Have you been considering the possibility of a bassinet for your little one? If so, this article is for you! Bassinet pros and cons, what to look for in a bassinet, things to consider before purchasing, and last, but not least, my top bassinet picks!
I’m going to break it all down for you. Right here, right now! Let’s not waste another minute, mama!
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Why do I need a bassinet?
Technically you don’t need a bassinet but it can certainly make life easier those first few months with a newborn.
A bassinet is a great option for your little one when they are itty bitty! Bassinets are smaller, more portable, and even thought to be more convenient (by some) than a standard crib.
As a new mama, I personally loved the convenience and flexibility that a bassinet offered us.
Bassinet vs. crib
Ah yes, the big debate – bassinet vs. crib! Here’s the bottom line…a bassinet is only going to last you 4-6 months, give or take. Eventually you will end up needing a crib (or crib alternative) for your baby.
Don’t let that deter you from going the bassinet route though, they offer some really great benefits!
Bassinet Pros
- Smaller and more lightweight
- Some offer soothing settings (rocking, vibration)
- Cozy and snug sleep environment
- Ideal for using in parent’s room before transitioning to baby’s nursery
Bassinet Cons
- Weight limits
- Baby will outgrow by 4-6 months
- Might be more difficult to clean than a crib
Crib Pros
- Can be used for several years
- Cost effective (a lot are convertible and grow with your baby/child)
- Sturdier
Crib Cons
- Takes up more space
- Not very portable
- Initial cost is usually higher
Choosing the best bassinet for your lifestyle
There are lots of options when it comes to bassinets! You want to make sure you choose a bassinet that best fits yours and your little one’s lifestyle.
What to look for in a bassinet
Size
For the most part, bassinets come with a smaller footprint than traditional cribs. But not all bassinets are created equally, in shape or size, for that matter.
If you are tight on space or have a specific space in mind where you plan on using the bassinet, be sure you measure before purchasing!
Portability
This one goes along with size. If you plan on frequently relocating your bassinet to different locations you will want to prioritize portability.
For the most part, bassinets are a far more portable option than cribs. They are typically smaller, weigh less, and even have folding features.
With all that being said, some bassinets are more portable than others so just make sure you do your research if this feature is important to you.
Extras
Baby products come with so many extra bells and whistles these days. I’m not here to say you need the products with all these features but some might make your life easier so hear me out.
There are lots of bassinets that offer soothing features like rocking and vibration. Some even respond to the volume of your baby’s crying and soothe accordingly. It’s like having an extra set of hands, which I think all new parents would appreciate!
Questions to consider before choosing a bassinet
1. What are the weight limits?
Most have a 15-20 pound weight limit but this might not be the case for all bassinets. Be sure you read the fine print on weight limits before you push that purchase button.
2. Where will I be using the bassinet?
Just how portable do you need the bassinet to be? Will it permanently be in your bedroom or will you need to move it around? Be sure to consider the portability, size, and weight before finalizing a decision.
3. What additional features do I need?
Recall that bassinets can get pretty fancy and expensive! Do you need any extra features or are you content with a more basic bassinet? There is no right or wrong here, just whatever fits your needs.
4. Is it a bedside bassinet?
Most bedside bassinets have a feature that allows you to drop one side of the bassinet, making it even easier to access your baby for middle of the night feeds. It allows you to keep your baby close but still follow safe sleep guidelines.
Not all bassinets offer this feature so if it’s one that interests you be sure whatever you settle on offers it.
Best bassinet categories
Below I have broken down my favorite bassinets based on 7 different categories! I’ll go into detail of each, including pros, cons, and who the bassinet is best suited for.
But if you are eager to jump ahead and view all the bassinets in one place, you can do so using the button below!
1. Best overall bassinet
About the HALO BassiNest 3.0
This bassinet has been rated the “best bassinet” by sources such as Good Housekeeping and Parents Magazine. A really cool feature about this one is that it swivels over your bed, bringing baby that much closer to you. This makes keeping an eye on and accessing your little one so much easier!
