Hey, I know the thought of choosing the perfect bassinet for your baby can seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered.
What is a bassinet?
So, first things first, let’s talk about what a bassinet is. It’s a mini bed, especially designed for your newborn baby in the first few months of their life. It’s perfect for those first few months when your baby is still small enough to be close to you but needs their own space for sleeping. It’s like a little nest for them, and it’s adorable!
Bassinets come in all shapes and sizes, like traditional, co-sleeper and portable. The traditional ones are the classic looking ones that are often decorated with beautiful details and they can be fixed or rocking. The co-sleeper ones are designed to attach to your bed, so your baby can sleep right next to you. And the portable ones, as the name suggests, are super easy to move around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Choosing the best bassinet for your family
So, what do you need to consider when picking the right one?
Safety should always be your number one priority, so make sure the bassinet meets the safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It should have a tight-fitting mattress and no more than 2 3/8 inches between the mattress and the side of the bassinet, to prevent your baby from getting stuck. Also, check that the bassinet is stable and that the wheels lock, if it has any.
Size is another important aspect, because you don’t want a bassinet that takes up your entire room and is hard to move around. And trust me, you’ll need to move it around a lot in the early days, so make sure it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
What features should a bassinet have?
Some bassinets come with built-in rocking or vibrating options, others have built-in music or white noise players. Some even come with a nightlight or a canopy to shield your baby from light while they sleep. Consider which features are important to you and your baby and look for a bassinet that has those.
Do you need a bassinet?
Some people may wonder whether they actually need a bassinet at all, it’s totally up to you, a crib or a co-sleeper can work as well, but a bassinet is convenient.
They are often more portable than a crib and can be easily moved from room to room, making it easy to keep an eye on your baby. Plus, they’re typically smaller than a crib, which makes them a great option for smaller homes or apartments.
Many babies sleep more comfortably in a bassinet than in a crib because the sides of the bassinet are lower and more easily accessible to the baby.
Are bassinets safe?
And last but not least, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies to sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first 6 months. A bassinet provides a safe and comfortable space for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, allowing you to keep an eye on them and respond quickly to any needs they may have during the night.
Choosing the right bassinet may seem a bit overwhelming, but as a mama, you’ve got this. Prioritize safety, consider the size and features that are important to you and your little one, and don’t forget to think about the room where you will be placing it. A bassinet can be a great option for the first few months of your baby’s life, providing a safe and comfortable space for your little one to sleep, close to you.
How to create a safe sleep environment for your baby
As we all know creating a safe sleep environment for our little ones is so important for their health and wellbeing. It’s crucial that our babies have a safe and comfortable place to rest, especially since they spend so much time sleeping in their first few months.
First things first, let’s talk about your baby’s sleep space whether its your new bassinet or a crib. Make sure it meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This is essential to ensuring that your baby is safe while they sleep.
Make sure the mattress fits snugly in the bassinet or crib, with no gaps around the edges. It should be firm and free from any blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. This is to prevent any potential hazards that may compromise the safety of your baby.
Dressing your baby in light, comfortable clothing and avoiding using any loose blankets in the crib is a must. This will keep them comfortable and safe while they sleep. If your baby is sleeping in a room with other children, it’s important to keep the room temperature comfortable, and monitor the sleeping environment regularly.
Lastly, mama, make sure to keep any cords or cords from blinds or shades away from your baby’s sleeping area. This will keep them safe from any potential hazards and give you peace of mind knowing that your baby is sound asleep in a safe and comfortable environment.
Our Top 10 Bassinet Picks for 2023
Without further ado, here is our list of some of the best bassinets for 2023, taking into consideration safety, features, and customer reviews. These bassinets are top-rated by other mamas just like us, so you can trust that they are some of the best on the market. So, whether you’re looking for a traditional, co-sleeper, or portable bassinet, you’re sure to find something on this list that will suit your needs. Happy shopping mama!
