Want to get the benefits of rooming with baby, like better sleep for the both of you? Invest in a bassinet. It gives baby a cozy and convenient place to sleep in your room, especially during those first few months. But which one do you need? Well, that depends on how long you’ll use it and how you’ll use it. That’s why I’ve poured over the research and picked the best baby bassinets.
Best Bassinet
HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere
This unique bassinet was created to help parents get a close, yet safe sleep setup for their baby. Although the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere could really be used anywhere, it’s inspired by co-sleeping and works fantastic next to the big bed. It can be used until baby reaches 20 pounds or learns to move/roll on their own.
Here’s how it works. The Halo Bassinest is a small baby bed that sits on a frame/stand. The bed itself has a unique hourglass shape, versus a regular rectangle shape. The sides of the bassinet are a see-through mesh and breathable for safety. The top edges are also flexible, so you can pull down the sides for easy access to baby. Edges can of course be locked upright to keep older babies safe.
You can rotate the bassinet 360° on the frame. This is the best feature. As a 3 time C-section mom, having this would have been fantastic! You can just swivel it out of the way to get in and out of bed, instead of having to awkwardly move around it or trying to move the bassinet.
And another bonus for tired and sore moms- the base of the bassinet fits under the bed. The 4 stable legs are flat to the ground and are only 32 inches long, so they will easily fit under your bed. This brings baby close to you. You can even get the bassinet bed itself to sit on the edge of the bed. The base adjusts to fit beds from 22 to 34 inches, so you can have safe co-sleeping when desired.
The bed features a flat, albeit comfortable sleeping pad for baby. This pad is free from toxins, JPMA certified, and totally waterproof. It comes with a fitted sheet to fit the unique shape. The sheet is washable, while the rest of the polyurethane bassinet is quickly cleaned with a damp cloth.
Now for the wonderful soothing features. It has a built-in nightlight, vibration, 3 womb and nature sounds, 3 lullabies, complete with volume control, and a 30-minute timer with auto shut off. My favorite extra is the nursing timer. You turn it on when you begin feeding, and after 30 minutes, it beeps as a reminder to put baby back in the bassinet. Great for all those late-night feeds when you are drowsy.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4 stars, 47 reviews- Bed Bath & Beyond
- 4 stars, 48 reviews- BuyBuyBaby
- 4 stars, 40 reviews- Target
- 4.5 stars, 139 reviews- Toys R Us
Issues
There seem to be a few big complaints with this unit.
First, it’s not easy to move. It’s quite big and pretty heavy (over 40 pounds) so you can’t really haul it from room to room or travel with it. The base is large and bulky. However, it’s meant to be a stationary bed for baby’s first few months.
Second, the mattress has problems. It’s thin and has a slight tilt to it. There’s not a lot of padding or cushion, which freaks some parents out. However, that’s how it should be for safe baby sleep. Babies end up smooshed against one side over and over again. It seems worse with some units than others. In any case, setting the unit on the bed helps quite a bit.
Third, it’s an expensive unit. I won’t sugarcoat it: this bassinet has a big price tag. However. I think the brand, quality manufacturing, and cool features somewhat justify the price.
Fourth, and finally, it needs a lot of battery juice to run the vibration and sounds. I’m talking batteries every 10 days. So frustrating when paying a lot of money already!
Why It’s Best Overall
Winning the top spot on a list of best baby bassinets is no mean feat. But why do I think that this one is best overall?
Halo is a great brand. I’ve purchased other Halo products and loved them. My oldest lived in a Halo sleep sack for the first few months of his life. I trust this company to help my baby get some rest.
The swivel feature makes it so convenient for those first couple of months spent in the bed with baby. The collapsable side is an added convenience for this purpose. As a nursing mom, those features and the nursing timer are extremely helpful for repeated late-night feedings.
I like that this has vibration and sounds. I know that there are other units out there with vibration or sounds, but usually not both. You usually only get both in a swing, and they’re for napping only. I like that this is approved for baby to sleep on each and every night.
This leads me to my final point- this thing is so safe! The mesh sides, the thin and firm mattress, and the big, stable base mean that baby can’t possibly get into any trouble. And it makes co-sleeping a safe and wonderful experience.
I think that this bassinet offers the best of a lot of worlds at the highest quality, and that’s why I picked it!
