Buying guide for Best bassinets
Smaller than a crib, a bassinet provides babies with a snug and secure space to sleep while allowing parents to keep them conveniently close at all times, day and night. Whether you're looking for a comfortable co-sleeping solution or just want to have your newborn nearby, a bassinet can help both you and your child rest a bit easier. With a host of options on the market, there's a bassinet for just about every budget, need, and style preference. But while being spoiled for choice is great, it can also make the selection process a bit more complicated.
If you need a little help choosing the best bassinet, you've come to the right place. To help take the guesswork out of shopping, we diligently research, test, and analyze a wide range of products. Here at BestReviews, we're committed to creating product reviews that count. For this reason, we never accept free samples from manufacturers.
To find out everything you need to know about purchasing a bassinet, check out our detailed guide below before browsing the top five picks featured above.
The difference between a crib and a bassinet
If you've already invested in a crib for your little one’s nursery, you may be wondering why you might need a bassinet, too.
In fact, using a bassinet for the first few months of baby's life has its own unique set of advantages. Upon closer inspection, it's easy to see why so many parents consider a bassinet to be a “must-have” item.
Does this mean that you shouldn't bother with a crib? Absolutely not! Although a bassinet can be incredibly convenient, it's not intended to be a permanent sleeping solution. Once your little one starts to become mobile or reaches the bassinet weight limit, it will be time for him to graduate to a crib. Rest assured, your baby's crib will still get plenty of use down the line!
Space
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges parents to sleep in the same room, but not the same bed, as their babies for the first six months of the child’s life. However, a crib can take up a considerable amount of space, and having one in the parental bedroom simply isn't practical for most. Bassinets are much more compact and will fit comfortably in most bedrooms.
Baby’s sense of security
In addition to taking up a lot of space, the expansive interior of a crib can leave your tiny tot feeling a little bit lost. The smaller dimensions of a bassinet provide a cozy space that helps younger babies feel safe, snug, and secure.
Parents’ Convenience
Keeping a bassinet at your bedside will allow to attend to your little one’s needs from the comfort of your bed. Furthermore, if you've had a C-section, reaching down to place your sleeping baby in a crib can be painful, and it certainly won't do much to speed up recovery.
Safety
Co-sleeping is a wonderful way to bond with your baby while providing her with a sense of security at the same time. However, sleeping in the same bed is not recommended, as this may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. By placing your baby's bassinet beside your bed at night, you can enjoy the co-sleeping experience without the associated risks. Some bassinets even feature a drop-side, so there's no need to get up when reaching for your baby.
Portability
The compact and lightweight design of a bassinet makes it easy to move from one room to another. Bassinets are especially useful for keeping an eye on little ones while they nap.
For your safety
To avoid unnecessary mishaps, never move your bassinet with your baby inside.
STAFF
BestReviews
Bassinet styles
Bassinets are available in a handful of styles.
Free-standing bassinets
As the name suggests, this is a standalone option. Typically featuring a sturdy frame which may or may not have wheels, these traditional bassinets originally had fixed walls on all sides.
However, with the growing trend of convenience and adaptability, many manufacturers are creating more versatile products, and it's not uncommon to find freestanding bassinets with drop-sides for co-sleeping.
Co-sleeping bassinets
These bassinets are specifically designed to allow parents and infants to co-sleep safely and comfortably. Some clip onto the side or swing over the bed, granting parents instant access to their babies throughout the night. Others may be placed directly in the bed and feature breathable walls that are soft enough to remain comfortable, yet firm enough to ensure safety.
As mentioned above, some freestanding bassinets have drop-sides for co-sleeping, and many are conveniently height-adjustable as well.
Travel bassinets
With an emphasis on portability, travel bassinets tend to have a minimalistic design that works well for speedy setups and effortless takedowns. These may come with a removable bassinet and a simple base that's easy to disassemble, fold, and store. Some are actually just pop-up bassinets (without legs) and a bag.
For your safety
When using a bassinet with wheels, always lock them in place once you've reached your destination.
STAFF
BestReviews
Bassinet features
Some bassinets have extra features that elevate their basic convenience even further.
Storage
Bassinets with storage baskets or pouches offer easy access to diapers, wipes, creams, and other essentials.
Entertainment
Some bassinets go the extra mile to help keep babies happy with lights, soothing sounds, music, vibrations, or mobiles.
Canopy
A canopy can be helpful if you'd like to block out light from a nearby window during daytime naps or from a reading lamp at night.
