These Bassinets Are Your Best Bet at Actually Sleeping With a Newborn

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Best Bassinets

Parents / Kristin Kempa

Bassinets are a must-have for many families because they allow babies to sleep close to their caregivers while still having their own safe sleeping surface. Keeping your baby close by in a bassinet can also help with late-night diaper changes, feedings, and overall peace of mind so you can sneak a peek at your baby. Plus, many bassinets have helpful add-ons, like soothing features, music, and storage. Parents who travel often can also benefit from portable bassinets that offer a lightweight sleeping solution on the go. 

Whitney Casares, M.D., MPH, FAAP, pediatrician, author, and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, tells us that beyond the baby’s safety, bassinets have other benefits for families: “They're also a smart strategy for limiting sleep interruptions for parents,” she says. “And, since we know sleep is so critical for new moms and dads (and, likewise, for preventing perinatal mood disorders), bassinets can be foundational to their wellness.”

To help you choose the best bassinet for your family and needs, we tested two smart bassinets at home and evaluated other leading bassinets based on real parents’ needs, lifestyles, and budgets with options from $40 to over $1,000. We also spoke with experts to gain insight into the features to look for and those to avoid when picking a bassinet. 

Sleep Safety Guidelines

To create a safe sleeping environment for your infant, follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Babies should always sleep on their backs.
  • Babies should sleep on a flat (no more than 10-degree incline), firm surface.
  • Their sleep area should be clear of any soft objects and loose bedding.
  • They should sleep in their own sleep area (bassinet, crib, etc.) but ideally share a room with you for at least the first 6 months.
  • If they fall asleep on you, move them to their own sleep area as soon as possible, so you don’t risk falling asleep with them too.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Amazon

Why We Like It

Two words: machine-washable. Almost all of the bassinet’s fabric is zip-off and ready to wash. Plus there is a lot more to love about this bassinet: It’s incredibly lightweight at only 12 pounds, and fully portable with snap-on metal legs that still provide sturdy support.

It has all the extras parents need, like a waterproof mattress with a fitted sheet, a mesh essentials pocket, and an option to upgrade to a hooded bassinet for light-blocking coverage.  Plus, the entire bassinet can fold flat in seconds and fit inside the included carry bag. 

But Take Note

With a weight limit of only 20 pounds, some babies may quickly outgrow it. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 28 inches
  • Weight: 12 pounds
  • Music: No
  • Weight/age limit: 20 pounds

Best Budget: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Amazon

Why We Like It

This budget-friendly, lightweight bassinet can fold in half to a slim 6-inch profile in an instant, allowing you to store it out of the way if needed when your baby isn’t using it or take it on the go. A breathable double canopy means you can take this bassinet outside for bug-free fresh air.

We’re impressed that it can handle a baby weight of up to 25 pounds, despite having such a light frame. It also comes in nine different colors, so you can find one to match your nursery or bedroom.

But Take Note

It’s only 27 inches high, and the height isn’t adjustable, so tall parents may find themselves bending over uncomfortably.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 34.5 x 19.5 x 27 inches
  • Weight: 12.4 pounds
  • Music: No
  • Weight/age limit: 25 pounds

Best Smart: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

Pottery Barn Kids

Why We Like It

Once your baby is strapped in for the night in this smart bassinet’s attached Velcro swaddle, the Snoo will automatically kick in with rocking and white noise to soothe your baby to sleep. Along with practical features like sturdy construction, seamless installation, and use, this is a bassinet that can actually detect when your baby is stirring and automatically try to soothe your baby for you—allowing you to hopefully catch more Z’s in the process. You can use manual settings (and even adjust the bassinet remotely), but when our tester left the Snoo on auto-settings, she was amazed by the bassinet’s ability to detect when her baby was fussing—and automatically start rocking and white noise.

“It's truly like having an extra pair of hands because sometimes you don't even have to intervene when the baby needs a little more comfort,” she said. Having experienced postpartum complications, our testing parent was especially grateful for the extra help the SNOO provided. “Most of the time, the baby was able to be soothed back to sleep,” she said. The rest of the time, her baby either needed a change or feeding, so no amount of soothing would have worked. 

Dr. Casares says she loves bassinets that work specifically to mimic what's happening for a baby when they're in the womb. “We know that, once babies are born, they still crave their prenatal environment for at least three months postpartum,” she explains.

