The Best Bedside 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!)

Bedside 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 Bedside Bassinets

Why buy a bedside 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 bedside 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 bedside 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 one close for the first months for peace of mind and feeding ease. If that’s the case, opt for a bassinet that attaches 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 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, making them easier to move around. 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 and pick up their baby.

Our Picks for the Best Bedside Bassinets

Pros: This bedside bassinet features a zippable drop side and straps that attach to the parent’s bed. It can also function in a freestanding position with the unit’s breathable mesh sides. Assembly takes about 10 minutes, and the mattress and fitted sheet are included. This bassinet can be adjusted to six height settings for easy access to your baby, with a maximum height of roughly 18 inches from the floor to the bassinet’s mattress.

Cons: After assembly, you may want to be mindful of whether there is any slanting of the mattress and make adjustments as needed. Also, the mattress is a bit firmer than some parents expected. Just remember that the AAP recommends using a firm surface for babies to sleep on.

Bottom Line: Would you prefer to have your baby in an enclosed mesh bassinet or a bedside sleeper with one side open to the bed? With this item, you can try both! Conveniently transform and transport this bassinet for use in whatever manner works for you and your baby, whether bedside or standalone.

 

Pros: The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is a bedside bassinet that swivels 360 degrees for easy access to your baby. It has a soft and comfortable mattress and comes with a fitted sheet. The BassiNest is lightweight and folds flat for easy storage or transport. You can use it as either a standalone bassinet or attached to the side of your bed.

Cons: Since this bassinet comes with quite a few bells and whistles, it’s one of the more expensive models. And because bassinets are only for use during the first few months of a baby’s life, this could be viewed as a rather pricey investment to be a short-term one.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a high-quality bassinet that includes several extra features, this may be your model. Keep in mind that these features increase the cost, and after a few months, you’ll be transitioning your baby to a stationary crib. 

 

Pros: If you would like a classic bassinet that doesn’t skimp on the features, you might like this one. This bassinet features a removable canopy to block light and a gender-neutral design to match almost any decor. Besides locking wheels, this bassinet offers a calming nightlight and soothing music to help your baby sleep. The large storage basket at the bottom can accommodate extra clothing, linens, diapers, or whatever else your baby might need. A waterproof mattress and machine washable fitted sheet come with this bassinet as well.

Cons: This traditional bassinet doesn’t include the rocking or vibration features that babies often enjoy. Also, it doesn’t feature mesh sides that more modern styles of bassinets often include for breathability.

Bottom Line: Give your infant a cozy place to sleep with this traditionally designed mobile bassinet. Although some popular bassinet features are excluded, several other convenient elements such as music and a storage basket are included at a good value.

 

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 the 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 4 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 a secure and serene night’s sleep.

 

Pros: This bedside bassinet offers premium features that distinguish it from most bassinets, such as a built-in swaddle that keeps a baby resting on its back, which is the safest position for reducing the risk of SIDS. You can use the available mobile app on your phone to operate the bassinet and check the sleep records to gain insight into your little one’s sleep quality. It also has several common bassinet features like built-in white noise and mild rocking. But the big difference is that this high-end bassinet activates these functions automatically when its built-in microphones detect your baby’s crying!

Cons: Obviously, a bassinet with a $1,500-plus price tag is not for everyone. Each family will have to decide for themselves if the premium features and the possibility of improved sleep are worth the splurge.

Bottom Line: This high-tech, high-end bassinet comes with some impressive features and a hope of better nights for you and your baby. It also comes with an impressive price tag! But along with the unique features, you also get three SNOO sacks, a fitted sheet, a mattress, and a water-resistant cover. Just decide if the perks are worth the price for you and your family.

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 bedside 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.