Baby bassinets are a solution to having the most comfortable and perfectly-sized bed for your newborn. These beds have a firm, thin mattress that provides an ideal sleeping space that is not too large for your baby.
Many other baby beds could be a viable option, but with the risk of a baby rolling over and suffocating, having a smaller space gives them more protection than others.
A bassinet is different from a cradle because a cradle comes with a swinging motion that helps your child go to sleep. Bassinets have fixed legs that don’t provide movement but still work as a great baby bed.
There are various choices available on the market, and it can be tough to know which ones are of high quality. We have taken the time to weed out the lesser options and created a list of the top choices.
We hope that you can find the best bassinet for your baby in less time and feel more confident in your purchase decision.
Bargain |
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MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary&Rock Bassinet Travel Crib |
4.5/5.0 |
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Best Value |
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Graco Dream Suite Bassinet |
4.2/5.0 |
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Top Pick |
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Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet |
4.8/5.0 |
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Quick Comparison:
The Bassinets | Style | Materials | Check the Price |
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Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet | Portable crib with lights and sounds | Metal, Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet | Gentle swaying with lights and mobile | Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
Dream On Me Karley Bassinet | Double canopy, Foldable | Plastic, Fabric, Foam | Check the Price |
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib | Folding, canopy, portable | Metal, Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary&Rock Bassinet Travel Crib | Folding, portable | Metal, Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
Milliard Side Sleeper Bedside Bassinet | Portable, adjustable | Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
Graco Dream Suite Bassinet | Reversible, diaper changer | Metal, Plastic, Fabric | Check the Price |
Why Should I Use a Bassinet?
Before diving into the detailed reviews of these top choices, we want to talk about one important thing that might be on your mind. Why do you want to use a bassinet at all?
Many parents decide to get a crib when they find out that they are having a baby, and others will often create an entire nursery in their home. So, why the need for another baby bed?
The reason that bassinets are used is that they are designed for newborn babies and can be used for up to four months. This is the time that a parent is getting used to being a parent and taking care of a baby.
This is also the time when your baby will need the most amount of attention. Babies will cry for everything they need, and having them near your bed will allow you to soothe them throughout the night as they need.
A bassinet is easy to keep right next to your bed while they are a newborn and is used for up to four-month-olds.
Using a larger bed could come with a higher risk of infant death because of the increased risk of rolling over and suffocating. A bassinet is smaller than other beds and lowers the risk drastically.
Babies are fragile at this stage and need a lot of tenderness and care. Having a bassinet that is designed to be the ideal firmness and shape to lull them to sleep faster will help them form normal sleep habits faster.
Not only will this help your child sleep better, but it will also let you get more rest as your child sleeps through the night.
As your child grows, you can begin using a larger crib that lets them move around more and find a comfortable position for them to sleep in.
However, settling on a sleeping arrangement for your child will depend on many factors, and is a personal decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you decide that a bassinet is not the right bed for your baby, then that is the right choice for you!
How Long Will You Use a Bassinet?
A bassinet is typically used for only the first few months of a baby’s life while they need the most attention around the clock. It lets a parent have their baby sleep next to their bed so they can attend to them quickly.
Because this is not meant to be used for that long, it might seem like it isn’t important. That isn’t true. A bassinet can help a child fall to sleep naturally and get them to sleep through the night faster so that they have a more natural sleeping pattern as they grow.
As this is not used for a long time, you will likely only need to use a bassinet for four months. As your child grows and sleeps better, they will want to have more room to find the positions they like to sleep in, and getting a larger bed will let them do just that.
If your child is sleeping well and is growing into their own sleep patterns, then it is likely time to get a large crib or child’s bed.
The Best Bassinets:
1. Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings Bedside Bassinet – Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.8
The Delta Children Deluxe Sweet Beginnings bassinet is a bedside option that will let you keep your newborn baby right by your side as you sleep. This bassinet is a mid-range choice that will work for many families on a budget but is ideal for those who want the best of the best.
This model has a light that will help your baby feel comfortable in soft lighting as they fall asleep. There is also soothing music playing when you want it to that can help give your child the perfect amount of white noise to keep them asleep through the night more often.
This model requires four AA batteries because of the lights and sounds that come with this deluxe bassinet. The batteries are not included, but because this is not a major investment, this will likely not be a dealbreaker for most customers.
There is a canopy that covers the top portion on the bassinet so you can keep the light out of your baby’s eyes. You can also use this to lower the amount of light during the day to enable your child to nap outdoors on days when the weather permits it.