But Take Note

It’s a luxury bassinet with a luxury price tag. Fortunately, you can lease the Snoo for a fraction of the cost.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 35.83 x 18.9 x 32.28 inches
  • Weight: 38 pounds
  • Music: No
  • Weight/age limit: 25 pounds

Best for Small Spaces: HALO BassiNest 3.0

Amazon HALO BassiNest 3.0

Amazon

Why We Like It

This bassinet and bedside sleeper can swivel a full 360 degrees over a parent or caregiver’s bed and has a bedside wall that lowers, making it a safe alternative to co-sleeping. Parents recovering from C-sections particularly appreciate being able to access their babies this way. Shandra Scruggs, R.N., a labor and delivery nurse, doula, and founder of Simply Birthed, says that parents appreciate the Bassinest’s mesh sides, which allow airflow and a good view of your baby from bed. “It's durable and suits various styles,” she adds.

Bedside sleepers are also good options for smaller bedrooms. The Bassinest also detaches from its base, so you can place it on the ground as a playard, though it’s not safe for babies to sleep in this configuration.  

But Take Note

Pay attention to your own bed’s dimensions before purchasing this. Bed frames should be at least 4.5 inches off the ground for the stand to fit under them, and they can’t be taller than 30 inches for the bassinet to swing over them.

There are a few versions of the Bassinest available, and those with soothing vibrations and sounds do cost more than the basic one. All versions come with a matching machine-washable fitted sheet and mattress. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 44.5 inches
  • Weight: 22.2 pounds
  • Music: Yes
  • Weight/age limit: 20 pounds

Best for Indoors and Outdoors: Fisher-Price Baby Portable Bassinet and Play Space

Amazon Fisher-Price Baby Portable Bassinet and Play Space

Amazon

Why We Like It

This duo pulls double duty as a bassinet and play space and can be used indoors and outdoors. It weighs just over 5 pounds, folds flat in a snap, and comes with carrying handles. The floor of the bassinet is a wipeable mat, and it also comes with its own machine-washable fitted sheet. It also has a hanging toy bar and UPF 20 canopy with mesh that can close over to protect from bugs too. Parents have noted how especially helpful this bassinet is for family trips to the beach as it keeps the sand and sun out. 

But Take Note

Since it sits on the ground, it’s not ideal for use as a bedside bassinet. As with other bassinets, you should stop using it when the baby can pull up to their hands and knees or sit up unassisted.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 31.5 x 30 x 28 inches
  • Weight: 5.4 pounds
  • Music: No
  • Weight/age limit: 25 pounds

Best Portable: Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet

Fisher-Price Soothing View Bassinet

Amazon

Why We Like It

It’s a lightweight bassinet that you can rock manually or keep stationary by locking its feet.  Somehow weighing in at just around 1 pound, it also folds up completely flat to a profile of around 4 inches, making it great for storage under the bed and moving around the house. This could also be a good option to keep at grandparents’ houses.

But Take Note

Though it’s super light, it doesn’t have a carrying case or other features you’d want for travel.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 33 x 22.4 x 24.4 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Music: Yes
  • Weight/age limit: 20 pounds

Best Convertible: Cradlewise Smart Crib

Cradlewise Smart Crib

Cradlewise

Why We Like It

This smart bassinet/crib soothes babies with a bouncing motion and gives caregivers a birds-eye view of their sleeping baby with a built-in video monitor. Our parent tester really appreciated the height of the Cradlewise because she found she was able to stay in bed and still reach her baby from the bassinet, which was helpful especially postpartum. Unlike competitors like the SNOO, it’s also designed to be used in crib mode—by lowering the bottom to a position closer to the ground—after the early infant stage, and it’s safe to use until your child reaches 33 pounds, which is usually around age 2. 

But Take Note

The crib is on the heavier side, which our tester found out the hard way when attempting to get it upstairs to her room at 8 months pregnant, so it may be helpful to have a plan in place for an extra set of hands come assembly time. She found the app to be glitchy at first, and the quality of the white noise and soothing sounds wasn’t great. She also reported that bouncing motion seemed a little too much for her baby at times. 