Best Wooden Bassinets
The SNOO is by far the most expensive and most luxurious bassinet compared to the Arm’s Reach bassinet. Unlike the Arm’s Reach bassinet, the SNOO detects crying and automatically begins to self-rock and plays white noise as a result, to calm baby.
| Product Dimensions (inches) | |
| SNOO Smart Sleeper | 30 x 16 x 32 |
| Arm’s Reach Sleeper | 34 x 20 x 33.75 |
SNOO Smart Sleeper
I’ve totally hesitated in putting this item on this list. And only for one reason, the insanely sky-high price. But I decided that the list of best baby bassinets just wouldn’t be complete without the SNOO Smart Sleeper. I promise, if you can afford it, this is THE bassinet to have.
This baby bassinet rocks your baby back to sleep for you. Need I even say more? Well, I will! It senses when baby is crying, and it will create white noise and rocking/vibrating at different levels until baby is soothed back to sleep. No need for you to go in and pick up baby in the middle of the night, just stay conscious long enough to make sure that baby calms down, and you are good to go.
If for some reason baby is just not having it, it will alert you that baby is hungry or uncomfortable and needs your attention. It’s like a middle-of-the-night nanny that you don’t have to pay for.
Bonus: there’s a weaning option. This is genius! I’ve weaned two kids, and it was not fun. This would have been so helpful in getting my child to like their crib/bed better than those nighttime cuddle feedings. There’s also a Preemie mode that is extra, super gentle for the tiniest of babies.
You can control all of this from your smartphone. It turns into a remote! In the app, you can log baby’s sleep (which equals your own sleep, amiright?) and control the sensitivity level of the soothing feature. You can also adjust the sounds and motions to get it to the right level for your particular and ever-changing baby.
This is a low SIDS risk baby bed because it keeps your child on their back. Granted, you have to strap your little one down like they’re about to go on a ride (which they are!), but baby will stay sleeping on their back all night long with no rolling and no suffocation risks. Plus the mattress is firm, the walls are breathable mesh, and it’s overall safe and cozy for baby.
This AAP-okayed bed works until baby is 6 months old. It has a 1-year warranty.
Ratings and Reviews
- 5 stars, 4 reviews – Walmart
- 4.6 stars, 451 reviews – SNOO
Issues
Did you see those ratings? There’s not a lot to complain about. It would be nice if it would feed and change my baby, but I’ll settle for soothing.
One thing: you know how I said that baby gets strapped into place? You have to use the SNOO Sleep Sack to clip your child into place. It’s included thank goodness. But there’s always the chance that your baby won’t like the sleep sack. I had a little one who loved sleep sacks, and a little one who would scream until I took it off. You never know until you try. Good thing there’s the SNOO 30 day guarantee.
Oh, and one more thing- that price! It’s big, but it’s totally justified by just how great this product is. Believe the hype, the SNOO is the real deal!
Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Co-sleeping is a great idea. It has a ton of health benefits for parents and baby! However, it can be dangerous when bed-sharing. Having a co-sleeping bassinet like the Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria gives you the best of both worlds- the benefits of co-sleeping with the safety benefits of baby’s own space. Plus, this stylish bassinet has lots of great features, like storage and a mesh drop-down side.
Can I start with a silly feature? I love the look of this bassinet. It doesn’t look babyish and cheap. It looks sturdy, well-made, and is even gender-neutral! Also, you can use this bassinet until baby reaches about 5 months since the sides are a lot taller than other models.
But to the meat and potatoes. The bassinet itself is made from wood headboard and footboard and thick mesh sides. One of these sides can be dropped almost all the way down for easy access from the bed. This is so nice for breastfeeding mamas because they can grab baby quickly for a nighttime feed. Since all sides go up, it can be used as a freestanding bassinet.
And if you want to use it as a co-sleeper, which you will, you can drop the side all the way down. You can set the co-sleeper next to mattresses from 24 inches to 30 inches using the extendable legs that move in 2-inch increments. This makes the co-sleeper flush with your mattress, depending on what setting you use. You can secure the co-sleeper to the bed using the included straps and plate that go under the adult mattress. Baby will be right next to you, but still safely in their own bed.
The bassinet includes a baby mattress and a soft, washable sheet. The mattress included is more like a playard mattress-thin and firm. Besides that, it features lockable wheels and a separated storage basket underneath with the same dimensions as the bassinet, which is about 31 inches by 20 inches.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.9 stars, 28 reviews- Target
- 4.8 stars, 8 reviews- Wayfair
- 4.5 stars, 10 reviews- Overstock
Issues
Number one complaint: the mattress.
