Best Bassinet for Baby: Our Top 6 Picks for 2023

The best bassinet for baby meets all current safety standards and has a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “Older, hand-me-down bassinets may not have this certification so it's best to double check,” advises Arielle Greenleaf, certified pediatric sleep coach and Chief Education Officer at Restfully.

This is by far the most important feature to look for, but you’ll also want to take lifestyle factors and space into consideration too. For example, how big is your room or the space next to your bed? Will you be moving the bassinet around the house or do you plan to keep it in one place? Do you need extra storage underneath for stashing diapers, wipes, pacis, burp cloths and more?

“It's important to note that all bassinets will have a maximum weight and height limit that parents should be aware of too,” says Greenleaf. Some bassinets even rock your baby to sleep if you’re looking for one with all the bells and whistles.

To safely use your bassinet, ensure it’s free of any blankets, pillows or stuffed animals.

“The only thing that should be in the bassinet is your baby in a swaddle or sleep sack,” tells Greenleaf. “Always use a fitted sheet specifically made for the bassinet."

It’s recommended you wash your little one’s bedding with a gentle laundry detergent designed for their sensitive skin at least once a week. And when you're ready to graduate to a crib (AKA when they start rolling), you'll want to check out our favorite baby and toddler mattresses.

The best bassinets for babies 2023

• Best overall: Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet
• Best co-sleeper bassinet: Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet
• Best budget: Dream On Me Karley Plus Baby Bassinet
• Best smart bassinet: SNOO Smart Sleeper
• Best swivel: HALO BassiNest 3.0S
• Best bassinet playard: Graco Pack And Play On-The-Go Playard

Best overall

Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet

We used this top-rated—4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon—bassinet with our third baby and were impressed with its overall modern design. It wasn’t an eyesore in our bedroom, unlike most bassinet models on the market, and offered well generous storage space underneath for organizing all things baby.

The basket beneath holds so much stuff. It's easy to pack in tons of diapers and wipes, teething toys, extra changes of clothes, baby lotions, nipple creams and pretty much everything you’ll need in the middle of the night but won’t want to get up for. The bassinet mattress is firm but cozy (baby-approved), and we really loved the breathable mesh sides that allowed for quick checking on little one without having to actually move.

This baby bassinet also features four different height positions so you can adjust it accordingly to your bed height. It moves side to side so you can easily glide it closer to your bed if needed. And, perhaps best of all, it easily folds up and comes with a carrying bag so you can take it with you on vacation and keep your baby in a familiar sleeping space.

Pros

• Breathable mesh sides that allow you to easily see baby
• Large storage basket underneath to hold all the essentials
• Adjustable height with four different positions
• Adjusts side-to-side with three different positions
• Folds compactly and comes with a carry bag for travel
• Sleek, modern design that makes infant sleep feel stylish

Cons

• Doesn't come with any sheets, just a machine-washable cover for the mattress pad

Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet

You know it's the best when it's from the brand that literally invented the term 'co-sleeper' and made it a thing. This highly-rated co-sleeper offers a clear view of your baby and has breathable mesh sides. Rest easier knowing they’re safely snoozing within your line of sight. The mesh panels also create a perfect bonding environment for mom and baby.

Nursing, middle-of-the-night changes and soothing fussy babes back to sleep (without ever getting up!) are a breeze. We love that in addition to being a co-sleeper, the Clear-Vue can be used as a freestanding bassinet. Four castor wheels for portability give you plenty of mobility options.

Everything you need is included: a mattress, fitted sheet and a nylon strap and plate to lock the co-sleeper into place against your mattress. Built-in leg extensions make it easy to adjust to the exact height of your bed, while a storage basket and side pockets give you ample space to stash all the mom and baby basics.

Pros

• Can be used as a co-sleeper or freestanding bassinet
• Plenty of storage space for baby necessities
• Adjusts to the exact height of your bed and locks in place
• Breathable mesh sides provide a clear view of your baby
• Comes with a mattress, fitted sheet and nylon strap and plate
• Also one of the best baby bassinet options for tight budgets

Cons

• Some reviewers report it was a little tough to assemble
• Not as stylish as other models, but exceptionally functional

Dream On Me Karley Plus Baby Bassinet

Realistically, babies are only in their bassinets for the first four months or so, so an inexpensive baby bassinet option that gets the job done is practical. The best bassinet for baby if you’re on a budget is definitely the Dream On Me Karley Plus. With hundreds of positive ratings on Amazon and an impressive 4.7-star average, parents can't stop raving about this model.

The fact that it’s not only affordable but super sturdy, lightweight (it only weighs 14 pounds!) and easily portable so your little one can nap nearby no matter which room you’re in makes it a clear go-to. It folds compactly for storage and travel and comes preassembled with a carrying bag.

The most unique feature though is certainly the removable double canopy, which allows you to bring your baby outside for naps without having to worry about pesky bugs or curious pets hopping in. This design feature is usually reserved for the best convertible car seats, not baby bassinets, making us extra excited to see it here.

