Best Bassinet for Breastfeeding moms-A Complete Buying Guide (2022)

By Lynn •  Updated: 09/15/21 •  19 min read
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One way to keep the baby close to you at night is by placing him or her on a bassinet. Bassinets are smaller than the typical cribs; hence, they can be placed next to the mother’s bed even when space is small.

Another benefit is that they can be moved around easily. This means that placing the baby on a bassinet gives you easy access especially when you want to breastfeed at night. You should, however, consider a few things when shopping around for the best bassinet for breastfeeding and this review will help you make an informed decision during purchase.

Best bassinet for breastfeeding comparison chart

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Best bassinets and co sleepers for bedside in-depth review

1. HALO bassinet swivel sleeper Luxe Plus

Who is ideal for this bassinet?

The Halo bassinet Swivel Sleeper is considered the most ideal for moms who have had a C-section. This is because it is an all-round bassinet that comes with advanced functions, which ease the post-partum experience among moms.

Truth is, when you have a c-section wound, the last thing you want is to move around. In fact, your mobility is very limited. Thus, the advanced functions on the Halo bassinet greatly minimize the number of movements you make when tending to your newborn.

Why this co-sleeper is considered ideal for post-C-section moms

  • It swivels and rotates at 360 degrees

The ability of this co-sleeper to swivel and rotate at 360 degrees makes it easy for a mom to get in and out of the bed. You do not have to carry the bassinet to move it out of your way when you have a CS wound.

  • The side wall retracts

This is the most sought after feature and the reason why most moms purchase this bassinet.

It makes it easy for a mom to take the baby in or out of the bassinet since it can lower to the level of the bed or couch. This means that you do not have a stand in order to lift your baby from the crib when you want to nurse or place him or her back.

Most importantly, the retracting sides help you to soothe the baby without taking him out of the bassinet.

  • The height is adjustable

The adjustable height helps to bring the baby to the same level as you whether in bed or on the coach. Thus, you can keep an eye on the baby as he or she sleeps.

  • It has Mesh sides

The mesh sides allow air to circulate in and out of the bassinet and also increases breathability. In addition, you can easily see the baby through the mesh without having to sit up.

  • It has a Floor light

In case you want to move from the bedroom at night, the floor light helps you see where you are stepping without waking the baby.

Halo bassinet swivel sleeper Luxe plus Comes with:

Two storage pocket, a polyester fitted sheet, waterproof mattress pad, soothing center with a nightlight, soothing sounds and vibration, back to bed reminder and floor light

Ideal for babies from birth to 5 months or up to 30 pounds

What you will like

[yes_list]

  • The bassinet is very light in weight
  • Swiveling makes it easy for you to get in out of bed
  • The mattress pad is waterproof
  • Mesh walls enhance the baby’s ability to breath
  • The reclining sidewall makes it easy to breastfeed; hence best for c-section moms
  • It has a very sturdy base
  • Very easy to assemble
  • The adjustable height helps to bring the baby as close to you as possible

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What you might not like

[no_list]

  • It is quite pricey
  • The mattress is a bit thin
  • Can only be used up to 5 months before the baby starts rolling or pushing up

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2. Rock n Play portable bassinet

Who is ideal for this bassinet?

The rock n play bassinet is very portable and fits well into small spaces. Thus, if you live in an apartment with limited space or your bedroom is too small to fit the large-sized bassinets and co-sleepers, then this is the best bassinet for you.

Why this is considered the most portable bassinet best for small spaces

  • Folds completely flat

The ability of this bassinet to fold entirely flat makes it easy for you to carry from one room to another. This also helps in storage as it can fit on the side of your bed, standing against the wall or under the bed since it takes very little space.

  • Light in weight

This makes it easy for you to carry the bassinet from one room to another. Whether you want the baby close to you in the living room as you relax or wherever you are in or outside the house, this bassinet is very easy to move around.

Other important features
  • Rocks gently

There are those fussy nights when your baby will want to be held all the time and rocked until they sleep, which is really tiring. The rock n play bassinet makes this easy for you. All you have to do is place baby on the bassinet and gently push it to rock to the baby. In no time, the little one will be sound asleep.

