There is nothing more lovely than coming home with your new baby for the first time. For months you devoted time to planning for their arrival, decorating the nursery, and arranging the crib. Then you come home with them and realize you’re not comfortable with them sleeping across the room.

Don’t worry; there’s a solution. A portable bassinet!

When your baby is experiencing those first few months of life, you’ll probably want them near you. Several parents like to check on their babies while they sleep, plus the convenience of being in your room for middle-of-the-night feedings.

Portable bassinets provide you the relief of having your baby close to you and also enable you to move the infant around for naps during the day. So if you need a small safe sleeping option for home or traveling, a portable bassinet is an excellent choice for new parents.

But before researching the best one in the market, we’ve made the research easy for you. Here’s a compiled list of the best portable bassinets for your infant.

Buying guide for

Best Portable Bassinet

When considering portable bassinets, the best is one that:

• • Easily folds for portability
  • Is lightweight
  • Sets up quickly
  • Has adjustable height
  • It’s sturdy and has a small footprint
  • Has a sun-protective covering and bug net.
  • Features music, vibration, nightlight, rocking, etc.
  • Can be used for more than a few months.
  • Comes along with a protective carrying case.

What To Look For When Buying Portable Bassinets

If you’re searching for a portable bassinet, these tips will help you find a safe one for your infant.

Safety standards:

Ensure your bassinet meets current safety standards. Search for labels that say ASTM or JPMA.

Weight and Age limits:

Go through the instructions for the weight limit and other suggestions on when to discontinue using the bassinet. The weight limit for most bassinet is 15 to 20 pounds, though some may be able to hold a heavier infant. Also, some manufacturers may add an age range or maximum age, which is 4 to 6 months.

To rock or not:

A rocking bassinet may be a good idea; however, it introduces safety hazards that are not in stationary bassinets. Once your baby learns to move a little or rollover, the weight moving around in a rocking bassinet could enable enough tilt that your little one could get trapped against one side.

Portability:

Bassinets are famous for their portability. Their smaller weight and size make them easy to transport around the house so your infant can always be close to you. A sturdy set of wheels with locks makes moving the bassinet easier and prevent curious siblings from moving the baby around. It will also be lovely if your bassinet can be disassembled or folded quickly for travel or storage.

Mattress support and firmness:

It’s crucial that the bassinet’s mattress is well supported. The mattress support should be strong enough to hold your infant without flexing or bending. Also, a firm sleep surface is essential for babies to eliminate the risk of SIDS. However, the bassinet mattress shouldn’t be heavily padded, so your baby’s face won’t sink into it.

Bedding:

The bedding that comes with your baby’s bassinet should also be considered. What your baby need is a simple fitted sheet, and it should fit the mattress perfectly. Rather than blankets, dress your baby warmly enough to be comfortable without one.

Are Portable Bassinets Safe?

Yes, they are. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a portable bassinet is an approved sleep surface. So be rest assured that all types of bassinets are the best and safest place for your infant to sleep in while you get some hands-free time.

Is A Car Seat Or A Bassinet Better For A Newborn?

Deciding whether to use a car seat or a bassinet for your infant depends on your present situation and your baby’s needs.

Most bassinets typically have handles like a car seat to carry your baby around in them. They are safe and designed with properties that car seats don’t have, like the ability to rock, music, vibration, and a nightlight.

However, while a bassinet offers the ideal bed for your infant, a car seat is a must-have if you want to travel with your little one. A bassinet lacks the safety features essential to prevent the worst.

So to answer the question, use a bassinet and a car seat according to their precise purpose.

How Big Are Plane Bassinets?

A plane bassinet has 29 inches (73.66 cm) long and 13.5 inches (34.29 cm) wide and is designed with a pillow, sheets and blankets and is suitable for infants up to 8 months old and weighing a maximum of 26lb/11.8kg.

Can You Use A Pack And Play Instead Of A Bassinet?

Like bassinets, pack and play (also known as playards) are federally regulated for baby sleep. They both have four walls and a firm flat surface for your infant to sleep on.

However, the significant differences between a playard and a bassinet are that:

♦Bassinets are designed only for sleep, whereas playards may be used for both sleep and play.

♦Bassinets are safe only for infants, usually under five months old, while playards are safe for much longer.

So knowing which to use at a specific time will depend on your purpose, budget, space, and entertainment.

How Long Will A Bassinet Last?

Bassinets can be used generally for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months. While this might seem like a short period, it is a critical development time for your newborn.

A bassinet is an ideal and safest place for your infant to sleep in, so ensure to choose the correct one for your lifestyle.