Best bassinets for newborns – what’s the best option for your family?
The best bassinets for newborns will look different for each family. Some parents will prefer a more simple design with less features. Other parents will want a smart bassinet with every possible bell and whistle in the hopes of better sleep.
Or perhaps you’re not quite sure whether to get a bassinet for your baby at all? While you can go straight to a cot, a bassinet is a wonderful choice for your new baby. Especially if you plan to have baby sleep in your room (it’s much easier to fit a small bassinet than a cot!)
From the hundreds of options out there we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 bassinets for newborns. Read on for more in-depth information on each bassinet’s features as well as helpful pros and cons.
- Our Top Bassinet Picks for Newborns
- Price Guide
- Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper $$$
- Pros
- Cons
- Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet $$
- Pros
- Cons
- Fisher-Price Soothing Motions $
- Pros
- Cons
- Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet $$$
- Pros
- Cons
- Ronbei Bedside Sleeper $
- Pros
- Cons
- Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper $
- Pros
- Cons
- Baby Bjorn Cradle $$$$$
- Pros
- Cons
- SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper <$
- Pros
- Cons
- Dream on Me Karley Bassinet <$
- Pros
- Cons
- Snoo $$$$$
- Pros
- Cons
- Why You Need a Bassinet for a Newborn
- The Different Types of Bassinets / Options
- 5 Benefits Of Getting a Bassinet for Your Baby
- 7 Things To Look For In A Good Bassinet
- The Final Word
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Our Top Bassinet Picks for Newborns
If you just want to go straight to our recommendations without the details – here you go! If you like a:
Traditional Bassinet: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions (less expensive, manual rocking or vibrations, soothing nightlight)
Moving Sleeper Bassinet: Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet (middle price range, five different motions and four different sleep sounds, can be operated from an app)
Bedside Sleeper: Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper (inexpensive, larger size, easy to see and reach baby, co-sleeping without as much risk)
Co-Sleeper: Swaddleme By Your Side (inexpensive, functional, safe for baby)
Price Guide
$ – up to $100
$$ – up to $200 range
$$$ – up to $300 range
$$$$ – up to $400 range
$$$$$ = $500 +
Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper $$$
The Halo BassiNest combines the convenience of a co-sleeper with the independence of a bassinet. This sturdy bassinet sits on a four legged base that can be raised or lowered to make it accessible from your bed. It can swivel 360 degrees, and one side pulls down to give you faster access to baby. The BassiNest includes a “Soothing” Center that can provide vibration or white noise. It is designed for babies up to five months of age or 20lbs.
Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Features:
- 360 degree swivel & lowering sidewall,
- 4-point adjustable base,
- mesh sides for easy viewing of baby,
- battery operated Soothing Center with lights, sounds and vibration,
- Floor Light,
- Detachable Bed,
- Storage Caddy and pockets.
Pros
- 360 degree swivel capability makes it easier to get to your baby
- One side of the bassinet pulls down so you can touch and soothe baby without lifting them out. This will be especially helpful for moms recovering from a C-Section.
- The bed can be detached from the base so you can move the bassinet to wherever you are.
- The BassiNest includes a small removable storage caddy.
- This bassinet has a “soothing center” with nightlights, 2 levels of vibration and 4 soothing sounds.
Cons
- According to reviewers, the vibration levels are so miniscule that they don’t actually provide any comfort to the baby.
- If you don’t have it centered exactly over the base there is an incline to the bassinet. Many reviewers mentioned that their baby slid to one side of the bed and that they didn’t feel comfortable with the level of incline.
- Reviewers also said the Bassinest is surprisingly bulky and heavy. You may want to check the base dimensions if you have a smaller bedroom.
Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet $$
The Graco Sense2Snoose Bassinet promises to help calm your baby by cycling through “soothing settings” when it senses crying. Using a built-in microphone designed to hear baby’s cries, this bassinet responds by going through different combinations of a back-and-forth soothing motion, vibration, white noise and songs until the crying stops. This bassinet can be used until your baby can roll over, begins to push up on hands and knees or weighs over 20 lbs, whichever comes first.
Features:
- Built-in-microphone that senses baby’s cries and triggers movement and sound,
- 3 movement speeds,
- 2 vibration options,
- white noise,
- 10 sleepy songs, 10 soothing sounds,
- wheels on two legs for easier movement,
- mesh sides for easier viewing of baby,
- canopy to block light.
