Newborns need a lot of attention during the first few months, and parents usually prefer to keep the baby in the same room for convenience. While many people favor cribs, they might be unsuitable for smaller rooms as they are very bulky and take up a lot of space.
A bassinet is among the most preferred options among parents for keeping their baby close during the initial months. It is smaller and much more portable than a crib, making it easier for parents to reach out to the baby, especially at night.
Bassinets are also more suitable for moms recovering from birth (especially if they had a C-section delivery). Several models also function as bedside co-sleepers that make it easy to feed or soothe the baby without bending over too much.
If you intend to purchase a bassinet for your baby but are confused due to the huge number of options available, then this article is for you!
We curated our list of the best bassinets after identifying the products that parents have spoken highly of after using them for their newborns and combining them with a bit of our own research. We are sure you will find the perfect one for your needs from the list below. Let’s check them out.
If you’re looking for a bassinet that won’t take up much space, the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper might be the right product for your needs. The four-point base is designed to tuck under your bed, making it ideal for smaller rooms.
We absolutely love its 360° swivel design. This makes it super convenient to bring the baby as close to the bed as possible without disturbing their rest. It also has a storage pocket for keeping baby essentials so that you don’t have to search for diapers or wipes when you need them!
The bassinet is designed to make life easier for new mothers. It comes with a lowering wall on one side that makes it very convenient to reach out to your baby without leaving the bed! This is a great option for mothers recovering from giving birth as they won’t need to bend down to get their baby out of the bassinet for feeding. You can also lock the wall in position if you so desire.
We think the mesh walls are great, as not only does it ensure enough airflow for the newborn, but also it doesn’t obstruct the vision. Parents can be at peace as they can easily keep an eye on their baby to ensure the little one is alright, and the baby can also see them from inside the bassinet.
The bassinet is remarkably sturdy, which ensures safety for your baby, but this comes with a disadvantage, too. The bassinet is quite heavy, which makes moving it from one room to another a tedious task. However, that is not much of an issue for parents who want to keep their baby close to them while they sleep.
All in all, this is the best bassinet if you are looking for one that’s high on convenience while not taking up a ton of space.
Pros
The 360° swivel allows you to bring the baby close to the bed
It comes with a storage pocket for all your baby essentials
The sturdy design ensures that you are not worried about the safety of the baby
Cons
The bassinet is on the heavier side, which makes it a bit difficult to move from one place to another
Some parents complained that the bassinet was not level
The SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet is the ideal choice if you are willing to splurge on the best baby bassinet for your little one. While some people may find the price too high for a temporary sleeping area for a baby, most people would agree that it’s worth it if your baby sleeps well.
So what makes this bassinet the chosen one for parents? It comes with sleep sack swaddles that ensure that the baby sleeps on its back instead of moving around in the bassinet. This makes it a good choice if you are constantly worried about the safety of the baby.
What parents like the most about this bassinet are how easily their little ones fall asleep in it. The soothing motion of the bassinet quickly lets your little one drift off to dreamland within a few minutes.
Moreover, the bassinet is designed to identify and respond to crying automatically. So you don’t need to get up and calm down the baby as the bassinet does that for you! It uses a combination of white noise and a rocking motion to lull the baby back to sleep gradually. It’s much like having a helper around to soothe the baby, making life easier for the recovering mother.
It is a boon for working parents, too, as it would ensure you get a good night’s sleep without having to wake up at irregular intervals to calm down a crying baby.
With a smart mobile app, you can customize the bassinet’s cry sensitivity, motion, and sound to match your (or rather, your baby’s) requirements. It also logs nap and sleeps timings for your convenience.
The best part is that you don’t have to worry about your baby creating a fuss if laid down elsewhere when they outgrow this bassinet. It comes with a weaning option that would help your child in their transition to a crib from the bassinet.
Pros
The soothing motion is a lifesaver for calming a crying baby
It comes with a mobile app that lets you adjust the sound, motion, etc. as per your preferences
The weaning mode is great for a seamless transition to a crib as your child grows
Cons
It’s quite expensive, especially for a product that your baby will be using for only a few months
The bassinet doesn’t always react on time to calm the baby
If you are new to parenting, it is understandable that you would want to keep your baby close to you at all times. Since bed-sharing is not very safe (especially for newborns), here is the next best option. The Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper allows you to stay as close as possible to your baby as they sleep.
