BEST BASSINETS REVIEWS AND BUYER’S GUIDE

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Your baby has finally arrived, so it’s time to give it the comfort it deserves. Buying a bassinet these days can be tricky because there are so many similar models to choose from. The market is full of different products so we understand that you can have a hard time picking the one that is best for your little one. Well, if you’re still not sure about which one to get, read our complete bassinet buyer’s guide, and you should find the model that fits your needs best.

CATEGORIES YOU CAN CHOSE FROM

bedside baby bassinet

BEDSIDE BASSINET

The bedside bassinets are designed with some handy features that will help you take care of your baby throughout the entire day. Some of they are an adjustable base, adjustable sidewalls, and an ability to rotate the whole bassinet. The idea is to help new parents take care of their babies, but also to provide a comfortable environment for your child.

cosleeper baby bassinet type

CO-SLEEPER BASSINET

Co-sleeper bassinets are designed for parents who want their baby to sleep in the same room, but not the same bed with their baby. They are ideal for infants that need constant care, and that includes night time. They can be foldable, they can have a canopy, removable sidewalls, and many other useful features.

smart baby bassinet

SMART BASSINET

Smart bassinets look and feel like any other bassinet, but the difference is in the technology designed to give your baby more than just a place to sleep in. Some of them have a built-in music system, while others are designed to cancel out white noise to boost your baby’s sleep quality. They are more expensive than standard models, but the features they come with are worth it.

baby twin bassinets

BASSINET FOR TWINS

The bassinets for twins are usually designed with two cribs next to each other. They have a list of useful features for both the parents and the babies. These models take less room than two separate bassinets, and they are designed so you can keep your eyes on both babies at the same time.

travel baby bassinet

TRAVEL BASSINET

These portable bassinets are the best option for traveling as they provide your baby with a place to sleep, while you do your thing. It’s not the same as a crib, but it’s also more than a cradle. Essentially, it’s a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep in when you are on the move.

TOP BASSINET FROM EACH CATEGORY

Halo Bassinest Essentia


hallo bassinet essentia

PROS

  • 360-degree swivel
  • Adjustable height
  • Breathable mesh material
  • Easy to access dip side

CONS

  • Hard to move

The Halo Bassinest Essentia is a model designed for c-section moms and parents who want to make sure their babies are as safe as possible. It’s very versatile and adjustable, ideal for a bedside bassinet. It will keep your baby safe, comfortable, and close to your bed every night.  It’s got a couple of beneficial features that not only provide a safe environment for your baby but also make taking care of it easier than ever before.

This model is the best bassinet in the class. It’s got a breathable mesh material in the sleeping area, so your baby stays comfortable and doesn’t get too warm or cold. The dip side access makes it easy for parents to take the baby in and out of the bassinet. The height of this model can be adjusted to the same height as the bed, but it can also stand a little higher. That works great because parents can swivel the bassinet over their bed without getting up.

It works well for all parents, especially mothers with moving disabilities. Halo Innovations, the company making this bassinet was started by an engineer who lost a child to sudden infant death syndrome. He swore to come up with safe environments for babies, hoping to battle SIDS. That’s a major reason why many parents trust this company.  

The Bassinest Essentia is one of the most popular models in their offer. It has a 360-degree swivel, allowing the parents to access their child from any side. The weight of this model is 33 lbs, and it comes without any wheels. It’s a bit bulky, so taking it from one room to another may be easier said than done.

There are a couple of storage caddies found on the sides of the bassinet. You can use them to hold small essentials. Your baby will sleep on 0.8 inches of firm mattress. It is without a doubt a high-quality product with all the features you need. It’s safe, stable, and very convenient, especially for c-section moms. It is the best bassinet in its category.

Arm’s Reach Clear Vue


arms reach bassinet cosleeper

PROS

  • Easy to assemble and move
  • Comfortable
  • Huge storage basket
  • 360-degree view of the baby

CONS

  • The material makes noise that can wake the baby up

The Arm’s Reach Clear Vue is a co-sleeper bassinet that has many useful features you will learn to love in no time. It provides maximum visibility so that you can keep an eye on your toddler at all times and any angle. It’s designed to be the same height as most beds so that you can sleep next to each other safely. However, there is so much more to Clear Vue.

The height of this cradle allows you to breastfeed and bond with your child. It’s also very comfortable and safe for co-sleeping. Everyone knows that sleeping in the same bed as your child is dangerous, but this cradle makes it safe to share beds. The bassinet was designed to occupy small spaces, so it’s ideal for smaller bedrooms.

You can set it up and dismantle it in a matter of minutes with the use of one or two basic tools. You can use it as a co-sleeper or as a stand-alone cradle.

