When beginning my search, I was surprised by how many different types of bassinets there were. From the classic traditional to high-tech smart, each type of bassinet has its own set of advantages.
Choosing the right bassinet depends on how you plan to use it, your budget, and your personal preferences. By knowing what each option offers, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your growing family, just like I did.
If you need help finishing your nursery after choosing a bassinet, Home Gnome can connect you with local home improvement experts for a worry-free makeover.
What Is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a cozy, basket-like bed designed for your newborn to sleep right beside you during the first few months of life. Experts recommend keeping your baby in your room until they’re at least 6 months old, and for me, a bassinet made that so much easier.
Read More: What to Know About Bassinets
Traditional Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 25 pounds Durability: Birth until 25 pounds Cost: $50 to $70 |
Traditional bassinets are perfect if you’re looking for something basic without any bells and whistles. They don’t have many parts, making them easy to set up and use. Although they’re small and relatively easy to move, they are designed to stay in one place. Some models come with wheels, so you can roll them between rooms.
These types of bassinets are usually rectangular or oval in shape. They’re not adjustable and don’t have special features like rocking or vibration. You can place them next to your bed, but the design means you’ll still need to get up to pick up your baby since you can’t easily reach them from bed.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Simple | ✗ Not adjustable |
| ✓ Sleep in the same room with the baby | ✗ Cannot reach baby from bed |
| ✓ Smaller than a crib | ✗ Less portable than other types |
Are you undecided on how your baby will sleep? Read our guide: Bassinet vs Crib: Which is Best for Your Baby?
Portable Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 25 pounds Durability: Birth until 25 pounds Cost: $35 to $50 |
Portable bassinets are the best choice when it comes to flexibility and mobility. While other bassinets are easy to move around, this type stands out because it often comes with lockable wheels or the ability to fold up. They are simple to install and ideal for those who frequently travel or need to bring the bassinet to a caregiver’s place.
Some portable bassinets even double as strollers, which can be super convenient. Strollers that come with bassinets need to meet bassinet safety standards. This includes:
- Sturdy bottom
- Sides must be at least 12 inches higher than the mattress top
- Made of breathable materials
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Have wheels | ✗ Smaller than other types of bassinets |
| ✓ Easily fold up | ✗ Some stroller bassinets may lack safety |
Did you opt for a crib instead? Read more in our Crib Mattress Size Guide
Travel Cribs or Playards With Bassinets
| Weight capacity:15 pounds Durability: Bassinet are birth until 15 pounds, while a play yard is until a toddler reaches 35 inches tall or is able to climb out. Cost: $45 to $220 |
Travel cribs, also known as playards with bassinets, are a fantastic choice for parents who want a versatile option. These models come with a bassinet attachment, giving you the benefit of an extended lifespan. Once your baby outgrows the bassinet, you can use the crib part for a while longer. While they might not be as stylish as other cribs or bassinets, they are perfect for home use or on the go.
I got one of these for trips, and it was an absolute lifesaver. It made traveling simpler and reassured me that my little one had a safe, familiar place to sleep wherever we went.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Longer lifespan | ✗ Not visually aesthetic |
| ✓ Combines a bassinet and crib into one product | ✗ Not made of durable materials |
| ✓ Easy to transport | ✗ Bigger than other bassinets |
Smart or Electronic Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 25 pounds Durability: Birth until 25 pounds Cost: $100 to $1,200 |
A smart or electronic bassinet can be a lifesaver for parents who could use an extra pair of hands and a little more sleep. These high-tech bassinets do much more than hold your baby. If it’s within your budget, it’s like having a parenting helper by your side. Take a look at the features designed to make nighttime easier:
- White noise
- Lullabies
- Night lights
- Gentle rocking
- Vibrations
- Sensors
Some models with sensors detect your baby’s movements or cries and respond by soothing them with automated rocking and white noise. This is a lifesaver if you’re struggling to get some rest. However, newborns still need to be fed every few hours. Relying too much on these smart features without sticking to a feeding schedule could affect your infant’s growth. It’s important to set alarms for feedings based on your pediatrician’s advice.
A downside of smart bassinets is that some have a fixed swaddle that keeps newborns in one position for long periods. This could lead to conditions like plagiocephaly (flat head), torticollis, or brachycephaly. Additionally, they tend to be the most expensive type, and there’s no guarantee your precious little one will like it. The upside is that some companies offer rental options, so you can try one out without a big commitment.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Soothes the baby without human assistance | ✗ Expensive |
| ✓ Able to be rented, saving you the cost of buying | ✗ A newborn who is always soothed to sleep by a smart bassinet may not be appropriately fed for its age |
| ✓ Helps your child sleep during the night | ✗ An infant sleeping too long in the same position can result in health problems |
Rocking or Gliding Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 20 pounds Durability: Birth until 20 pounds Cost: $90 to $150 |
Rocking or gliding bassinets are a wonderful choice if you want to soothe your little one to sleep with a calming motion. These bassinets combine the traditional design of a bassinet with the gentle, back-and-forth motion of a glider, mimicking the sensation of being rocked, something many babies find comforting.