The bassinet allows you to adjust its height to match your bed’s for convenience and the mesh walls ensure clear visibility and breathability for the baby. The sturdy strap system makes it easy to attach the bassinet securely to your bed frame so that you can sleep worry-free with your baby on your side.
It comes with a mesh wall on one side that you can zip down to cuddle with or feed your baby. Mothers recovering from birth and those who had a C-section delivery often suffer from pain due to bending down to lift the baby, but this bassinet lets you keep your baby close to you without any such hassles.
This product is sturdy yet lightweight, which makes moving it around not very difficult even for recovering mothers. A four-wheeled design, instead of the two-wheeled one would have made this bassinet more convenient to use, but we aren’t complaining considering the price range.
Setting up the bassinet is super easy – you don’t even need any tools for that. It is crafted as per the ASTM standards and is safe for use even for newborns. The inside is lined with a soft and non-allergic fabric to ensure your baby’s comfort.
Pros
The adjustable height makes it convenient to use as a bedside co-sleeper
The zip-down design is perfect for new mothers reaching out to their baby without straining themselves
It is lightweight and portable, making it easier to move around
Cons
The two-wheeled design is not very convenient for moving the bassinet from one room to another
The bassinet tends to wobble a bit when not attached to the bed
The Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper is ideal for new moms who want their little ones to always be within their reach. This is quite spacious, which means that your baby can use it longer than other standard bassinets, which are usually smaller.
Similar to the Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper, this bassinet, too, is adjustable to match your bed’s height. However, unlike the former, it has 6 height-adjustment positions that you can adapt to most standard beds. It also has a similar zip-down wall to make checking on your baby easier.
The best part is that you can anchor the legs to the bed if you so wish. This, in addition to the attached straps, ensures that the bassinet doesn’t move from its place while you sleep. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move across the room during the day.
Another noteworthy feature is that the bassinet has an adjustable incline. This is great for slightly older babies who detest sleeping on their backs. You can adjust the incline to a safe level so that your little one is comfortable during the nap.
Pros
You can gently rock it from side to side to soothe the baby into sleeping
It comes with 6 height positions to match your bed’s elevation
It is quite spacious, giving your child much room for growth before they outgrow it
Cons
The mattress is not comfortable enough for newborns
This 3-in-1 bassinet is the answer to all your concerns about your baby’s comfort. It comes with a soft but firm mattress that provides the right amount of support and comfort to the baby.
This is a product with multiple uses. It can function as a standalone bassinet for your baby’s naps. You can also use it as a bedside co-sleeper by just unzipping one side and strapping it securely with your bed. You can adjust it to match the height of your bed so that it is convenient to reach out to your baby at night. However, make sure you measure the height of your bed before purchasing it to make sure that it doesn’t end up being too short.
Further, it also doubles up as a playpen when your little one gets older. Just unzip the bottom of the bassinet to set up the playpen, and you are good to go. It has mesh walls that are 100% breathable, so you don’t need to worry about your child’s safety as they play inside.
We really like that it comes with wheels to aid in easy movement. The wheels are also equipped with brakes for safety and are totally silent. This is great for moving it around without waking up a sleeping baby.
Moreover, the wheels come with locks so that the bassinet stays exactly where you want it to be. This is especially handy when you are using it as a bedside co-sleeper.
It is also travel-friendly and comes with nice storage and carry bags that you can take with you on your trips. Assembling and disassembling the product is simple, so you won’t be wasting too much time there!
Pros
It can function as a standalone bassinet, bedside co-sleeper, and playpen
It comes with wheels for easy mobility
Easy to assemble and travel-friendly
Cons
Mesh walls on all four sides instead of just one would have been better for the baby’s safety
The Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper is one of our favorites due to its mom-friendly design. It can function both as a standalone bassinet and a bedside co-sleeper.
