Best Baby Bassinets

A bassinet is a sleeping space for your baby that looks like a crib but slightly smaller. Bassinets are for newborns and young infants. They are small, cute, cozy, and convenient for your new baby. Buying a bassinet will help you keep your baby close, in the same room, without bothering about space. There are different brands of bassinets, and choosing can be difficult. This guide will help make the selection process easier for you.

• Stationary: These are bassinets that are difficult to move. They are usually sturdy with a heavy frame. They are also broader than other types of bassinets.

• Rock or swivel: Rocking is moving back and forth in one direction while swiveling is either a 180°-360° movement of the bassinet on an axis. These types of bassinets offer a motion that soothes the baby to sleep. Some models also have a gentle vibration feature for relaxation.

• Travel: A travel bassinet folds up, making it suitable for traveling families, or rooms with limited space. They are lightweight and small, thereby enabling easy storage. Some of them are covered with a piece of removable fabric for washing.

• Co-sleepers: These are made so that you can place them right next to the parents’ bed. You can adjust their height so that they fit perfectly. Some co-sleepers have a movable sidewall to allow for easy access to the baby. It is an ideal bassinet for breastfeeding mothers recovering from a stressful or painful delivery (like a C-section).

• Space: Bassinets are in different shapes and sizes. Buy one that will easily fit into the space that is available in your home.

• Easy to clean: It’s best to go for a bassinet that is easy to clean. For example, the Bebear Bebamour Baby Nest Pod has a removable plastic frame that is detachable, so that the cotton mesh bedding and the frame can be cleaned with ease.

• Breathable: For the best ventilation, go for a bassinet with mesh sides or wooden slats.

• Small parts: It is advisable to avoid buying bassinets with small detachable parts (like toys or frills) that the baby can put in the mouth. It is to prevent the child from putting dangerous items in his mouth.

• Sound effects and lights: Some bassinets (like smart bassinets) have soothing music, a heartbeat, or nature sounds with volume control. And some bassinets come with a soft night light so that you can check on your baby without causing any disturbance. These features usually run on batteries.

• Sturdiness: When buying a bassinet, ensure it has a sturdy base so that there is no risk of tipping it over easily if someone bumps into it.

• Extra functions: Some bassinets have storage spaces or pockets underneath for diapers, wipes, and spare clothes. Some can also function as a changing table or a bedside sleeper that attaches to an adult bed. Some bassinets are detachable from the stand for easy movement.

• Weight and age limit: Bassinets are not for infants more than six months of age. Most bassinets have a weight limit of between 15 to 20 pounds, while some allow for more weight. When buying a bassinet, ensure you check for the age and weight limit to know how long you'll be using it. Once a baby outgrows a bassinet, you have to switch to a crib.

• Portability: Bassinets that are smaller in size and more lightweight are easy to move around. Some bassinets come with a carry handle, while others have wheels so that you can roll them from one place to another.

• Mattress: Studies have found that a firm mattress is preferable--and there is less risk of sudden infant death syndrome when using a firm mattress. The mattress should be strong enough to bear the baby's weight without bending. A way to check for adequate support is by pressing the mattress at the edges and middle, and check whether it dips easily. The mattress should be firm and not heavily padded to avoid the risk of suffocation. It should be a perfect fit for your bassinet.

• Bedding: This is the bed sheet that comes with the bassinet, and it likewise should be a perfect fit for the mattress. It is best to go for bassinets with extra sheets that can be removed for washing.

• Canopy: A stiff canopy helps block out light. That way, your baby can sleep in your room, while you do other activities that require light. The canopy can be retractable or removable, with a design and material depending on your preference. But a frilly or fabric canopy that drapes over the bassinet should be avoided since there is a risk of strangulation.

• Halo Bassinet Swivel Sleeper Essentia Series has a 360 degrees swivel that allows for gentle, soothing movements. It has an adjustable height of 22 to 34 inches. The bassinet weighs 45 pounds and can hold a baby of up to 20 pounds.

• Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet is a travel bassinet, with a weight of 17 pounds. It is a mesh-sided bassinet with a memory foam mattress. It is easy to clean, and the fabric is removable. It can hold a baby weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Bliss Evi Smart Bassinet is a high-tech bassinet that rocks and plays music by itself. It has wireless connectivity and can even connect to Alexa and Google Home. It can hold a baby weighing 30 pounds.