Think of the best bassinet on the market. Does a picture of a ruffled, frilly canopied basket come to mind?
Well, that’s the traditional type. In this article, I’m going to list both the classic and modern versions of bassinets.
The primary advantage of such a piece of equipment is the fact that you can place it beside your bed. It doesn’t only keep your precious newborn safe and comfortable but close to you as well. This means easy access, hence convenience.
Let me also bring to your notice that the bassinets of today come with advanced features. These include storage, toys, sound, music, and more. No wonder the modern bassinets are giving the conventional models a run for their money.
Table of Contents
- BEST BASSINET 2021
- 1. GRACO DREAM SUITE BASSINET – THE BEST VERSATILE BASSINET
- 2. BABYBJORN CRADLE – THE BEST-LOOKING BASSINET FOR YOUR HOME
- 3. FISHER-PRICE ROCK N PLAY PORTABLE BASSINET – THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY PORTABLE BASSINET
- 4. HALO BASSINEST SWIVEL SLEEPER – THE BEST HIGH-QUALITY BASSINET
- 5. BRICA FOLD N GO TRAVEL BASSINET – THE BEST FOLDABLE BASSINET
- 6. DELTA CHILDREN SWEET BEGINNINGS BASSINET – THE BEST TRADITIONAL STYLE BASSINET
- 7. ARM’S REACH CONCEPTS CAMBRIA CO-SLEEPER BASSINET – THE BEST CO-SLEEPER BASSINET
- 8. SUMMER INFANT CLASSIC COMFORT WOOD BASSINET – THE BEST WOOD BASSINET WITH WHEELS
- 9. SWADDLEME BY YOUR SIDE SLEEPER – THE MOST COMFORTABLE PORTABLE BASSINET
- 10. GRACO PACK N PLAY PLAYARD BASSINET – THE BONUS PICK
- BEST BASSINET BUYER’S GUIDE
BEST BASSINET 2021
As a parent, all you can think about is to make your baby feel comfortable, right? Otherwise, you’re in for trouble as well. This means finding the right kind of baby equipment, which includes the best bassinet.
So here are the top 10 recommendations that might live up to your expectations.
1. GRACO DREAM SUITE BASSINET – THE BEST VERSATILE BASSINET
When it comes to multi-functionality, the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet wins the most number of votes. It’s because the unit works as an invaluable changing table as well. Such a unique system is easy to set up. All you need to do is grab its handle and squeeze it to flip the whole upper bassinet. This reveals the changing table, isn’t that impressive?
This way you don’t have to change dirty diapers in the bassinet. Plus, the changing table can hold at least 30 pounds of weight. And that means you can use the feature up until your baby turns 20 months old. The bassinet might not be useful after a few months since babies grow at a very fast pace. But the changing table might outlast its bassinet counterpart.
Now, let’s talk about the design. In that aspect, the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet offers great value. It is considered to be an excellent baby companion due to the soft, high-quality materials. The bassinet is quick and convenient to clean. On top of that, the unit is well-built and sturdy with the much-needed storage space in the bottom.
This particular model comes with wheels that you can lock for mobility and convenience. To make things better, the manufacturer has installed an incredibly firm and comfortable mattress. Combine it with the mesh sides, and you have a bassinet that provides warmth, breathability, and safety.
Putting together a bassinet might not be an easy task for most parents. But that’s not the case with the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet. The assembly doesn’t take more than 10 minutes. This means added comfort and convenience.
The changing table of the bassinet is a blessing in disguise, isn’t it? But not so much when you find out that you need to use two hands to flip it over. This means putting the baby down and using both hands to get the changer side ready.
The bassinet offers two vibration settings.
It has a canopy for shade.
The integrated storage makes quick, easy changes possible.
Flipping over to the changer requires much effort.
2. BABYBJORN CRADLE – THE BEST-LOOKING BASSINET FOR YOUR HOME
With regards to appearance, there’s nothing better than the BABYBJORN Cradle. The sleek piece of equipment comes with a highly useful component; lightweight suspension. What this does is rock the bassinet depending on your baby’s movements. But don’t worry, you can rock it too!
When reviewing bassinets, design plays a significant role, doesn’t it? In that context, you will be glad to know that the BABYBJORN Cradle has sides built with breathable mesh. The entire construction of the unit is lightweight with the use of safe, tested materials.