The adjustable height can accommodate beds up to 30” high. The Halo BassiNest also converts to a lightweight, portable nest that can be used around the house. The bassinet portion can be used until baby is 20 pounds or until baby shows signs of rolling over, whichever comes first.
Pros of the HALO BassiNest 3.0
This bassinet is simple but checks all the boxes. It’s safe, lightweight and portable, easy to clean, and won’t completely break the bank!
All the fabric components are removable and can be tossed in the washing machine. I also love the swivel feature that brings baby that much closer to you. Plus, the side of the bassinet easily lowers for quick access to baby without having to bend over.
The perks of this bassinet are numerous, which is why I voted it the best overall bassinet!
Potential cons of the HALO BassiNest 3.0
This bassinet doesn’t feature any of the options that a smart sleeper bassinet does. No white noise or music, no rocking or soothing motion, no fancy app. But it also doesn’t carry the hefty price tag either.
Really and truly, I can’t come up with any other cons. You can’t go wrong here.
Who is this for?
This bassinet is perfect for parents that are looking for something sleek, safe, portable, and practical without spending a fortune. It is simple without being too basic and won’t overwhelm you with a bunch of high-tech, fancy features.
If you are looking for a high quality and reliable bassinet from a trusted name then look no further!
2. Best budget bassinet
About the Regalo Baby Basics
Don’t let the price fool you! The Regalo Baby Basics bassinet has some really great features. This bassinet is sturdy but compact. With an all steel frame, this bassinet meets all safety standards put in place by JPMA and ASTM. The mesh walls allow you to easily keep eyes on your little one too.
Yes, this bassinet might be basic, but it’s a great option if you are in the market for something that’s budget friendly!
Pros of the Regalo Baby Basics
This bassinet offers a handful of perks! Weighing less than 9 pounds, it’s light enough to pick up and move from room to room. It folds flat for easy storage and even comes with a travel bag.
With a smaller footprint, this bassinet would also be a good option for someone that is tight on space. Finally, this bassinet won’t break the bank! You can find it for close to $50 – a steal if you ask me!
Potential cons of the Regalo Baby Basics
It’s not called Baby Basics for nothin’. You aren’t going to find any fancy features with this one. If you are looking for something with built-in white noise, rocking or soothing features, or anything else like that then you might want to keep looking!
Aside from that, there really isn’t much to complain about with this bassinet.
Who is this for?
This bassinet is for those looking for a budget-friendly option! Whether it’s a bassinet that will be used short-term in the parent’s bedroom or a spare bassinet to keep at the grandparents or caregiver’s house, this is a great choice!
The appealing price-point coupled with portability also makes it a great option for those that will be traveling or on-the-go a lot.
3. Best bassinet for small spaces
Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
About the Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
This bedside sleeper keeps your little one close without actually bed sharing. With a slim base, the bassinet base easily slides under a bed, sofa, or chair allowing baby to be even closer to you. This thing is sleek and compact you guys!
The bassinet has storage pockets on each end, making it easy to tuck away burp clothes, pacifiers, diapers, or anything else on the smaller side. The mesh sides allow you to keep a close watch on baby as well.
Pros of the Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
Aesthetically, I love how this one looks. It’s clean, sleek, and simple looking. Looks aside, there are many other benefits to this bassinet.
With a slim base that can slide under your bed, you can keep your baby close while also practicing safe sleep guidelines. And because the base can easily be pushed under furniture, it is a perfect bassinet for small spaces.
This bassinet can also be adjusted to 5 different heights so it can be level with you no matter how tall your bed is.
Potential cons of the Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
I would call this a “middle of the road” bassinet when it comes to price, features, etc. Nothing too fancy, nothing too basic, and the middle of the road price tag to go along with it.
