A bassinet is a small bed designed for young infants. It should have a flat base and raised sidewalls. More: The 8 Best Convertible Cribs This Year
What to Consider When Shopping for a Bassinet
When shopping for a bassinet, look for these things:
Is it marketed as a bassinet? The terms bassinet, crib, and play yard can legally only be used to describe a product that has been rigorously tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for sleep safety. Products marketed as “co-sleepers”, “nappers”, or other terms are not safe for sleep. Don’t be confused by unregulated terms like “breathability” or “breathable mesh” and only buy a bassinet, crib, or play yard. Is it small enough to keep baby close? That will give you easy access for middle of the night breastfeeding and put your mind at ease. Is it moveable? Portability is not a must for all families, but it can make a huge difference to some. It can be very convenient to move the bassinet to the laundry room for a nap while you fold, for example.
Bassinet Safe Sleep Tips
Babies are at risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) during the first year of life. Following the safe sleep guidelines is the best way to reduce your baby’s SIDS risk and the risk of suffocation or strangulation. Breastfeeding, using a pacifier, and keeping baby in your room (but not your bed) are proactive measures you can take. Never place blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or anything other than a pacifier (without a clip) into a bassinet with your little one. All you need is the mattress pad that comes with your bassinet, a tight fitted sheet, and a swaddle or sleep sack on your infant. Bassinets are safe until your baby begins to get up on all fours or until he reaches the weight limit. At this point it is time to move him to a crib or play yard. Cosleeping or bedsharing are not approved by the AAP, but keeping your baby in a bassinet is a great way to keep them safely close at-hand all night.
Our Top Picks
Best All-Around Bassinet: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill Best Bassinet for Keeping Baby Close: Baby Bassinet,RONBEI Bedside Sleeper Best Design: BABYBJORN Cradle Best Choice for C-Section Mamas: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper, Bedside Bassinet, Essentia Series Best Portability: Graco My View 4 in 1 Bassinet | Baby Bassinet with 4 Stages, Including Raised Bassinet at Eye Level Best Travel Friendly Bassinet: Chicco LullaGo Anywhere Portable Bassinet Best Lightweight Bassinet: Dream On Me, Traveler Portable Bassinet Most High Tech Bassinet: Graco Dream Suite Bassinet
How We Chose Our Favorites
We consulted with baby sleep experts and real parents to narrow down the very best bassinet options for a variety of unique families’ needs. Preparing for baby? We’ve compiled the Ultimate List of Baby Must-Haves to help you feel prepared and ready for your little bundle of joy.