Best Overall – HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
We know how important it is to keep your little one safe and comfortable, and that’s the HALO BassiNest is so beloved by parents and nurses. It’s the only bassinet that swivels 360°, so you can keep your newborn close and bond with them.
It’s designed with moms in mind – the patented lowering bedside wall makes it easier to care for baby from bed, especially for breastfeeding and c-section mamas. It also comes with soothing sounds and gentle vibrations to create a peaceful environment, plus two storage pockets and a waterproof mattress and machine-washable fitted sheet.
The sturdy four-point base is adjustable for bed heights between 22″ – 34″ and only requires 32″ of clearance from the wall, so it’s perfect for small spaces.
Best Style – BabyBjorn Gentle Rocking Cradle Bassinet
This BabyBjorn Gentle Rocking Cradle Bassinet is JPMA Certified and has a low height with transparent mesh fabric so you can keep an eye on your baby while they relax and get sleepy.
Plus, it’s easy to move around the house, so you can keep your little one close at all times. It’s designed safely with no bars or loose parts to trap small hands or feet, and is suitable from newborns up to around 17 pounds.
The airy mesh fabric gives great visibility, and the main fabric and padding are 100% polyester. So, let your baby drift off peacefully while you rock them in this comfy and secure product!
Best Value – Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet and Beside Sleeper
Hey mamas, are you looking for a way to keep your little one close by? The Skylar is perfect for that! It’s got legs that fold inwards and outwards, so it’s easy to adjust and get close to the mattress.
Plus, it’s got mesh sides so you can easily keep an eye on your baby, and make sure they’re breathing comfortably.
You can even unzip and roll down the mesh sides to convert it into a bedside sleeper! You can adjust the height from 26.5 to 30.5 inches, so it’ll fit perfectly with your queen mattress and make it easy on your back.
It meets all safety standards, and it comes with a 1-inch mattress pad. It’s lightweight and mobile, so you can take it from room to room, and it’s super easy to assemble. Plus, it comes in some fun and fantastic colors, so it’ll be a beautiful addition to your nursery.
Best Splurge – SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet
Have you heard about SNOO Sleeper? It really helps parents get more sleep with 1-2+ hours extra each night! It’s a moving sleeper bassinet that soothes babies with the same rumbly sound and gentle rocking motion they loved in the womb.
Plus, it has a cry detector so it responds to fussing with gradually stronger white noise and motion to calm them down. It’s like having a personal helper 24/7! It even prevents risky rolling because it keeps baby on the back, which is the #1 safe sleep guideline recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). And it’s easy to customize with an app that logs sleep and naps, and lets you adjust the motion, sound, and cry sensitivity.
It also comes with 3 hip-safe sleep sack swaddles and a 30-day, no risk trial – if you’re not 100% satisfied, you can return it within 30 days and they’ll give you a full refund and pay for return shipping!
Best Compact – Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet
The Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet is perfect for little ones, with mesh sides and a starlight projection to help lull them to sleep. It’s lightweight, portable, and even folds down to 6 inches for easy storage or travel. Plus, it comes in frustration-free, easy-to-open packaging that’s 100% recyclable. It even has a retractable canopy, linkable toys, calming vibrations, music, and sounds! And the sheet and mattress pad are both machine-washable and wipeable for easy cleaning.
Best for Soothing – 4moms MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet, Baby Bedside Bassinet
Definitely check out the 4moms MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet, Baby Bedside Bassinet– you can customize your little one’s sleep experience with 5 different parent-inspired motions, 5 speeds, and 4 white noise options.
The Bluetooth functionality allows you to easily make adjustments with the 4moms app. You’ll also be able to provide a safe sleep environment with a firm, flat sleeping surface and mesh sides for visibility and breathability.
If you’re ever stuck trying to find the perfect motion and speed combination, the Find Your Roo feature on the app can help you do just that- plus it’s inspired by your own natural soothing moves. On top of that, it’s adjustable in height (2 options) and comes with a water resistant mattress and sheet.