The storage pockets on the side are quite small. Granted, you probably aren’t looking to store a ton of stuff in those pockets but if you want something that will hold several diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and burp clothes, you may want to keep looking.
The wheels on the bassinet don’t actually roll, which is a pro and con in my opinion. I mean, at the end of the day, I do see it as quite the safety issue, but it would make it a bit easier to slide under the bed and elsewhere.
Who is this for?
This bassinet is for the mama that wants to keep her baby close but also implement safe sleep habits!
It’s also for those parents looking for a more compact bassinet option for their little one. Maybe you are tight on space or maybe you just want something compact with a smaller footprint. Either way, this bassinet has your name on it.
4. Most splurge-worthy bassinet
About the Snoo
I used this bassinet with my second and I must say, this thing is pretty dang cool! It actually responds to your baby’s cries and movements to soothe baby. The movements mimic the motions your baby felt while still in the womb.
The Snoo smart app allows you to log sleep and naps as well as adjust the bassinet’s motion, sound, and cry sensitivity. You can think of the Snoo as your extra set of hands those first few weeks and months!
Pros of the Snoo
There are lots of pros to this smart sleeper bassinet! The obvious one is that it automatically responds to your baby’s crying and initiates a soothing response. If the initial soothing does not get the job done, the Snoo will gradually get stronger, with both motion and white noise, to calm your little one.
Another perk – the app! It features a graph that tracks sleep and when/if the soothing response kicks in. I’m such a visual person so this was a huge perk for me, personally!
All the soothing features (motion, white noise, cry sensitivity) are adjustable and customizable. It even comes with a preemie mode and a weaning mode for when you are ready to transition your baby to their crib.
Potential cons of the Snoo
The biggest con would have to be the price. The Snoo is going to cost you a pretty penny, around $1700 to be exact. But hey, it’s tough to put a price tag on sleep when you have a newborn so if it works for your baby, it just might be worth it!
Other challenges I found with the Snoo were the size and weight. I did travel with the Snoo when my second was little. It was doable but man that thing was heavy! And it took up a decent amount of room in the car too. You can fill it with stuff but if you want something that will fold and lie flat in your car the Snoo is not for you!
Unfortunately, the Snoo doesn’t come with any storage – womp, womp. It makes up for it in other ways but there were so many times I wished it had a little storage pocket for some diapers or wipes.
FInally, there is a chance the Snoo might not jive with your baby. Ultimately there is no way to determine or predict if your baby will agree with the Snoo without giving it a shot. The majority of babies do respond to the Snoo so don’t let this snip-it deter you.
Who is this for?
The Snoo is perfect for the sleep-obsessed parent that has the ability to splurge on a high-ticket item!
Maybe you have other children in the house and really need to prioritize sleep, or maybe you are just adamant about getting in as many zzz’s as you can from the get-go. If either of these sound like you then you definitely want to look into the Snoo.
And keep in mind, there is an option to rent if you want to give it a try without making the full commitment.
5. Best multi-use bassinet
Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Bassinet Deluxe Playard
About the Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Bassinet Deluxe Playard
This thing has it all! You will find a portable bassinet that has a 2-speed vibration, diaper changing station, a full-size infant bassinet, as well as the traditional playard.
The portable bassinet has a curved bottom so it can also be used as a rocker to soothe your baby. There is also ample storage in both the bassinet and playard. And to top it all off, there is an attachment that plays music.
Pros of the Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Bassinet Deluxe Playard
There are lots of pros with this one. I think the biggest is the fact that it’s so many things wrapped into one. You get a portable bassinet, a changing station, a full-size bassinet, and a playard.
The portability feature is another perk with this product. The bassinet portion in itself is portable in that you can pick it up and move it throughout your house. The playard folds up and tucks into a travel bag for easy storage and travel.
The full-size bassinet and playard portion will grow with your baby and can accommodate a maximum weight of about 45 pounds.