It’s a thin mattress. A lot of people dislike the included mattress and sheet, saying that they just aren’t comfortable. And that’s because it’s a small, 1-inch thick mattress. And it’s not the softest of foams. Picky babies may not sleep on its hard surface.
However, Arm’s Reach sells a ton of different mattresses and sheets that are compatible with the Cambria Co-Sleeper, so just invest in a different mattress if you feel that baby is uncomfortable.
The other two complaints are so very minor.
The first is the bottom basket. Like other bassinets, the storage compartment is made from fabric only, and as such is a bit flimsy. With this model, since the basket is tied on with straps, it can slide down or fall off when it gets heavy. Just something to be aware of
And finally, let’s talk about the little ledge. Since the mesh side doesn’t fold all the way completely down, there is a little ledge from the side that is there. This can be tricky, depending on how tall your bed is. No matter what, you can’t have one seamless surface from the baby’s mattress to yours. So if you are expecting that, you’ll be disappointed when you see the little 4 or 5-inch side sticking up.
Best Rolling Bassinets
For a luxury rolling bassinet, the Graco Sense2Snooze bassinet is the most expensive. For a budget-friendly rolling bassinet, the Delta Children bassinet is the most reasonably-priced. The Simmons Kids bassinet is the simplest bassinet compared to the others below.
| Product Dimensions (inches) | |
| Delta Children Sweet Beginnings | 33 x 17 x 45 |
| Graco Dream Suite | 33.94 x 6.18 x 19.37 |
| Simmons Kids Bassinet | 31 x 19.5 x 41.5 |
| Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet | 24.1 x 29.3 x 48 |
Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet
This is an extremely lightweight bassinet and weighs just over 12 pounds. The Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet is designed for babies up to 5 months and 25ish pounds (see complaints below). It has a small footprint because its dimensions are only 45.5 inches high by 21 inches wide by 35.5 inches deep.
The bassinet itself is a comfortable sleeping area for your baby. The bottom is covered by a 1-inch mattress that’s pretty firm. This mattress has a fitted sheet that’s machine washable for easy cleaning. The sides of the sleeping area are made from a soft quilted fabric with mesh windows. The top of the bassinet is covered by an adjustable canopy that can fold down or be removed.
It’s safe- it is JPMA certified and it meets ASTM/CPSC standards. It also has wheels so that you can easily move them around the room.
There is a light and sound console that can emit a soft nightlight and also play gentle lullabies. Not all babies like this, but it’s nice to have!
Finally, there’s a storage basket underneath. It’s pretty large, with two sections and enough room for spare blankets, diapers, extra clothes, and more.
The price of this bassinet might be the best part. It costs a little over half of what a lot of other models cost. Why spend a lot on a product that you’ll only use for about 3 months? Overall, this bassinet is lightweight, easy to use, neutral, and stylish, and is downright inexpensive.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.2 stars, 210 reviews- Sam’s Club
- 4.3 stars, 385 reviews- Walmart
Issues
The quality is what keeps this from being five stars.
Like so many other of the best bassinets, the Sweet Beginnings Bassinet doesn’t come with a top-notch mattress. The 1-inch thick foam mattress included with this bassinet will probably leave you and baby wanting more. You can find other mattresses that are of the same dimensions, which is about 34 by 18. In any case, you’ll probably have to do something to make the inside slightly more comfortable for baby.
It isn’t the most solid and sturdy option on the list. Some parents have even gone as far as saying it’s wobbly. I think that’s a stretch, but it doesn’t have the stability of a wooden or larger option. And some parts, like the wheels, just aren’t the highest quality and are prone to breaking.
Graco Dream Suite Bassinet
Newborns have slightly different needs than older babies. They need feedings, fresh diapers, and naps around the clock. So if you are going to invest in a bassinet, why not pick one that helps you meet those incessant needs? Like the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet– it’s a bassinet and changing station all in one.
Graco calls the Dream Suite their complete bedside care center. And that’s fitting.
The first part of this bassinet is the bed. This bassinet can fit kids up to 15 pounds (or 3 months) on the lightweight mattress pad. That’s a lower weight limit than some other bassinets, making it ideal for newborns. Baby stays at the right temp thanks to the breathable mesh sides, which also allow for easy viewing by parents. The two-speed vibration and canopy will help keep baby sleeping. For an awake baby, there are two plush star toys to look at and even reach for.
The changing portion of the bassinet works for babies all the way up to 30 pounds. This gives this baby gear an extended life beyond the newborn years! The material on the changing station side is easy to wipe clean and won’t absorb liquids.
