2017 Best Bassinets for Newborns

Coming home from the hospital with a newborn baby can cause parents to experience anxiety and fear of not knowing how their new little family is going to adjust to being under the same roof. Putting a newborn down to sleep for the first time at home makes parents, especially mothers, feel nervous and paranoid that their baby will stop breathing during the night or that something bad will happen to them. Because of these overwhelming emotions, parents will impulsively check on their baby several times throughout the night in order to confirm that they’re safe. To remedy their apprehensions, many parents will have their newborns sleep in a bedside bassinet. Bassinets are perfect for newborns because they create a smaller, cozier feel, unlike being in a big crib, and fit right beside your bed. The best bassinets for newborns keep your baby safe and close to you throughout the night, all while providing convenient, easy access to your newborn at all times.

What to Look for in a Bassinet

When searching for the best bassinet for your newborn baby, there are a few key features the bassinet should have in order for your newborn to sleep safely by your side.

  • Mattress that is firm and thin. This will reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Be sure that the mattress is less than an inch in thickness.
  • Mesh siding all around the bassinet. Allows for adequate air circulation to help your newborn breathe more easily while they’re sleeping.
  • Made with clean materials. This is so important that your delicate newborn is protected from coming into contact with materials containing harmful chemicals or flame retardants. Be sure to check the bassinet’s label to ensure that it’s free of dangerous materials.

Quick Comparison: Best Bassinets for Newborns


Top 4 Best Bassinets for Newborns

The following are the four best bassinets for newborns based on their features, safety, and ratings.


1) Arm’s Reach Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper

Best Bassinets for Newborns

Compact in size and able to convert into three different functions, the Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper by Arm’s Reach is one of the best bassinets for newborns. Its small size helps the bassinet fit right next to your bed and allows you to have instant access to your baby all throughout the night. You’ll be able to feed and comfort your baby more conveniently, as well as bond with them while they sleep. You can rest easy knowing that your newborn is sleeping peacefully by your side and that they’re within arm’s reach if they need anything.

The Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper is a safe bassinet for your infant to sleep in. All four sides of the bassinet are made of mesh, so your baby can breathe more easily during the night. The bassinets are also designed with a sleeping nest that is 4 inches in height and a patented nylon attachment strap and plate to help keep your newborn secure. For safety reasons, be sure that the bassinet is flush against your bed and doesn’t have a gap greater than 1/2” between them.

Another reason the Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper is one of the best bassinets for newborns is because it can also quickly transform into a free standing bassinet or a playard for your newborn to use as they start to grow. It’s recommended that the bassinet should stop being used once your baby reaches five months of age or when they’re able to push up on their hands and knees. Your baby can still use the playard function until they exceed 35 inches in height or can climb out on their own.

Compact, convertible, convenient, and safe, the Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper by Arm’s Reach is one of the best bassinets for your newborn to sleep in for the first few month and play in for later.

2) Graco Dream Suite Bassinet

Graco Dream Suite Bassinet

Graco has managed to create one of the best bassinets for newborns with their two-in-one, safe and comfortable Dream Suite Bassinet. Able to function as both a bassinet and changing station, Dream Suite is the versatile bedside sleeper that you’ve been looking for. Assembled with four locking wheels, you can easily roll your newborn closer to your bedside for late-night feedings and consoling, as well as navigate the bassinet throughout your house so that your baby is always by your side. With its two different vibration settings, you are able to soothe your baby to sleep and calm them down when they’re fussy.

The Graco Dream Suite Bassinet has many of the important safety features parents look for when purchasing a bassinet that is the best for newborns. This model includes mesh panels, providing sufficient air circulation for your newborn. The mesh panels also gives you better visibility of your newborn so that you can keep an eye on them while you’re laying in bed. The mattress cover is removable and washable, and the changing surface is made with a fabric that can be easily wiped clean. This protects your newborn from being exposed to harmful germs or bacteria while they’re resting in the bassinet. For your infant’s safety, stop use of the bassinet once they weigh more than 15 pounds or are able to push up on their hands and knees. The changing station, however, can still be used until your baby weighs more than 30 pounds.

Multifunctional, easy to use, comfortable, and safe, the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet ranks high on the list of the best bassinets for newborns.

3) HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet

HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet

If you’re wanting the most convenient bassinet for newborns, look no further than the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet. Unlike other bassinets, HALO bassinets have the ability to rotate a complete 360 degrees. You can pull your newborn closer to you when needed and easily swivel the bassinet aside when you’re getting in and out of bed. When not using the swivel feature, the bassinet can be locked in place, making it sturdy and stable. The innovative design allows your newborn to be at eye level while both of you are sleeping, keeping them in your sight at all times.

For additional convenience, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet is equipped with a patented sidewall that lowers, so that you can still care for your newborn while you’re laying in bed. This unique feature, a contributing factor in making this one of the best bassinets for newborns, is perfect for mothers who are recovering from C-sections and have limited mobility. The 4-point base easily fits underneath your bed and can accommodate beds ranging from 22-34 inches tall. To further help soothe your newborn, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet plays music and sounds, has a nightlight, can vibrate on two different levels, and has a side pouch to store essential items your baby needs during the night.

Endorsed as one of the best bassinets for newborns as a substitute for bed-sharing, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet guarantees that your baby will sleep safely and be at a lower risk for SIDS. With mesh siding all around the bassinet, your newborn can breathe easily throughout the night. The polyurethane mattress pad is free of harmful chemicals and toxic flame retardants. The bassinet meets all of the safety standards of US Consumer Products Safety Commission and Health Canada, and is JPMA certified. The bassinet can be safely used by your newborn until they reach five months of age or when they begin to roll over, pull themselves up, or push up on their hands and knees.

Innovative, convenient, safe and durable, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet is preferred by new parents and is one of the best bassinets for newborns.

4) Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper

Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper

A more affordable option, but still one of the best bassinets for newborns, is the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper. This bassinet, which doubles as a playtime seat, places your newborn in an inclined position for sleeping, which can reduce colic and gas issues. The rocking base allows you to gently soothe your baby to sleep or when they get fussy. Relaxing vibrations can also be turned on with the simple switch of a button. With its small design, your newborn will be able to sleep snugly beside your bed. Lightweight, compact, and portable, the Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper can easily travel with you around the house.

As one of the best bassinets for newborns, the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper has great safety features. The sides are made with breathable mesh to ensure your newborn is getting proper air circulation. A three-point harness system keeps your newborn secure on their back during sleep time and playtime, reducing the risk of SIDS. The supportive insert has a soft texture that makes your newborn feel safe and comfortable.

Affordable, portable, safe, and comfortable, the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper is among the best sleeper for newborns.

Choosing the Best Bassinet for Your Newborn

For new parents, having their newborns close to them is very important, especially when they’re sleeping. Parents want to be able to have instant access to their newborn so that they’re able to quickly tend to them in the middle of the night. Please check our post Rock n Play Sleeper VS Bassinet when purchasing a bassinet for your newborn, always be sure that it’s safe for your baby to sleep in. The Arm’s Reach Mini Arc Convertible Co-Sleeper, the Graco Dream Suite Bassinet, the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet, and the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock ’n Play Sleeper are all guaranteed to keep your little one safe and secure right by your side, making them the best bassinets for newborns.

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