It comes with an easy-glide height adjustment system that allows you to fit it to the height of your bed effortlessly. The zip-down side allows you easy access to your little one without having to bend down. So you can lift the baby with minimal effort for breastfeeding or simply for cuddles!
The soft mesh panels ensure that there is enough airflow in the bassinet, along with allowing you to keep an eye on the little one. The four wheels at the base make it easy to move from room to room. So you won’t have to worry whether your little one has awakened while you are busy in another room – you can just roll it around wherever you want. Plus, the wheels are noiseless and smooth, so your baby won’t wake up while you do so!
It is the best bassinet if you are looking for a stable and sturdy product that isn’t too heavy. Moreover, it is super easy to assemble if you follow the instructions carefully. The bassinet is suitable for babies right from birth till up to around five months of age.
Pros
The aluminum and iron frame make the bassinet quite sturdy
It comes with storage pockets for keeping diapers and other baby stuff
Easy to move around because of the wheels at the base
It is super simple to assemble
Cons
It is not covered with breathable mesh on all sides
The RONBEI Baby Bassinet boasts of high craftsmanship and good quality materials that ensure comfort for a baby. The inside of the bassinet is layered with a high-quality microfibre cloth that is soft and gentle on the baby’s skin.
It is designed with breathable air mesh on both sides, ensuring healthy airflow while the baby sleeps.
The panel on one side can be folded down for easy reach, although we noticed that it doesn’t open all the way down. While it is not a bad thing if you don’t want your baby to roll out of the bassinet into the bed while co-sleeping, it acts as an obstruction while lifting the baby or keeping an eye on them while lying down.
We love that its height can be adjusted in 9 levels, making it easy to align the bassinet with the level of most standard beds or even a sofa. It also has safety straps to hold it securely with the bed at night so that you can sleep peacefully without any worries.
It is quite lightweight and therefore does not take too much energy to move around the house. As an added bonus, it comes with a music box and a toy to keep your baby entertained.
The music box is great for playing some soothing music to help your baby drift off to sleep or calm them when they wake up suddenly. As parents, we are sure to love anything that can assist us in relaxing a crying and angry baby! Plus, the toy is enough to keep them occupied while you take care of a few chores around the room or change their diaper.
All in all, we found this bassinet super convenient for newborns. Although we would have liked it more if it came with wheels at the base for an easy movement like some of the products above.
Pros
9-position adjustable height makes it easier to match your bed’s level
The toy and music box are great additions to keep the baby occupied
Lightweight and portable
Cons
The bassinet tilts a bit to the side when the side panel is open
The music box isn’t automatic- it has to be turned off manually
If you are looking for a foldable bassinet that you can carry around easily while you travel, check out the Delta Children EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bedside Bassinet. This product will ensure that your child gets to sleep fuss-free in their own familiar space even when they are away from home.
The feature that gives it an edge over the other products is its removable canopy. You can set it up to protect your baby from mosquitoes, pests, bugs, and insects as they sleep. It comes with a zipper in the middle to set it in position and has mesh panels through which you can keep an eye on your sleeping kid.
This is a great option if you have a pet at home who thinks that every new thing you bring home is for them! The canopy will keep them from entering or jumping into the bassinet to disturb your baby’s sleep.
It needs no assembly and folds easily for storage or travel purposes. We would have liked a thicker (and softer) mattress pad, but then it wouldn’t be as easily portable as it is!
Pros
It comes with a canopy to keep pets, mosquitos, and bugs out
Easily foldable and travel-friendly
Great design with mesh on the sides and the canopy for breathability
This is a lifesaver, especially for moms who have undergone a C-section and therefore have difficulty moving around too much while attending to the baby. The Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet is equipped with a device that offers soothing vibrations, lights, and sound to put your baby to sleep gently.
The best part is that the device is removable, so you can use it to calm your baby even when they outgrow the bassinet.
This is the best bassinet that offers you great features at an affordable price range. It has a heavy base, which makes it quite sturdy and safe for babies. We really liked the design of the side panels, which is mostly crafted from soft mesh material, except for two narrow areas at the upper and lower ends.