Your baby will be safe and comfortable sleeping in the soft mesh nest. The material used is breathable, making sure that your toddler gets enough ventilation. The convenient storage basket located below the cradle has plenty of room for all your babies necessities. It will hold a large diaper bag, toys, extra clothes, and much more. You can adjust the height of the cradle with the built-in leg extensions at any time. Moving the bassinet is also easy due to the 4 castor wheels, so all you have to do is push it where you want it.

It’s a convenient and stylish cradle with a 360-degree view of your baby. You can use it until your baby starts crawling on all fours, after that it won’t be safe anymore. The weight of this model is 25 lbs, so it’s not too heavy, and the dimensions are 34″L x 20″ W x 31″ H.

Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series


halo bassinet swivel sleeper

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Convenient and useful smart features
  • 360-degree swivel base
  • Mesh sides

CONS

  • Hard to move once set
  • Can’t be used as a crib later on

The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series is the best smart bassinet we’ve come across so far. It’s a handy alternative to a typical stationary cradle with a couple of features that will really make a difference. It is very stable and sturdy, but also comfortable for the baby. Even though it’s a smart bassinet, it also works well as a co-sleeper because it has a 360-degree swivel base.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the smart features that make a difference. First of all, it has a built-in nightlight, so you can tend to the baby without turning the lights in the room on. Then, we have the music system that allows you to play calming tunes and 3 different lullabies to your baby to help it fall asleep.

The cradle has even more smart features designed to help parents with their newborns. The nursing timer lets you know when it’s feeding time, and that’s also very useful. But that’s not all! If your baby still struggles to fall asleep, there are two levels of vibration you can choose from. The vibrations calm your infant down and help it go to sleep faster.

The side wall has an automatic lowering mechanism ideal for easy tending to infants, but you can lock it if needed. The entire cradle is easy to clean with a wet wipe. The height of the bassinet is adjustable anywhere from 22″ to 34″ from the ground, so you can match it to the height of your bed.

The vibration and music features have a 30-minute automatic shutoff option. The sheet on which your infant sleeps on is made of 100% polyester, and it’s machine washable. This model also has 2 storage pockets ideal for holding your baby’s essentials. The smart functions require 3 AA batteries to work. All in all, it’s useful and easy to use bassinet that will make your life as a new parent easier.

Graco Twin Bassinet Pack N Play


twin bassinet graco

PROS

  • Side by side sleeper
  • Transforms into a play yard
  • Saves space
  • Easily accessible
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Can’t use the play yard at the same time
  • The crib sheet is hard to remove

Having one newborn in the house is tough on new parents, let alone two of them at the same time. A bassinet makes all the difference when it comes to looking after your newborn, but getting two of them cramped up next to your bed in the bedroom doesn’t work for many parents. If you’re one of them, the Graco Twin Bassinet Pack N Play could be precisely what you need.

It is a double cradle that offers comfort and some useful features for both parents, and the babies. Let’s start at the bottom. The Graco Twin Bassinet Pack N Play has wheels that allow you to move it from room to room easily. It can transform from a bassinet to a play yard whenever your babies feel like having some fun instead of sleeping. All you have to do is remove a couple of screws, and your babies will have a safe environment to play in.

When talking about comfort, this product offers only the best. The mattress is quilted, and it has bumpers so that your babies don’t get hurt as they move around. The covers are machine washable, which is always a nice feature as it saves much time. The mesh sides provide air ventilation, which is another critical feature.

What’s good about this cradle is that you can use it both inside and outside. It has a weight limit of 15 lbs per child, but once your babies outgrow it, you can use it as a play area until they become too big to fit inside.

You can easily fold up the entire bassinet and pack it in the special carry bag included with the purchase. Since it weighs only 29 lbs, you can easily carry it with you wherever you go. So, you get a portable twin bassinet that can transform into a play yard, and is highly mobile. It’s obvious why we consider it as the best bassinet for twins.

Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet


brica travel bassinet

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Fits in a suitcase

CONS

  • For use on the floor
  • The protective barrier is missing

Getting from point A to point B with a newborn in hands is easier said than done. Your infant will cry and move around. It will want to sleep and relax, no matter where you are. So, if you’re a parent that does a bit of traveling, what you need is a travel bassinet. We’ve come across many models, but the one we liked the most is the Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet.

We loved it because it’s super easy and quick to fold, it’s very lightweight, and it’s also affordable. Since you will be using it only when traveling, you don’t need many features, but you need it to be safe and stable for your child.

This is a cradle designed for traveling. It takes only a second to fold and unfold, so it’s ideal for traveling. When you fold it up, the carrying handle on top makes it easy to carry. It’s so compact; you can even fit it in a suitcase.

