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The 7 Best Bassinets for Baby, Tested by Parents and Their Newborns

Get ready to find the baby bassinet of your dreams from among these fully tested, top-rated picks.
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By Lynsey Eidell, Contributing Writer
Updated July 30, 2024
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In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of 300 members of The Bump community and a pediatric sleep expert, we chose the Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper as the overall best bassinet, due to its innovative technology, impressive performance and sleek design.

When it comes to new baby essentials, a safe place to sleep is at the top of the list. Enter: bassinets. Many parents opt for a baby bassinet in those initial weeks and months. Why? Not only do they provide a designated safe space for your infant to sleep, but they also keep baby close by for those middle-of-the-night feedings and comforting cuddles. A bassinet’s smaller size is also particularly useful for those early days, since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies and parents sleep in the same room (but never the same bed) for at least the first six months. With all three of my sons, I preferred a bassinet during those first few weeks for both peace-of-mind and convenience.

But, let’s face it, navigating the dozens of options on the market can be overwhelming. “Some families love bassinets that rock, glide or include a built-in sound machine to help soothe a fussy baby. These types of bassinets are often more expensive, but those features can be helpful for many families,” explains Cara Dumaplin, RN, a neonatal nurse, pediatric sleep consultant and the founder of the popular baby and toddler sleep program Taking Cara Babies. Here, we break down everything you need to know about bassinets—including the best bassinets on the market, tested by real parents with real sleep exhaustion.

How We Tested and Chose the Bassinets

The Bump editors did extensive research to create a shortlist of the 29 top-rated bassinets on the market, chose 14 to test, and from there took the following steps:

  • We enlisted the help of independent product testers to thoroughly test the leading options on the market. These mothers of infants—with babies ranging in age from 1 to 3 months—used these bassinets in their own homes for naps and nighttime sleep. They then reviewed the products for ease of assembly, features, effectiveness, smart functionality, portability, style and design, and value for money.
  • We surveyed over 300 members of The Bump community about the bassinets they’ve used with their own kids and their overall experience.
  • We consulted a pediatric sleep expert to understand what safety considerations and essential features you should keep in mind when shopping for and using a bassinet.
  • We followed the latest recommendations from the AAP regarding safe sleep guidelines.
  • Because every family’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these bassinets performed for parents across the country.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Bassinets to Shop

Overall best bassinet

ON SALE 30% OFF
SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Image: Happiest Baby
Buying Options
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Happiest Baby|$1,186.50
Target|$1,695.99Amazon|$1,695
What We Love
  • Responsive motion and white noise help soothe baby back to sleep
  • App offers insights into baby’s sleep patterns
  • Helps prepare baby to transition to a crib
Things To Consider
  • High price point
  • Heavy; not very portable

A bassinet that promises a better night’s sleep sounds like it’s too good to be true—but it’s a reality with the Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper, earning it our Best of The Bump award for overall best bassinet for the second year in a row. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.) Favored by 25 percent of our survey respondents, the SNOO was designed by renowned pediatrician and infant sleep expert Harvey Karp. Thanks to a combination of soothing features—including being able to detect when baby is fussing and respond automatically with a rocking motion and increased white noise—the SNOO claims to help both parents and baby get an extra one to two hours of sleep per night. It certainly worked for our product tester Caitlin, who told us, “The gentle rocking motion is very effective in putting our baby back to sleep, which allows us to get more sleep.”

But the SNOO doesn’t just help babies (and parents) get more sleep; it also ensures your little one is sleeping safely. The SNOO is the first and only bassinet to be authorized by the FDA as a medical device for its ability to keep babies sleeping safely on their backs, which helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs), including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Not only does the SNOO swaddle, which attaches to the bassinet walls, keep babies securely on their backs for up to six months, but the breathable mesh walls of the bassinet also promote healthy airflow.

Image: Caitlin H.

Caitlin, who rated the SNOO a 10 out of 10 for its features, particularly loved the included app, which she called “very useful in tracking sleep and when baby needs the soothing the most,” and the weaning mode that gradually helps baby adjust to no motion before transitioning to a crib.

While quality of sleep and peace of mind are two priceless qualities, the SNOO does come with a hefty price tag. However, parents have the option of purchasing a certified pre-owned SNOO for a lower price, or renting the SNOO at a monthly rate. If your budget allows for any of these options, Caitlin says it’s well worth the splurge. “There's no price you can put on getting a good night’s sleep,” she raved—and we can’t help but agree.

