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Choosing the best bassinets for newborns isn’t just about what looks nice — it’s about what actually makes those early nights easier.
Because in the beginning, you’re not just “putting baby to sleep”…
you’re recovering, feeding around the clock, and trying to function on very little sleep.
And where your baby sleeps (and how close they are to you) makes a huge difference.
What I Learned About Bassinets as a New Mom
Before my baby was born, I actually did a ton of research on safe sleep and bassinets.
I knew I wanted something safe, simple, and right next to my bed.
The first bassinet I used did work next to my bed — but once I was actually in those early postpartum nights, I realized I wanted him even closer and easier to reach.
That’s something I didn’t fully understand until I was in it.
When you’re choosing the best bassinets for newborns, how close they sit to your bed is one of the biggest things to consider.
Also, something to keep in mind:
Most babies only use a bassinet for a few months (or even less if they’re a bigger baby) before transitioning to a crib.
But in those early weeks, a crib can feel so far away and oversized — especially when you’re waking up constantly and recovering from birth.
Having your baby close, contained, and easy to reach just makes those nights feel a little more manageable.
If you’re building your sleep setup, I also shared everything that helped in my full newborn sleep guide: Newborn Sleep Essentials for Better Nights
The Two Bassinets I Actually Used
Chicco LullaGlide Bassinet
This is the bassinet I was gifted at my baby shower — and overall, it’s a really solid option.
What I liked:
- very sturdy and well-built
- can be locked stationary or gently rocked
- breathable mesh sides all the way around
- the bassinet detaches from the base so you can carry it around the house
It felt safe, simple, and high quality.
But here’s what I didn’t realize at first:
It doesn’t pull in super close to your bed.
And for me… that ended up being a bigger deal than I expected.
👉 Check out the Chicco LullaGlide bassinet I used here
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
This is the one I switched to — and it made a big difference for those early nights.
What makes it different:
- it swivels right over your bed
- baby feels really close to you, without actually being in bed
- side wall lowers easily for feeding and picking baby up
- mesh sides for airflow
- detachable bassinet for moving around
This setup just felt way more natural — especially for breastfeeding at night.
Instead of fully getting out of bed, I could just reach over, pick him up, and settle him back down.
When you’re recovering and waking up multiple times a night, that convenience matters a lot.
👉 Check out the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper I switched to here
What to Look for in the Best Bassinets for Newborns
After using both, here’s what I’d pay attention to:
How close it gets to your bed
This is the biggest one.
If you plan on room sharing (which is recommended early on), having baby right next to you makes nights so much easier.
The footprint / base size
Some bassinets have wide legs that make it hard to position next to your bed.
If you want that “sidecar” feel, this is important.
Ease of getting baby in and out
You’ll be doing this constantly — especially at night.
The easier it is, the better.
Breathable mesh sides
Both of the ones I used had mesh all the way around, which helps with airflow.
Portability
Being able to move the bassinet around the house during the day is surprisingly helpful.
A Quick Note on Safe Sleep
This is really important:
- always place baby on their back
- use a firm, flat sleep surface
- no blankets, pillows, or extras in the bassinet
Even though bassinets feel cozy, they should always stay clear to reduce suffocation risk.
You can learn more about safe sleep guidelines from the here.
What I’d Do Again
If I were doing it all over again, here’s exactly what I’d do:
- start with a bassinet that pulls right up next to the bed
- make sure the base fits your space
- prioritize ease of nighttime feeds
- keep it simple — you don’t need a ton of extra features
Are Bassinets Worth It for Newborns?
For me — yes.
Having my baby close, safe, and easy to reach made those early weeks feel so much more manageable.
It’s one of those things you don’t fully understand until you’re in it.
But once you are… you realize how much the right setup helps.
The best bassinets for newborns are the ones that make those early nights feel easier and more manageable.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Bassinet for Your Newborn
There’s no one “perfect” bassinet — just what works best for your space, your baby, and your nights.
Some babies sleep fine anywhere.
Others need that closeness.
For me, having a bassinet that stayed right next to my bed made a huge difference — and it’s something I’d absolutely prioritize again.
Related Articles You Might Find Helpful
If you’re building out your newborn setup, these guides can help: