A bassinet, bassinette, or cradle is a bed specifically for babies from birth to about four months. Bassinets are generally designed to work with fixed legs or castors, while cradles are generally designed to provide a rocking or gliding motion.

What exactly is a bassinet?

: a baby's basketlike bed (as of wickerwork or plastic) often with a hood over one end.

Why is it called a bassinet?

From French bercelonette, a doubled diminutive of berceau (“cradle”), influenced by bassin (“basin”).