Best Bassinets of 2023
Keeping baby close, especially during sleep, is something that’s often on the mind of many new parents. A bassinet is a great option—they’re loved for their convenience and for their safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep for at least the first six months.
In this article:
- Babylist’s Best Bassinets Picks
- What Is a Bassinet?
- Do You Need a Bassinet?
- How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?
- What Is the Best Bassinet for a Newborn?
What Is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a sleeping space that is smaller than a crib and designed for newborns and younger babies. Bassinets are typically placed next to your bed to give you easy access to your baby throughout the night, and many are mobile so your baby can nap near you during the day.
Do You Need a Bassinet?
A bassinet has multiple benefits, but convenience and peace of mind likely top the list.
Because your little one will be within arm’s reach, a bassinet makes those middle-of-the-night feeding sessions a little bit easier. (And at 2 a.m., we’ll take all the easy we can get.) Whether you’re nursing or using a bottle, you’ll be able to reach over and pick up baby when it’s time to eat without having to venture too far from the comforts of your bed. Especially if you’re a new parent recovering from delivery and have limited mobility, this can be a big plus.
Bassinets also provide peace of mind during those first few months of parenthood when it seems like worrying is about the only thing that’s coming naturally to you. Most bassinets are positioned at the same height as your bed, making it easy to get a glimpse of your newborn to reassure you (and them) that everything is fine. Keeping them in such close proximity will also make it easy for you to hear if they’re starting to wake up or get fussy so you’ll know it’s almost time for a cuddle or a feeding. They’re also a great option for parents who want baby as close as possible but do not want to bed-share, which the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend.
Not all parents will love having baby so close, though. If you’re a light sleeper, or if hearing every grunt and squeak is actually making you more anxious, placing your baby to sleep in the nursery crib may work out better for everyone.
How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?
Bassinets are used during the newborn stage until your baby is able to move around, push up on their hands or roll over, usually between three months and five months old. Some bassinets have weight restrictions as well, which vary depending on the model you purchase.
What Is the Best Bassinet for a Newborn?
Deciding on the best baby bassinet depends on personal preferences and budget. Here’s what to consider when you’re weighing your options.
- Footprint. How much space do you have in your sleeping area? This often determines how large (or small) of a bassinet you should purchase or add to your baby registry. If you live in a small space, you may also want to consider a bassinet with multiple functions and configurations so you’ll get the most use out of it.
- Portability. Will you be traveling with your bassinet? Do you need to move it around your home? Features like a compact fold or legs with wheels are things to think about as you decide which bassinet is best for your family.
- Height and weight limits. If you plan on keeping your baby in a bassinet as long as possible, you may want to consider a larger bassinet with a higher weight limit. If you’re leaning more toward using your bassinet as a very short-term sleep solution, this won’t matter as much.
- Motion. Smart bassinets, sometimes also called smart cribs, add technology to the mix. Most smart cribs feature motion, sound, lights and vibration. Some even detect your baby’s cries and respond accordingly or learn your baby’s sleep patterns so they can start soothing them before they fully wake up. Keep in mind that smart bassinets are more expensive than most traditional bassinets. And while some parents swear by motion, others say it didn’t make a difference.
- Budget. Think through how much you want to spend on a bassinet if you’re purchasing it yourself. Also, consider if you’re planning to use your bassinet for more than one child. A sturdy, well-made bassinet may be more expensive but worth it over the long haul.
How We Chose Our Best Bassinets
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top bassinets they shared with us and added our own research and insight. We think you and your little one will love at least one of these items too.
Do you think this content is helpful? Let our editors know!
Best Bedside Bassinet
The Scoop
- Fully customizable for height and position, 360-degree swivel
- 2-in-1 design converts to portable nest
- One side lowers for easy access and diaper changes
What Our Experts Think
Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this sleeper gets bedside positioning just right thanks to the 360-degree swivel and adjustable stand. Better yet, the base tucks under your bed, so it doesn’t take up a ton of floor space. And as if you need one more thing to love, the bassinet portion pops off the stand for a portable—and safe—nest for around the house. (Just note that portable nest isn’t for sleeping when it’s detached from the BassiNest base.)
Parents love the retractable wall that lowers to provide easy access to baby, which is helpful during recovery from birth and for nighttime nursing sessions. And the sheer mesh sides provide more visibility and breathability, which equals more peace of mind for parents.