You can actually rock the baby to sleep as you lay in bed and place the bassinet next to you.

Some parents have criticized the rocking motions claiming that they are not smooth; hence they tend to wake the baby. Luckily, if you do not like the rocking feature, there is an option to disable it.

  • Mesh sides

The white sides on the bassinet are made of mesh. This increases airflow in and out of the bassinet making it easy for your baby to breath.

  • The sleeping area is flat

The good thing about this is that the flat surface makes it easy for the baby to turn his or her head side to side. Hence, it prevents your baby’s head from becoming flat due to sleeping on one side for too long.

  • Washable bassinet pad

One thing I really like about this bassinet is that you do not have to worry about buying a waterproof pad because it comes with a bassinet pad that can be washed and dried. The pad will remain in good condition no matter how many times you wash it. Just avoid washing using a machine as it might shrink; hand wash is enough.

According to the manufacture of this bassinet, you should NOT use any sheet. I’m pretty sure you know the reason is to avoid possible suffocation of the baby. However, if you feel that the pad is not cosy enough for the baby to sleep on directly, make sure you purchase a well-fitting sheet since this bassinet does not come with one.

I highly discourage this though; let’s follow instructions as stated by the manufacturer for safety reasons. A better option is to swaddle the baby to keep him warm and cosy.

  • The Rock n’ Play bassinet also comes with:

A mirror attached on the side that enables you to watch over your baby as he sleeps in the bassinet without getting out of bed or sitting up. Also, it comes with a toy for soothing the baby.

Appropriate for babies weighing 25 pounds and below. Thus, appropriate for babies up to 4-5 months old.

Should not be used the moment the baby begins to push up, roll over or sit without assistance.

What you will like

[yes_list]

  • Very spacious
  • Easy to store
  • Good for travel
  • Easy to fold
  • Very sturdy

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What you might not like

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  • It does not incline so you might have to get out of bed or sit up to get the baby to breastfeed
  • Mattress pad shrinks if machine-washed.

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3.Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Who is ideal for this bassinet?

Some parents are very keen on the amount of money they spend on baby items that they may only use for a short period. As we have already discussed above, bassinets have a weight and age limit; thus, they can only be used up to a certain age. For this reason, some parents avoid using a bassinet if they fail to find one that suits their budget.

The Dream On Me Karley Bassinet is a cheap option for such parents.

Despite being one of the cheapest bassinets on the market, it offers all the important features and even more that can be found in expensive bassinets.

Important features

  • Double adjustable Canopy

This is one of the best canopy bassinets in the market, which is affordable. The canopy closes at the middle using a zipper so you can choose to leave the canopy closed. If you go camping with the baby, you can completely close the canopy to keep off bugs and provide shade from the sun when the baby is sleeping.

If you have a pet, particularly a cat, the canopy can help to prevent it from snuggling the baby as he sleeps.

Although the canopy does not come off, it can open and lie completely flat using the snaps on the sides. This makes it convenient for you to place or pick the baby up for breastfeeding.

  • Sleeping Pad

For that price, I believe it is a nice thing that this bassinet comes with a sleeping pad. Some bassinets going for that price or less only have a board.

This pad is however very thin so you might have to buy a regular bassinet mattress to ensure your baby is comfortable. Remember to purchase one that fits the bassinet well. For instance, the dream on me waterproof pad fits quite well.

  • Light in weight

This makes it possible for you to move it from one place in the house to another. You can also carry it along when travelling because it is very versatile.

  • Storage basket

The storage basket comes in handy for putting diapers, baby wipes and other baby accessories that you may need while travelling on around the house.

What you will like

[yes_list]

  • The canopy is adjustable
  • Mesh sides that promote air flow
  • It is very sturdy
  • Rocks gently
  • It is light in weight
  • Portable
  • A wide variety of to choose
  • Made of soft and safe material (polyester)

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What you milk like

[no_list]

  • The sleeping pad is very thin
  • Pad wears out very fast

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This bassinet can hold an infant weighing up to 15lbs (probably 3 months). However, the grey and blue bassinet can accommodate a baby up to 5 months or 25lbs.


4. Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard

Who is ideal for this bassinet?

There are times when you may feel that buying a bassinet is a waste of money since you can only use it for the first few months probably up to 5months, and then give it away or keep it in case you plan on having more kids.

However, did you know that there are playpens or playards that come with a bassinet?

Well, the Ingenuity Smart and Simple Playard is multipurpose. It can be used as a diaper changing station, a bassinet or a playard.  Thus, it is ideal for moms who love convenience.

Why this playard is considered the most convenient

  • It comes with a Bassinet

If you have a baby on the way, you will really appreciate the fact that this playpen comes with a bassinet. This means that you will not need to buy a separate bassinet for your baby and hence save money.

In addition, as your child gets older, you can remove the bassinet and you are left with a playard. The manufacturer, however, discourages using the playard for sleeping. You can buy a mattress and a fitted sheet for the playard and it becomes a very cosy crib for your infant. This is something that you cannot do with an ordinary bassinet.

  • Changing table

This is a very unique feature. The changing table comes attached to the playard in four different places-on the sides and at the middle-to ensure stability and safety of your little one during diaper changing.

The changing table can be cleaned by simply wiping using warm water and disinfecting it. So you do not need to worry about removing the cover to wash it since it does not come with a cushion cover.

  • Wheels

This playard has wheels that make easy for you to move from one place to another in a room without having to carry it.

  • Mattress pad

This playpen comes with a mattress pad that is safe for a newborn. However, as the baby grows and wants him or her to sleep in the playpen rather than the bassinet, you might have to buy another mattress that is compatible with this type of Pack and Play.

  • Mesh sides

The mesh sides increase airflow in and out of the playard.

  • Storage pockets

The storage pockets are large enough to accommodate a number of baby diapers, wipes, lotion and other necessities for your baby.

  • A travel bag, toy bar, and canopy

The bassinet can hold a baby up to 15lbs. Thus, they are best for infants under 3 months.

The changing table can hold up to 25lbs.

The playard is appropriate for kids not taller than 35”. A child who is taller than that may easily climb out.

What you will like

[yes_list]

  • It is multipurpose hence convenient
  • Very stable
  • Portable; can be moved from one room to another
  •  Easy to fold especially when travelling since it does not need to be disassembled
  • It’s a perfect size for bedroom small spaces
  • Washable fabric

[/yes_list]

What you might not like

[no_list]

  • The bassinet does not have a rocking feature
  • Comes in only a few colors

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FAQ about the best bassinet for breastfeeding

Q. What do I look for when choosing the best co sleeper bassinet?

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  • How portable and sturdy is the bassinet?

Since a bassinet is meant to be moved around; from the bedroom to the sitting room or traveling, it should be portable yet sturdy enough.

A portable bassinet should be flexible and easy to fold so that you can manage to carry it. If it is for traveling, ensure that it can fold and fit in the trunk of your car.

For safety reasons, you must ensure the bassinet you choose to buy is sturdy enough. It should stand firmly on the ground and should not move with a slight push. If the bassinet has wheels, they should have lockable breaks on at least two of them.

  • Does the bassinet have adequate breathable zones

As we have noted above, breathability is a big factor in bassinets. All the products we have reviewed above have mesh side, which allows free flow of air in and out of the bassinet. This promotes breathability.

As you shop around, you may come across some bassinets without this important feature and you should automatically disqualify them from your list.

  • How deep is the bassinet?

The bassinet should be deep enough to prevent the baby from falling out.

However, it should not be too deep such that it prevents him from flowing freely in and out of the bassinet.

  • Are there areas where the baby can get trapped?

For the bassinets with wood slats, are they too wide that they baby’s head can get trapped? Does the mattress pad fit all the sides well enough without leaving any space that the baby can get trapped?

These are some of the safety standards you must check before settling on the best bassinet for breastfeeding. The mattress should not leave spaces on the edges as this may pose a risk of being trapped and causing suffocation.

  • What is the recommended age and weight limit for the bassinet?

We have seen in our review above that bassinet have a recommended age and weight limit. Some are recommended from birth to 3 months other to 5 months or more.

