Bassinet Vs Crib: Which one is better for my baby?
Many parents are entangled in a crib and bassinet when considering where their babies sleep.
Both, cribs & cradles offer a baby safe sleep!
However, the bassinet crib size is smaller, more suitable for the first few months of the baby’s life.
Now, the question is:
Is it necessary to buy a baby bassinet?
Honestly speaking, getting a special newborn beds is totally a personal decision!
Now, with all the questions in mind, this article will introduce you to:
- Why parents prefer bassinets over cribs for newborn babies
- The 11 best baby bassinets
- The bassinet features to consider before buying
- ..and a lot More!
So whether to buy a baby cradle or not depends on the needs of parents.
Now, let’s keep going and start our review…
- Introduction
- Types of Baby Bassinets
- 1 – Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
- 2 – Besrey 3 in 1 Portable Baby Bassinets
- 3 – Delta Children Deluxe Bedside Bassinet
- 4 – HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
- 5 – Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bedside Crib
- 6 – Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet
- 7 – Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2-in-1 Bassinet
- 8 – MiClassic All mesh 2 in1 Stationary and Rock Bassinet
- 9 – Ngenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet
- 10 – 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
- Buyers’ Guide: How To Choose a Suitable Bassinet
- FAQ
- Our Verdict: Best Baby Bassinets
- Conclusion
Introduction
Baby cradles generally occupy a smaller space, and you can place them directly next to the mom’s bed (in the same room)…
…which is convenient for mothers to take care of the baby during the overnight sleep time (especially the mother who had a C-section)
Furthermore, many baby cradles are designed to be the same height as the parent’s bed for convenient use!
Mothers can easily see the baby and touch him while lying on the bed, and it is also very convenient for feeding!
Types of Baby Bassinets
There are various types of baby cradles, with specific characteristics and advantages in use that differentiate them from each other.
Classic Bassinet
This is the most common type of baby cradle and is suitable for babies from day one until a few months later.
Usually, this traditional type is sturdy, stable, and comfortable.
Some brands have unique features, such as mesh sides for extra breathability, wheels for easy mobility, netting cover for additional protection!
Bedside Bassinet (Cosleeper)
The co sleeper bassinets are among the most popular baby bassinets at the moment.
The In Bed Bassinet is composed of a solid base and a patented fixing system that allows you to attach the structure to the parent’s bed, becoming a built-in bed extension.
In this way, you can always keep an eye on the baby while sleeping, and it is the ideal solution for mothers who are breastfeeding.
Being positioned next to the bed and at the same height as the mattress makes nighttime feedings much easier!
Usually, the feet and fixings are adjustable and fit almost any bed type.
Rocking Bassinet
It is a model with the most varied shapes, from oval to traditional rectangular, but characterized by tilting feet, to rock the child in complete safety.
It is an excellent option to calm babies with a slow and steady movement without making you tired.
Despite the mobility, the structure of baby bassinet rockers is solid and safe.
Cradle With Wheels
This type of cradle can also have different shapes and sizes, but the peculiarity of this model is the wheels on which the structure rests.
The wheels allow you to move the bassinet easily anywhere in the room and house.
1 – Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
Best Bassinet With Sway Motion
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a soothing bassinet that offers you both good sleep, look NO further.
Pros
The mattress is comfy
Well-made and sturdy design
The sway feature is a plus
Compact and doesn’t take much space
Cons
The height is NOT adjustable
This bassinet offers a sway motion system to calm the baby wherever needed, with a lock-out option to control the swaying level.
Plus, it has a portable lighting projection that offers two different moods. You can easily remove it from the bassinet and place it anywhere you want!
Most importantly,
The sleeping surface of this bassinet is flat for extra comfortability for the baby!
Besides the light, this bassinet comes with a battery-operated vibration, soft sounds, and a music box that lasts for 30-minutes!
Last but not least, there is a rack at the bottom of the bassinet to store baby’s essentials and keep them handy!
2 – Besrey 3 in 1 Portable Baby Bassinets
Best Bassinet For Outdoor and Indoor Use
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a bassinet that works indoor and outdoor, with a nest to protect the baby against bugs, then this one is right for you.