What’s Worth Considering
Although one side of the Halo’s base does tuck under most beds, the legs on the other side will stick out quite a bit, which can get in the way, especially in a smaller space.
For a more affordable option, check out Halo’s BassiNest Flex Sleeper, which works for both home and travel.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Love that this bassinet has an adjustable stand so I can make it the height that I need. It’s very portable to be able to move from one room to another. Can move just the bassinet or the stand and all. Has an hourglass shape to be able to have beside the bed at night. Especially perfect if you are breastfeeding or just had a C-section. The side will collapse down only if you are holding it down. Very easy to assemble.” -Virginia
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 0-5 mos or 20 lbs (stop using when baby shows signs of rolling over or pushing up) |
Best Co-Sleeper Bassinet
The Scoop
- Safest way to co-sleep
- Can be used as a freestanding bassinet or a bedside sleeper
- Lots of storage
What Our Experts Think
As the name implies, this sleeper keeps your baby in arm’s reach—consider it your bed’s side-car. While it can be used as a freestanding bassinet (with four breathable sides), the differentiator here is that one side drops down and securely attaches to your bed, making it simple to scoop up your little one for feedings. There’s storage space underneath for diapers, wipes and extra swaddles. And parents love the ease of moving it from room to room thanks to the built-in wheels. Plus, it packs compactly for travel.
What’s Worth Considering
This co-sleeper is designed for beds starting at 24” (measuring from the floor to the top of your mattress). If your bed is higher, then you’ll need to purchase a separate leg extension kit.
What Babylist Parents Say
“BEST thing we bought! It made middle-of-the night breastfeeding so much easier, but still kept them safe. They were also easy to transition to the crib because the cosleeper didn’t hug them the way the other types of bassinets do.” -J.C.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 0-5 months or until baby is able to push up on their own |
Best Portable Bassinet
The Scoop
- Lightweight and ultra portable
- Simple, straightforward and well-priced
- Breathable mesh sides
What Our Experts Think
The Lullago is a sleek, simple bassinet that’s perfect for travel but just as great if you plan on using it only at home. It’s light (about 12 pounds), compact and breaks down so you can easily carry it on your shoulder in the included tote. And did we mention a sleep-deprived parent can set it up in seconds? Done and done.
What’s Worth Considering
The bassinet comes with a fitted sheet so you won’t need to purchase one separately. Since there’s no bottom shelf, there isn’t a ton of storage, but there is a mesh pocket on the side.
To pack up this bassinet, the mattress folds in half. Your baby probably won’t notice the small ridge in the middle when the mattress lays flat, but some parents worry about the comfort.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Used this until our son was 5 months old in our bedroom. Also great when we traveled, easy to break down and transport. Absolutely a must-have.” -Hilary
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 20 lbs, or when infant begins to push up on hands and knees |
Best Smart Bassinet
The Scoop
- Responds to baby’s cries with movement and sound
- Developed by a pediatrician
- Expensive
What Our Experts Think
Parents clearly can do it all…but why not have a little help when it comes to getting your baby the best possible sleep? Dr. Harvey Karp (the brains behind The Happiest Baby on the Block book and video series) developed this automated bassinet with a built-in swaddle that responds to your baby’s cries. The Snoo monitors and soothes with just the right amount of white noise and gentle rocking motion to promote great sleep and turn midnight meltdowns around.
What’s Worth Considering
There’s no getting around the fact that the Snoo is really expensive. If you don’t want to invest—there’s now a rental option. At $159 per month (around $5/day) and only a one-month minimum rental commitment, that’s a sleep solution we can definitely get behind.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Love my Snoo. My daughter is six months, and she is still in it. I love that it has the wean function, and it will shut off if baby needs you. The Snoo was a godsend to me, it helped my daughter get the sleep she needed.” -Ashley
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | From birth to about 6 months or when your baby can get up on hands and knees, or until a maximum weight of 25 lbs |
Best Affordable Smart Bassinet
The Scoop
- A motion bassinet at a more affordable price
- Five unique motions mimic human movement and built-in white noise
- Can control manually or via 4moms app on your phone
What Our Experts Think
If you’re looking for a more affordable option to the Snoo, the mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet from 4moms—a brand we love for their innovative baby gear—is a sleep solution you’ll definitely want to consider. While this bassinet doesn’t automatically respond to baby’s cries like the Snoo does, there are still plenty of smart, tech-forward features both you and your baby will love. Just like the mamaRoo swing, this bassinet mimics human motion to help soothe your baby to sleep and help them sleep for longer stretches. There are five unique motions here: car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing and rock-a-bye, as well as four built-in white noise options. Everything can be controlled either manually via the touchscreen panel or via an app you can download to your phone. The bassinet comes with a firm and flat water-resistant mattress and a sheet and features mesh sides for breathability and visibility.