Rocking
A few bassinets are capable of rocking. While this is a great way to lull your little one to sleep, make sure that this feature can be shut off or locked. If your baby rolls to one side and the bassinet tilts, it could pose a suffocation risk.
Wheels
As mentioned above, wheels make any bassinet more portable. Make sure that wheels have brakes to prevent accidental rolling.
Convertibility
Some bassinets feature a two-in-one design that allows them to convert into a changing table. If space is a concern, a convertible bassinet may be an option.
Expert tip
When baby can roll over or get on hands and knees, they have outgrown the bassinet.
BestReviews Baby and Child Expert
Considerations for choosing a bassinet
Size
You'll need to choose a bassinet that fits your space. Not every bassinet is as compact as the next, so it's a good idea to measure your allocated space first. Size is just as important if you plan to move your bassinet from room to room, as a bulkier model can make maneuvering through doorways difficult.
Weight limits
Most bassinets may be used up until the ages of three to six months. However, a model with a low weight limit may become unsafe to use before then. On average, a bassinet will accommodate babies between 15 and 20 pounds, but there are a few bassinets out there with a meager maximum weight capacity of only 10 pounds.
Before making your selection, we advise you to check the weight limit to make sure a particular bassinet would work for you.
Portability
Since portability is one of the greatest draws of a bassinet, a compact option with wheels is a must for most parents. Although a lightweight model should be easy enough to pick up and move, a good set of wheels will make it much easier – and with less risk of compromising the structure in the process.
Some bassinets may be lifted out of the frame and carried to another room. If you plan to travel with your bassinet, a storage/carry case is essential.
Breathability
As a safety measure, it's best if all sides of the bassinet feature a breathable mesh covering. This not only promotes better circulation to help keep your little one comfortable, but it also reduces the risk of suffocation should the child roll over and face the bassinet wall.
Mattress fit and firmness
The mattress should fit snugly with no gaps between the sides of the bassinet and the mattress. Furthermore, the mattress should be firm enough to hold its shape even with a baby lying on top of it.
While a stiff mattress may seem uncomfortable to you, it's absolutely essential to your baby's safety. A soft mattress with too much give could potentially block airways, leading to suffocation.
Price
Most basic bassinets start at around $50.
For a feature-rich or specialized co-sleeping bassinet, you might pay $250 or more.
A select few bassinets are priced at over $500, but considering the shelf life of a bassinet, we feel that most parents would get the best value out of a moderately priced model.
Did you know?
A bassinet should have good mattress support. There shouldn't be any areas of the mattress that bend or flex when pressure is applied.
STAFF
BestReviews
Bassinet safety tips
Although it's reassuring to know that all bassinets manufactured and sold in the U.S. after 2014 are required to comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, you'll need to follow a few safety precautions when using one, nevertheless.
-
Opt for a new bassinet over a used one. This includes heirloom bassinets. Older models are unlikely to comply with updated safety regulations and may not be structurally sound.
-
Keep any hanging accessories, toys, or lengths of fabric well out of your baby's reach, as these could cause entanglement or strangulation.
-
Don't be tempted to attach mobiles or toys that didn't originally come with the bassinet, as these may not fit correctly.
-
Only use the mattress provided by the manufacturer, and ensure that there are no gaps between the sides of the bassinet and the mattress.
-
Keep the bassinet free from blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and other items that could pose a suffocation hazard.
FAQ
Q. What can I do if my baby won't sleep in her bassinet or crib?
A. Many babies have a hard time letting go of Mom when it's time to sleep. Creating a routine – and sticking to it – can be helpful. Try bathing, feeding, swaddling, and a lullaby or story before putting your little one down to sleep. Placing the child in the bassinet or crib while drowsy (but still awake) will help her learn to fall asleep by herself and create an association between the bassinet/crib and nap time. Remember to be consistent, comforting your baby and repeating the process as many times as necessary.
Q. When should I move my baby from a bassinet to a crib?
A. Although age and weight limits can be helpful, these are only intended to be used as guidelines. Regardless of age/weight limits, if your baby is rolling over, pushing up on his hands, or pulling himself up, it's time to move him to a crib. Never exceed the weight limit on your bassinet, even if it seems steady.
Q. Can I use a co-sleeping bassinet with a bed of any height?
A. Probably, although it's best to check a particular model’s specifications before purchasing. Many have height-adjustable bases or leg extenders – but some do not. And if you have an unusually tall or low bed, be sure to take a look at the maximum and minimum height limits as well.
