Awareness-Raising Bulletin regarding Bassinet Safety for Babies
September 2026

There were two A&E attendance reports recently that came in through to Wandsworth Duty a couple of months ago that were safety incidents related to use of bassinets.

1. Two-week-old baby fell out of bassinet pram after dog pulled it over. Dog was attached to the pram. Baby sustained head injury. Equipment not used as specified.
2. Seven-week-old baby fell 10 inches out of bassinet hitting head on wooden floor. Parent lifted baby and then dropped baby. Parents felt that the mesh sides weren’t tight enough. The bassinet was second hand. Baby injured when being lifted. Parents questioning safety of bassinet. Parents should be encouraged to check any equipment frequently for any wear or defects.

What is a bassinet?

A bassinet is a standalone newborn bed. There are different types of bassinets to choose from including freestanding bassinets with legs, portable bassinets, bassinets with wheels, side sleepers or co sleeper bassinets, convertible bassinets, pram bassinets and moses baskets Co-sleepers are a baby bed that can be attached to the side of your bed. It is like a bassinet with a drop down side that allows the bed to be pushed up against your own bed and connect to it. Some co-sleepers can also be used as a bassinet.

Why a bassinet?

Convenient, portable, compact, comfortable.

How long can a bassinet be used?

There are maximum weights, lengths, and development stages – any sign of rolling, pulling up on hands the bassinet should no longer be used. Baby’s have normally ‘outgrown’ bassinets by four to six months.