BONUS: When you buy directly from Happiest Baby, receive a complimentary Sleepea swaddle with any purchase of $199+ at checkout with the code BUMPSWADDLE.

Dimensions: 35.8" (L) x 19" (W) x 31" (H) | Weight: 38 lbs. | Weight capacity: 33 lbs. | Age rating: Up to 6 months

Our product tester says:
“Getting sleep as a new parent is so important! The bassinet helps me have peace of mind, and the app functions help me analyze when my baby is waking and when they need extra soothing.”

Our community says:

This SNOO is worth every penny, being that the technology has helped my baby sleep. The swaddle inserts are an amazing design, [high] quality and comfortable. It's got a very easy-to-use app with great tips as well – Leah, The Bump survey respondent

I like that it has the safety straps to keep baby for rolling over too early. I also like the ease of the SNOO sack and the cry detection feature. – Claire*, The Bump survey respondent

Worth its price. – Julie*, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best affordable bassinet

Chicco LullaGlide 3-in-1 Bassinet
Image: Chicco
What We Love
  • Affordable price tag
  • Functions as a stationary, gliding or portable bassinet
  • Folds flat and comes with carry bag
  • Mattress can be easily wiped clean
Things To Consider
  • No storage
  • Some parents find the glide motion a little fast

On the hunt for a quality bassinet that doesn’t break the bank? Behold, the Chicco LullaGlide 3-in-1 bassinet, our Best of The Bump winner for best affordable bassinet. It offers a solid design and quality features at a budget-friendly price. For less than $150, you get three different modes of use: Stationary, gliding or detached from its stand as an easily portable safe sleep space—a feature that wowed our product tester Nicole, who has a 2-month-old baby. “It was amazing to me how it feels so sturdy and secure, yet can be so light when carrying,” she said.

Beyond the 3-in-1 design, this bassinet folds flat for travel (and comes with its own carry bag), has mesh side panels (for optimal breathability and visibility) and is GREENGUARD-Gold certified for low chemical emissions (ensuring healthier air quality around baby). Nicole also gave the Chicco LullaGlide top scores in the categories of ease of assembly, effectiveness, portability and, needless to say, value. “When it comes to the features of this bassinet, there were so many that would help me [in] choosing this product over others,” she emphasized, citing the mattress quality, quiet gliding option and breathable mesh siding.

Image: Nicole W.

But perhaps most importantly, Nicole reported that her little one fell asleep easier and slept more soundly in this bassinet—and isn’t that what it’s really all about? “When it comes to my baby sleeping, I felt that she settled better in this bassinet compared to our previous one,” she said. “She did not wake up as much when placing her in the bassinet for sleeping.” And while many parents might consider a better night’s sleep priceless, with the Chicco LullaGlide it’s a fraction of the cost.

Dimensions: 41.8" (L) x 25" (W) x 29.5" (H) | Weight: 16 lbs. | Weight capacity: 20 lbs. | Age rating: N/A

Our product tester says:
“This product to me is very valuable for the money. The quality of this bassinet is great and I would actually think it would cost more for everything it offers. …This bassinet checked a lot of the boxes off for us.”

Buy Now

Best affordable smart bassinet

What We Love
  • Rocking can be matched to your own motion
  • Adjustable leg extenders
  • Motion and white noise can be app-controlled
  • More affordable than other smart bassinets
Things To Consider
  • Storage basket is additional
  • Some users have reported squeaking and app connectivity issues
  • May not have the same reliability or longevity as premium options

An affordable smart bassinet might seem like an oxymoron, especially considering some of the leading options in the category can ring in at close to $2,000. But the 4Moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet manages to provide ample smart features—all aimed at helping baby sleep better and longer—at nearly a third of the cost of the leading competitors. Our product tester Sarah gave the 4Moms mamaRoo 10 out of 10 for effectiveness, telling us, “Compared to our previous bassinet, my baby fell asleep a bit easier. I would feel confident in recommending this bassinet to parents whose babies have a hard time getting to sleep [] it can help soothe babies to sleep.”

Image: Sarah S.

