Looking for the Best Portable Bassinet?
In A Rush? Check Out The Number 1 Pick Here:
- Reach through bassinet folds with your playpen for quick set-up and easy travel with less parts to carry.
- Folding feet and wheels allow for a 20% more compact fold than the average playard, making it easy to store and to carry.
- Removable, full-size bassinet provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away.
New parents have a ton on on their mind (no surprise there), but finding the right set up for their baby to sleep and play in is always a huge priority.
Thankfully, with today’s top bassinet options, it’s easier than ever before to find a spot for your baby to sleep, to play around in, and to stay protected when they are in the earlier stages of life.
The fact that many of today’s best options are also portable bassinet setups only makes them even more valuable and even more versatile!
Having a baby bassinet “on you”, no matter where you go, is a game changer. Portable bassinets give you a ton of peace of mind, security, and safety for your baby while guaranteeing that they stay nice and cozy on the almost always luxurious padded mattress included.
Of course, finding the best portable bassinet can be a bit of a challenge just because there are so many different top options to pick and choose from.
Today’s best travel bassinet choices come in all different shapes and sizes, from different designers and manufacturers, and have a whole range of bells and whistles and add-on features that separate them from the rest of the pack.
In an effort to help make the lives of new parents a little bit easier we’ve put together this detailed guide sifting the top portable bassinet choices from the ground, zeroing in on seven different options that you should spend your time researching.
After that, we dig a little bit deeper into (almost) everything you need to think about when buying a bedside bassinet and a travel bassinet for your baby going forward.
Sound good?
Let’s dig a little bit deeper!
Quick Overview
There are a handful of key features you should be demanding from any portable bassinet you buy for your baby, including (but certainly not limited to):
Purpose built safety features – We are talking about things like breathable mesh sides, locking wheels, and a sturdy frame that keeps your baby safe and secure no matter what.
Comfort features – Your baby deserves a comfortable and supportive mattress pad, a fully adjustable canopy, and a gentle rocking mechanism that helps send them softly to sleep even while on the go.
Portability features – The weight, size, shape, and ease of assembly/disassembly of a bassinet will determine just how portable it really is. There’s a world of difference between bassinets that are advertised as a portable baby bed and a portable baby bassinet that actually meets (or exceeds) expectations on the go.
Durability features – Even if your baby isn’t going to be spending any more than a year or so in this bedside sleeper that doubles as a rocking bassinet you still want something that’s built to last, something strong and durable, and something you can use with future children (or gift to someone having their first little one).
As long as the baby bassinet you choose moving forward has as many of those features as possible (and others that you’re looking for specifically) you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got your hands on the best portable bassinet for your child.
Anything that falls short even in a couple of the areas highlighted above simply can’t be a top bedside bassinet or travel bassinet and should be avoided entirely.
Top 7 Best Portable Bassinets
Now that we have those basics out of the way, let’s highlight what we feel are the very best portable bassinet choices available on the market today.
These bassinets are widely regarded as the premier portable bassinet choices money can buy, and while they range in price and have different standout features you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
All of these portable bassinets will help your baby sleep easier, double as a portable crib and playspace while you are on the move, and are generally just going to make your life as a new parent a whole lot simpler, safer, and more straightforward.
Let’s break these top choices down right now:
1. Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go Travel Playard
- Reach through bassinet folds with your playpen for quick set-up and easy travel with less parts to carry.
- Folding feet and wheels allow for a 20% more compact fold than the average playard, making it easy to store and to carry.
- Removable, full-size bassinet provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away.
Beloved by moms and dads all over the country, and frequently one of the most recommended portable baby bassinets all over the web, you can’t go wrong with the this set up.
Relatively budget friendly (especially compared to some of the other premium traveler bassinet options on this list), this thing has it all and does it all.
Very well-made, versatile (can be used as a play yard, a changing station, a napping set up, and still full flat for transportation, it delivers a ton of bang for your buck.
2. Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
- From your trusted brand leader in safe sleep, our award-winning HALO BassiNest is beloved by parents and nurses for its safety, comfort, and convenience. Our HALO BassiNest is the only bassinet with a 360º swivel to keep your newborn close allowing for essential bonding.
- Designed with mothers in mind, the patented lowering bedside wall makes it easier to care for baby from bed, especially for breastfeeding and C-section moms.
- Soothing sounds and gentle vibrations create a peaceful environment for your little one to rest safely and comfortably at your side. Includes amber nightlight, amber floorlight, two levels of vibration, and four soothing sounds: heartbeat, white noise, babbling brook, and rainforest (all with auto-shutoff)
One of the more high end bassinet for baby choices on this list, it does have a bit of a premium price tag attached – but you get all kinds of special features that help make that an easier pill to swallow.
We are talking about a waterproof mattress, a 360° swivel feature that makes it easy to get to your baby from any angle, and mesh safety sides that are protective enough to help your baby sleep safely but thin enough to provide you with the visibility you need to feel comfortable, too.
Combine all of that with the versatility of this comfortable sleeping space on the go and it’s not hard to see why so many love this foldable bassinet.
3. Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet
- Portable baby bassinet with flat sleeping surface that rocks with a gentle push from you
- Folds flat for storage or convenient travel
- For stationary use, just twist and lock the bassinet feet
Fisher-Price is a bit of a legendary name in the baby product space and has been for decades for a number of legitimate reasons, none more important than the fact that this company makes great products that really work.
This portable crib and travel bassinet is a wonderful budget friendly choice that’s about as easy to set up and take down as possible.
The built-in rocking feature makes this a great bedside sleeper, with a gentle rocking motion that delivers the same kind of results you get from a traditional bassinet in something that folds and stows quite easily.
The standout feature of this travel bassinet has to be its build quality but lightweight nature.
This is a sturdy, safe, and reliable set up for a bassinet that folds almost into nothing and can be moved around effortlessly.
4. BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
- Simple to set up and fold up
- Easy to take with you
- Soft and comfy mattress. Mattress is High-resilient PU foam
Another of the more premium portable bassinet choices available today, you’ll have to pony up a little more money to get your hands on this traveler portable bassinet – but most people that have this set up agree it’s well worth the price point.
Specifically designed for families that lead more active lifestyles and are frequently on the move, this is a durable, reliable, and safe travel bassinet that will not disappoint.
You can rest easy knowing that this portable bassinet is something you can use for children you’ll have long into the future, can gift to friends with children of their own, or can even hand this down to your children for use with their grandchildren.
It’s that well-made!
5. Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
- 【Portable Travel Crib】- Our Foldable Travel Crib is spacious enough for babies from 0 to 3 years old. Its soft mattress makes the travel crib a comfy place for your baby to rest or play.
- 【Lightweight & Durable】- The net weight is only 12 lbs. Lightweight, Reliable and built for endurance, it is made of a sturdy frame, polyester fabric, and reinforced stitching. The portable travel crib lightweight structure is easy to assemble.
- 【Breathable Mesh】- The Portable Playard sides are made of soft, airy mesh fabric that allow your baby to breathe easily. The see-through fabric helps you keep an eye on your baby and allows your baby to look out.
As far as travel bassinets go, this high-end choice is very easy to set up and take down again.
No new parent wants to spend a ton of time fiddling around with a bassinet when they have an upset baby that needs a sleeping space ASAP. With this option you’ll never have to worry about that again.
This Lotus Travel Crib also crushes it in the comfort department.
Review after review mentions how comfortable the sleeping surface and mattress cover of this sturdy bassinet really is.
6. 4moms breeze Go Portable Bassinet
- One push open, one pull close
- Easy, one-handed set up and take down
- Includes detachable flip changer & removable bassinet
Sometimes described as the “Goldilocks” option of the best portable bassinets available, this particular choice somehow walks a perfect tight rope between premium features and affordable price point.
Easy to set up and easy to transport, the compact nature of these travel bassinets make them really appealing.
The “creature comforts” including a waterproof mattress, a fantastic burp cloth, and a smartly designed carry bag and fitted sheet, all help to separate this choice from the rest of the pack.
Wrap all of that in a relatively affordable price point (not the cheapest but not the most expensive bassinet for baby options) and there’s a lot to love.
7. SKIH 5 in 1 Baby Bedside Sleeper
- 👶5 IN 1 PACK N PLAY BABY PLAYARD : ❤️Some Need to Notice When Assembly/disassembly : ROTATE THE CENTER KNOB 90° COUNTERCLOCKWISE.Keep the center structure standing up throughout the assembly process, as well as disassembling this crib.Our multifunctional baby crib has several modes to use: baby bedside sleeper, travel crib, baby cradle for 0-3 years old, and playpen for 0-6 years old, which can accompany your kids' growth.
- 👶SAFE BEDSIDE BASSINET:Co-sleeping position is available by adjusting lowering bars on both sides to 3 levels. Place the bassinet bed right up against to your bed and lock the wheels, then you can easily take care of or feed your baby. Safety Strap could keep your baby really close and your can take good care of them.
- 👶STABLE & SAFE SIDE BED: 7-point supporting structure on the bottom comes with more steadiness. And the sturdy frame is made of iron tubes, which supports up to 33 lbs. Equipped with brakes, two moving wheels provide smooth movement while also improving overall stability and safety. Four round corners avoids bumping and scratching. Mesh cloth also provides better visibility to observe baby.
If you are on the hunt for something that is really versatile, this five in one is going to set you up for big time success.
Working well as a portable baby crib, travel bassinet, co-sleeping set up, playpen, and even a dedicated changing station, you’ll not find too many other bassinet choices that are as flexible or as adaptable as this one.
Adjustable height levels make it easy for you to get your baby into and out of this bassinet when a baby wakes, but it also makes it really easy to clean the washable mattress as well.
Throw in the fact that this bassinet is almost overbuilt and overengineered (adhering to and exceeding safety specifications and guidelines)and you can rest easy when your baby spend some time in this safe sleeping environment.
Our Portable Bassinet Buying Guide
Safety Considerations
The most important consideration when you are hunting for the best portable bassinet for your baby has to be safety.