After examining it thoroughly, I found the height of this best bassinet to be just what most parents demand. The unit is low enough to fit snuggly next to any normal-sized adult bed.
The mattress that it comes with provides the right kind of comfort and support. You might notice that the bassinet’s surround has a fabric design. Such a composition means no bumping up against bars or anything else. All these features highlight the fact that this particular model is not just beauty but brains too!
Bassinets are supposed to be cozy and compact, aren’t they? In that regard, the BABYBJORN Cradle is an excellent choice. And its best part is the rocking motion. When you don’t want to rock that cradle, it does the job for you. All thanks to the spring suspension mechanism.
Have you ever come across a product that has the same component listed as both its strength and weakness? If not, then here’s a first. The BABYBJORN Cradle’s rocking motion is not for all babies. Some of them might get startled and nauseous despite the gentle rocking. So at such times, they need something firm.
The mesh sides offer generous air circulation.
The grip of the feet is steady and doesn’t damage floors.
The mattress of the bassinet is not soft enough.
The rocking movement is not suitable for all babies.
3. FISHER-PRICE ROCK N PLAY PORTABLE BASSINET – THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY PORTABLE BASSINET
An affordable price is as much of a requirement as high functionality. And the Fisher-Price Rock n Play Portable Bassinet is one of the best. The unit offers that ideal sleep environment in a portable design. There are many features to look forward to, which is pretty impressive given the unit’s budget-friendly price tag.
The sleeping surface of the Fisher-Price Rock n Play Portable Bassinet is optimally elevated and flat. Combine this with a gentle, soothing rocking action, and your baby has a comfortable sleeping spot.
You can even choose to twist the feet to lock them if you prefer stationary use. Since we’re on that subject, let me tell you that this best portable bassinet is light in weight. It folds quite easily. So carrying it from one room to another is not such a tedious task. You can even use it for travel.
Lastly, we all know that babies love to make a mess, don’t they? In that case, a machine-washable pad for the bassinet does sound like a brilliant idea!
It’s the simple things in life that we value the most. And this is why you might love the Fisher-Price Rock n Play Portable Bassinet. It is portable and easy to store or carry. When using any baby product, comfort is essential. And that’s what you get with this unit.
The Fisher-Price Rock n Play Portable Bassinet comes with a mirror toy. When your baby is awake, the toy serves its purpose. But the downside here is that that the mirror is not removable. So the chances of your infant hitting it in his or her sleep and waking up because of that are pretty high.
The size and height of the bassinet are perfect.
Installation is easy.
Despite being lightweight, it is sturdy enough.
The mirror toy is not detachable.
The padding of the mattress is thin.
4. HALO BASSINEST SWIVEL SLEEPER – THE BEST HIGH-QUALITY BASSINET
The HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is the first on the list to offer such high quality. There is nothing you can’t expect from this unit. It has a bassinet, adjustable base, co-sleeper, nightlight, soothing vibrations, and more.
This best bassinet is sturdy and easy to adjust. The latter applies to the height of the unit, which makes it suitable for all types of beds and sofas.
Another great component is the mesh material for the sides. This offers sufficient ventilation for your baby. The thing about newborns is that they need constant attention and care. In that case, you will be quite relieved to know that you can smoothly rotate and swivel the bassinet. Getting it close to you without moving too much constitutes as a huge advantage for new moms.
Before I get to the negatives, let me highlight a feature that might make up for all possible flaws. The sidewall of the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper lowers. This way both you and your baby can sleep at the same level.
The base of the bassinet is as impressive as the top. It offers sufficient stability to fit all types of beds. Plus, the base travels under your bed. Such a characteristic makes the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper ideal for small spaces as well.
Now it’s time to talk about the only disappointing factor of the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper. It comes with a relatively thinner mattress. And I’m sure that by now you know how important a firm mattress is for your baby.
The bassinet swivels and rotates 360 degrees.
High-quality, machine-washable fitted sheet.
The comfort level of the mattress is not ideal.
5. BRICA FOLD N GO TRAVEL BASSINET – THE BEST FOLDABLE BASSINET
If you care strongly enough about portability, get the BRICA Fold N Go Travel Bassinet. It offers just the kind of support and comfort every baby needs while sleeping.
You can carry it with you to the park, beach, or anywhere else you like. All you need to do is unzip the bassinet before unfolding it. Then lock the frame with the help of the unit’s robust, stable safety mechanism. The safety feature is responsible for preventing the bassinet from folding up even accidentally.