Breathable, mesh side panels give you a nice peek-a-boo view of baby. For those who like options, the bassinet comes in five different colors so you can choose one to suit your personal style. The Karley Plus is also designed to hold babes up to six months or 25 pounds so you can room share for longer.

Pros

• Superb budget-friendly value
• Lightweight at only 14 pounds
• Easily portable
• Has a removable double canopy, which is great for keeping bugs and pets out
• Breathable mesh sides
• Comes already assembled with a firm mattress pad
• Can be used for longer, with little ones up to 25 pounds

Cons

• No storage pockets or compartments

SNOO Smart Sleeper

Since it first launched in 2016, the SNOO has become a cult-favorite baby product for parents willing to do anything for more sleep—and it works, like, really well! This smart bassinet truly has all the bells and whistles, responding to your baby’s cries with white noise and a gentle rocking motion to soothe them back to sleep when you’re too tired.  We also love it for when you're just busy tending to big siblings or just trying to sneak in a shower because it’s been a few days.

If you’re like us and constantly worried about your newborn accidentally rolling into an unsafe sleep position in those first few months, you’ll appreciate the fact that the SNOO mini crib keeps little ones safely on their backs in a secure, hip-safe swaddle so you both sleep better.

It’s easy to customize too, with a smart app that logs sleep and naps and allows you to adjust the motion, sound and cry sensitivity. The best part? It basically sleep trains your babe for you with a weaning option for when you’re ready to transfer ‘em to the crib. And it looks really, really good in your bedroom.

Pros

• Automatically responds to baby's cries with noise and rocking, making it the smartest bassinet for baby on the market
• Adjustable motion, sound and cry sensitivity to suit your babe's needs
• Keeps little ones safely on their backs
• Sleek, high-end and high-quality design
• May help calm your nerves/anxiety regarding safe sleep
• App logs naps and sleep

Cons

• Luxury price point but worth it considering the SNOO is easy to resell

HALO BassiNest 3.0S

HALO's newest bassinet takes everything you love about the OG model, including the 360° swivel so babes can literally sleep right beside you, to the next level. It's a thoughtfully-designed (and much more affordable) alternative to the SNOO for parents who are looking for some of those smart features without the hefty price tag too.

Like the SNOO, the BassiNest bedside sleeper has built-in soothing, with two levels of vibration and four calming sounds to help your little one fall and stay asleep. It's height-adjustable, accommodating beds up to 30" high and the legs can tuck fully or partially under most bed frames.

A clever lowering wall enables you to grab baby for midnight snuggles and feeds with ease, while 100% breathable mesh walls allow for maximum airflow and visibility so you always have eyes on your little one.

Need to hop in the shower? Simply detach the bassinet from the base, bring it to the bathroom and you have a safe place for baby to relax or nap while you get ready. It comes with a fitted sheet and mattress so that's two less things you have to buy.

Pros

• The only bassinet that swivels over parents' beds for close, safe sleep
• Built-in, smart soothing features to help your babe sleep better
• Height adjustable
• Lowering wall to reach baby easier
• Breathable mesh walls
• Comes with a fitted sheet and mattress

Cons

• When detached, the BassiNest is quite heavy so may not be as portable as some would prefer

Graco Pack And Play On-The-Go Playard

You get the best of both worlds with this versatile bassinet play yard that provides the perfect place for little ones to sleep and play as they grow—all for just $80, which is honestly a steal. Automatic folding feet and wheels make transporting it around the house or taking it with you on vacation a cinch.

It comes with a convenient carry bag as well and folds up nice and compact. The removable, full-size bassinet can be used until your little one reaches 15 pounds, at which point they can be transferred to the play yard for a good night's sleep.

An included toy bar with soft toys helps keep your babe entertained while you put away laundry, send an email or just go to the bathroom solo. Did we mention it has over 40,000 rave ratings from real parents and a 4.8-star average rating on Amazon? Impressive! Just make sure you invest in one of the best Pack 'n Play mattress options for when baby gets bigger.

Pros

• Doubles as a play space and larger sleeping area for babies
• Super affordable price point and a top-rated travel crib
• Removable bassinet with an included toy bar to entertain them
• Folds up compactly with a carry bag for travel
• Wheels make it easy to move around the house
• Highly-rated by parents

Cons

• Sheets sold separately
• Bassinet only holds little ones up to 15 pounds (one of the tightest weight limits on our list)

FAQs

Can baby bassinets be used for newborns?

Yes! In fact, most bassinets are designed for newborns and younger infants. The best bassinet for a newborn is one that's mobile and easily pulls toward caregivers.

Is a crib or a bassinet better for babies?

It's a matter of personal preference, although bassinets are generally reserved for babies under six months of age. Bassinets are also more mobile and compact, making them a wise choice for parents whose little ones sleep in the same room as them. Cribs are generally larger, bulkier and stationery. They also offer significantly more sleeping surface space, making these baby beds a smart option for older babies.

Sources: Arielle Greenleaf, certified pediatric sleep coach and Chief Education Officer at Restfully

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