Pros
- Automatic activation of movement/vibration/white noise/songs when baby cries
- Reviewers noted that the mattress pad was thicker than other bassinets
- Included storage pockets and canopy
Cons
- The Sense2Snooze only has one movement option which not every baby will enjoy
- Reviewers note that the sounds and music are not great quality and are “tinny”
- The buttons on the bassinet click loudly which can wake up sensitive newborns.
Fisher-Price Soothing Motions $
The Fisher-Price Soothing Motions is a very basic rocking bassinet. This bassinet can be rocked manually by parents or will rock once baby starts to move. It can be locked to prevent motion. The Soothing Motions Bassinet includes an overhead mobile, nightlight/ceiling projector and calming vibrations,music and sound. The Soothing Motions bassinet can be used until your baby begins to push up on hands and knees or has reached 20 lb (9 kg), whichever comes first.
Fisher Price Soothing Motion Features:
- Calming rocking motion generated by you or baby,
- a soothing ceiling projection and a night light,
- flat sleeping surface with overhead mobile,
- 30 minutes of calming vibrations, music and sounds,
- an optional lock to minimize swaying motion
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Parents report the vibrations are helpful for soothing baby to sleep
- Reviewers like the included projector nightlight
Cons
- The bassinet is lower in height, making it less accessible for people in bed and more difficult for moms recovering from a C-section.
- As baby gets older and more wiggly, the rocking motion can startle them.
- The vibrations end after 30 minutes, there is no way to lengthen the time.
Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet $$$
The Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet is a pricier bassinet with advanced soothing movement options. This bassinet includes five different motion options (car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing and rock-a-bye), to mimic the motions you make when you hold and rock your baby. Using a compatible smart device, you can control the movement, timing of movement and play one of four white noise options (rain, ocean, fan and shh). The mamaRoo sleep bassinet is for use from birth until your baby reaches the maximum weight limit of 25 pounds or can push up on their hands or knees, whichever comes first. Typically this is within the first 6 months of age.
Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet Features:
- Adjustable height,
- bluetooth enabled,
- four built in sleep sounds,
- five motion settings that mimic parents’ movement,
- timer option for motions and sound,
- mesh sides,
- easy to assemble.
Pros
- Several different movement and sound options to satisfy all babies
- Users can control all of the features using a smart device or buttons on the actual bassinet
- Mesh sides for easy viewing of baby
- Adjustible height for ease of use
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Side doesn’t collapse for easier access to baby
- Reviewers reported that vibration settings are loud
- The Mamaroo only comes with one sheet and replacement sheets are pricey
Ronbei Bedside Sleeper $
The Ronbei Bedside Sleeper can be used as a stand alone bassinet or for safer co-sleeping by lowering one side and moving it partially onto the parents’ bed. This sleeper has an adjustable base to make transitioning from bassinet to bedside sleeper quick and easy. The Ronbei Bedside Sleepr can be used until your baby begins to push up on hands and knees, can roll over, or has reached 20lbs, whichever comes first.
Ronbei Bedside Sleeper Features:
- Adjustable Height and Feet,
- one side can fold down to allow for easier access from parent’s bed,
- includes a music box and detachable toy mobile,
- mesh sides,
- fast assembly,
- portable design for travel,
- comes with an extra mattress cover.
Pros
- Light and portable for at home use or travel
- Can function as a separate bassinet or connect with parents’ bed for easier access to baby
- Height adjusts easily by pushing the base with your foot and pulling upward
Cons
- Reviewers report that the side doesn’t lower all of the way so you can’t see the baby if you are lying down
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper $
The Mika Micky Bedside sleeper can also work as a separate bassinet or convert into a bedside sleeper for safe co-sleeping. This bassinet has a wheeled base to make moving it easier but also has straps that secure it to parents’ bed mattress when it is being used as a bedside sleeper. The Mika Micky can be used longer than most bassinets and is safe for babies and can be used for babies up to 5 months or 33 lbs, whichever comes first.
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Features:
- Easy to attach or remove from parents’ bed,
- 7 height positions,
- easy-open side panel for bedside mode.