The mamaRoo has five parent-inspired motions, five different speeds and four white noise options, all of which are easily controlled through the 4Moms app. But where this bassinet takes its tech to the next level is with its FindYourRoo feature. Caregivers simply hold the phone while rocking their baby, and the 4Moms app will tell you which motion and speed combination is most similar to your own motions. It was a favorite feature of Sarah’s. “I ended up using "Tree Swing" on the third speed setting. That was what the app said was closest to my rocking style, and that seems to be what baby liked!” adding, “it’s also nice that they're the same motions as the mamaRoo [baby swing]—so if your baby has that (like our household does) then they'll be familiar with the motions.”

The 4Moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet isn’t just high-tech, though: It also earned 10 out of 10 scores in ease of assembly (“it can absolutely be done by one person,” according to Sarah), and she reported that her baby fell asleep more easily in the 4Moms bassinet than others. Combine those results with a price tag that won’t break the bank, and it’s easy to see why the 4Moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet is a Best of The Bump winner for best affordable smart bassinet.

Dimensions: 34" (L) x 24" (W) x 39" (H) | Weight: 30 lbs. | Weight capacity: 25 lbs. | Age rating: N/A

Our product tester says:
“If you have a baby who has a hard time going to sleep without being rocked, or needs movement to soothe themselves to sleep, then this would be invaluable.”

Buy Now

Best bedside bassinet

What We Love
  • Secure bed attachment and drop-down side
  • Can be wheeled from room to room
  • Large storage basket underneath
  • Built-in leg extensions to adjust the height
Things To Consider
  • If you have a platform bed, the bassinet may not be tall enough
  • Velcro on the drop-down side can be a little noisy

Looking to keep baby close by for those middle-of-the-night feedings? Look no further than the Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet. This Best of The Bump winner for best bedside bassinet can be used in two modes. As a co-sleeper, it securely attaches to your bedside with a patented attachment strap and plate, and features a full drop-down side for easy access. It can also function as a freestanding bassinet, complete with four wheels for easy portability. Our product tester Jessica, who has a 1-month-old baby, found both versions to be equally impressive. As a co-sleeper, Jessica found “the side fastens and unfastens very smoothly and with very little noise.” And in freestanding mode, she raved about the bassinet being “very light and portable throughout the house.” That’s what we call a baby gear win-win.

Jessica gave this bassinet 10 out of 10 scores for its features, style and design and, maybe most importantly, effectiveness: “My baby had no issues falling asleep in this bassinet,” she shared. “My baby also doesn’t mind lying in the bassinet during the day while I get things done around the house.” If that’s not all, 7 percent of our survey respondents also raved about this product.

Image: Jessica S.

Besides being a versatile bedside bassinet, one of the standout features of the Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue is its storage. The bassinet boasts a large basket underneath, which is ideal for storing all of your little one’s necessities, like diapers, wipes, swaddles and more. Jessica called this her “favorite feature,” and it’s easy to see why. “This was very convenient so I didn’t need to walk from his nursery to our room in the middle of the night,” she said. From its storage to its multiple modes, this bedside bassinet is top-notch.

Dimensions: 34" (L) x 20" (W) x 34.5" (H) | Weight: 26 lbs. | Weight capacity: 45 lbs. | Age rating: Up to 5 months

Our product tester says:
“With how easy it is to put together and all of its features, I feel this is a great product—especially for first time parents! It makes having a newborn a little bit easier at night!”

Our community says:

It's extremely sturdy. Baby seemed comfortable in it, it's easy to set up and compact. – Laura, The Bump survey respondent

I appreciated the safety, mobility, ease of setting up, quality, multiple ways to use it and the storage space. – Ramona*, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best portable bassinet

What We Love
  • Foldable, lightweight design
  • Rocking motion with anti-slip feet
  • OEKO-TEX certified fabrics
  • Machine-washable mesh fabric, mattress and mattress cover
Things To Consider
  • Low weight limit

Whether you need a baby bassinet to travel with you and your family, or you simply want an option that can move easily from room to room in your home, the BabyBjörn Baby Cradle is the way to go. At just 13 pounds, this Best of The Bump-winning bassinet doesn’t weigh much more than a newborn—and it folds up to just five inches tall. In fact, our product tester Brooke raved about the portability of the BabyBjörn Baby Cradle, giving it a 10 out of 10 rating in the category. “Traveling with it has never been easier,” she told us. “I’ve never seen such a convenient concept.”