What’s Worth Considering
There’s no continuous run option for movement here; while you can set a timer via the app, the run time for motion maxes out at four hours. There’s also a noticeable jerky motion when the bassinet turns off and/or switches between motions. It’s not a big deal for most babies, but for others who are lighter sleepers, it could be an issue.
What Babylist Parents Say
“We were so unbelievable sleep deprived. As soon as we put our newborn down in his bassinet, he’d scream. We bought this bassinet that day. INSTANTLY no cries! My newborn makes it a good 1.5-3 hours before waking up for feedings. Game changer and worth the price (assuming it continues to work).” -TJ
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Infants up to 25 lbs |
Best Affordable Bassinet
The Scoop
- Super affordable
- Light and quick-folding
- Can use outdoors
What Our Experts Think
At well under $100 and with tons of praise from parents, this affordable bassinet has a lot going for it, especially considering the price. It’s just over 12 pounds, so it’s easy to move around your home. (You can even use it outside thanks to the double mesh canopy that keeps out bugs.) It folds easily but has a spacious interior for your baby to stretch out. And there’s even a storage bag underneath to hold whatever you need.
What’s Worth Considering
The zippered overhead canopy is not only perfect for keeping away the bugs, but pet parents say it’s also great for keeping curious cats out of their baby’s sleeping space.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Newborns up to 25 lbs |
Best Pack and Play Bassinet
The Scoop
- Multi-use product that goes the distance
- Five configurations
- Well-priced
What Our Experts Think
A bassinet-plus-playard combo is a great choice if you’re looking to save space, minimize the amount of baby gear you’re bringing into your home and invest in a product with more longevity than a traditional bassinet. This Graco has five different configurations: a portable Newborn Seat with infant head support, a full-size infant bassinet (that’s also portable), an elevated full-size bassinet for older infants, a wipe-clean diaper changer and a toddler playard. It’s well-priced and also includes a travel bag for storage and on-the-go.
What’s Worth Considering
Like many playards, this one is heavy, weighing almost 30 pounds. There are wheels to help make moving it around your home easier if you need to, but keep the weight in mind if you think it might be an issue for you.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Our girl just turned 1 and we have used the heck out of our play yard. In the early stages, we used the changing table every 2 hours multiple times a day and the bassinet was great for naps or for hands free moments after diaper changes. After that phase the play yard became a great spot to roll around in. Once our girl was standing and crawling it was essentially for times when mommy desperately needed a shower. I would wheel it right into the bathroom and watch after my baby while I took care of my needs. Now we take it with us while we travel to visit family and for outdoor picnics.” -Lovelunapaul
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Portable Seat: birth up to 15 lbs; Infant bassinet: birth up to 15 lbs (stop using when baby can roll over); Portable Seat: birth up to 15 lbs; Changer: birth up to 5 lbs; Playard: under 35” tall and unable to climb out |
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Most Unique Bassinet
The Scoop
- Beautiful design
- Connects to app, Amazon Alexa or Google Home
- Soothing light features
What Our Experts Think
This smart bassinet has a unique (and beautiful) design made from a solid wood walnut base and a fabric sleeping space and a host of interesting features not found on many of the other bassinets on our best-of list. It boasts motion, lights and sound to help soothe your baby to sleep and even connects to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, a nice perk if you don’t want to keep track of your phone overnight and control the bassinet via the app.
What’s Worth Considering
The lighting on the EVI is really cool; you can choose from always-on ambient light or running ambient sensory lights, as well as custom options. It also comes with two soft bamboo sheets.
What Babylist Parents Say
“We love this bassinet! We got this for our second baby and I wish I had gotten it for my first - it’s modern and chic looking while completely functional and a good size. The motion options are so great for soothing and the extra storage on the bottom for diapers/wipes, etc comes in handy.” -Emily
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | 0-5 months; stop using when baby can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first; maximum baby weight 18 lbs |
Most Versatile Bassinet
The Scoop
- Slides under bed to save space
- Adjustable; even works for tall beds
- Doubles as a changing station
What Our Experts Think
Adjustable, portable and versatile are the words that come to mind when describing the Close To You Bassinet from Chicco. This bedside bassinet is designed to slide right under your bed, so it saves space while also bringing baby safely close to you during the night. You can also adjust the height based on your comfort level and the height of your mattress. (Lots of parents comment that it even works well for really tall beds.) Swivel wheels make it easy to pull from room to room, and the mattress flips over turning the bassinet into a waterproof changing pad when it’s time for a new diaper.