The side panels of the BRICA Fold N Go Travel Bassinet have a mesh construction. What this does is allow the air to circulate freely. So there’s no need to worry about the comfort factor. (Baby bassinet safety)
Let’s talk more about the design of the unit. The mattress is water resistant with a removable pad and fitted sheet. Everything about the previous sentence screams convenience.
The fabric has a breathable quality, thus adding additional comfort. And in that context, you can fold the bassinet completely, and people won’t even know what it is.
It’s the creative lightweight design of the BRICA Fold N Go Travel Bassinet that steals the show. Even the unique lock system does a great job at enhancing the whole experience. It keeps the cradle in place irrespective of the surface.
The thin mattress is what tends to cause some trouble. But this seems to be the case with most of the bassinets on the market. All they’re missing is a little more cushioning. But the easy handling and lightweight design of this particular model make up for the drawback.
Assembling and disassembling the bassinet are easy tasks.
The optimal size makes it suitable for small spaces.
The mattress lacks sufficient padding.
The side plastic support is too weak for older babies.
6. DELTA CHILDREN SWEET BEGINNINGS BASSINET – THE BEST TRADITIONAL STYLE BASSINET
The Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet is an obvious choice for parents looking for a classic model. It has simple yet modern features, so there’s no room for error.
The bassinet has a beautiful leaf design with a ruffled skirt and well-cushioned inner lining. Even the canopy of the unit contributes to improving the experience. Thanks to its adjustable nature.
The Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet is one of the few units that deliver high performance despite the classic appeal. The mattress is comfortable and firm enough for every baby’s sleeping needs.
Additional features include nightlight, smooth-functioning caster wheels, and soothing music. The wheels, in particular, provide the most comfort and convenience. They make it easy for you to move the bassinet as you like.
The Delta Children Sweet Beginnings is the best basic bassinet of the bunch due to its many features. But the extra storage and adjustable canopy are the greatest additions. The former can be removed if you like while the latter keeps all baby essentials in one place.
The Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet is the first to offer low quality. The components of the unit are not as durable as you would expect them to be. And this is where the durability factor takes a hit.
The bassinet is easy and quick to assemble.
It is incredibly sturdy yet lightweight.
The music and nightlight are excellent add-ons.
The quality of construction is weak.
7. ARM’S REACH CONCEPTS CAMBRIA CO-SLEEPER BASSINET – THE BEST CO-SLEEPER BASSINET
Finding the best bassinet with a co-sleeper design is a difficult task. But the Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet makes it all easy for you. The manufacturer understands how important it is for a parent to share a bed with the newborn. With this model, co-sleeping is not only an intimate experience but a safe one too.
Co-sleeper bassinets are not as affordable as their traditional counterparts, right? But this doesn’t imply that the Arms Reach Bassinet comes with a high price tag. It is considered to be the best bassinet due to the affordability as well.
Mothers recovering from C-section find it difficult to move around during the first few weeks. So at such times, the Arms Reach Bassinet offers excellent advantages.
The design is simple with easy to handle features. The mesh sides deliver breathability along with the thin, firm mattress that provides comfort. And when talking about the best bassinet, what more do you need, right?
Now we all know the reason behind the brand name, Arm’s Reach. But do you know the most striking aspect of this particular model? It’s the adjustability. Raising and lowering the sides of the co-sleeper to suit your needs does sound like a fantastic idea, doesn’t it?
You might love the fact that the Arms Reach Bassinet comes with a storage unit. But the part that lets you down is the bad quality of this particular component.
The side walls have enough mesh to provide safety.
The legs are adjustable to add more convenience.
The storage space of the bassinet is very flimsy.
The mattress lacks proper foaming.
8. SUMMER INFANT CLASSIC COMFORT WOOD BASSINET – THE BEST WOOD BASSINET WITH WHEELS
The Summer Infant Classic Comfort Wood Bassinet offers several features. Now this is damn impressive given the traditional design of the unit. This best bassinet highlights the fact that a timeless piece of equipment can also deliver high performance. It comes with gentle vibrations and calming sounds to put your precious one to sleep.
The adjustable canopy of the unit does an excellent job at blocking all overhead lighting. This means no disruption while your baby is napping.
Aside from that, the extra storage brings more convenience to the table. Plus, the attachment is easy and secure. What more do you need from the best bassinet on the market!
Here comes an even better feature. A padded mattress along with a machine-washable fitted sheet.