Pros
- Side folds down which allows parents to move baby in and out of their bed easily for soothing or nursing
- The bassinet bed is very large and can be used for bigger babies
- It can be used as a stand alone bassinet or a bedside sleeper
Cons
- Parts of the bassinet where the baby’s face may contact are not mesh, parents reported worrying about suffocation risk.
- Will not work for all bed configurations that parents might have
Baby Bjorn Cradle $$$$$
The Baby Bjorn Cradle is a bassinet that echoes the company’s signature design: classic, simple and modern. It can be rocked by mom or dad and will also rock when the baby moves. The rocking motion is described as a “gentle springy movement similar to that of a pram (stroller).” This cradle is smaller than traditional bassinets both in height and bed size. The Baby Bjorn Cradle can be used for babies up to 18 pounds.
Baby Bjorn Cradle Features:
- Mesh sides,
- low height,
- gentle springy rocking,
- easy to assemble,
- lightweight and easy to move.
Pros
- Smaller size fits well in parents’ room
- Modern design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Smaller size means baby will grow out of it more quickly
SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper <$
The SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper is a simple sleeper designed to keep baby safe while they are co-sleeping in their parents’ bed. The design has mesh sides, and a mattress pad and fits in the middle of mom and dad’s bed. The SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper can be used from birth until baby begins to push up or roll over.
SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper Features: Sturdy metal frame with mesh sides, mattress pad and sheet, folds flat for travel.
Pros
- Allows baby to co-sleep more safely in parents’ bed
- Mesh sides provide a clear view of baby
- Sturdy metal frame prevents tipping
- Less expensive than other baby bed options
Cons
- Takes up a fair amount of bed space
- Tips towards the heavier person on the bed
Dream on Me Karley Bassinet <$
The Dream on Me Karley Bassinet is a lightweight and portable bed for your newborn. It has an adjustable double canopy that can completely cover the top of the bassinet. The Dream On Me Karley Bassinet is safe for babies up to 25 pounds.
Dream on Me Karley Bassinet Features:
- Lightweight aluminum frame (weighs 12.4 pounds),
- adjustable double canopy,
- storage bag,
- dual sided 1-inch thick mattress pad,
- comes in 9 different colors.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Double canopy protects baby from pets, bugs and curious siblings
- Comes in many colors and designs
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a fitted sheet
- Height isn’t adjustable, many reviewers reported it as being too low down to be comfortable.
Snoo $$$$$
The Snoo is a top of the line “moving sleeper” bassinet with a price tag to match. With a modern and sleek design, the Snoo detects fussing and responds with rocking motions and increased white noise to soothe your baby back to sleep. The Snoo is different from other bassinets with automatic rocking motions because it has an added safety measure in a “Snoo Sack” that velcros to the bassinet to keep baby from rolling. An app also allows you to control the features remotely and gives you the ability to view your baby’s sleep patterns and track daily, weekly and monthly progress. The maximum baby weight for SNOO use is 25 lb. It can be used from birth to about 6 months or until your baby can get up on their hands and knees.
Snoo Features:
- Breathable mesh walls for healthy air flow,
- 5 levels of sound plus motion to mimic the womb,
- premium motor for quiet and reliability,
- advanced algorithm can tell baby cries from room noise,
- responds to baby’s cries with increased motion and noise,
- app that provides remote operation of features and sleep analytics.
Pros
- Keeps baby safely positioned during soothing motion
- App allows for remote feature control and gives data about your baby’s sleep patterns
- The Snoo automatically adjusts motion and white noise until baby stops crying
- Has options to buy or rent by the month
Cons
- High price tag
- Some reviewers report that the cry detection wasn’t sensitive enough
Why You Need a Bassinet for a Newborn
- A bassinet is a smaller bed for your newborn. The smaller size allows for it to fit more comfortably in parents’ bedroom and makes the sleep environment more cozy for the baby. Many bassinets are also portable so you can move your baby’s sleeping space during the day to have them close by.
- To reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleeps in the parents’ room and close to the parents’ bed for at least six months but preferably a year. A bassinet allows you to have baby safely nearby without taking up too much space in your bedroom. Having your newborn close will help you to respond more quickly to their needs and get more sleep yourself.
The Different Types of Bassinets / Options
- There are several different types of bassinets available:
- Traditional Bassinet (Halo BassiNest, Fisher-Price Soothing Motions, Dream on Me Karley Bassinet, Baby Bjorn Cradle): A traditional bassinet provides independent sleep space for baby. Some of them are stationary and others have a traditional rocking motion that is done by hand or as a result of baby’s movement. They are usually less expensive but may not offer much in the way of helping your baby sleep better.
