
When I was expecting my first baby, one of the first big questions I faced was: Where will my baby sleep? That’s when I discovered bassinets. Lightweight and portable, bassinets are designed for the first months, allowing your newborn to rest safely right by your side.
Some bassinets attach to your bedside for easy access during nighttime feedings, while others offer features like gently rocking or soothing sounds to help your little one sleep. Understanding what a bassinet can offer makes those early days and nights easier, helping with bonding and creating a safe sleep environment. It certainly did for me.
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.
It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to move around, perfect for keeping your little one close day and night. The lower sides are a lifesaver, making it simple to reach in and pick up your baby whenever needed. Many mothers would appreciate that after a c-section when bending too much is not an option.
Types of Bassinets

There are many types of bassinets available to new parents. I found it overwhelming when choosing the right one for my newborn. Here’s a rundown of each type to make your choice easier.
Type of bassinet | Characteristics |
Traditional | These are meant to be fixed in place and offer a simple, sturdy design. |
Portable | Easy to move around, these often have lockable wheels or can fold up. Some even double as safe bassinet strollers. |
Travel crib or playard with bassinets | These are cribs or playards with a bassinet attachment that offers flexibility on the go. I have used these for trips, and they are a practical choice if you are away from home. |
Bedside | They are meant to be next to the parent’s bed for easy access to the baby. |
Co-sleeping | This was my personal choice, and I couldn’t have been happier. It attaches directly to your bed, and the side closest to the parent can be lowered, making it easier to reach your little one at night without even getting out of bed. |
Cardboard | They are made of cardboard, which has led to some safety concerns in certain countries. In the United States, there’s no official guidance about their use. |
Rocking | Manually rock these bassinets to gently soothe your baby to sleep. |
Moses | The oldest style is lightweight and made of breathable materials. It offers a classic and portable option for parents. |
Electronic or smart | They play white noise and gently rock the baby when they fuss. This sounded like a dream to me, but couldn’t afford it, they are expensive. |
Convenience
Bassinets offer a level of convenience that makes the early months with a newborn a bit easier. If you want to keep your newborn close during the day, a bassinet lets you move from room to room, keeping your little one nearby while you do daily tasks.
It also becomes invaluable for night feedings, especially if you plan to breastfeed. With a co-sleeping bassinet, you can easily reach over to feed your baby without leaving the warmth of your bed.
A bassinet was a game-changer for me. I breastfed both my babies, and while some little ones sleep through the night, mine woke frequently. Having them beside me meant I could quickly tend to their needs, which kept our sleep disruptions to a minimum. This was great on chilly nights when the last thing I wanted to do was get up and out of bed.
Safety

I loved the feeling of being able to check on my little one at a glance. But for bassinets to give this level of comfort, they must meet some safety guidelines. Here is what to look for to ensure your bassinet is safe:
- Sturdy base and stable frame to prevent tipping
- Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly against the sides
- Breathable sides
Always check the weight limit of your bassinet; this is commonly between 15 and 20 pounds, but it can vary a little. If your infant begins rolling over or sitting up before reaching this weight, it’s time to change to a crib.
When using a bassinet, it’s important to follow the following guidelines:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use only a fitted sheet for the bassinet mattress.
- Keep the bassinet free of items, including toys or pillows. In my experience, dressing my babies for the room’s temperature worked better than using blankets.
- Never move the bassinet with your little one inside.
Portability
One of the best features of a bassinet is its portability, which provides a great deal of flexibility. With a bassinet, you can ensure your newborn has a safe, familiar place to sleep no matter where you are. Many models are lightweight and easy to move, making it simple to keep your precious one close as you go about your day.
Some bassinets are designed for travel, so you can pack them up and bring them along when visiting family or heading on vacation.
Cost
While a bassinet adds some extra cost before transitioning to a crib, many parents, myself included, find comfort and convenience well worth the investment. Bassinets are available in a wide price range. Traditional models start around $50, while high-tech, smart bassinets reach up to $1,700.
I bought a co-sleeper that cost about $60. It was beautiful and well-made. I used it for six months with both my babies. It was an additional expense, but I found it completely worth it for the ease it added to my daily routine.
Mattresses
The mattress in your bassinet plays a big role in keeping your little angel safe and comfortable. It should be firm and flat but not so hard that it makes it difficult for your baby to sleep. Make sure the mattress is the right size for your bassinet and is no thicker than 3 inches.
Most bassinets include a mattress, but if yours doesn’t, you need to buy one separately. In my case, the mattress came with a waterproof cover, which worked wonders. During the newborn stage, spills and messes are common, so having a waterproof cover made it easy to clean and kept the sleep space fresh and healthy.
Bedding

Choosing the right bedding for your bassinet is essential for safe and comfortable sleep. Bassinet sheets should be made from soft, breathable cotton and fit snugly on the mattress. I found that sheets with elastic bands worked best. They stay securely in place, giving me the peace of mind that the mattress is safely covered.
I would recommend having at least four cotton sheets for your bassinet. Newborns can be unexpectedly messy, so it is a huge help to have extras on hand for quick changes after accidents.
More About Bassinets
A bassinet is a nice addition to your parenting journey, providing a safe and convenient sleeping space for your newborn during those precious early months. While they are designed for short-term use, their advantages can make a significant difference in your daily routine. Enjoy this special time with your baby, knowing that you have a cozy and safe place for them to rest nearby.
Main Photo Credit: Pixabay