Pros
Having a canopy is a plus
You can use it outdoor and indoor
It has a rocking feature
Cons
The height of the bassinet is not adjustable
The mattress is on the thinner side
Hard to find a fitted sheet that matches the mattress dimensions
This foldable bassinet is versatile and lightweight for easy movement.
The frame’s material is light (but sturdy) Aluminum, and the design has an easy-folding system.
The best part?
This bassinet is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and offers gentle rocking motions.
It has a double canopy to keep bugs away and is also adjustable for more convenience.
Most importantly,
this clear bassinet has breathable mesh walls, and a mosquito nest is detachable!
Besides, at the bottom, there is a large storage area to place the baby’s essentials and keep them handy!
The overall look is very stylish…
The fabric is a polyester foam that is soft, comfortable, and easy to clean.
This bassinet comes with a Cotton mattress; that is thick and soft!
3 – Delta Children Deluxe Bedside Bassinet
Best Affordable Bassinet
Bottom Line: If you are planning to place your baby on a bassinet just for a couple of months and looking for a functional, comfortable, and cute one, then this is the best one for you.
Pros
Stable and reliable design
Durable material
Roomy and safe sleep space for big kids
It is a cheap baby bassinet
Cons
Short service life – holds only 15 pounds
Less quality than other bassinets
The sides are not mesh
Bulky
The standalone bassinet is classic and exquisite, and laces are hanging down below, which can be very dreamy.
This cradle has a sound machine that plays sleep music to comfort the baby for a faster sleep.
On one side, there is an adjustable canopy that is also removable. Its best use is to block the light during daytime naps.
What parents appreciate in this bassinet is the big storage basket at the bottom.
It is roomy enough to hold the baby’s most used essentials!
Most importantly,
This bassinet has wheels for easy movement from one room to another.
When buying this bassinet, there is no need to get a mattress pad or fitted sheet, as they are already included.
However, you need to get 4 AA batteries to operate the sound machine while the baby sleeping.
4 – HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
Best Bedside Co sleeper
Bottom Line: This small bassinet is perfect for moms who breastfeed or did C-section. It has a practical design that gives the utmost comfort for moms to keep the baby close enough to you!
Pros
Best adjustable bassinet for breastfeeding
The breathable mesh sides are helpful to keep an eye on the baby’s movements
The rotate option is a plus
Cons
The bassinet might tilt over time
Missing wheels for easy movement
Some parents said that it shakes while the baby moves
This baby co sleeper attaches to bed, rotates 360 degrees ,and has a height-adjustable bracket, perfect for mothers who breastfeed or who did C-sections.
Indeed, arm’s reach cosleeper easily so moms can put the baby from the bed into the cradle – as if they sleep in the same bed.
Best Part?
The baby co sleeper is surrounded by a breathable mesh, which has good air permeability for safe sleep and is very convenient for mothers to observe the baby’s status.
There are also small storage pockets on the cradle’s side for baby’s necessities, like diapers and wet wipes.
Now, for the baby’s convenience, there are some extra features like soothing vibrations and soft sounds that are useful to keep the baby happy and comfortable right next to you…
Other features include floor light and soft night light, two different vibration levels, and four unique soothing songs!
The maximum load-bearing capacity of this bassinet is 20 pounds, which is for a baby around five months old….
This bassinet comes with a waterproof mattress and a fitted sheet that is machine washable for easy use.
Overall, it is the best bassinet for breastfeeding!
5 – Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bedside Crib
Best Portable Bassinet
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a durable, good material, and practical design co-sleeper, look NO further.
Pros
Good quality
Practical design for baby and mom
Portable with locking wheels and a storage bag
Large sleep space for big babies
Cons
Some parents said that it leans to one side
The mesh doesn’t go all over the sides
The mattress is hard
First thing first…
This bedside sleepers bassinet has easy-to-use two fastening straps to attach it to the parent’s bed, with seven adjustable heights to suit any bed.
For extra convenience, the bassinet’s sides are mesh; this is perfect for extra breathability for the kid, and parents can hear the baby’s breathing and movements without moving from the bed.
In addition, the sleeping space in this bassinet is perfect for big babies.
Most importantly,
The bottom of the Mika Micky bassinet is stable, and the legs have wheels for easy mobility.