Image: Brooke B.

Portability isn’t the only area where this baby bassinet shines, though. In fact, the BabyBjörn Baby Cradle earned top scores across multiple categories—including ease of assembly, features, effectiveness, style and value. Some of its standout features include its gentle swaying motion—which can be done manually or induced naturally by baby’s own movements—that helps to comfort fussiness and promotes restful sleep. “The rocking motion was perfect to soothe my baby,” our product tester shared. “It only takes five minutes for her to fall asleep.” This bassinet also features mesh sides, a comfortable mattress and a sturdy base with non-slip feet, all of which are made out of OEKO-TEX-certified materials. “The quality of the bassinet itself is amazing,” she gushed. From its light weight and easy-to-transport design to its quality construction, the BabyBjörn baby cradle isn’t just a great portable option—it’s a top pick all around. “I will forever recommend this product to any expecting mothers,” our product tester gushed. “It’s a lifesaver.”

Dimensions: 31" (L) x 23" (W) x 26" (H) | Weight: 13 lbs. | Weight capacity: 17 lbs. | Age rating: Up to 6 months

Our product tester says:
“It’s very light to move around. If I wanted to move it to a different place I could easily pick it up and move it. If anyone were to ask me what kind of bassinet to get, it would be this one!”

Buy Now

Best bassinet for twins

What We Love
  • Mesh divider keeps twins close but in separate sleep spaces
  • Sides push down for easy access
  • Rotates 360 degrees for bedside access
  • Two storage pockets
Things To Consider
  • Heavy, large footprint
  • Requires batteries to operate

Having newborn twins is a daunting endeavor, but the right gear can help. One item that can be worth investing in is a twin bassinet, and our Best of The Bump winner in the category is the Halo BassiNest Twin Sleeper. It allows your children to each have their own sleeping spaces (which is recommended by the AAP for safe sleep), while still having the comfort of being near each other, thanks to a mesh divider that runs down the middle of the bassinet. The ability to keep twin babies close together while they slept was an “invaluable” feature for our product tester Mia, who has 2-month-old twins. “The Halo bassinet has been a game-changer for us,” she raved. “It’s user-friendly and far more practical than having two separate bassinets.”

Image: Mia H.

The Halo BassiNest Twin Sleeper has a variety of soothing features, including two levels of vibrations and four calming sounds, all of which help achieve a better night’s sleep for babies and parents. “The babies slept soundly in the bassinet, often achieving longer stretches than in their crib,” Mia confirms. And this twin bassinet isn’t just designed with babies in mind; it also considers parents and their needs. A nightlight helps caregivers see during middle-of-the-night feedings, push-down sides make lifting twins out easier and the sides automatically spring back up for safety, a feature that Mia found particularly helpful. But the feature that really wowed her was the swivel option: The Halo BassiNest rotates over the bed for easy access to your little ones (and is the only twin bassinet to do so). The swivel feature “has made feeding and burping both twins a breeze,” Mia shared.

With its built-in soothing features and its thoughtful design, the Halo BassiNest can help make twin parents’ lives a little bit easier—and what more can you ask for from a twin bassinet? As Mia says, “I believe this bassinet offers a reliable and practical solution for parents navigating the early stages of twin parenthood.”

Dimensions: 45" (L) x 45" (W) x 36" (H) | Weight: 25 lbs. | Weight capacity: 20 lbs. each, 40 lbs. total | Age rating: N/A

Our product tester says:
“I wholeheartedly recommend this bassinet for parents seeking easy access to their babies and a safe solution for co-sleeping with twins. Its sturdy construction, smooth swivel and convenient lowering/raising mechanism make it an excellent investment, providing exceptional value for money.”

Our community says:

I was easily able to tend to either baby, depending on who needed me. It was a great size for both babies and the mesh wall in between the two sections was really nice for the little ones to still sense each other. We saw them pressing their hands against each other multiple times. – Meg, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best bassinet for convenience

What We Love
  • 360-degree swivel
  • Detachable bassinet
  • Removable and machine washable mesh walls
  • Adjustable vibration and soothing sounds
Things To Consider
  • Soothing features require batteries

Anything that makes parents’ lives easier is a win in our book, which is why we—and over 30 percent of our survey respondents—love the Halo BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper 3.0, our Best of The Bump winner for best bassinet for convenience. The Halo has several standout features that help make parents’ lives a bit easier, but at the top has to be the 360 degree swivel, which allows you to not only bring baby extra close without getting out of bed, but also get out of bed without a bulky bassinet blocking your way. The full swivel—which operates silently (no squeaks!)—was a favorite feature of our product tester Arica, who reported that it “was convenient to get baby in and out of the bassinet.”