Best Stroller-Compatible – UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet
If you’re looking for an overnight sleep solution for your little one, you might want to check out the UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet! It’s compatible with VISTA 2015-later, VISTA V2, CRUZ, CRUZ V2, RIDGE and MINU V2 strollers. Plus, it has a vented base and mattress for breathability and an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade & canopy with a zip-out liner that unzips for added air flow. And the best part? You can easily machine wash the mattress cover and zip-out liner. It’s suitable from birth up to 20 lbs or until your baby can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first.
Best Playard – Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard
If you’re looking for quick set-up and easy travel with less parts to carry, the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Playard playpen is perfect for you! Reach through the bassinet folds and it’ll be ready to use in no time.
It folds up 20% more compactly than the average playard, so it’s super easy to store and to transport. The removable, full-size bassinet is the ideal spot for your little one to take a nap, no matter where you are.
And to make your little one even more entertained, it also has a toy bar with soft toys. And as if that wasn’t enough, it has a signature Graco push-button fold, so closing it up is a breeze.
Best Bedside – Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet
Have you checked out the Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet? It’s a total lifesaver! It has a super easy slide function to get the perfect position for your baby, plus a comfy mattress so they can rest soundly.
The breathable mesh sides mean you can easily check in on baby while they sleep, and there’s a great large storage basket to hold all the essentials.
You can also adjust the height to be the perfect fit for you. Highly recommend!
Best Travel – Guava Lotus Portable Bassinet And Travel Crib
The Guava Lotus Portable Bassinet And Travel Crib is perfect for worry-free airport travel! The lightweight 13lbs crib packs into an easy to carry, hands-free backpack carrying case.
You won’t have to worry about assembly, because it sets up in 15 seconds and packs quickly. And with the quiet side zipper door, you can cuddle, let them crawl in and out, or put them in without leaning over.
It’s GreenGuard Gold approved, and contains no harsh chemicals like PVC, Lead, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury).
It even exceeds the standards 16 CFR 1221 / ASTM F406, H.R. 2020 and CPSIA 2008!
So if you’re looking for a convenient and safe way to travel with your little one, this is the perfect choice!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What certification should a bassinet have?
Well, that really depends. The most important certification to look for is by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This certification means that the bassinet has been tested to meet the ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check the label and make sure the bassinet meets the safety requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Are bassinets worth it?
Bassinets can be really useful, especially in the early months when you’re trying to get your baby to sleep in their own space but want them close by. They can certainly more comfortable than a crib, and can be moved from room to room if you need to keep your baby close by. Plus, some can much easier to transport if you’re traveling. So, overall, I’d say yes, bassinets are worth it.
When should my baby go from the bassinet to a crib?
It ultimately depends on your baby and their specific needs. Some babies are ready to transition to a crib as soon as 4 months, while others may need a little more time to adjust. I would suggest monitoring your baby’s sleep patterns and see if he/she is growing out of the bassinet. If you notice that your baby is getting frustrated in the bassinet or is frequently waking up during the night, it may be time to transition.
Can my baby just go straight to a crib?
Yes, it is possible for your baby to skip the bassinet and go straight to a crib. However, it is important to consider the size of your baby and the size of the crib. If your baby is very small, it might be better to keep them in the bassinet a little while longer until they are big enough to fit comfortably in the crib.
What is the price range for a bassinet?
The price range for a bassinet can vary widely, depending on the quality and features you’re looking for. You can usually find a decent bassinet for around $50-$150, but if you want something more luxurious you can expect to pay $200-$300 or more.
What is your favorite bassinet? Share with us!
So there you have it, the top bassinets of 2023 that are sure to make those first few months of motherhood a little bit easier. But we want to hear from you too! What’s your go-to bassinet for your little one? Share your favorite in the comments below and let’s help other mamas make the best choice for their families.