Plus, the bassinet mattress that comes with it is super comfy for the baby to have a good sleep! It comes with a sturdy sleeping board as well.
Like most bassinets, this one is suitable for holding up to 33lbs, which is the weight for a five-month-old baby.
6 – Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet
Best Dual-functional Bassinet
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a co-sleeper that is simple, practical, and easy to assemble, then this one is right for you.
Pros
Simple and trendy design
No-tool assembly
Easy access to the baby
The mesh sides offer better breathability
Cons
The mattress is not level
Less sturdy than other options
No storage basket
This Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet has a safe and comfortable overall design for both baby and mommy.
It comes with a firm bassinet mattress and machine washable sheet that is super soft and waterproof as well.
Practical and functional bassinet..
What you will appreciate in this bed bassinet is that it works perfectly as a standalone bassinet or co sleeper just right next to your bed (with six height positions)
The lightweight design is also a plus for easy mobility!
The best part?
This side bassinet for bed offers perfect access for the baby; simply unhook and unzip the adjustable side whenever you want to nurse your little one.
…and don’t forget the mesh sides that are breathable and perfect for checking on your baby without moving!
The maximum weight recommendation for this bassinet is 20 pounds, and it has mixed materials of polyester, plastic, and metal.
7 – Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2-in-1 Bassinet
Best Overall Lacy Bassinet
Bottom Line: This bassinet has a rocking mood and wheels at the same time. It is perfect for calming a fussy baby and keeping him quit.
Pros
JPMA certified
The mosquito net is a bonus
Sturdy and lightweight bassinet
Affordable price for most parents
It offers a gentle rocking motion
Cons
The mattress is not the best
Less quality than other options
The first thing to mention about this lacy bassinet is the dual-use feature. It works with wheels or as a rocking bassinet.
This baby bedside rocking bassinet is lightweight and portable!
The frame is light Aluminium, and the design has wheels for an easy push from one room to another.
The fabric is foam Polyester, which is safe and soft for babies. It also comes in different colors to choose one that matches your baby’s room.
Very functional bassinet…
At the bottom of the bassinet, you will find a vast basket to place the baby’s most used essentials, like some diapers and wipes, so they can be handy whenever you need to use them.
Plus, it comes with a built-in net to protect the baby from bugs or insects and 1-inch bassinet mattress pad.
8 – MiClassic All mesh 2 in1 Stationary and Rock Bassinet
Best Travel Baby Bassinet
Bottom Line: This mobile bassinet is lightweight, portable, and affordable. It is perfect for traveling as well.
Pros
Lightweight and convenient modern bassinet
Stylish yet sturdy design
Reasonable price
Rocking ability is a plus
Cons
Missing having vibration, light, or music
No storage rack or basket
The height is lower than other options
Well, this is a classic stationary bassinet that is easy to move from one room to another and can rock to soothe the baby.
Besides, it is easy to fold and carry with you when traveling. Just fold it in a second and place it in its own carrying case.
Indeed, most parents said that it is perfect as a travel bassinet!
The best thing?
This MiClassic bassinet has all-way mesh fabric, making it breathable for the baby and giving parents better visibility!
For more convenience, the cover is removable and machine washable.
What most users like in this bassinet is the no-tools assembly…
You can easily do the assembly in just a few minutes, knowing that the legs are removable for extra portability and easy folding.
Now, the maximum weight recommendation for this bassinet is 33 lbs, making it suitable for babies around five months old.
Overall, this is easy to move around, making it a perfect bassinet for living room.
9 – Ngenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet
Best Adjustable Baby Bassinet
Bottom Line: This bassinet adjusts to your bed and has soft lighting. Plus, its adjustable depth gives you the flexibility to use it longer than most other models.
Pros
Various white noises and integrated soft light.
Adjustable depth and height
Has an integrated light
Longer service life than other bassinets
Large bassinet for growing babies.
Cons
Less durable mattress
Slightly high price
First thing first…
This tall bassinet grows with your baby, and you can use it for an extended period!
In addition, it is adjustable so that the height of the cradle is slightly higher than that of your bed. You, therefore, have quick and easy access to the interior without having to get up.
Plus, this model has a soft light that you can turn on at night for better visibility.
