The Best Baby Bassinets

Newborns need to sleep a lot, but they can often fight that need. Sometimes, the best way to get them to sleep and help them to stay asleep longer is by providing them with an irresistibly comfortable sleeping space. (To be fair, that works for most of us!)

Bassinets are a great choice because they’re designed with the baby’s comfort and safety in mind. They’re smaller than cribs and allow you to put them right up next to your bed for added peace of mind and convenience for you and your baby. We’ve rounded up our favorites to help your baby (and you) get some much-needed rest.

Buying Guide for Baby Bassinets

Why buy a baby bassinet?

A bassinet is a type of bed made for babies from birth to about 4 to 6 months of age. It’s often positioned next to your bed to allow easy access to your baby during the night. One of the most important advantages of using a bassinet is that it will enable your newborn to sleep in your room with you, but not in your bed, which may be safer for your baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Another benefit is that it’s often easier to reach in and out of a bassinet than a crib.

What should you look for in a baby bassinet?

• Safety: Some key safety features you should look for include a sturdy frame, breathable mesh sides, a solid base that an adult or the baby can’t easily overturn, a strong locking mechanism on the wheels, and folding mechanisms that securely lock in place.
• Sleeping Arrangement: Many parents like their little ones close during the first months for peace of mind and feeding ease. If that’s the case for you, opt for a bassinet that can attach to your bed for extra safety and comfort. If you want your little one to have a place to rest during the day or to promote sleeping independence, choose a bassinet that stands on its own.
• Portability: Some bassinets come with wheels attached to the bottom for easy moving. (Again, make sure they come with a locking mechanism for safety.) It might also be a good idea to find a bedside bassinet (or an extra one) that is easy to travel with.
• Additional Features: Do you want soft music to lull your baby to sleep? How about a rocking or vibrating motion to help put them to sleep and keep them asleep? These can be helpful features that may make your parenting journey just a little (or a lot) easier.

What’s the difference between a bassinet and a crib?

A bassinet is typically used for infants during the first few months of their life. On the other hand, cribs are made for more long-term use, possibly from birth until the baby is ready for a bed. Bassinets are more lightweight and portable than cribs, so they can often move from room to room or travel with you if needed, unlike cribs. Bassinets also usually have a lower profile than cribs, meaning that they take up less space in your home and are easier for parents to reach into to pick up their baby.

Our Picks for the Best Baby Bassinets

Pros: This bassinet comes with a double-sided adjustable canopy to add an extra layer of peace of mind for parents. The canopy arches 10 inches higher than the mattress, so your baby won’t be able to pull it down. Bring both sides up to provide cozy naps for your baby, or lower one side so you can sing and talk to them while they stretch and wiggle. Both sides of the canopy feature mesh for breathability. It includes a dual-sided 1-inch thick mattress pad, which follows the recommendations of the ASTM and CPSC. Keep diaper changing needs or extra blankets and toys nearby in the convenient sling underneath the mattress. The bassinet is made from lightweight yet durable aluminum and can fold easily for transport. Choose from 12 color options to make it blend into your home or nursery color scheme and style.

Cons: While the mattress complies with the recommendations of the ASTM and CPSC, many parents felt the mattress needed at least a little extra cushion and opted to replace it with one that was still firm but didn’t feel as stiff. Just remember that the AAP recommends using a firm surface for babies to sleep on.

Bottom Line: Safety, convenience, style, comfort, portability, price…it’s hard to find a baby product that fits all these needs, but this one does. Parents love how easy this bassinet is to take between rooms or on vacation. Even though it’s easy to fold and take with you, the bassinet is sturdy and well-made. The colors can fit any style, and the materials are easy to clean. The adjustable canopy can shield the baby from sun, bugs, furry friends, or curious siblings.

 

Pros: This portable bassinet makes it easy to have a safe space for your baby to sleep in any room. ]Two sides have mesh material to let air flow freely, which helps keep it cool, and promotes clear breathing and visibility. When using it as a bedside sleeper, one side can come down so that the bassinet wheels right up to the side of the parent’s bed for safe sleeping and easy nighttime changing and feeding. Two pockets on the outside of the bassinet can hold bottles, burp cloths, or other necessities. To keep the bassinet secure, straps on the base connect to the parents’ bed frame so the sleeper can never move away from the bed accidentally. Wheels lock in place for extra security. The bassinet can adjust to seven different heights, too. The fabrics used are certified and meet the requirements of ASTM, CPSC, and CPSIA.

Cons: Some users wanted the instructions to have greater detail for the assembly, but there are some videos on the listing that can help. The wheels aren’t as user-friendly as the rest of the bassinet.