The company has since assured us that software and firmware updates have smoothed things out. And while the price is steep, remember that this is a bassinet and crib in one. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 40 x 25 x 42 inches
  • Weight: 88 pounds
  • Music: Yes
  • Weight/age limit: 33 pounds or 24 months old

Best for Soothing: 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Amazon 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet

Amazon

Why We Like It

Similar to the Snoo and Cradlewise bassinets, the mamaRoo option has built-in motion and white noise designed to help soothe babies when they’re out of their parents’ arms, but it comes at a much more affordable price. Through an app or with buttons on the bassinet, you can choose between five different motions (kangaroo, car ride, tree swing, rock-a-bye, and wave) and four different white noise sounds, which is great because not every baby likes the same movement or sounds. The bassinet has two height adjustment options for different-sized caregivers or situations. You can also purchase a storage basket to hang underneath.

But Take Note

Some users report app connectivity issues. And unlike the other smart bassinets, the mamaRoo will not auto-detect when the baby is fussing and react accordingly. Instead, caregivers can set a timer to create a bedtime routine or control settings remotely via the app. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 34 x 24 x 39 inches
  • Weight: 30.5 pounds
  • Music: Yes
  • Weight/age limit: 25 pounds

Best with Storage: Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Bassinet

Amazon Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Bassinet

Amazon

Why We Like It

For my fifth (and final) baby, I did a lot of research and settled on this Graco Pack ’n Play because of all the functionality it had—and it worked out beautifully. I loved that it included a built-in, fully wipeable diaper-changing station and came with plenty of storage. (Full disclosure: I even stashed baby clothes in the bottom of the playpen so it doubled as a dresser.) It’s also on wheels, so you can move it around very easily if needed. It also fully closes down and comes with its own carrying case. 

There are technically two bassinets with this playard: a portable free-standing bassinet that lifts off the top and a newborn bassinet insert that fits directly into the body of the playpen. The insert is essentially a second layer of the playpen that keeps the baby higher than the floor of the playpen. 

But Take Note

The infant bassinet insert can only be used for babies up to 15 pounds. But when your baby outgrows the insert, you can use this as a traditional playard. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 27 x 29 x 33 inches
  • Weight: 29.2 pounds
  • Music: No
  • Weight/age limit: 44 pounds

Our Testing and Review Process

We selected the bassinets in our list using a combination of hands-on testing, parental expertise, previous insight from our buying and testing guides, as well as expert insight and detailed research into the leading bassinets on the market. 


To test the SNOO and Cradlewise, we sent the products to staff parents of newborns, both their second babies, to use for at least two months. We asked them to set up the bassinets and answer questions about the following:

  • Ease of setup, assembly, and use
  • How the bassinet compared to what they used with their first babies
  • How quickly their babies fell asleep in the bassinet
  • How it helped with their peace of mind
  • Whether it is worth the price
  • Whether they’d recommend the bassinet to other parents

Our Experts

We spoke to the following experts to glean insight into safety and features to look for when purchasing a bassinet for your baby:

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bassinet

  • Size and Weight Limit: Bassinets are smaller than cribs by design, but there are different sizes even among bassinets. Some, like the Halo Swivel, come with larger bases to give them functionality, so you’ll want to check all sizes and dimensions to ensure it fits in your space. Additionally, if the bassinet bottom is designed to go under your bed, check the height the bed has to be from the floor. Because of their small size, bassinets also have a much smaller weight limit than a traditional crib. In general, most bassinets can hold babies between 20 and 25 pounds, but keep that in mind if you’re expecting a larger baby or want a bassinet you can use for longer periods of time. 
  • Functionality: Some bassinets are designed to be used over the bed (but never in the bed!) while others are standalone. Additionally, a few bassinets, like the Cradlewise, can convert to a full-size crib when your baby outgrows the weight limit. Bassinets can also be an affordable and convenient option to use for traveling or to stash at family members' or caregivers’ houses for a safe sleeping space. 
  • Special Features: Beyond the simple functionality of offering a safe place to sleep, bassinets can also offer additional features. For instance, a bassinet insert in a playpen can be used for many uses, like travel, playtime, and even storage, and as a changing station. Smart bassinets also have soothing features, like music and motion, from rocking to bouncing. Wheels that rock (and lock) can also transform a bassinet from a standalone sleeping area to a portable crib and soothing station. And let’s talk about some of those folding bassinets because folding down to 4-6 inches is downright impressive.
  • Accessibility: One of the main draws of a bassinet is the accessibility it can offer. For instance, any caregiver with mobility challenges, such as post-C-section parents, can benefit from a bassinet that swings over the bed or has a side that lowers to reduce the need to get out of bed. On the flip side, bassinets with height-adjustable options can help parents get the baby out while standing without bending over as deeply as well. “Bassinets tend to be higher up with not as big of railings since babies are not standing yet. This makes life easier for parents leaning over to soothe or grab their baby,” Dr. Purdy points out. 