Get a bassinet that your baby can use for longer periods before you transition him to a crib. This may mean getting one that can support heavier weights so that the baby can grow with it. You do not want to buy one that the baby will use only up to 2 months as this may not be cost effective.

Just remember that once the baby starts pushing up or rolling, it may not be a good idea to leave them on the bassinet unattended. It is also time for you to start transitioning them to a crib.

  • How firm is the mattress pad?

The best bassinet mattress should be firm and not thick. However, while reviewing the bassinets above, the main concern from the buyers was the size of the pad. Most stated that the pad that comes with the bassinet was too thin and that they were forced to buy a thicker one to replace it.

Of course, it cannot be a coincidence that all bassinet manufacturers make thin mattress pads.

It is a safety standard set by ASTM International that the manufacturers are required to adhere to. If you check the label on the bassinet, you will confirm that the bassinet has met the safety standards required to ensure the product is safe for babies to use.

The reason why the mattress pad should be thin yet firm is to eliminate the chance of the baby suffocating. You are therefore not supposed to replace the mattress with a softer one or use a mattress sheet unless it comes from the manufacturer of that particular bassinet.

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Q. When is the right time to start using a bedside co sleeper?

You start using a bassinet immediately you get home from the hospital.  They are ideal for newborns because they are cozier and warmer and create a womb-like environment for the baby.

Q. What are the benefits of using a bassinet over a crib?

Bassinets are smaller than cribs hence they take up little space and can easily fit in small spaces. The small size makes them warmer and cozier than cribs; hence, they are the best for a preemie.

They are also lighter than cribs, which makes them highly portable so they can be moved from one room to another. You can move one to your room for easier nursing at night.

Another advantage is that bassinets are affordable compared to cribs. You can find bassinets for as low $40 dollars but it is nearly impossible to get a good quality crib under $100.

Q. My bedroom space is too small; do I really need a bassinet?

A bassinet may not be a must-have product on the list of baby items, but it is important to have one for safety reasons.

The reason why some parents opt to share a bed with their newborns is to have peace of mind knowing that the baby is close to them. It also makes it easier for them to breastfeed at night.

Co-sleeping with a baby has been reported to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). More details here >>

However, using a bassinet reduces this risk of SIDS because they help you to bring your baby as close to you as possible without having to share the same bed.

Bassinets also make it easier for you to nurse your baby at night and also to keep an eye on her as she sleeps, which gives you peace of mind.

It does not matter how small your bedroom is because bassinets come in different sizes. For instance, The Rock n Play portable bassinet we discussed earlier fits well in small spaces. It also folds completely flat; hence, it can be stored standing against the wall, which takes very little storage space.

Q. How do I get the baby to transition from co sleeping to the crib?

When you notice your baby has started to push up or roll over and attempting to sit up, it is time to move him or her to a more stable baby bed or crib. This can happen at any time between 4 and 6 months.

Truth is you might not be ready to have your baby sleeping alone in a different room. You may lack peace of mind if you were used to watching over the little one at night. It is also inconveniencing because nursing at night becomes a tiresome activity.

There are a few things you can do to make the transition smooth.

If your room is big enough, you can move the baby’s crib into your room. That way, you can have the baby near you as he or she continues to adjust to sleeping in the crib. After a while, move the crib back to the baby’s room. This allows the baby to transition gradually without being rushed.

You can also do a sleepover in the baby’s room for a couple of days until the baby gets used to sleeping in his room. If the baby’s room is big enough, place and an extra bed for you. Do not sleep in the same bed as this will not help in the transition.

Takeaway

Choose a bassinet that meets your needs and most importantly your baby’s needs. For your needs, do you want a portable one? A detachable one that you can place on your bed to ease nursing? A small one that can fit in any space in your house?

For your baby’s needs, is it deep enough? Does it promote breathability? Is it sturdy? Is the mattress firm enough? Does it meet the required safety standards?

Lynn

Lynn is a freelance writer, a wife, and a mother of two beautiful kids. Lynn started Infant Empire with the aim of making parenting easier for fellow mums and dads. She believes the parenting tips provided here will be of great help to all parents.