This ensures minimal chances of suffocation, even if your baby has a habit of moving around during sleep. It also comes with cute hanging toys that dangle over your child (high enough to be out of their reach for safety reasons) to keep them entertained when they are awake.
The bassinet is quite convenient, too – it comes with a large storage area at the bottom, which can be used to store all the necessities you might need for your baby.
Pros
It comes with a device offering soothing light, sound, and vibrations for the baby
Side panels designed mostly of soft mesh for more breathability
Dangling toys for entertainment
Large storage area for keeping baby necessities
Cons
The vibration turns off automatically after 30 minutes, which can wake up the baby
A thicker mattress would be more comfortable for a newborn
Suitable for babies up to 6 months old, the Cloud Baby Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper have a wide base and a sturdy metal frame that is designed to keep your little one comfortable and safe.
We really liked how easy it is to adjust against the height of any standard bed. While most bedside sleeper bassinets do have movable heights, most do not come level if your bed is slightly on the higher side. However, not to worry, the Cloud Baby Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper come with nine adjustable height settings that allow you to set it to the level most convenient for you.
You can easily slide it into place, and its secure latch ensures that it stays the way you want. As with most bedside co-sleepers, it also comes with a detachable side panel to make feeding times easier for the mother.
Moreover, it provides a music box that plays five different soothing sounds to keep your baby calm and help them sleep. Also, two cute and colorful soft toys keep your little one engaged and happy.
Pros
Easy to set up
It comes with a music box to soothe the baby
It has nine height-adjusting settings
Safe and sturdy design
Cons
The quality of the provided mattress is not up to the mark
If you’re looking for an affordable bassinet that doesn’t compromise quality, then the Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet is the product you need!
The bassinet is quite lightweight, but that doesn’t stop it from being sturdy and stable. It has slightly curved legs that allow you to rock your little one to sleep gently. It should be noted that the bassinet doesn’t have any inbuilt rocking feature, so you need to push the bassinet manually to sway it.
There is no fear of suffocation due to the mesh panels on both sides of the baby’s head. Further, if you are wary that the rocking motion will be uncomfortable for the baby at night, you can easily lock the bassinet’s legs into a static position by twisting the knobs at the corners of the base.
It also comes with a linkable elephant toy to keep your child occupied when awake.
The best feature of the product is its portability. You can just fold it in a jiffy and pack it off to take with you on travels. It folds flat, so it is convenient to store in the cupboard or under the bed when your little one outgrows it.
All the above features make the bassinet no less than a steal at its price point. It is a good choice for parents who are unwilling to spend a considerable sum on a product of temporary use.
Pros
Unique design allows for rocking the baby to sleep
The Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet is the most affordable product on our list, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t noteworthy! On the contrary, we love its simple yet feature-loaded design that offers a lot without being too heavy on the pocket.
Firstly, the bassinet is super cute! We really like the color combination and leaf motifs on the cloth. The bassinet comes with a canopy that helps block the light to ensure that your little one sleeps uninterrupted.
Plus, to aid them in falling asleep faster, it is accompanied by a music box! You need to get 4 AA batteries, though, to run the music.
If your baby tends to wake up during the night, the calming night light that comes with the bassinet will be quite useful. Not only will your baby not start crying because of the darkness, but you will also be able to get to them without fumbling for the light switch.
That’s not all! It also comes with a large storage space that can accommodate all the baby essentials. It is also easy to move around, thanks to the lockable wheels at the bottom.
In short, the bassinet offers almost everything you need, but at a super affordable price!
The Simmons Kids Oval City Sleeper Bedside Bassinet is a very stylish-looking bassinet with a host of features for your kid. It comes with a 5-point adjustable height setting to suit your needs, although it’s not tall enough to function as a bedside sleeper.
We were most impressed with its (almost) full mesh panels. This is great if your baby tends to roll over to the side, as you can be sure that they won’t feel suffocated even with their face against the panel. It also gives you a clear view of the baby from anywhere in the room.
