In the hospital, the baby bed is typically called a bassinet.
It's a common term used for the small bed designed specifically for newborns. As stated in a reference from July 26, 2018, "It's called a bassinet". These beds are designed with safety and visibility in mind, allowing hospital staff and parents to easily check on the baby.
Understanding the Hospital Bassinet
Hospital bassinets are usually mobile units, often on wheels, so they can be easily moved next to the mother's bed or transported within the maternity ward.
Key features often include:
- A clear or mesh siding for visibility.
- A mattress or pad.
- Often includes a small storage area underneath for baby essentials like diapers or blankets.
- Easy to clean and sanitize materials.
While the term "bassinet" is standard, you might also hear informal terms. However, professionally, it's the widely accepted name.
Why Hospitals Use Bassinets
Hospitals opt for bassinets for several practical reasons:
- Safety: They are designed specifically for the size and needs of newborns, reducing risks compared to larger beds.
- Visibility: The transparent or open sides allow nurses and parents to monitor the baby easily.
- Mobility: Wheels allow for easy transport between rooms (like the nursery and the mother's room) and positioning right next to the mother's bed for bonding and convenience.
- Hygiene: They are built with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect between uses.
Bassinet vs. Crib
While both are baby beds, a bassinet is much smaller than a crib and is typically used for newborns up to a few months old. Cribs are larger and used for infants and toddlers. Hospitals use bassinets because they are perfectly sized for newborns and offer the necessary mobility and visibility features for a hospital environment.
In summary, the specific bed used for a baby in the hospital is known as a bassinet.
