The Best Portable Bassinets

When you have a new baby on the way, you are going to need to be sure that you have everything at home ready and waiting for the arrival. A portable bassinet that is cozy and small can be the perfect place for your baby to sleep when he or she comes home, but you need to keep a number of factors in mind. To start with, you need to remember that this is going to be a piece of baby furniture that is well worth it, but your baby will grow out of it rather quickly. Most babies tend to outgrow a portable bassinet by around four months of age.

There are two major advantages that you will have with a portable bassinet over a crib. The first is that it will make the newborn feel a sense of comfort and ease while in a cozier, smaller space. The second is that you can easily move your portable bassinet around from room to room, which makes it great for keeping a close watch whenever your baby is sleeping during nap time. In the evenings, you can simply move the bassinet right next to your bed to make comforting and feedings a whole lot easier.

Over the recent years, portable bassinets have also gained a number of new features. You will find some that not only have wheels, but they may also swivel from side to side, have a vibration mode, or that you can nestle right up to your bed with the side open for co-sleeping without having bed-sharing.

Some of the different portable bassinets can also be taken down easily and transported for travel. This is nice whenever you are going to be going on vacation and you want to bring along your own sleep space for your baby, or if you are going to be dropping the baby off with a friend or relative for an overnight.

What Is A Portable Bassinet?

This is basically a compact baby bed that can be constructed of metal, plastic tubing, wicker or metal. They usually come with a covering of fabric, at least on the inside. The portable models come with wheels that make it easier for you to move it wherever you would like. Some of the models that are available today will have a rigid hood that can easily be attached on one end to block light from your infant while he/she is sleeping. Some of them will also come with smaller shelves underneath for easy storage of baby supplies. Many of the modern portable bassinet styles will also have additional features such as music, soft lighting, and vibration.

Functionality – Some of the more involved portable bassinets may also serve as a changing table, or can be used as an easy bedside sleeper that will attach to your adult bed for a safer option to co-sleeping.

Portability – Any portable bassinet will have a portability element, with some being easier to move than others. You may find a handle or a sack for carrying, or you will have to move it from room to room using the installed wheels. It is simply going to be a matter of picking out the portability style that really fits in with your needs for your family and whether or not you are always on the go.

Bedding – This is another important feature that parents need to look at when it comes to the purchase of a portable bassinet. The bedding, or the mattress pad, should not be any thicker than one and a half inches. Many bassinets will also come with a fabric liner and a fitted sheet.

Important Portable Bassinet Safety Notes

When you are looking for the perfect portable bassinet for your baby and the needs of your family, you need to be able to go into it with a better understanding of some of the safety indications, such as:

- Try to avoid any bassinets that have a rocking or motion feature. There have been some reports that these pieces have caused suffocation incidents, or that the babies may end up rolling against the edge. If you are a parent that is looking to purchase the perfect bassinet that is reminiscent of a rocking cradle, you need to be sure that you are always able to supervise your baby while it is being used.

- With any sort of sleep furniture for your little one, you need to be sure that there is a firm mattress that will fit in a snug manner. This means not having any space along the edges where the infant's head could end up getting wedged in, as this could lead to suffocation. Some pediatricians have been known to warn parents that some models are not going to be safe for full overnight sleeping. Because of this, any parent will have to use their best judgment and look into the recommendations on each model before purchasing and using for their little one.

- Stay away from any style that includes fluffy fabrics around the inside. This is something that will simply increase the risk of suffocation. If you do go with a model that has this, make sure that the material is easy to remove so that you can make it safer to use for your baby's sleeping needs.

Portable Bassinet Recommendations

Whenever you are thinking of purchasing a bassinet that is portable, you have to be sure that you are always following along with the suggestions that are put out by the manufacturer. This will include guidelines when it comes to tips for the weight and size. You should also be sure that you end up stopping the use of the portable bassinet whenever your baby is able to roll over, or push his/herself up on their needs, or can sit up on their own.

You will usually find a number of warnings with a product such as this, including the different elements that are involved in the assembly. Many portable bassinets will come in several parts that all have to be put together perfectly in accordance with specifications so that you can be sure you are using it safely with your infant. If you find that you are in need of extra parts, always contact the manufacturer directly instead of looking for the pieces elsewhere.

Top Portable Bassinet Recommendations

HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet – This option combines a number of features that many parents look for in a bassinet. The base easily slides under the bed for easy storage, and there is a handy nursing timer that will help to wake parents up for interval feedings. Additional features include a 360-degree swivel, sounds, vibration, and music.

BabyJorn Portable Bassinet Cradle – This is a bassinet that offers a sleek style with a versatile design. You will find it to be easy to assemble and it offers a smaller footprint so that it does not take up a whole lot of space wherever you want it to be. It is light and easy to pick up, yet very sturdy so you don't have to worry about it tipping over.

Graco Pack N Play Playard Bassinet – Not only is this a popular brand, but this style is highly desirable for any parents on the go. Designed for versatile portability, this bassinet collapses quickly at the click of a button and it is light enough to bring around from one location to another when it is folded down. The materials even wipe clean so that you can pick up any messes without hassle.

Graco Dream Suite Bassinet – This is a nice option that is loaded with a wealth of features, complete with affordable pricing. There are locking wheels, a canopy, a large storage compartment, soothing vibrations and a fun toy bar. Parents will find this bassinet easy to assemble and the basket easily rotates to turn into a changing surface.

Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Sleeper – If you are looking for a nice alternative to a flat basket-style bassinet, this is a great choice. This sleeper bassinet has a rocking motion along with a slight incline, which is perfect for any infant that has digestive issues. The soothing sounds help to lull baby to sleep, and there is a handy three-point harness to be sure that any wiggly infant is not going to be in danger of slipping out.

Arms Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinet – This is a popular portable bassinet that can easily be used next to your bed, or anywhere else in your house that you see fit. The leg height is adjustable, the mattress comes with a waterproof cover, and there are side pockets and an extra large compartment for easy storage of supplies.

Buying the right portable bassinet for your infant will involve doing your research and having a clear picture of your needs. There will not be a singular perfect option that fits for all parents, as each buyer has their own preferences and requirements. The more that you research your options, the better, more informed decision you will be able to make.

Top Rated Portable Bassinets

If you're looking into finding the best rated portable bassinet, you should probable check out the Chicco LullaGo® Anywhere Bassinet. We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

Chicco LullaGo® Anywhere Bassinet

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $32.99 (last checked this morning), we do not list any other portable bassinet cheaper than the Upgrade Travel Bassinet. Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

Upgrade Travel Bassinet

The Portable Bassinet With the Most Reviews