The cradle includes a comfortable mattress pad together with a fitted sheet. It’s water-resistant and removable. The cradle has breathable fabric and mesh sides providing ideal airflow that keeps your baby nice and fresh. The Safe-T-Lock will hold the sturdy frame locked in a folded or unfolded position.

It’s safe to use when you hear a loud click at four different points. When you want to fold the bassinet, just press the release buttons, and that’s it. All of the materials used for this cradle are BPA, Phthalate, Latex, and Lead-free.

Being on the move with your little one can be complicated, but this product makes it super-easy and practical. Your child will have a safe place to sleep in while you make your way to wherever you’re going. Once you’re there, you can fold the bassinet, and it won’t even know it’s there.

CHOOSING THE BEST BASSINET – BUYER’S GUIDE

Before you decide on spending money on a bassinet, you first have to figure out what exactly you are looking for. Are you going to use it for traveling? Do you need a double cradle for twins? Are you a c-section mom in recovery? All of these questions will help you find the best bassinet that fits your needs.

So, to help you with that, we’ve gathered all the information below in a complete bassinet buying guide. You will get to know all of the features to look for, so your little one gets the best and safest place to sleep.

WHY BUY A BASSINET?


The truth is that you can raise a newborn without a bassinet. Many parents don’t even think about getting one, but that’s mostly because they don’t know how useful they are. Bassinets are designed to make parenthood easier in the first couple of months. They provide some benefits most parents are not aware of at all.

Cradles are a great way to bond and sleep next to your child without putting it at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom or SIDS. Your child will be safer sleeping in the same room as you. The problem is that there are many different types on the market, so finding the one that fits your needs best can be a bit tricky.

Here are some of the common reasons why you should think about getting a bassinet:

  1. You want the baby to sleep in the same room next to you
  2. You like the idea of co-sleeping with your little one
  3. You want a portable bed that’s easy to move from room to room
  4. You are a recovering C-Section mom

TYPES OF BASSINETS


There are three basic types of bassinets, but there are also some crossover models with mixed features. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail to see what benefits they offer.

Co-sleeper

The co-sleeper was invented because parents wanted to sleep close to their little ones but without the risk of death and injury that comes with sleeping in the same bed. Co-sleepers are usually attached to the bed, or they stand next to it. They typically have rotating bases so that parents can access the baby without getting out of bed. So, if the little one starts crying during the night, the parent only has to rotate the bassinet and tent to the baby’s needs from the comfort of their bed. It’s a great way to have your baby sleeping next to you without putting it in any danger.

Freestanding

Freestanding cradles are the ones most people picture in their heads when they hear the word bassinet. They are often larger than co-sleepers, and they don’t have rotating bases. Some of them can stand next to your master bed, but most of them have to stand alone because they don’t have the easy-to-access sides. So, if the baby starts crying, you will have to get out of bed and tend to it. You can move it from room to room, and some of them even have wheels for easier transport.

Travel cribs with bassinets

Some travel cribs include a bassinet attachment, or you need to buy one separately. They can transform the crib or play yard into a safe place for your baby to sleep in. There are also specially designed travel bassinets for parents who travel a lot. They are usually lightweight and have only the basic features like mesh sides and a mattress. It’s the ideal solution for all parents that move around much because their newborn has a safe place to sleep in, no matter where they are.

mother adjusting smart bassinet

IMPORTANT DETAILS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION


There are all kinds of design and features when it comes to bassinets. No matter what type of cradle you want to buy, there are some details you should look for before you decide to spend your money on one.

Breathability and Sleep Surface


These are the two most important features you should always look for first because they make the most significant difference in safety and comfort. A good bassinet should have breathable sides and a soft sleep surface. You have to make sure that your baby won’t be able to escape or hurt itself.

Side Walls


The safest models have wood slats like cribs and mesh walls that provide air flow, so your little one gets enough air at all times. That’s even more important when the crib stands next to a wall. The side walls should be made of sturdy, breathable materials so the baby can breathe. They also have to be high enough to shield the infant from winds.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when buying a bassinet for your family. We have done some rigorous testing on the models that made our list, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and your budget.

IMPORTANT SAFETY STRATEGIES

Babies sleep a lot, which is why you need to find a safe and comfortable crib or bassinet for the first six months of your newborn’s life. Cribs are the most reliable and the best place for a baby to sleep in, but if you don’t have enough room for one, a bassinet will do just fine. The one thing you should avoid is sleeping in the same bed with your infant because that could lead to injury or even SIDS.

So, if you do decide on getting a bassinet, here are some safety features to look for and take into consideration.

1. Buy Only New And Certified Products


Although certified products don’t always guarantee complete safety, they meet the ASTM standards like the correct spacing of sidebars. Products with the JPMA seal are the safest. Also, buying new products gives you information on where and when it was made, which is also essential.