…you can also activate white noises to help your baby fall asleep!
The best part?
The depth of the cradle is adjustable to suit your child’s height. So even if he’s older and able to stand up, the mesh sides will be high enough to prevent him from coming out.
Keep in mind, though,
The quality of the mattress is slightly behind. It’s not so much in terms of comfort, but more in its durability.
It is still possible to add another mattress!
The removable cover that comes with the mattress is machine washable..
The Ingenuity Dream & Grow has four casters to move it from room to room easily. It also comes with a big pocket with two compartments to store everything you need.
The maximum weight recommendation for this bassinet is 25 lbs, making it a perfect bassinet for 6 month old babies and up…
10 – 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
Best Bassinet With a Remote Control
Bottom Line: This is a nice cradle at the cutting edge of technology. You can remotely control the way he rocks your child while activating white noises.
Pros
Multiple functions
Bluetooth connection
Integrated timer
Compatible with 4moms app for a remote control
Cons
High price
Heavier than other bassinets
Are you a tech lover?
Some extra features can go a long way in helping you at home, and this simple bassinet can quickly turn into a smart device that can soothe your baby.
The 4moms MamaRoo is a baby cradle with a flat and firm sleeping surface. Plus, all sides are made entirely of mesh, providing good air circulation as well as a quick view inside.
If this product comes at a higher price than most products of the same genre, it is because of some exciting features.
You can control these directly on the device or by using your smartphone.
Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to rock your baby from a distance.
Furthermore, this bassinet offers five movements! These mimic a car ride, a swing, jumps, or even waves.
With all these choices, one of them will undoubtedly succeed in soothing your little one.
You can also change the speed, which gives many possible combinations of movements.
For the baby’s convenience, this cradle also comes with four white noise options. Let your child fall asleep peacefully to the sound of the ocean, fan, shh, or rain.
Last but not least..
There is a timer that lets you select how long you want to use various features.
Program it so that everything stops without you having to move.
Buyers’ Guide: How To Choose a Suitable Bassinet
To avoid unpleasant surprises, we have drawn up a list of the criteria essential to consider for comfortable and safe baby sleep.
We recommend you check them out before deciding on one:
The Tilt
There can be two failover modes:
- The movements of the baby.
- The impetus of parents.
Some baby cradles have a locking system that allows you to prevent tipping when you feel it is necessary.
Dimensions and Weight
When it comes to weight, look for a light bassinet, especially if you plan to move it around at home or take it on the go.
But be prepared to compromise: Sometimes, a heavier product is also more robust.
For more convenience, it might come with wheels, which might make it heavier!
For dimensions, remember to check the assembled and folded size as well
With some models, you might get a storage bag, and some cradles are adjustable in height – mainly if you use them in the baby bedside sleeper mode.
Materials and Overall Design
Baby products – including bassinets’ mattresses, must be free of any harmful materials.
That’s said, opt for a toxic-free model.
In general, the framework is usually made out of Plastic or Aluminum.
The Aluminum material allows lightness and robustness at the same time!
For fabrics: today, the vast majority of baby bassinets have mesh fabric.
Parents prefer this type of fabric for two main reasons: better air circulation and baby visibility.
However, this structure can be a little cool in winter, and some brands offer zippered covers.
Finally, ensure that the mattress is comfortable.
Ease of Maintenance
A bassinet commonly has many parts, including fabrics, and these aren’t always washer-friendly.
So be sure to get one that is easy to assemble and has a machine-washable fabric!
Additional Features
Often, baby cradles have a small electronic box. It can be powered by: AA batteries.
This box offers soothing music and sounds (sometimes with automatic shutdown), night light or mood light, Bluetooth connectivity to play the audio files of your choice, and some might include a temperature monitor.
Note that these functions might not be available on all models, even in the highest price ranges.
Design
Cradles come in different shapes; rectangular, bassinet, on casters or rocking. The latter allows you to rock the child.
There are also co-sleeping models that dock to the parent’s bed.
There are colorful (or themed) designs that are more fun for your baby and more enjoyable for parents.
Even if this is not the most crucial criterion, do not hesitate to look for a product that looks good for you; you will most likely find something that fits the baby’s nursery!