How to Use Bassinets Safely

Bassinets can have benefits for both babies and parents. Bassinets can also help families stick to the AAP’s recommendations for safe sleeping practices by ensuring a separate sleeping area for their baby. “Bedside bassinets are considered safe sleep because babies are in their own space,” explains Dr. Purdy.

That being said, there are some additional safety considerations to keep in mind when choosing and using a bassinet. 

Focus on Safe Sleep

“Choosing a bassinet that provides a safe space to sleep should be a top consideration,” says Dr. Purdy. That means that when using and choosing a bassinet, parents should follow the AAP safe sleep guidelines listed at the top of this article. To sum up, babies should sleep on their backs, on a firm surface, at an incline of no greater than 10 degrees, in a sleep area with no other objects or loose blankets.

Start With Quality 

One of the first things parents and caregivers should look for when choosing a bassinet is the quality of the product, says Dr. Casares.

“Avoid baby bassinets with cheap construction,” she notes. “Ensure you also steer clear of any bassinet not certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Bassinets receive a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) once they are tested for compliance with all CPSC safety rules and standards at a third-party laboratory.”

Keep It Stable

Dr. Casares also adds that sturdy construction is a must to avoid the risk of the bassinet tipping or toppling over. Proper installation of bedside bassinets that affix to the bed is also crucial, says Dr. Casares. She notes that bedside bassinets can absolutely be safe, but should “always be securely fastened to the parent's bed to prevent limb entrapment and should rest securely on the ground to avoid tipping. … They should also include a separate space for the baby to sleep to reduce the risk of suffocation.”

Breathability 

In addition to ensuring the bassinet you use meets CPC standards, Dr. Casares also cites the AAP’s recommendations that parents use a firm, breathable mattress to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mesh sides can also help improve the breathability of a bassinet. 

Assess It Regularly 

Scruggs recommends regularly assessing your bassinet and checking for safety issues such as:

  • Gaps between the mattress and bassinet sides
  • Poor-fitting sheets (buying sheets made for the bassinet mattress can help avoid this)
  • Wobbly legs
  • Loose parts
  • Wetness (especially after cleaning) 

Manufacturer Guidelines

No matter how much you and your baby love your bassinet, Scrubbs stresses the importance of adhering to any weight limits and moving your baby out of a bassinet as soon as they start rolling over to reduce any risks to your baby. “Respect weight limits as your baby grows,” she says.

Your Questions, Answered

Does everyone need a bassinet?

While helpful, a bassinet is not necessary for newborns. A full-size crib, mini-crib, or  playard can also be used under the AAP’s safe sleep recommendations. “Bassinets create a cozy, enclosed space that helps babies feel secure,” explains Scruggs. “With lower sides than cribs, they're easy for parents to reach into for comforting at night. This closeness promotes bonding, and some bassinets have handy storage for baby supplies.”

How do you clean a bassinet?

Most bassinets come with machine-washable fitted sheets that fit over the mattress. A select number of bassinets also feature fully machine-washable fabric. But otherwise, the frame, mattress, and sides of the bassinets are usually wipe-clean only. “Babies are notoriously messy, so buy extra sheets you can use as replacements,” advises Dr. Casares.

How long can you use a bassinet?

Follow the recommendations specific to the bassinet you purchase. In general, you should discontinue using a bassinet when your baby exceeds any listed height or weight limits or when your baby starts to roll over, whichever comes first. 

Who We Are

Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, is a labor and delivery nurse turned health and parenting writer, as well as a mother of five. She is a proponent of bassinets for ease of use during the newborn and early infant stage because frankly, she hates getting out of bed more than necessary.

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Okun ML, Lac A. Postpartum Insomnia and Poor Sleep Quality Are Longitudinally Predictive of Postpartum Mood SymptomsPsychosom Med. 2023;85(8):736-743. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000001234

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.

  3. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bassinets and cradles business guidance & small entity compliance guide.

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