- Moving Sleeper Bassinet (Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet, Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet, Snoo) A moving sleeper bassinet responds to your baby’s fussing with immediate movement and white noise. These usually carry a higher price tag but might save you enough sleep and sanity to be worth the cost.
- Side Sleeper Bassinet (Ronbei Bedside Sleeper, Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper). A Side Sleeper Bassinet is a wonderful option if you want to co-sleep but are nervous about doing so. This type of bassinet creates a bassinet that is an extension of your bed. It is safely attached by cords to your mattress and allows you to reach and attend to your baby. A side sleeper bassinet provides peace of mind, but can be difficult to lift and care for your baby from a supine position, especially if you are recovering from a C-section.
- Co-Sleeping Bassinet (Swaddleme By Your Side) A co-sleeping bassinet provides a safe area within your own bed for baby to sleep. They make it very easy to access and soothe your baby, but take up a lot of space in your bed.
- Crib If you want to follow the AAP recommendations and have baby in your room, you can also start baby off in their crib from the beginning. Some parents even choose to sleep baby in their own room from the moment they bring them home.
5 Benefits Of Getting a Bassinet for Your Baby
- Reduces the risk of SIDS – Having your baby in a bassinet in your bedroom reduces the risk of SIDS. Because you are able to hear and respond to your baby’s needs, you become more attuned to their sleeping.
- Allows you to respond quickly to your baby’s needs – When your baby is close enough to touch during the nighttime, you will often be able to soothe them with just noise and touch. A bassinet will put your baby within arms reach.
- Supports breastfeeding – Having your baby sleeping in your bedroom in a bassinet makes breastfeeding easier. You will be able to breastfeed quickly and easily with your baby so close by.
- Helps mom and dad get more sleep – A bassinet in your room will let you get more sleep because you are able to soothe baby without getting up, don’t have to go far to feed your baby and will have peace of mind knowing they are nearby.
- Takes up less space – This especially applies if you are planning to have your baby in your bedroom. A bassinet takes up so much less space than a crib.
7 Things To Look For In A Good Bassinet
- Size: Be aware of how much space you have for a bassinet in your room. Size varies greatly from brand to brand, so make sure you choose one that will actually fit in your space.
- Sturdiness: The last thing you want is a bed for your newborn that makes you nervous. Look for a bassinet with a sturdy base.
- Portability: If you want or need to have your baby’s sleeping space nearby during the day, purchase a bassinet that is easy to move from room to room.
- Features: Consider the features that different bassinets have available. If you are able to afford a bassinet with more movement and noise options, you can possibly get extra sleep (which every parent of a newborn will tell you is incredibly precious!)
- Add-ons: Be sure to consider if you will need to purchase extra items to make your bassinet usable. Does it come with extra fitted sheets? (You will need several!) Does it use disposable batteries?
- Return Policy: The truth is, a bassinet that is amazing for one baby may not work for another. Ask about return policies before purchasing your bassinet, especially if you are choosing a higher priced option.
- Storage: Bassinets are meant to be a temporary sleep solution until your baby is older. If you are planning to have more children, think about how much storage space you will have for your bassinet once your baby has grown out of it.
The Final Word
You should purchase a bassinet if you want to have your baby in your room while he/she is a newborn. Whether it is a simple and traditional rocking bassinet or one that carefully mimics the motion and sounds of the womb, a bassinet will give you quick access to your newborn and peace of mind knowing you can hear and respond to your baby quickly.
There are many different types of bassinets. With a little research you are sure to find one that will work for your family. Our recommendations for the best bassinets are:
Traditional Bassinet: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions (less expensive, manual rocking or vibrations, soothing nightlight)
Moving Sleeper Bassinet: Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet (middle price range, five different motions and four different sleep sounds, can be operated from an app)
Bedside Sleeper: Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper (inexpensive, larger size, easy to see and reach baby, co-sleeping without as much risk)
Co-Sleeper: Swaddleme By Your Side (inexpensive, functional, safe for baby)
Overall, if you are able to afford the higher price tag, the Mamaroo Sleep Bassinet has amazing reviews and great features that should help your baby (and you!) get more sleep.
