Buy Bassinets & Carry Cots: Safe, Portable Sleep for Newborns (0–6 Months)

Newborns need lots of sleep—on a firm, flat, breathable surface with nothing loose in the bed. Bassinets and carry cots give you exactly that, with the bonus of portability for room-to-room naps and visits to grandparents. At All Things Baby, we curate safety-first bassinets and carry cots that suit Indian homes—compact footprints, washable fabrics, and thoughtful details like mesh sides and mosquito nets.

Bassinet vs carry cot—what’s the difference?

• Bassinet: A standalone mini-crib for newborns, usually on a fixed or rocking stand; perfect beside your bed.
• Carry cot: A portable, firm, flat baby pod with a canopy and handle. Some are stroller-compatible (as a pram body). Great for supervised naps and on-the-go use.

Note: Carry cots are not car seats. For car travel, use an infant car seat that meets safety standards; never secure a carry cot with a seatbelt for driving.

Safe sleep essentials (newborn stage)

• Back to sleep: Always place the baby on their back for every sleep.
• Firm, flat mattress: No pillows, quilts, or soft toys. Use a snug fitted sheet only.
• Breathable sides: Mesh walls improve airflow and visibility—great in warm weather.
• No gaps: Mattress should fit the bassinet snugly; no space for little limbs to slip.
• Room-share, not bed-share: Keep the bassinet next to your bed for 6 months; avoid bed-sharing unless specifically advised by your pediatrician.

When to stop using a bassinet/carry cot

Transition when any of the following happen:

• Baby rolls, pushes up on hands/knees, or sits
• You reach the product’s weight/height limit
• Baby looks cramped or starts waking from restricted movement

Most families switch to a crib or cot around 4–6 months, but follow your product’s specific guidance.

What to look for (buying checklist)

• Rigid, stable frame with a wide base; no wobble
• Breathable mesh on at least two sides
• Firm mattress with a tight fitted sheet (ideally included)
• Simple, secure folding and a lock to prevent accidental collapse
• Removable, washable fabrics (spit-ups happen!)
• Height that suits your bed (for bedside models) and anchor straps if it attaches to the bed
• Lightweight carry cot with an ergonomic handle, sun canopy, and vent panels
• Mosquito net for Indian summers and travel nights

If space is tight, look for fold-flat bassinets that slide behind a door or under the bed.

Bassinet styles (find your fit)

• Bedside/Co-sleeper: Sits flush with your mattress so you can feed and settle without getting up. Ensure secure attachment and zero gap.
• Rocking bassinet: Gentle, controlled sway; must have a lock to stop rocking when not needed.
• Travel bassinet: Folds small into a bag; great for trips to grandparents, hotels, or living-room naps.
• Pram bassinet (carry cot): Clicks onto compatible stroller frames for lie-flat naps on walks.

Carry cots—how to use them well

• Supervision: Treat as a portable sleep space for supervised naps.
• Flat & firm: Keep the mattress flat; avoid wedges and thick padding.
• Ventilation: Use the canopy for shade but ensure airflow (open vents/mesh).
• Strap discipline: If your carry cot has an internal harness (some do), use it as directed when moving.
• Stroller compatibility: If you plan to click it onto a stroller, make sure adapters and brand compatibility are clear.

Indian-home practicality

• Wash cycles: Choose zip-off, machine-washable fabrics; check for colorfastness.
• AC rooms: Use a light sleeping sack instead of loose blankets; keep room comfortably cool, not cold.
• Humidity: Mesh sides and breathable cotton sheets help; dry the mattress thoroughly after cleaning.
• Mosquito control: Nets that attach securely without sagging into the sleep space are ideal.

Routine building (0–6 months)

1. Day naps: Use bassinet in bright, airy rooms to build day/night cues.
2. Night sleep: Bassinet beside your bed for easy feeds and quick settling.
3. Wind-down cue: 5–8 minute cuddle, dim lights, gentle hum—then down on the back, drowsy but awake.
4. Temperature check: Baby’s neck should feel warm, not sweaty; adjust layers, not blankets.
5. Sheets: Keep a second fitted sheet handy for midnight spit-up swaps.

FAQs (SEO-friendly)

Is a bassinet safer than bed-sharing?
Room-sharing with babies in their own firm, flat sleep space is generally recommended for the first 6 months.

Can my newborn sleep overnight in a carry cot?
If the carry cot is certified for overnight sleep, kept flat and firm, and used according to instructions, yes. Ensure good airflow and no soft items inside.

Do I need a rocking function?
Optional. A stable, lockable base matters more. Many babies settle without rocking once a routine is set.

How many months can I use a bassinet?
Often up to 4–6 months, or until rolling/pushing up, or reaching the product’s limit—whichever comes first.

Are wedge pillows safe for reflux?
Only use doctor-advised solutions. Most guidelines prefer flat, firm sleep surfaces.

Why shop Bassinets & Carry Cots at All Things Baby

• Safety-first curation: Breathable mesh, firm mattresses, sturdy frames
• Clear suitability notes: Age/weight limits, overnight-sleep approvals, and compatibility tips
• Washable, durable fabrics fit for Indian homes
• Fast delivery & easy returns so you can set up quickly
• Friendly guidance from our advisors on transitions and routines

Give your newborn a safe, portable sleep start. Explore our Bassinets & Carry Cots collection and set up nights (and naps) you can trust.