Bottom Line: In the first three months of a newborn’s life, sleep can be tricky but so important for both baby and mom. This convertible bassinet and bedside sleeper can help make naptime and nighttime easier on everyone. If you want to use it as a bedside sleeper, one side can zip down, and straps secure it safely to the bed. You can adjust the height to fit your needs, and switching between a freestanding bassinet and bedside sleeper is quick, easy, and doesn’t require tools.

 

Pros: The 360-degree swivel feature of the HALO BassiNest sets it apart from others, making it easy to pull your baby close or move the bassinet out of the way to get out of bed easily. The patented lowering bedside wall is specifically designed with mothers in mind, making it easier for breastfeeding and C-section moms to pick up or tend to their babies from bed. Creating a peaceful environment for your little one, the bassinet offers soothing sounds, gentle vibrations, and a couple nightlights. The HALO BassiNest also offers practicality with two storage pockets, allowing you to keep essential baby items within reach. It comes with a waterproof mattress and a machine-washable fitted sheet for easy maintenance. Furthermore, the bassinet’s sturdy four-point base ensures maximum stability and can be adjusted to fit bed heights ranging from 22 to 34 inches.

Cons: There have been complaints about the design of the legs, which do not fit under all beds, rendering the swivel feature useless. Some users have found the bassinet uncomfortable for their babies, with concerns about the lack of padding and the baby’s dislike of the product. The product’s weight and lack of maneuverability have also been mentioned as drawbacks.

Bottom Line: Overall, the HALO BassiNest provides a safe, comfortable, and convenient solution for keeping your newborn close by, promoting bonding and easy access for caregiving while offering soothing features and practical storage options.

 

Pros: Soothe your baby to sleep in this Bluetooth-controlled bassinet that features natural bouncing motions that mimic how you would rock your little one. Use the 4moms app on a compatible smart device to easily control all functions. It has five different rocking movements and five speed settings to help you discover the setting that works best for your baby. Additionally, this baby bassinet is equipped to play one of four white noise settings (rain, ocean, fan, and shh) to help your baby relax. Even with smart technology, this bedside bassinet runs quietly and is easy to assemble.

Cons: With Bluetooth technology, this bassinet is on the pricier side for something that is for just a few months of use. Also, the motion shuts off after four hours. Although parents can restart it via the app, some babies are easily awakened when the rocking stops.

Bottom Line: This Bluetooth-enabled bedside bassinet has advanced smart features meant to provide your baby with a secure and serene night’s sleep.

 

Pros: The SNOO Sleeper is a game-changer for parents seeking better sleep for themselves and their babies. It can boost sleep by 1-2+ hours per night. The secret lies in its soothing features that mimic the sensations babies experience in the womb. The constant rumbly sound and gentle rocking motion create a familiar and comforting environment for babies, helping them settle into deep and peaceful sleep. What sets the SNOO apart is its advanced technology that detects fussing and responds automatically with gradually stronger white noise and motion to calm crying. This not only soothes the baby but also reduces the need for parents to intervene each time, allowing for uninterrupted sleep. Safety is paramount with the SNOO, as it keeps babies safely positioned on their backs, in line with the top safe sleep guideline recommended by the AAP. The inclusion of three hip-safe sleep sack swaddles further enhances the baby’s comfort and promotes healthy hip development. The SNOO’s smart app is a valuable tool for parents, offering sleep and nap tracking, as well as the ability to customize the bassinet’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity. It even includes preemie mode and a weaning option for a smooth transition to the crib. In summary, the SNOO Sleeper combines innovative technology, safety, and convenience to provide parents and babies with a superior sleep solution that leads to more restful nights and happier families.

Cons: The SNOO Sleeper comes with a premium price tag. While it may be a significant investment, it’s essential to consider the value it brings to parents and their babies. The SNOO’s unique features, advanced technology, and emphasis on safety contribute to its higher cost.

Bottom Line: Despite its premium price, the SNOO Sleeper has proven to be a game-changer for many parents in terms of improving their baby’s sleep. The ability to boost sleep by 1-2+ hours per night is invaluable for sleep-deprived parents. Its ability to automatically respond to cries with gradually stronger white noise and motion aids in soothing and settling babies back to sleep. Its adherence to safe sleep guidelines, including keeping babies on their backs, provides parents with peace of mind. While the price may initially seem high, the significant improvement in sleep quality and the resulting benefits for both parents and babies make the investment worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Parents have quite a bit to consider when it comes to safe and comfortable sleeping for their infants. Because the AAP recommends that babies share a room but not a bed with their parents for the first six months, investing in one of these baby bassinets is a good choice. With the many available variations of features, mobility, and price, one of these bassinets is sure to be a great fit for you and your baby.