The Maximum Weight Limit
The maximum weight determines how long you can use the bassinet.
It is most often around 13.6 kg or 30 lbs which corresponds to a 5-6 month old baby. But it may be lower than that, with some cradles only intended to be used for the first three months.
The Accessories
Here are the most common accessories:
- A basket or storage pocket for baby essentials.
- A mobile part with stuffed animals, toys, and sometimes little lights.
- A canopy or a hood.
These are not necessary items; however, having them in the bassinet might be helpful for the baby and parents at the same time.
Things To Remember:
- Pick a breathable mattress cover, waterproof (also chemical-free), and has a hypoallergenic barrier.
- Don’t place your baby in the bassinet if he exceeds the recommended baby weight limit.
- Properly place the cradle in the bedroom So the baby can safely sleep.
- Minimize the use of pillows and blankets inside the baby sleeping area; only one will be enough.
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, always put the baby on his back to prevent SIDS until 12 months.
- Like any other baby gear, clean the cradle regularly.
- If you see any damage to the mattress, don’t hesitate to replace it with a new one for the baby’s safety.
FAQ
Q1: How old can the baby be to use the cradle?
Generally speaking, baby bassinets are suitable for babies from newborns to four or five months old. Usually, when babies move or roll over on their own, it is best to change them into a larger crib. In addition, most baby bassinets state the maximum weight recommended, so do not use it when the baby exceeds the mentioned weight limit.
Q2: Where can I place the bassinet in the room?
You should avoid placing the baby’s bassinet under a shelf so that nothing falls on it. Also, do not place it very close to a table (like the changing table if you have one). He could pull on any item he sees and injures himself.
Q3: How thick should the cradle mattress be?
Since the baby is made to sleep without a head pillow, the mattress needs to be comfortable and of the right thickness. The bassinet mattress should not exceed 1½ inches of thickness.
Our Verdict: Best Baby Bassinets
The reviewed bassinets are all safe for babies to use from the first moment of their lives!
Yet, different brands offer various models, and each of them has significant features that make them stand over the other.
With this in mind, our review took into consideration the bassinet’s features, parents’ feedback, and our personal experience as well.
The comparison was made on the main criteria that distinguish them from each other: the Value for money, Stability, Ease to assemble, and Maneuverability features!
Take a look at the comparison results below…
| Product | Rating out of 5 |
| Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Delta Children Deluxe Bedside Bassinet | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Besrey 3 in 1 Portable Baby Bassinets | ⭐ 4.25 |
| Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bedside Crib | ⭐ 4.0 |
| MiClassic All mesh 2 in1 Stationary and Rock Bassinet | ⭐ 4.0 |
| Dream On Me Lacy Portable 2-in-1 Bassinet | ⭐ 4.0 |
| 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet | ⭐ 3.75 |
| Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Ngenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet | ⭐ 3.5 |
| HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper | ⭐ 3.25 |
Based on our review…
Fisher-Price and Delta baby bassinets come up at the top of the list as top performers!
The Fisher-Price bassinet feels more stable, and it is more expensive than the Delta bassinet, which is affordable for most parents.
Next comes the Besrey 3 in 1 Portable Baby Bassinet. The best feature about this cradle is the net that covers and protects the baby from bugs and insects. However, it doesn’t have wheels for easy movement.
On the third spot come the Mika Micky, MiClassic, and Dream On Me bassinets. Each of them performs differently in terms of the comparison features, yet, the overall performance is the same!
Then comes the 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet. It is an intelligent cradle that you can easily control the operation via Bluetooth app. However, it is more expensive and heavy!
On the fifth spot came the Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer and Ngenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinets. The downside that they both share is that they are less sturdy than the ones before.
Unfortunately, the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper came at the bottom of the list. It is expensive; however, it performs lower than the other bassinets in the list.
Conclusion
Here is the last section of the article..
After reviewing the top 10 baby bassinets, it is time to present our Top Pick, Best Value, and Editor’s Choice options:
- The Top Pick goes to: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
- The Best Value goes to: Delta Children Deluxe Bedside Bassinet
- The Editors’ Choice goes to: Besrey 3 in 1 Portable Baby Bassinets
We hope you find this helpful article for you… You might also want to check The Best 10 Cribs For Your Baby