Switching from one mode to the other is simple. You can flip from the bassinet to the changer using just one hand. Simply squeeze the lever and flip it over. This one-handed use is great for holding a baby and doing the switch. And when you’re done, flip it back over. Simple.
Finally, there is a large storage basket underneath that keeps baby’s gear close by. It’s the perfect spot to keep all those extra clothes, diapers, and blankets that you’ll need during the first couple of months.
The whole system lies atop a lightweight frame with lockable wheels. It only measures 42 inches tall by 23.5 inches wide by 35 inches deep, so it’s compact, easy to move, and multitasking. Great for small babies and small homes!
Ratings and Reviews
- 3.8 stars, 71 reviews- BuyBuyBaby
- 4 stars, 57 reviews- Target
- 4 stars, 40 reviews- Walmart
- 4 stars, 173 reviews- Toys R Us
Issues
The complaints concerning this bassinet are pretty mild. Most have to do with the mattress and the assembly.
Oh, the mattress pad. It’s thin and hard to clean. You trade off a bit of comfort and convenience for some other great features. If the mattress was super fluffy and thick, it wouldn’t be safe for baby sleeping on it, and it would also make flipping this thing over to the bassinet really tricky. Keeping it lightweight means you get to flip it over easily for changing. As for cleaning it, it is in fact a total pain! Hand washing only or machine wash and drip dry is a joke. And only Graco pads fit the mattress, and they’re expensive.
Assembly sucks. Let’s be honest, assembling baby stuff is never easy or fun. But this one takes the cake. Several purchasers literally returned it before use because they couldn’t figure it out. I’m so thankful that we live in an age of youtube how-to videos and google. Because you’ll need both, and a whole lotta common sense, to figure this thing out.
Remember how I talked about how it flips pretty easily. Well, that’s true when flipping from bassinet to changer. Flipping from changer to bassinet is much more difficult and requires 2 hands. You have to push in the lock button and squeeze the lever together, so doing that with a baby in your arms is nearly impossible.
Then there’s the mildest complaint: the bottom storage basket. Users complain that’s it’s super flimsy because it’s made of only fabric. So when you put stuff in, it sags and is really low to the ground. I agree that a good piece of cardboard can remedy this if it truly bothers you.
Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
If you are looking for a simple, small bassinet to keep baby near you, then look no further than the Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet. This simple bassinet has all the features you’ll want at a price you’ll love.
A breastfeeding or C-section mom can’t go wrong with this option. The bottom legs keep the bassinet sturdy while also going under the bed (or even a chair or couch!) to keep baby close to the mom. The height is adjustable, from 27 inches high to 22 inches high, to make sure it is at the right level for co-sleeping.
The mesh sides mean safety and security because you can see baby and baby can breathe better. There are also solid portions to the sides to keep baby somewhat cozy and to add to the overall aesthetic. The gray color is neutral for either gender and is sure to fit in with any decor.
Parents will love how easy it is to clean this bassinet. The comfortable 1-inch thick mattress, which measures a generous 30.5″ long by 19″ wide, has a washable cover, and all the other materials are very easy to wipe clean. Parents will also love the storage pockets. They aren’t the largest in the world, but they are just right for holding an extra pacifier, a burp rag, and maybe a diaper or two. The fact that the pockets are on the side closest to the bed tells me that Simmons actually thought out this design and made it user-friendly!
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.8 stars, 62 reviews – Target
- 5 stars, 52 reviews – Wayfair
Issues
This may not be an issue for some, but the bassinet is pretty heavy. It weighs about 22 pounds, so scooting and moving it around isn’t that easy. And although there are wheels on the legs, they don’t help very much at all.
Also, having the pockets on the corners allows for better baby viewing, but it also allows for the legs to get in the way. You can still fit things in the pockets, but they are a bit obstructed by the legs.
Finally, this bassinet doesn’t lay totally level. This probably has a lot to do with who puts it together and how well they do it. It also has a lot to do with the differences in manufacturing parts and the fact that each part is different. In any case, be prepared for a very slight tilt to one side, because it could happen.
Graco Sense2Soothe Bassinet
The Graco Sense2Soothe Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology is a smart bassinet. It senses when baby is wiggling around and crying and it will react accordingly, ala the SNOO. The biggest difference between the two? Price, and to a certain extent, performance.