The additional features responsible for the success of the Summer Infant Classic Comfort Wood Bassinet are the soothing melodies. Combine this with the gentle vibrations, and you have a relaxed baby sleeping by your side.
Unlike some weak models on the market, this one is quite convenient to move from one room to another. The wheels come with a locking mechanism that also appeals to most buyers.
More often than not, the storage department at the bottom of the bassinet is not handy or spacious enough. But with the Summer Infant Classic Comfort Wood Bassinet, you don’t need to worry about that. The unit has plenty of room to offer. And that makes it ideal for storing diapers and other essentials.
The one and only thing that I found to be slightly lacking in this best bassinet is high-quality construction. The fact that its different parts show signs of wear and tear too soon does sound like a deal-breaker. But you know what, the easy cleaning and handling of the unit somehow make this flaw look negligible.
The bassinet demands light assembly.
It is sturdy even on hardwood surfaces.
The mattress is too flat.
The overall design quality is low.
9. SWADDLEME BY YOUR SIDE SLEEPER – THE MOST COMFORTABLE PORTABLE BASSINET
It’s important that both you and your baby sleep comfortably. When you know that your little one is sleeping peacefully, you also tend to relax a bit more. And that is why most parents choose to buy the best bassinet, am I right?
The SwaddleMeBy Your Side Sleeper is the highest rated bassinet when it comes to comfort and portability. If you want your baby to sleep right next to you on the bed, you need to purchase a piece of equipment like this.
The sleeper consists of high-quality construction. It has an excellent protective barrier that keeps you from getting too close to the baby. But not too far so you can’t reach over and caress your child.
It’s time to tell you about the material of the bassinet. The SwaddleMeBy Your Side Sleeper has a polyester design, which means no skin sensitivity. Also, the mesh side walls allow air to circulate, thus adding more comfort.
Do you know the bulky and lengthy components that tend to ruin the structure of bassinets? Well, you won’t find such parts on the SwaddleMeBy Your Side Sleeper. So there’s no doubting the portability and easy handling of the unit.
The chances of your baby outgrowing the size of the bassinet are pretty high. So even though it seems like an excellent choice at the moment, it might not be useful after a few months.
Assembling the bassinet is easy.
The frame material is stain resistant.
The size is too small for fast-growing babies.
10. GRACO PACK N PLAY PLAYARD BASSINET – THE BONUS PICK
Isn’t it fantastic when the bonus pick is also an affordable one! Here’s another remarkable model manufactured by Graco. The Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet travels with your baby. Thanks to the portable design of the unit.
This best bassinet comes with plush toys that you can introduce to your newborn. It’s always entertaining for a parent to watch his or her baby play with colorful objects. Plus, indulging in such an activity contributes to developing sensory skills in infants.
Let’s move on to the performance of the Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet. The one thing I love about the unit is the sleeping pad. Not many bassinets in the retail industry provide such exceptional rigidity and support. So your baby has lots to look forward to when sleeping on the mattress of the Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet.
You might also appreciate the foldable design. The entire thing collapses just as soon as you pull on the cord located at the bottom of the bassinet. And putting it up back again is also as easy as taking it down.
The unit has an invaluable changing station. And to make the experience even better, Graco added easy to clean plastic and polyester materials.
As a bonus pick, the Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet has lots to offer. This includes comfort, support, convenience, and portability. These are all factors that you need to take into consideration when buying the best bassinet on the market.
There might be a bit of a safety concern with the Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet. It doesn’t have a locking mechanism to secure the wheels on hardwood floors.
The folding component enhances mobility.
The mat padding is incredibly comfortable.
Assembling and cleaning the unit are easy tasks.
No wheel locking system.
BEST BASSINET BUYER’S GUIDE
When you hear words like sleep and baby, all you can think about is comfort. If your baby is uncomfortable in bed, you are too, isn’t it?
In the detailed guide of the best bassinet discussed below, you will find everything you need to know. This includes the many advantages along with the different features. So let’s get to it right away!
WHY DO YOU NEED A BASSINET?
Using a crib from the very beginning is not a bad idea. But a bassinet is a better one as it offers multiple benefits. To start with, this valuable piece of equipment makes handling the baby at night more comfortable and convenient. With a bassinet, all you need to do is get to your little one even without leaving the bed.
If you’re a mom, then you know how difficult it is to recover from delivery. Limited mobility during the first few days is something you have to deal with. So at such times, a bassinet is a blessing in disguise.