Upping this bassinet’s convenience game is the fact that it’s also detachable, allowing you to transport the portable nest (which weighs only 10 pounds) easily throughout your home. Arica told us that moving the bassinet from room to room was a breeze, and let her keep her 2-month-old close by no matter where she was in the house. Another parent (and product tester) favorite feature: This bassinet’s machine-washable mesh sides and mattress cover. “The bassinet has been incredibly easy to keep clean,” Arica reported.

Image: Arica L.

The Halo Bassinest doesn’t just make life more convenient for parents, it also helps your little ones sleep better too. It comes with a soothing system that features two vibration levels and four calming sounds, and features an automatic shut-off if you doze off and forget. “My baby and I love this bassinet,” Arica gushed. “My son loves the settings that soothe him.” The Halo Bassinest Soothing Swivel Sleeper 3.0 is an option that excels at helping both babies and parents settle into their new routines.

Dimensions: 34" (L) x 34" (W) x 42.5" (H) | Weight: 23 lbs. | Weight capacity: 20 lbs. | Age rating: N/A

Our product tester says:
“I would absolutely recommend this bassinet to any expectant mamas. For babies and parents alike it’s a win; I love that it is neutral, easy to use, has a [push-down] side and allows you to sleep close to baby.”

Our community says:

I love how easy it is to swivel closer and away from my bed to keep baby close. – Laura, The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Bassinet Comparison Chart

Overall best bassinetBest affordable bassinetBest affordable smart bassinetBest bedside bassinetBest portable bassinetBest bassinet for twinsBest bassinet for convenience
Overall Best
Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper
Chicco LullaGlide 3-in-1 Bassinet
4Moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet
BabyBjörn Baby Cradle
Halo BassiNest Twin Sleeper
Halo BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper 3.0
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Dimensions35.8" (L) x 19" (W) x 31" (H)41.8" (L) x 25" (W) x 29.5" (H)34" (L) x 24" (W) x 39" (H)34" (L) x 20" (W) x 34.5" (H)31" (L) x 23" (W) x 26" (H)45" (L) x 45" (W) x 36" (H)34" (L) x 34" (W) x 42.5" (H)
Weight38 lbs.16 lbs.30 lbs.26 lbs.13 lbs.25 lbs.23 lbs.
Bedside
Smart features
Type of motionBack-and-forth rotationGlidingRocking-RockingVibrationVibration
Storage
Buy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full ReviewBuy NowRead Full Review

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Bassinet vs. Crib: What’s the Difference?

Let’s tackle the basics, like what is a bassinet, and how does it differ from a regular crib?

While full-sized cribs can be used from day one through toddlerhood, a bassinet is designed specifically (and exclusively) as a sleep space for newborns and very young babies, typically less than 6 months old. Bassinets are smaller than cribs and usually oval-shaped, whereas cribs are larger and typically rectangular.

Moreover, while cribs are stationary pieces of furniture, bassinets tend to be more portable; many are designed to be moved throughout the house, so your sleeping infant can be close by, wherever you are. Many also come with added features, including rocking or motion, sound and storage—which can not only help baby sleep, but also be an added convenience to parents and caregivers as well.

What to Look for in a Baby Bassinet

When shopping for a baby bassinet, the primary feature to look for is safety. Dumaplin, recommends paying attention to labels to find bassinets that are designated for safe sleep.

“The most important thing to look for when shopping for any sleeping place for baby is to be sure that it’s labeled as a ‘bassinet’, ‘crib,’ [or] ‘portable crib,’” Dumaplin explains. “These labels have specific safety requirements, so you know that they’re appropriate for safe sleep.”