The Cry Detection technology uses a microphone to hear baby’s crying. Then, baby can be soothed by 3 different speeds of 1 type of motion and 2 different vibration settings. Add in soothing songs and sounds, like nature noises and white noise, and baby is sure to drift right back to sleep. The lighting on the control panel is even dimmable, so you don’t have to worry about light waking baby.
This bedside sleeper also features wheels so you can use it as a portable bassinet. The built-in storage pockets mean that anything you need for baby will be right there when you want it. The canopy also means that daytime naps can be shaded for sounder sleep. Sleepy parents will also love Parent mode, where all of baby’s favorite settings can be saved.
The mesh fabric is designed to be ultra-breathable for baby. On top of that, it’s soft and gender-neutral too. Plus, you can remove the mattress cover machine to wash it. Since little bitty babies spit up and have poop-splosions a lot, it’s nice to know that I can get this fabric clean!
The thick mattress pad is better than a lot of other bassinets out there. And at 29″ x 17.5″ inches, it’s a good size. It will support your baby until 20 pounds, or when they can attempt to get out on their own.
Ratings and Reviews
Remember, this is a newer model; it takes time to generate lots of rave reviews!
- 4 stars, 5 reviews – Target
- 4.5 stars, 2 reviews – Walmart
- 4.1 stars, 15 reviews – BuyBuyBaby
Issues
The biggest complaint with this smart bassinet is that it just doesn’t work. Many babies aren’t soothed by the single motion that this bassinet offers. The vibrations are nice, but they don’t always work either.
While the noise options are nice, they aren’t very loud. If you like your white noise at more than whisper-quiet level, you’ll still need a sound machine. And the quiet sounds are not nearly loud enough to mask the loud clicking of the buttons on the control panel.
Finally, we wish all 4 legs had wheels! It would be so much easier to move if the front legs had wheels as well!
Best Rocking Bassinets
The BabyBjorn cradle is the most expensive bassinet compared to the Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet and Fisher-Price bassinets. The Fisher-Price bassinet does offer more features like music and lighting unlike the Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet and BabyBjorn bassinets.
| Product Dimensions (inches) | |
| Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet | 24.5 x 16.8 x 7.6 |
| BabyBjorn Cradle | 31 x 23 x 26 |
| Fisher-Price Soothing Motions | 22.8 x 5.9 x 40 |
Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet
The line between bassinet and cradle is often blurred. The Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet is an option that gives you the best of both worlds- the convenience of a bassinet and the rocking motion of a cradle.
The legs have the ability to rock side to side. Also, it has a retractable canopy for sunshade and a bug net too. And if you need to take it even further, this bassinet folds flat and goes in a travel/storage bag. You just snap the metal legs and rockers on or off and fold the whole thing up. That makes this 15-pound option an ideal travel bassinet.
The fabrics have a nice feel and a modern look. The breathable mesh sides help keep the interior fully ventilated and cozy for baby. Because it’s so spacious and sturdy, this bassinet will support your baby up to 20 pounds or until they start to roll and pull themselves up.
Even the smallest of babies can make messes. All of the fabric can be removed from the aluminum frame and washed. Add in the fact that the mattress pad itself is water-resistant and comes with its own washable pad, and you’ll rest easy, knowing that you can clean whatever your baby throws at you.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.5 stars, 13 reviews – Wayfair
- More reviews coming soon!
Issues
If you are a C-section mom, you won’t like the low height of this bassinet. It’s okay for keeping next to the bed and accessing from a seated position, but if you try to lay baby down from a standing position, you’ll have to bend pretty low and you’ll feel it in the incision.
There is no way to keep it from rocking. If you lay baby directly in the center, they shouldn’t rock unless they are really moving around. But, with the nature of this cradle, there’s always going to be some kind of movement.
Finally, the chemical smell is noticeable on this bassinet. We suggest putting it together and letting it air out outdoors in the sun for several hours before using it. Also, wash the mattress pad before using it. This helps with the off-gassing process.
BABYBJORN Cradle
Ah, BABYBJORN. You Scandinavian genius, you. The BABYBJORN Cradle is yet another piece of totally modern, super useful, gorgeous, safe, and kind-of expensive baby gear.
Let’s start at the base. It is made from light wood and metal. The wide legs make this thing tip-proof. And so the metal doesn’t rip up your floor, there are protective and non-skid rubber pads on the legs. The frame and bed only weigh 13 pounds, so picking it up and scooting it from room to room is no big deal. You can even collapse and fold up the frame so that it’s only 5 inches tall.