The canopy is completely removable and can be taken off when it’s not needed. This bassinet model also has wheels that make it easy to move and position. The wheels can be locked in place when you no longer want the bassinet to be moved.
The Delta Deluxe Bassinet has lots of storage space that can hold essential items that you want to keep nearby your baby for changing or feeding. There is also a bottom shelf that can be used for pacifiers, toys, and extra blankets.
This model meets all safety standards set by the ASTM and CPSC, so you will feel confident that your baby will be as safe as possible.
Pros |
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Ideal for tight budgets |
Has soft lighting |
Plays soothing music |
Removable canopy |
Wheels on legs |
Lots of storage |
Cons |
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Instructions for set up are difficult to understand |
Bottom shelf only holds light items |
Specs |
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10.6 pounds |
45 inches in length |
33 inches in height |
4 AA batteries needed |
100 hours of battery life |
2. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet – Best Premium Choice
Editor’s Rating: 4.7
The Fischer-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet is a high-end choice that gives your baby a subtle swaying motion that will help lull them to bed sooner. Not all bassinets will come with any movement, as rocking cribs or beds so, but this one offers a slight movement.
To keep the swaying motion from being too much for your baby, there is an optional lock that will keep the motion from happening, or keep it from going too far. This is ideal for babies that are sensitive to movement and may feel sick with too much swaying.
You can also use the lighting options to choose which lights you would like to use for your child. Depending on how your baby reacts to lights, you can adjust the brightness for them. There is also a mobile that hangs above your child so they have something to look it and play with.
The lighting unit is removable so you can choose to use it as a tabletop soother for your baby instead. The lights and music can be played and shown for up to thirty minutes at a time without you having to adjust the settings.
There is a mattress at the bottom of the bassinet that is thin and comfortable for a baby’s body. It is covered in an easy to clean fabric that will let you wipe off anything that gets on it during the night.
There is also a storage area at the bottom of the bassinet that can be used to store small items for your baby. This area is perfect for small pillows, blankets, or a change of clothes.
Pros |
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High-end product |
Offers swaying motion |
Has multiple lighting options |
Optional lockout for movement |
Removable lighting unit |
Thirty-minute music and light timer |
Cons |
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Higher price that not all customers can afford |
Music and movement only on a 30-minute timer |
Specs |
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20 pounds |
40 inches in length |
22 inches in height |
40-pound max weight |
No batteries needed |
3. Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
The Dream On Me Karley Bassinet is an ideal option for consumers who would like a canopy that covers the incoming light and can fold up easily when you need to move it. The double canopy is large enough to block harsh light from getting into your baby’s eyes.
The double canopy can be propped up on both sides to completely cover the baby’s sleeping space for when they are napping and you don’t want the light to wake them up. This is also a great option for nighttime when you want your child to sleep while you are still awake with the light on.
The inside of the bassinet comes with a sleeping pad that can be removed and washed with simply wiping down the fabric. This makes cleaning the pad easy and quick when there is an accident or spill.
This bassinet has a quick folding mechanism that makes folding up the unit fast and easy. You just take both ends and push them together to engage the mechanism and the entire product will be ready for storage.
This bassinet also has a storage swing on the bottom of the bassinet that lets you place toys or blankets below. This is ideal for extra blankets and a change of clothes for your baby.
Pros |
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Has double canopy |
Includes sleeping pad |
Easy-wash pad |
Quick-folding mechanism |
Has storage unit |
Cons |
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Sleeping pad is very thin |
No replacement option for sleeping pad |
Specs |
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16 pounds |
Foldable |
25-pound max load |
35 inches in length |
36 inches in height |
4. Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
The Mika Micky Bassinet is another premium option that can be used as a bedside sleeper crib. The side panel opens to your bed to let you check on your baby or pick them up and soothe them when they need it.
The bassinet has straps that you can use to fasten it to your bed at night. This is great for new parents that have a newborn that doesn’t sleep through the night, so you can attend to your child whenever they need it.
The bassinet has seven different height positions that you can use to adjust it to the exact height of your bed. This will make attending to your baby through the night easier.
The interior of the bassinet has a mattress with a sleeping board that makes the surface firmer for your child. While they are very young, they need a firmer mattress to keep them comfortable. This keeps them from rolling over as much during the night.
The outer shell of the bassinet is made from soft, padded fabric that also has pockets on the end. These can be used for diapers or baby wipes for easy access.
