While you want to keep safe sleep in mind first, consider your lifestyle and whether the bassinet can be used for other purposes outside the home. Moreover, some baby bassinets have extra features, like vibration and rocking, that can help soothe your baby, but keep in mind it may drive the price up. We carefully considered design, assembly, material, value, and any age, height, and weight recommendations when reviewing products.
Babies should always sleep on their backs Use a firm surface Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the sleeping area Sleeping surfaces should not have an inclination greater than 10 degrees from horizontal Side height should be at least 7.5 inches
There are two storage pockets for necessities, and a fitted sheet is included. It’s safe for a baby to sleep in immediately after birth and has a weight limit of 20 pounds. One downside to note is that this bassinet doesn’t have wheels, which can make sliding out of bed quietly tricky. Price at time of publication: $300 Price at time of publication: $60 The SNOO features convenient parent controls that can remotely adjust its motion, sound, and cry sensitivity via an app on their tablet or smartphone. The app also tracks baby’s sleep progress and will alert parents if their baby needs more attention. All of these smart features contribute to the high price, but notably, SNOO also offers a rental program to make it more accessible and affordable for caregivers. Although the height is not adjustable, the legs can be replaced with low legs that bring the bassinet down to a 10-inch height, or they can be raised using leg lifters (both sold separately). Price at time of publication: $1,695 With the simple switch of a button, the bassinet can be gently pushed to help soothe baby. When the rocking mode isn’t used, you can switch the bassinet to stationary mode. Price at time of publication: $120 Price at time of publication: $450 Price at time of publication: $200 Price at time of publication: $80
What to Look for in a Baby Bassinet
Size
While many baby bassinets are much smaller than a standard crib, you’ll still want to consider the size of the bassinet before purchasing. Whether you’re buying before or after your little one arrives, spend time considering where you plan to use the bassinet. Take measurements of the space to ensure you’re not buying a bassinet you will have to return because it didn’t fit. Some bassinets are foldable, portable, and collapse, like the Graco Pack’ n Play On the Go Playard. While not ideal, if you’re limited on space, you can set up the Pack’ n Play or another bassinet where it’s needed for naps and nighttime and then put it away when necessary. Overall, you don’t want the bassinet too close to the bed in case any pillows or blankets fall off your bed in the middle of the night.
Added Features
Many bassinets are more than just a sleep space for babies, thanks to their modern designs and additional features. Some additional features include a canopy, play yard, stroller attachments, and music. These additional features aren’t necessary but definitely come in handy whether you’re traveling or trying to get baby to sleep at home, so you’ll want to consider if you can live without them or absolutely need them. For example, the UPPAbaby Stroller Bassinet has a sunshade, attaches to a stroller, can attach to a bassinet stand, and even comes with a bug shield. These additional features on this particular bassinet are great for families who like to be outdoors often, as the bug shield and sunshade will keep baby safe on a hot day. Or, it can be used at home for naps and bedtime instead.
Purpose
It may feel like a no-brainer that a bassinet is meant for a baby to sleep in, but what many parents and caregivers don’t realize is that considering the purpose of the bassinet will ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Some bassinets are best for travel, while others have rocking features or are supposed to mimic co-sleeping, sharing a bed with your baby but in a safer way, as the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against co-sleeping for all babies. For the bassinets aimed at keeping you close to your little one, one of the sides can be zipped down for diaper changes, feedings, or even playtime. You want to ensure all sides are up while baby is sleeping. There are also bassinets designed with rocking or vibrating motions to help put a baby to sleep. So, while you want to keep your baby’s sleep safety in mind first, also consider your lifestyle and if the bassinet can be used for other purposes outside of the home. If your family likes to travel, think about bassinets that are travel-friendly and can fold easily while on the go.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. Your best bet is to read your bassinet’s manual thoroughly to ensure you understand all recommendations. There are bassinets on the market that state that parents and caregivers should discontinue use once baby starts rolling, which can surprisingly happen very quickly after birth for some babies.