Moving up, you’ll find the bassinette bed suspended on the spring-loaded frame and supported by an MDF platform. It has a suspension that is similar to that found in strollers. This means that your bassinet will rock evenly and gently in any direction without getting stuck. Even when baby approaches the 17-pound weight limit, it will still rock smoothly, with either your help or the baby’s own movements.
And now for the bed part of the baby bassinet. The sides are solid mesh, so no worrying about slats or gaps to trap little appendages. The thin mesh also means that this bed is breathable and comfortable for your baby. It’s thin enough that you can keep an eye on baby, but it’s not see-through, so baby can’t just stare off into the world.
The cradle has a thin polyester mattress that provides ample padding for baby. This is covered by a fitted crib sheet, both of which are washable. And if the mess baby makes is really bad, you can remove all the mesh and wash it too! All of the fabrics are safe for baby, with the whole thing being Oeko-Tex Standard 100, class 1 approved. It passes all American and European standards and has ASTM and JPMA certifications.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.7 stars, 15 reviews – Walmart
- 5 stars, 91 reviews – Albee Baby
- 4.8 stars, 39 reviews – BABYBJORN
Issues
My biggest problem with this is the price! It’s not cheap! If you wanted to add on the optional mesh canopy and buy extra fitted sheets, the price skyrockets even more. And given its small size, it’s not like baby will be sleeping in it for years. So it’s certainly an investment that’s made by parents who really, really want their newborn to sleep in safety and style.
It’s part of the safety thing, but I hate how short this is! It’s only 26 inches from the floor to the top lip of the bassinet. That’s like doll furniture! Great when I’m laying in bed, but not at all great when I have to bend all the way down to pick up the bambino (especially after giving birth!).
Final annoyance: there are big tags all around the unit that have suffocation and product warnings. These are there to inform the consumer, and probably to cover BABYBJORN’s tail when it comes to lawsuits and the like. But they aren’t fun for parents to stare at each time they grab their baby. Can’t we put them on the bottom or something?
Want more baby cradles? Check out our Best Cradle list!
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
Fisher-Price advertises that their Soothing Motions Bassinet has so many ways to soothe, and that’s certainly true! Let’s start with my favorite way: the rocking motion. The bed part of the bassinet itself is suspended on the frame, so you or baby can move the bassinet side to side to get a gentle swaying motion that even the grumpiest babies love. But if baby likes to be stationary, you can lock the frame so that it won’t sway.
Next is the bed part of the bassinet. It has breathable mesh sides, a firm but comfortable sleeping pad, and a cute design. It measures about 15 inches wide by 31 inches long, so your baby has room to grow into it. Your baby can sleep here until they are 25 pounds or until they can push themselves up, whichever happens first.
Once in the bed, your baby can look at the mobile over them to be comforted. It’s nothing super fancy, just some jointed plastic pieces with stars dangling down. It’s also got a sweet little lion and some brightly colored leaves. If you get it rotating, it’ll move around and catch baby’s attention.
If baby needs a little something more, then you can use the attached baby soother. This thing is fully loaded with lights and sounds. The first light setting is a gentle night light, perfect for checking to see if baby is asleep. The next light setting is a full-blown light projection show. It projects stars and moons onto the ceiling for baby to watch.
In addition, the soother has a vibration setting that is sure to work on any baby. Babies are soothed by vibrations, and you can play nature sounds or sweet songs for them. Between the lights, the sounds, the mobile, the swaying, and the light show, there’s certainly a way to get baby to be calm and happy!
The last added bonus is the shelf underneath. Perfect for storing blankets, pacifiers, or little snuggly toys to keep baby happy.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.8 stars, 79 reviews – Target
- 4.5 stars, 63 reviews – Bed Bath & Beyond
- 4.1 stars, 39 reviews- Walmart
Issues
The mobile, while cute, tends to get in the way when you are getting your baby in and out of this every 2 or 3 hours at night. It is removable, which is nice.
This bassinet sits really low to the ground. Like, nearly parallel to the bed low. It’s not a big deal, and actually really nice for when you are laying in bed and want to peek in the mesh sides to see if baby is sleeping, but it’s not really back-friendly.
The size of this baby bassinet can also be a downside. It has a 25-pound weight limit, which is easily reached by big babies. Plus, the heavier baby gets, the more they move the swaying motion, so they’ll sway so hard that they’ll wake themselves up by just changing sleeping positions.