Pros |
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Premium option |
Has fastening straps |
Seven height positions |
Has a mattress |
Includes sleeping board |
Cons |
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Fabric side pose a danger to children that roll over |
The mattress is really thin |
Specs |
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24.1 pounds |
37 inches in length |
24 inches in height |
Adjustable height positions |
5. MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary&Rock Bassinet Travel Crib – Best Bargain
Editor’s Rating: 4.5
The MiClassic Bassinet is an option that is for consumers who want to get a great value option for a low price. This option is cost-effective and gives families and parents on a strict budget a way to get a high-quality item for an affordable price.
This bassinet is both a stationary and rocking option that can switch between different modes. If your child likes to rock as it falls asleep, but be unmoving during the day, this just might be the ideal choice.
This option has an easy-fold capability that makes setting up and tearing down the bassinet very easy. This is also a great function for travel when you will have to move the unit often.
The bassinet is made from mesh material and has padding around the top edge. This makes it more comfortable for you to set up and make it safer for your child when they are able to pull themselves up and grab the frame.
The mesh also lets you see whether your baby is still awake so you can keep better track of their sleeping patterns.
Pros |
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Cost-effective price |
Stationary and rocking options |
Easy-fold capabilities |
Mesh material for visibility |
Cons |
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Big and bulky |
The mesh is not very durable |
Specs |
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15 pounds |
23 inches in height |
37 inches in length |
Easy-fold mechanism |
6. Milliard Side Sleeper Bedside Bassinet
Editor’s Rating: 4.3
The Milliard Side Sleeper is a bedside bassinet that is ideal for parents who want their baby to sleep right next to them. This is perfect for those who want to have fast access to their child throughout the night to be able to soothe them back to sleep and get them on a normal sleeping pattern.
This choice has two modes: standalone, and side sleeper. The straps that are included can be used to attach the bassinet to the side of the bed, or detached to allow for standalone use.
The height of the bassinet can be adjusted to fit flush with your bed for proper attachment. This can also help adjust the height when it is standalone to avoid back pain from bending over too far.
This bassinet has a sleeping pad that is firm enough to be comfortable for your baby to sleep on. The mattress also has a sheet that is included with your purchase so you don’t have to worry about finding one that fits properly.
The ends of the bassinet have attached pouches so you’re able to keep essentials nearby for when your child needs to be changed or fed. There are two pouches in total.
The front of the bassinet has a fold-down wall that can be held in place for a better view of your baby. This can be done when the bassinet is in standalone mode or attached to the bedside.
Pros |
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Two modes: standalone and bedside |
Included straps for attachment |
Adjustable height |
Included sleeping pad |
Included sheets |
Cons |
---|
Heavier than other options |
Tends to seem bulky |
Specs |
---|
25 pounds |
24 inches in height |
42 inches in length |
Two modes |
7. Graco Dream Suite Bassinet – Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.2
This Graco Dream Suite Bassinet is a cost-effective option that still offers a high-quality product that comes with many innovative features. This choice is a bassinet and changing station all in one.
The reversible bassinet swirls around to reveal a changing table that will fit a child that weighs up to 30 pounds. This will allow you to easily switch the bassinet when needed while holding your child in one arm.
The top section has a canopy that can be used to cover the lighting when it is too bright for your child. This is especially useful when you and the baby are outside. The canopy also has a mobile that will keep your baby occupied while they are in the bassinet.
This model has a vibration setting that can help your child fall asleep. The soft movement will allow them to feel relaxed for naptime, and the two speeds let you choose which one works for your child the best.
There is a storage shelf located at the bottom of the legs of the bassinet that can hold small items that you would like to keep close. This works best for your baby’s favorite toys or blankets.
The legs of this model have wheels that make moving the unit simple and easy. Each wheel also has a locking mechanism that will keep the wheels from rolling on accident.
Pros |
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Reversible bassinet and changing table |
Holds up to 30 pounds |
Has a canopy |
Includes a mobile |
Has two vibration settings |
Cons |
---|
Storage shelf is flimsy |
The canopy tends to not lock in place when down |
Specs |
---|
18 pounds |
19 inches in height |
33 inches in length |
30-pound max load |
Reversible bassinet |
Includes changing table |
Conclusion
Having a bassinet for your child is a great option for a standalone or bedside sleeping situation. These products help you keep your child right next to your bed as you sleep so when your baby wakes up, you can be right there for them.
Bassinets are also a good option for getting to know your child’s sleep schedule as they grow. Though bassinets are not designed to be used for very long, they are not the most cost-effective product available.
However, they can be very helpful, and I hope that this list of top choices makes deciding if you will purchase a bassinet easier.
Whether you decide that you would like one of the choices above, or you decide that a bassinet is not for your baby, I hope this article gave you all the information you needed to make an informed decision about bassinets and I if you want your baby to use one.