducing this reflux. In this blog post, You will learn how to incline a bassinet.
Step-by-step Instructions for How to Incline a Bassinet
Step 1: Inspect the Bassinet
Before you attempt to adjust the incline of a bassinet, inspect the bassinet for any cracks or broken parts. Most bassinets have locks that keep them in place and prevent unintentional movement. Ensure these locks are released before attempting to adjust the angle of the bassinet.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power Source
Ensure no power source is attached to the bassinet, such as an electric motor. Most bassinets have a mechanism that enables you to adjust the incline angle. It may be located in different areas on different models, so it’s important to locate this before adjusting the incline.
Step 3: Lift the Bassinet
Once you have located the adjustment mechanism, carefully lift the bassinet by the handles at either end. Be sure to keep a steady hold when lifting and to be aware of any potential obstructions in the area that could cause slipping or dropping of the bassinet.
Adjust the incline mechanism to the desired angle once the bassinet is in the air.
Step 4: Check the Lock Mechanism
Carefully check that the locks are engaged once you have adjusted the angle. This will prevent any unintentional further movement or adjustment. Gently shake your hands on either side of the bassinet lightly. Ensure the angle is securely placed and won’t shift or move during use.
Step 5: Place Baby in Bassinet
Once you have safely adjusted the angle of the bassinet, you can place your baby inside. Be sure to test its stability once again before leaving them to sleep. Finally, re-check the locks on either side of the bassinet to ensure they are still securely engaged. This will ensure the incline angle stays in place and won’t shift during use.
Once you have followed these steps, your bassinet should be safely adjusted to the desired incline. By following these simple steps, you now know to incline a bassinet safely and securely. Check the locks on either side before placing your baby in the bassinet to ensure their safety while sleeping.
Safety Precautions for How to Incline a Bassinet
- Always ensure your bassinet is on a level surface before placing your baby inside or attempting to incline it. It should be removed from falling debris, cords, or other hazards.
- To adjust the angle of the mattress support frame, look for an adjustment mechanism at the front and back of the bassinet. Depending on the model, this will usually be either a hand crank or a lever.
- Ensure that the angle you adjust to is safe for your baby (e.g., not more than 10-15 degrees inclination).
- After properly inclining your bassinet, always check its stability by pushing it gently and ensuring it doesn’t move around or wobble.
- Never use any extra objects to prop up the angle of your bassinet, such as pillows or blankets. This can create a suffocation hazard and should be avoided at all costs.
- If using an adjustable frame bassinet, only keep it constantly inclined for long periods with monitoring the safety of its stability and condition.
- Check your bassinet regularly for any signs of wear and tear or damage, such as loose parts and torn fabric, that might affect its inclined stability.
Keeping these seven safety precautions in mind, you can ensure your baby is safe and secure whenever you incline a bassinet.
What Types of Bassinets Can Be Inclined?
When considering to incline a bassinet, it’s important to note that not all models offer the same features. Bassinets can vary in size, shape, and even design. Some include an adjustable incline option or have pre-installed settings for different positions.
Others may only offer a flat sleeping surface. If you are unsure whether your bassinet can be inclined, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for further guidance.
It is also important to remember that any incline should only be used in conjunction with a firm mattress and never with blankets, pillows, or other soft surfaces. This will help ensure your infant has adequate sleep support and reduce the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
For infants who struggle with acid reflux, a slightly inclined bassinet may help reduce discomfort and help them sleep more restfully. However, check with your childcare provider before changing the mattress position.
How Often Should You Check and Adjust the Angle of the Bassinet?
When you first set up your bassinet, ensuring that the incline angle is appropriate for your baby is important. Most bassinets are designed with two different inclining positions and may come with a safety strap or other features to help keep them in place.
Parents should generally check and adjust the angle of their bassinet every few days to ensure that it is still appropriate for their baby’s comfort and safety.
When adjusting your bassinet’s angle, always ensure that your baby is not in it at the time. Also, secure all buckles or other features that help keep the bassinet in place after you adjust the incline.
It is also a good idea to check the mattress in your bassinet for any signs of sagging or wear. If your baby’s mattress is not adequately supporting them, it may be time to invest in a new one.
What Are the Potential Risks or Dangers Associated With Inclining a Bassinet?
When considering inclining a bassinet, knowing the potential risks or dangers is important. Because babies spend so much time in their bassinets, an inclined sleep surface can cause spinal misalignment, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or other breathing complications.
Likewise, over-inclining a bassinet can cause a baby to roll out of bed. Therefore, it is important to use an incline that follows the guidelines for bassinets and never exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation when setting up your baby’s sleep space.
Additionally, be sure to use any safety straps or buckles with the bassinet to secure your little one while they sleep properly. When in doubt, speak with your baby’s doctor or pediatrician for additional guidance on inclining a bassinet safely.
It is also important to keep an eye on the baby while they are sleeping, as there may be other safety risks associated with babies and their sleep environments that can present themselves at any time.
Should You Avoid Using Any Additional Items to Incline Your Baby’s Bassinet?
When it comes to inclining a bassinet, many parents might be tempted to use additional items, such as wedges and cushions, to increase the angle. However, this is strongly discouraged by safety experts.
Inclining a baby’s bed with extra padding or other items may lead to unsafe sleeping conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using any additional items as they can cause suffocation.
Parents should only use the techniques and methods the manufacturer recommends when inclining a bassinet. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you follow all safety recommendations for inclined sleeping surfaces.
This includes ensuring that the mattress sits securely in the bassinet and that any items do not obstruct your baby’s face. Finally, it’s important to remember that the incline of a bassinet should never exceed 10 degrees.
Any additional incline may increase your baby’s risk of suffocation or other serious health risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when learning to incline a bassinet, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and safety tips from pediatricians. It is also important to consider the size of your baby and how comfortable they seem in the inclined position.
By keeping these tips in mind, parents can ensure their little one is safe and comfortable while sleeping in their bassinet. Thanks to modern technology, parents can now adjust the incline of their babies’ bassinet to provide a more comfortable sleeping environment for their little ones.
Reading this post has helped you learn how to incline a bassinet. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.