And considering everything you get, it’s not too pricey! All these items wrapped into one will cost between $350 and $400.
Potential cons of the Graco Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Bassinet Deluxe Playard
The full-size bassinet and playard, while portable, do take up quite a bit of space when in use. You won’t be able to discreetly tuck this one somewhere out of the way if it’s going to be your full time bassinet for baby.
Other than that, I can’t really come up with any other cons!
Who is this for?
This is for the family that wants a multi-use bassinet but also needs something for travel and on-the-go life. This is a one stop shop bassinet for the parents that want all their baby necessities in one, common place.
6. Best basket bassinet & baby Moses basket
BEBE BASK Premium Baby Changing Basket
About the BEBE BASK Premium Baby Changing Basket
This Moses basket is made of sustainable seagrass with foldable handles. The sides are 5.5 inches high for added safety. The vegan leather changing mat is water resistant and can easily be wiped down.
Though a good place to do a quick diaper change, a Moses basket wouldn’t be the safest option to put your little one down for a nap or bed.
Pros of the BEBE BASK Premium Baby Changing Basket
This basket is very cute and makes a great backdrop for pictures. It’s a pretty decent size and can grow with your baby too!
It has an extra thick memory foam pad and a bamboo blend basket liner, making it super comfy. The cherry on top with this product? All of BEBE BASK’s products are 100% hand-braided by women so each and every product is unique and different.
Potential cons of the BEBE BASK Premium Baby Changing Basket
It’s sort of hard to put this one in the same category as all the other bassinets because it is a bit different. This one wouldn’t be used as a true bassinet but more of a changing station or lounger when baby is awake.
And that’s its biggest con. If you are looking for a bassinet to use for sleep, I would look elsewhere.
Who is this for?
This is for the parents that want a sweet, unique, and portable changing station for their baby. In addition to a place to change their little one’s diaper, someone might purchase this basket for photo opportunities as well.
7. Best convertible bassinet
About the Stokke Sleepi Mini
This convertible bassinet is suitable for ages 0-5 years making it a great long term investment for your baby. The bundle includes an adjustable bed, mattress, and drape rod to help create a nest-like environment for your little one.
Certified by JPMA, this bassinet meets and exceeds all ASTM safety standards. What’s more, the baby mattress is breathable to ensure adequate air circulation and removal of carbon dioxide. You can purchase the Sleepi bed extension separately to help transform the crib into a toddler bed whenever the time comes.
Pros of the Stokke Sleepi Mini
This bassinet looks really cool! It’s an egg-shaped wood (natural or white) crib with lockable wheels. Another big perk is that it grows with your baby and can be used until 5 years of age. The Sleepi has adjustable height positions and panel extensions to accommodate your growing baby and child.
Another pro is the breathable mattress. The mattress is made with layers of breathable 3D mesh and a sorona bicomponent stretch fiber core that offers firmness but also maximal airflow for safe sleep.
A unique feature to this bassinet is the drape rod. This rod is perfect for hanging the Sleepi canopy over baby’s crib or a mobile.
Potential cons of the Stokke Sleepi Mini
This bassinet is a bit on the pricey side. The bundle, which does include the crib, mattress, and drape rod, will run you close to $600. And if you want to continue using it as your child ages then you have to purchase the bed extension too.
Some other complaints include the size of the bassinet. Past purchasers have said their baby outgrew the bassinet portion earlier than they were expecting. Another complaint is that the setup is quite a pain in the rear!
Who is this for?
This bassinet is for the parent looking for something subtle but sleek, pretty but unique, that can be used for several years. This is a high-quality product that comes with a nice price tag. So if you are looking for something more budget friendly then this is not the one for you!
Want help with the rest of your baby gear?
Bassinets are one of the many important items you might be purchasing prior to your baby’s arrival. If the thought of creating a baby registry stresses you out and you aren’t sure where to begin, let me help you!
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