Best Portable Bassinet
Chicco Lullago Anywhere Travel Crib
I chose not to include the travel bassinets that don’t have legs or a base. Lullyboo makes a great travel bassinet, but it has to go on the ground. That’s both uncomfortable and unsanitary if you ask me! My favorite travel bassinet is the Chicco Lullago Anywhere Travel Crib. It’s simple, light, easy to carry, and reasonably priced.
There really isn’t a whole lot to talk about when it comes to this portable bassinet. The bassinet is made for babies up to 20 pounds and is simple in design.
The bed itself has a soft, padded mattress with removable and washable sheets and a waterproof mattress pad. The fabrics all zip off for easy access and washing. The side panels of the bed are a tough and durable material with see-through mesh panels near baby’s face. And that’s about it for the bed part.
The bassinet itself can be disassembled within 1 minute. The top part of the bed is one piece and the legs snap on and off easily. The top part folds in half and can be carried with the legs inside the awesome carrying bag.
That’s all that this portable bassinet can do! There are no toys, storage, canopy, or other bells and whistles. And that’s okay. Travel bassinets don’t need to be fancy, but they do need to be light, easy to assemble, and convenient to carry. This checks all those boxes. And at one of the lowest prices on this list, this high-quality travel bassinet from Chicco is a winner.
Ratings and Reviews
- 4.1 stars, 68 reviews- Bed Bath & Beyond
- 4.5 stars, 120 reviews- Target
- 4.5 stars, 44 reviews- Toys R Us
Issues
With not a lot of features, there can’t be a lot to complain about, right? Right! That’s why it’s consistently rated over 4 stars across the board.
The sheets and the travel bag are big sources of frustration.
The sheets that fit it are very unique in size and shape. You can try any brand of sheet or mattress pad and it just won’t fit. Since the sheet that comes with is a thin one and isn’t waterproof, you’ll want to figure out some solution if your baby uses this more than occasionally.
The travel bag is awesome if you’re just going to a friend’s house or taking a car trip somewhere. But for flying or frequent travel, it’s less than perfect. The bag has no top closure and the legs don’t fit inside entirely. Checking this at an airport would be a nightmare. The bag needs a few more inches and a zipper.
Bassinets Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.SNOO Smart Sleeper 9.8 8.8 1,271.25 BABYBJORN Cradle 9.3 9.0 349.99 Graco Sense2Soothe Bassinet 9.8 8.8 329.99 Arm's Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet 9.3 9.4 270.00 Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet 9.5 9.2 139.99 Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet 9.4 9.2 130.33 Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet 9.2 9.2 119.99 Chicco Lullago Anywhere Travel Crib 9.9 9.4 81.87 Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet 8.7 9.4 - Graco Dream Suite Bassinet 8.7 9.2 - HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere 3.9 9.0 -
Baby Bassinet Buying Guide
My grandma loves to tell people how she used to haul her kids around in one of those Moses basket bassinets. When I registered for a bassinet with my first, she couldn’t even fathom how far bassinets have come! Now, you can find bedside bassinet, co-sleeper, in-bed bassinet, vibrating bassinet, swinging bassinet, cradle bassinet, and portable bassinet options.
Types of Bassinets
Bedside Bassinet
Most of the best bassinets that you’ll find on the market today are bedside bassinets. The bedside sleepers are smaller and are designed to be used in your own bedroom next to your bed so that your newborn baby can room in with you, per the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines. Many bedside bassinets can even be pulled up right next to the bed. The clear mesh sides make it easy to see what baby is doing from our spot in the bed.
Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Co-sleeping bassinets work well because they offer baby a chance to be close to you, which is the absolute best way to calm a fussy baby. Choices like the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinet (which we’ve reviewed separately for your researching pleasure!) keep baby right next to you without hogging the bed or posing a risk due to rolling over on the baby. Many co-sleepers have drop-downs ides so that baby can get up right next to you while still being in their own space.
Vibrating Bassinet
Probably the most famous vibrating bassinet is the SNOO Smart Sleeper, which literally vibrates and moves your baby back to sleep. Vibrating is a great way to soothe baby, and many bassinets have a built-in vibration setting.
Swinging Bassinet
A swinging or rocking bassinet is another great way to soothe baby. Some have to be rocked by you. Others move when baby moves, like the BABYBJORN Cradle Bassinet. Either way, that gentle movement assures baby that they aren’t lost and alone and helps them get back to sleep on their own.
In-Bed Bassinet
This has all the benefits of a standalone bassinet, but it requires you to place it in your bed. This is great for co-sleeping and breastfeeding. But be warned: you need a lot of bed space for an in-bed bassinet!