You can rest assured about your baby’s safety while using this bassinet. It holds a JPMA certification of meeting or exceeding all safety standards set by the ASTM and CPSC. This is a good choice if you already have a toddler at home who is super interested in watching their little brother or sister. The strong and sturdy frame will ensure that they do not knock the bassinet off accidentally.
It has wheels on one end to make it easy to move. However, you need to lift one side of the bassinet to move it along smoothly, which might be a bit difficult for mothers recovering from birth. It is easy to clean and includes a quilted mattress for the comfort of your baby.
Pros
Strong and sturdy build
Adheres to all safety standards set by the ASTM and CPSC
5-position adjustable height
Cons
The wheels are on only one side, making it a bit inconvenient to move around
Despite the height settings, the bassinet is rather short
If you are looking for the best bassinet designed with smart technology but at an affordable range, check out the Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology. This bassinet is a much cheaper alternative to the SNOO if you are not willing to splurge on the latter!
We are in awe of its feature, especially the excellent cry detection! The bassinet automatically gets to work as soon as it identifies crying and uses a combination of motion and sound to soothe your baby.
It is a lifesaver for parents as they won’t need to get up multiple times at night if the baby wakes up and starts crying. This smart bassinet will do that for you! It’s just like having another person around to calm down the baby when the parents are tired.
It has a gradual head-to-toe soothing motion that uses varying speeds to help your child fall back asleep. With ten sleepy songs as well as ten soothing sounds, your baby is sure to drift away into sleep without any fuss.
You can customize the settings as per your preferences, too. With the parent mode, you can choose between nature sounds, music, white noise, as well as the speed of vibration to comfort your baby.
Pros
It comes with cry detection
You can easily customize the best settings for your baby through the parent mode
Cons
The cry detection technology may need some time to get activated
Delta Children EZ Fold Ultra Compact Travel Bedside Bassinet
41.7 x 20.7 x 24.8 inches
1 pound
Full canopy design to keep away insects and pets
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
22.75 x 5.9 x 40 inches
24.9 pounds
Offers soothing sound, light, and vibrations for the baby
Cloud Baby Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
35.04 x 28.35 x 39.37 inches
19.8 pounds
9 height-adjusting settings
Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet
34 x 4.88 x 23.5 inches
4.57 pounds
Unique rockable design
Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet
45 x 17 x 33 inches
10.6 pounds
Very affordable
Simmons Kids Oval City Sleeper Bedside Bassinet
31.5 x 19.7 x 30 inches
1 pound
Meets all safety standards set by the ASTM and CPSC
Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology
24.1 x 29.3 x 48 inches
23.7 pounds
Smart cry detection
How To Choose The Best Bassinets?
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you choose the best bassinet for your baby. In case you are struggling to do the same, we are here to help! Check out the section below!
1. Size
Size is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a bassinet. Make sure you check the dimensions before purchasing to ensure that it is right as per your requirement and room size.
2. Weight
If you intend to move the bassinet from room to room to ensure that your baby stays close to you at all times, a lightweight bassinet is the best choice. Heavier bassinets are more sturdy, but it is a chore to move them around. Go for the latter if you only want it for keeping the baby with you in your bedroom.
3. Travel-friendliness
Parents would agree that it is super difficult to make your baby fall asleep when they are in a different setting from home. A portable and travel-friendly bassinet can make your work easier, as the baby will fall asleep without any fuss in their familiar sleeping space.
A travel-friendly bassinet needs to be lightweight, preferably foldable, and easy to disassemble and set up. Look for these features before making your choice.
Conclusion on the Best Bassinets
We hope that this article was of some help in letting you select the best bassinet for your little one. While the ideal bassinet varies as per the different requirements of the parents and the baby’s preference, our specially curated list is sure to cater to all the varying demands.
In our opinion, the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet is a clear winner due to its many incredible features, although it comes with a huge price tag to match. We also liked the Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology and the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper, which combine great features at an affordable price.
We suggest that you choose the one that meets all your requirements after going through our detailed reviews above.
Carly Link, a 33-year old mother of two toddlers. She is a parent and goes through a lot of the usual parenting difficulties herself. Carly shares all her experiences and knowledge about the best baby products through this blog.