What’s Worth Considering
This bassinet is heavy and doesn’t break down easily, so it’s not a great idea if you want something to use for travel or if you live in a two-story home and want a bassinet you can move up and down stairs. It’s also on the pricier side, but it’s also really durable so can be passed on if you have multiple children.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I searched ALL the bassinets it seemed like and this was the only one that went taller than the others. We have a pretty tall king bed and we wanted one that would be able to go over our bed and this did just that. Even with how high it goes, it is sturdy. We like that it doubles as a changing pad.” -Nicole
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Bedside sleeper and bassinet: infants up to 20 lbs or until infant begins to push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first; |
| changing table: children up to 35 lbs |
Best Travel Bassinet
The Scoop
- Folds to 4”
- Affordable
- Rocks with a light push
What Our Experts Think
This basic bassinet folds to about four inches, making it easy to take on the go or use at home. It rocks with a gentle push and features mesh sides for air flow and visibility. It’s also really lightweight at about 13 pounds.
What’s Worth Considering
Although the fold on this bassinet is slim, it’s not very compact. If you need a sleep option you can either carry on your back or stash in an overhead plane compartment, you may want to invest in a travel crib.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines: | 0-5 mos, up to 20 lbs; stop using when baby is able to push up on hands and knees, pull up or sit unassisted |
Best Minimalist Bassinet
The Scoop
- Clean, modern look
- Light and easy to move from room to room
- Expensive but heirloom quality
What Our Experts Think
Hello, beautiful. If (gorgeous) minimalism is your thing, then this meeting of form and function is definitely worth the investment. Featuring a gentle rocking movement that’s generated by you or your little one, this bassinet is also light and compact, making it easy to move from room to room. Parents love the breathable mesh sides, and the fact that everything—from the fabric and mattress cover down to the mattress itself—is completely machine washable.
What’s Worth Considering
The Cradle is definitely an investment, but if you’re planning on having a large family or passing this along to others, it’s certainly durable (and timeless) enough to justify the spend.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It’s a beautiful bassinet, I love the wood finish and the overall minimalistic design. It was also extremely easy to put together. When going on an overnight with my newborn, I opted to take this bassinet over the Pack ‘n Play. Well worth the cost!” -Hannah
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines: | Ages 0 to 6 mos., maximum weight 18 lbs, or until your baby can sit up, kneel or stand unaided |
Best Rocking Bassinet
The Scoop
- Can be stationary or in (manual) rocking mode
- Lightweight and compact
- Also great for travel
What Our Experts Think
Most babies love motion, but lots of parents don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a motorized bassinet. Enter this rocking bassinet—old school in all the best ways. The bottom legs rotate easily from the stationary position to the rocker position and a quick push sets the bassinet in gentle motion. Other things to love: affordability, easy setup and breakdown for portability, light weight (12 pounds) and an optional canopy for sun and bug protection if you’re using it outdoors.
What’s Worth Considering
This is also a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, portable bassinet for travel. Just note the mattress is very thin and some parents report not loving that feature.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This is AMAZING. Honestly the hardest part was opening the box. It comes inside the travel bag and all you have to do is pop on the legs canopy and rocking rails and BAM! Done. Sheet is already on the mattress pad , mesh is already around the bassinet, everything is basically ready to go. It looks super roomy and comfortable, doesn’t take up a ton of space and is easy to collapse and place back in the bag for storage or travel.” -Ax4c
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Birth to 5 months or up to 20 lbs (stop using when baby can push up on hands and knees, or roll over) |
Bassinets to Watch
- Baby Delight’s bassinets are the perfect combination of affordable + stylishly modern.
- And speaking of modern, check out the Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet and the Micuna Smart Fresh Bassinet for two more options that will seamlessly blend with your decor.
- Tutti Bambini’s CoZee Air Bedside Bassinet is beautiful and functional—it can be used as a bedside or standalone sleeping space and features a drop-side, an airflow mattress, rocking bars and six height positions.
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