2. Say No To Heirloom Cradle


The idea of letting your baby sleep in a cradle or bassinet that’s been in the family for a long time may sound good, but the chances are that you won’t get the highest safety standards. Hazards like a thick mattress or puffy sides could put your little one in danger of SIDS. Other issues include uneven spacing of slats and old legs that could fall apart unexpectedly.

3. If You Want A Cradle, Get The One That Doesn’t Rock


Cradles that rock a lot can cause your baby to roll against the sides, which could lead to suffocation. Look for cradles with a suspended frame or a locking mechanism that prevents the cradle from rocking. Also, don’t leave your baby rock without supervision, especially if you have pets or other children in the house. Remember to lock the rocking motion every time you leave the room, and around pets and toddlers.

4. Use The Cradle Only After Locking The Wheels In Place


Lock the wheels the moment you stop moving the bassinet from one room to another. Unlock them only when you want to move it again.

5. Don’t Move The Bassinet With Your Child Still Inside


You should never ever move the cradle or bassinet while your child is still inside. Also, use only fitted sheets that come with the purchase. Please don’t try to replace them with pillowcases and sheets of different sizes.

6. Don’t Put Stuffed Animals Or Bedding Inside


Pillows, blankets, extra padding, and stuffed toys all propose a danger to your infant so don’t put them inside the bassinet. Don’t even cover your baby with a blanket, put it to sleep in a swaddle sack instead.

7. Don’t Hang Suspended Toys Or Cords Hang Near Your Baby


Suspended toys are great because they keep your little one occupied and make it go to sleep more relaxed, but you should always make sure that it can’t reach them. Cords from blinds and drapes are also a hazard as they could lead to strangulation when you are not looking. If you have long cords in the room, cut them in half so the baby can’t reach them. Install suspended toys according to the manual, don’t try to place them lower than you should.

8. Always Place The Baby On His Back In The Bassinet


Place the baby in the bassinet the same way you would in a cradle. 90% of SIDS cases happen during the first six months of a newborn’s life, which is why you should get the bassinet in the first place. Safety should be the first thing you always think about.

mother with cosleeper bassinet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BASSINETS

Q:  Why do I need a bassinet?

A: Bassinets are designed to keep your newborn safe during the first six months of its life. You will be able to keep your newborn right next to the bed where you sleep, without putting it at risk of SIDS or injuries.


Q:  What’s the difference between a bassinet and a cradle?

A: Well, bassinets have more or less the same use as the cradle, but they take up less room and are easier to move if needed. Some of them come with handy features that will make your life much more comfortable.


Q: How long can I use the bassinet for?

A: Most bassinets are designed to keep your baby safe until it reaches 6 months. However, some models can transform into a play yard, so you can keep using them until your child outgrows them. The standard weight limit for most bassinets is between 15 and 20 lbs.


Q:  What are the benefits of getting a smart bassinet?

A: Smart bassinets have useful features designed to increase comfort for your little one. They come with built-in speakers that help your little ones fall asleep. Most of them have a nursery timer, suiting vibration levels, and even automatic dip sides control.


Q: What is the best position to put my baby to sleep in?

A: Newborns have to sleep on their backs on a flat surface because they don’t have neck support until they reach about six months. Placing newborns on their stomach drastically increases the risk of SIDS.


Q: How often do I have to check if my baby rolled over on its stomach?

A: Studies have found that it’s normal for a newborn to roll over onto his stomach during sleep. Once your baby develops and starts rolling over on its own, there’s no need to be alarmed because that’s perfectly normal.


Q: Can I ever place my baby on its tummy?

A: Yes, so-called “tummy time” is good for the baby, but you should only do it while it’s awake. Spending time on its stomach will help it strengthen shoulder and neck muscles. It will also prevent flat spots on your infant’s head. Make sure your child has enough tummy time every day because it’s important for your child’s development.


Q:  Can a large cradle replace a twin bassinet?

A: Putting two infants together in the same cradle is not a good idea. One of them can be asleep, and the other can roll over it, cutting the air supply off and that could lead to suffocation. That’s just one hazard you would have in this situation. If you are a parent of twins, getting a twin bassinet is the best option.


CONCLUSION

The bassinet industry has come up with many different models that have all kinds of features designed for special needs. Some models have only the essential functions while others have many useful features that will help you look after your baby during those first months when almost everything is a hazard.

No matter which one you pick, consider only those models that are made by the standards. Of course, your budget will set the price range you can choose from, but even so, it’s better you get a product that’s designed to keep your baby safe, than using an old crib or bassinet you inherited from your parents.

We hope that our complete guide helped you understand all of the hazards that come with a newborn baby, but also the features you should look for when buying a bassinet to keep it safe. Thank you for taking the time to read our guide, and we hope that you find what you are looking for.