Travel Bassinet
If you are going to take the bassinet anywhere, whether that’s room to room or place to place, you’ll need a bassinet that makes traveling easy. There are options that fold and go in a carrying case, or disassemble completely for travel. No matter where you take it, you’ll find a great choice in both this best bassinet list and our Best Portable Bassinets for Baby list.
Adjustable Bassinets
This is a big one for c-section moms. If you’ve recently been cut open, bending down low is the very last thing you’ll want to do. Finding a bassinet that sits up tall and can be adjusted to the right height is a great idea. My absolute favorite bassinet after c-section is the Halo Bassinest. Be sure to check out our full Bassinest review, which covers the tall and adjustable height, 360-degree swivel, and drop-down breathable mesh side that are totes c-section friendly.
FAQs – Baby Bassinets
Is a baby bassinet safe for a newborn?
Bassinets are totally safe for newborns. They’re a closer and smaller place for baby to sleep. Many newborns and bigger babies like the close quarters of a bassinet because it gives them that cozy, womb-like feeling. As long as you are putting baby to sleep on their back and practicing other safe sleeping techniques, your baby will be just fine in a bassinet.
Can I put my own mattress or padding in a baby bassinet?
Just like in a crib, you should never, ever put extra blankets, pillows, or other items in baby’s sleeping area. Even though that bassinet mattress seems awfully firm, I promise your baby won’t mind too much. As soon as you start adding pillows, padding, thick blankets, and the like, you create an unsafe sleep space for baby. Trust the design of bassinets and leave them as they are.
How long does a baby use a bassinet?
Most babies will outgrow a bassinet around the 4 to 6 month mark. This is usually when your baby will reach the weight limit determined by the manufacturer. It’s also around this age that your baby will start to roll or attempt to pull themselves up and out of the bassinet. Once this happens, you need to transition baby into a full-sized crib.
Can I buy a used bassinet?
If you are careful and picky, a used bassinet shouldn’t be a problem. Make sure that the bassinet is 5 years old or newer. This ensures that it meets all the latest safety standards. Make sure that there are no holes in the fabric or mesh, as these pose a safety hazard for baby. Finally, make sure that all mattresses or fabrics can be washed or disinfected before your baby sleeps on them.
Can my baby safely sleep in a bassinet all night long?
Yes, unlike car seats, swings, bouncers, or inclined bassinets (which have been recalled due to safety concerns) your flat/level bassinet is like a mini-crib and is a great place for your baby to sleep as long as possible.
Do I need a bassinet for my baby?
While the various best bassinets on our list have various weight limits, bassinets are generally for babies under 6 months of age. Unless your baby is young, let’s say 0-3 months, then the purchase of a bassinet may not be justified.
Though a bassinet is not necessary, its purpose is to provide a smaller, safe sleeping place for your child. Maybe you would like to have a portable bassinet if you are often away from home with your baby for longer periods of time, or a bassinet that can be fixed on or beside your bed so that you can check on your young baby at night and have easy access for nursing.
Or perhaps your baby seems lost in a standard-sized crib and more comfortable in a smaller, more cozy space. Which bassinet you choose will depend upon your specific needs.
Are in-bed bassinets safe?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby should not sleep in your bed. Keeping baby in the same room, but in their own sleeping space is ideal.
There are still in-bed bassinets available, and for some families, they work well. Be sure to choose a firm-sided one, so that if you were to roll against it you would not collapse its sides upon your baby. The bassinet should be placed between two parents to prevent an accidental fall, and it must be kept out from under any bedcovers at all times.
Is a vibrating bassinet safe for my baby?
Short answer: yes. Many babies fall asleep more easily with motion/vibration. The downside? Your baby may get used to the vibration and be unable to sleep without it.
It’s important, therefore, to turn off the vibration once your baby is asleep. A bassinet with an auto-shutoff feature (for the vibration) can be a very nice thing since it enables you to go on to sleep without waiting until your baby is asleep to turn off the vibrations.
Should my bassinet have mesh sides?
Mesh sides are not necessary, but they do have two advantages.
1) For a bedside bassinet, you can see your baby in the bassinet without sitting up.
2) The mesh allows more airflow into the bassinet, possibly keeping it cooler in the summer.
What kind of bedding should I use in the bassinet?
Bedding should consist only of the mattress that comes with the bassinet (or another firm bassinet mattress that fits it exactly) and the matching fitted sheet. As in the crib, there should be no pillows, soft toys, flat sheets, or blankets.