They feature sturdy bases, mesh sides for breathability, a firm mattress for safety, and a smooth gliding mechanism to ensure safe, gentle rocking. Once your baby has drifted off to sleep, you can lock the bassinet into place so it stays secure.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Rocking motion soothes the baby to sleep | ✗ You need to generate the rocking motion |
Bedside Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 20 pounds Durability: Birth until 20 pounds Cost: $75 to $130 |
Bedside bassinets are perfect for nighttime feedings and make soothing your child more convenient. They can be adjusted in height and have see-through sides, so you can easily check on your baby without leaving the comfort of your bed.
Unlike co-sleeping bassinets, bedside bassinets don’t attach to your bed or have an open side. Instead, they provide a separate sleeping space for your little one while still being right next to you.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Located close to your bed | ✗ Not attached to the bed |
| ✓ Easy access for mothers who breastfeed | ✗ Keeps baby separate from you |
Co-Sleeping Bassinets
| Weight capacity: 20 pounds Durability: Birth until 20 pounds Cost: $70 to $645 |
Co-sleeping bassinets are designed for parents who want to sleep with their newborn while ensuring a safe environment. These bassinets attach directly to your bed, and the side closest to the parent can be lowered to give you easy access to your baby throughout the night. A locking mechanism secures the bassinet to the bed, helping prevent accidents while you sleep nearby.
This style is perfect for parents who want to soothe or feed their newborn without getting up. You can simply reach over and pick up your little one for nursing without leaving your bed. They can also function as a regular bassinet.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Convenient for night feedings | ✗ Difficult to move around the house because of the locking mechanism |
| ✓ Reduced sleep disturbances | ✗ Not great for small bedrooms |
Cardboard Bassinets
| Weight capacity: Must be placed on the floor. They are small, so they are suitable for newborns. Durability: Not designed to last more than a few uses. Cost: $10 to $50 |
Cardboard bassinets, also known as baby boxes, are exactly what they sound like: bassinets made out of cardboard. These are usually small and can be folded up, making them easy to store or transport. However, there isn’t enough research to fully recommend for or against this type of bassinet.
In some countries like Australia, cardboard bassinets aren’t advised due to concerns about their durability, especially in areas with high humidity, which can weaken the cardboard.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Simple | ✗ Considered not safe |
| ✓ Low price | ✗ Not durable |
Moses Bassinets
| Weight capacity: Must be placed on the floor. Durability: Birth until 5 or 6 months Cost: $85 to $220 |
Moses bassinets are one of the oldest and most classic styles available, offering a timeless, portable option for parents. These lightweight baskets are usually made from breathable materials like wicker, which helps keep your baby cool and comfortable.
Their small, cozy size makes them easy to move around, so you can carry them from room to room, place them on the floor, or rest them on a stand.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✓ Simple | ✗ Not adjustable |
| ✓ Low price | ✗ No extra features |
| ✓ Easy portability | ✗ Small |
Considerations When Purchasing a Bassinet
For me, finding the right bassinet came down to three main factors: use, budget, and space. By thinking about these elements, I was able to find the perfect fit for my family, and you can, too.
Intended use
If you need something portable for moving around the house or traveling, a portable bassinet is a great choice. For parents who spend long hours alone with their baby and need help soothing them, a smart bassinet can make a difference.
Personally, I knew I wanted to sleep close to my baby without the risks of bed-sharing, so I went with a co-sleeper, and it was fantastic. It gave me peace of mind while keeping my little angel close.
Budget
Your budget will also play a big role in your decision. Moses baskets and traditional bassinets are typically more affordable, making them great options for budget-conscious parents.
On the other hand, smart bassinets with advanced features like rocking or white noise can be much pricier. I’d recommend thinking about what you really need and what fits within your financial comfort zone.
Space
Don’t overlook how much space you have at home. While most bassinets are designed to fit in smaller spaces, some models can be larger than others.
When I was shopping for mine, my bedroom was pretty small, so I double-checked the dimensions of the bassinet to ensure it would fit comfortably. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
Find a Home Improvement Pro Near You
Choosing the right type of bassinet made a huge difference for my family. It’s not about picking the fanciest or most expensive option but finding one that fits your lifestyle. Take your time, think about what matters most, and trust your instincts.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Freepik
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