On the flip side, there are certain product labels to avoid when seeking out a sleep space for y our infant. “Products labeled as nappers, sleepers, loungers, bouncers, swings, nests or pillows are not safe options for sleep,” Dumaplin emphasizes. She also stresses that parents shouldn’t use “any products that include loose bedding, anything in the bassinet that holds baby at an angle or any added features like pillows or bumpers.” This is in keeping with the AAP’s guidelines, which state that all babies should be placed to sleep “on their backs on flat, non-inclined surfaces without soft bedding.”

The importance and value of the extra features that many bassinets offer generally boil down to a parent’s (and baby’s) personal needs and preferences. “Some families love bassinets that rock, glide or include a built-in sound machine to help soothe a fussy baby. These types of bassinets are often more expensive, but those features can be helpful for many families,” Dumaplin explains. “Some families find that bassinets that are easy to move from room to room can be incredibly convenient for their lifestyle. For some, bassinets that have adjustable height or swivel can help, especially during postpartum recovery.” Consider what will work best for your family’s needs and budget. Some bassinets even feature a drop-down side that allows the bassinet to line directly up with the side of the bed, keeping baby within reach as you sleep, but still secured in a safe and separate sleep environment.

How to Get Baby to Sleep in a Bassinet

Found your perfect bassinet, but still struggling to clock quality zzz’s at night? “There’s this belief out there that when babies are tired, they’ll simply sleep easily in a crib or bassinet. Sometimes, this isn’t the case,” Dumaplin says. To help, here are some tips and tricks for getting baby to sleep in a bassinet:

  • Create a womb-like sleep environment. “Anything we can do to recreate the feeling of being back in the womb will provide comfort and help with sleep,” Dumaplin says. She suggests keeping the room dark, using a “shower-volume” sound machine and using a swaddle, which helps to mimic the “snug feeling of the womb,” Dumaplin explains.
  • Find baby’s “sweet spot” for sleep. “One of the most valuable things you can do to promote restful sleep is to lay baby down in their ‘sweet spot’ where they’re tired enough to fall asleep easily but not at all overtired,” Dumaplin says. Pay attention to age-appropriate wake windows (which are about 60 to 90 minutes in those first few months, according to Dumpalin) and keep an eye out for sleepy cues (which include flushed brows and looking away).
  • Follow safe sleep practices. When you’re exhausted, it can be tempting to turn to pillows, swings and the like to try and get baby to sleep—but babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm, non-inclined surface, per the AAP’s recommendations. Dumaplin also says to avoid the use of any after-market products in a bassinet, and instead only use “the firm, flat mattress sold with the bassinet.” The bassinet should also “be free of anything other than a tightly fitted sheet,” she says.

How Long Can Baby Sleep in a Bassinet?

Unsure when to make the transition from bassinet to crib? “It’s time to transition to a crib when baby can sit up independently or they outgrow the manufacturer’s height/weight recommendations on your bassinet—whichever comes first,” Dumaplin explains. “There’s no particular age that a baby needs to transition to the crib, but those safety guidelines mean that most babies are ready to transition to a crib between 4 to 6 months.”

Many bassinet instructions also say parents should discontinue use and transition to the crib once baby can push up onto their hands and knees. Be sure to check your bassinet’s height and weight limitations, as well as safety guidelines, before using.

When you and your little one are ready to bid farewell to the bassinet, don’t be nervous about the transition. “The truth is that if the environment is the same—a firm, flat mattress in a cool, dark room with the humming of a sound machine—most babies transition easily between a bassinet and a crib,” Dumaplin says. She suggests starting with one to two naps per day in the crib to help your little one practice sleeping in a crib and help ease your anxiety over the switch.

About the writer:
Lynsey Eidell has researched and written dozens of product reviews for The Bump, from the best pregnancy belly bands to the best baby bassinets and beyond. She’s also written about entertainment, pop culture, weddings and motherhood for digital publications including PEOPLE, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, Allure and more. She is a graduate of Villanova University and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she currently lives with her family. When she’s not busy writing, she is kept equally busy by her three young boys, who are 8, 5 and 4.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Sources

Cara Dumaplin, RN, is a mother of four, a neonatal nurse and a pediatric sleep expert. She is the founder of Taking Cara Babies, which provides online sleep courses and resources for newborns and toddlers through age four. Her popular Instagram account, @TakingCaraBabies, boasts 2.5 million followers.

American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Safe Sleep Recommendations: Back is Best, June 2022

American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Sleep, August 2023

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a bassinet and what they did and didn’t like about it.

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