Yes, a comfortable, convenient, and portable bassinet is also really important. But everything (and we mean everything) is secondary to safety of your little one.
You want to find a portable bassinet that can do double duty (at least) for both sleeping and playtime with the effortless ability to be moved from room to room or taken with you while you travel.
But you need that travel bassinet to be safe!
This is why it is so important to look for portable bassinets that meet and exceed Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certifications.this certification guarantees that travel bassinets meet specific safety standards and have also been tested for safety, durability, and functionality.
You’ll also want to look into the weight limit information regarding any of the portable bassinets you want to use.
All portable bassinet choices are going to have a specific weight limit that should be appropriate for your baby, and it’s critical that you adhere to this weight limit – and not exceed it – from a safety standpoint.
Mesh sides aren’t chosen to give travel bassinets a funky or modern look.
They are a mandatory feature that not only provides fantastic ventilation (keeping your baby comfortable) but are also used so that you can keep an eye on your baby at a glance. Solid sides or even slats can obstruct too much.
Look for mesh!
There are obviously other things you want to look for when buying a traveler portable bassinet that is safe and secure, but these features are most important.
Comfort
After safety you want to be sure that the best portable bassinet for your child is going to be something that can give them the rest they need to grow and develop.
Top portable bassinet choices are going to be safe and peaceful sleeping environments, sort of like a mini crib, and a space that your baby delights to be in.
Here are a couple of things you want to search for:
Mattress firmness – While you might not necessarily love a firm mattress for your own bed, nothing beats a solid, firm mattress for the best baby’s naps. This helps to prevent the risk of suffocation but it can also help support your baby as they grow.
Extra cushioning – Extra cushioning (mixed in with breathable mesh walls and breathable mesh panels) will go a long way towards reducing pressure points, keeping your baby comfortable, and supporting your baby in the right positions.
Size matters – The size of the portable bassinet you choose for your baby is important from a safety and comfort perspective. Bassinets on the small side of things can cramp your baby up, and bassinets that are too large can end up risking your baby’s safety. Shoot for that Goldilocks spot right in the middle.
Convenience and Portability
The best baby products (from a standalone bassinet perspective, anyway) are always going to be safe and comfortable, but also convenient and portable.
These baby products are going to be easy to assemble, relatively lightweight but still strong and secure, and should fold up to make them truly portable bassinet choices.
Here are the features you want to zero in on:
Effortless assembly – As we highlighted a moment ago, there isn’t a new parent on the planet that wants to spend a moment longer than absolutely necessary building or assembling a travel bassinet. The best portable choices only take a couple of minutes to put together and then are ready to rock and roll.
Lightweight – A portable bassinet is always going to be super lightweight. It should be easy enough to maneuver around your home, take from room to room, or fold up and move from place to place as a legitimate travel bassinet. Included carry bag options are helpful, too.
Smart foldability – Almost every one of the portable bassinets out there claim to be foldable, but only a handful of the top options are actually going to fold up to almost flat – or completely flat – and that makes them so much easier to use. Look for a portable bassinet that gets as close to flat as possible when folded. They are easier to transport and store.
Other Considerations
There are a couple of other things you want to consider when looking for the best portable bassinet, including:
Lots of storage and organization built right in – A great portable bassinet is almost going to be overflowing with built-in pockets, storage baskets, and hanging hooks designed to make the lives of new parents much easier.
Durable and built to last – Fantastic portable bassinets are going to use only high quality construction materials, including aluminum, alloys, high density plastics, polyester and cotton, and more to produce a really long-lasting product.
Stylish – Let’s be honest, it’s nice to have a portable bassinet that looks really quality (especially if you’re going to be using it on the go). Many of today’s top portable bassinets are built to be aesthetically pleasing, not just to other new parents you might bump into but also for your baby so that they can rest and relax in comfort.
Value for the money – We are going to be totally honest with you here. Top portable bassinets are often not the least expensive choices on the market, but instead deliver fantastic value for their sometimes slightly higher price tag. You can find great options in the budget friendly space, the midrange budget space, and at the high end with a little bit of searching, though.
Related post: Best Bassinet For Twins
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, finding the best portable bassinet is going to require a little bit of research and some due diligence – but it’s also really going to be a personal choice for new parents.
Use the inside information we highlighted above to help you look for the right qualities in a new portable bassinet. Figure out which of these features and qualities are most important to you (with safety always paramount), and then start your hunt for the right option to fit your specific budget.
Start with the seven choices we reviewed earlier, though.
You’ll be guaranteed to shortcut your search choosing from amongst the best portable bassinet choices we quickly highlighted earlier.
You can’t go wrong with any of them!
In A Rush? Check Out The Number 1 Pick Here:
- Reach through bassinet folds with your playpen for quick set-up and easy travel with less parts to carry.
- Folding feet and wheels allow for a 20% more compact fold than the average playard, making it easy to store and to carry.
- Removable, full-size bassinet provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away.
Nurse Practitioner at Venus Med Spa