Also, knowing that your baby is snoozing peacefully and comfortably right next to you helps you sleep better as well. And there’s nothing more relaxing than the baby and mother sleeping undisturbed at the same time.
FEATURES OF THE BEST BASSINET
There’s no point in stressing about safety standards when it comes to most bassinets on the market. This is where ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards come into the picture. As far as the bassinet complies with the regulations, which you can find out by looking at the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association seal, you have nothing to worry about.
But safety issues are not the only concern. Features such as mobility, usability, size, etc. also matter. So let’s discuss them all below, shall we?
- Safety
Keeping your baby safe in the bassinet requires you to take necessary steps. So in that context, let me uncover the three most useful safety tips.
1. When placing your precious newborn in the bassinet, make sure that she is sleeping on her back. In that case, you will be glad to know that a bassinet allows you to do this without bending your back too much. You don’t even need to struggle to reach over the tall rail, unlike a crib.
2. Another important safety concern is the mattress. Babies are supposed to sleep on firm mattresses. And most bassinets are equipped with such a feature.
3. It’s always a better idea to have your baby sleep in the same room as you during the first few months. This is why bassinets came into existence in the first place. They are of the right size to fit your bedroom space.
- Walls
The walls of most bassinets available today have a mesh construction. What this material does is allow more air flow than fabric or solid walls. With proper air circulation, you eliminate conditions like overheating.
Did you know that overheating is considered to be one of the most common causes of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in babies?
If and when your little one rolls over and ends up pressing his face or nose against the mesh wall, the material tends to reduce the chances of suffocation.
- Mattress
When talking about baby comfort, there’s nothing better than a firm and thin mattress. The ideal thickness is one inch. This particular characteristic doesn’t allow your child to tilt more than an angle of 10 degrees.
Now let’s talk about the mattress sheet. Always use the fitted cover, which means avoid other sheets, toys, or blankets. And why is that? It’s because too much clutter might cause suffocation.
So it’s important that you get a bassinet with a 1-inch thick mattress along with a fitted sheet.
- Materials
Nontoxic and organic are the two words that come to mind as far as materials are concerned. Exposure to chemicals and toxins is always dangerous for babies. So you should try to avoid it at all costs.
Not many parents know this, but some baby products have toxic chemicals in the form of flame retardants. But coming across baby products built with flame retardants is a thing of the past now.
- Size
Most parents looking to buy the best bassinet don’t forget to consider significant factors like weight and size. It all depends on the use of the bassinet. If you’re planning to keep it stationary, size and weight are not crucial. But if it’s the other way, then you need something that you can move quickly.
Even removable baskets are an option in case you have stairs in your home. It just makes life so much more convenient, doesn’t it?
- Cleaning and use
All babies have major diaper and minor spit-up explosions, don’t they? So keeping that in mind, you should purchase a bassinet that offers easy cleaning. More often than not, this comes in the form of removable components. Thus, you can wash them in the machine.
The majority of bassinets on the market come with removable linings. These are easy to put on and remove. So you don’t need to worry about cleaning or washing the thing 10 times a week.
But if the bassinet of your choice doesn’t have such machine-washable or removable components, what do you do? You find out whether its parts are, at the least, easy and convenient to wipe clean.
Now let’s discuss usability. With stationary models, you don’t need to worry about assembling the unit. But with the movable ones, you have to take that into account. Assembling and disassembling the bassinet, based on your needs and requirements, should be easy and quick without the use of advanced tools.
But such a bassinet is not a suitable option for travel. In that case, what seems like a better option is a foldable version. So it’s important that you first figure out the purposes of the bassinet before deciding what to buy.
THE FINAL WORD
MY CHOICE: DELTA CHILDREN SWEET BEGINNINGS BASSINET
After taking all factors into account, I’ve decided to list the Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet as the final recommendation. Getting a bassinet with advanced features always benefits both the parent and child.
The unit comes with a removable and adjustable canopy. It offers a nightlight and relaxing music. But these are the add-ons, what about the essentials?
In that case, the mattress of the Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet makes up a comfortable, cozy sleeping area. And to top it off, it comes with a fitted sheet as well.
And lastly, the lightweight frame of the bassinet has locking casters. What this does is make mobility not only possible but easier too. So there’s no major reason why you shouldn’t opt for the Delta Children Sweet Beginnings Bassinet.
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