Choosing a bassinet for your first baby can feel overwhelming. With dozens of options at various price points, each boasting different features and claims, how do you know what actually matters? This guide cuts through the marketing noise to help you understand what you really need and how to find the right bassinet for your family's specific situation.
Bassinet vs. Cot: Understanding the Difference
Before diving into bassinet selection, it's worth understanding why you might choose a bassinet at all. Bassinets are smaller, portable sleep spaces designed specifically for newborns, typically used from birth until around four to six months (or until baby reaches the weight limit, shows signs of rolling, or can push up on hands and knees).
The primary advantages of a bassinet over going straight to a cot include:
- Portability: Most bassinets can be easily moved from room to room, keeping baby close wherever you are
- Space Efficiency: Bassinets have a much smaller footprint than cots, fitting easily next to your bed
- Cosiness: The snug space can help newborns feel secure after months in the womb
- Convenience: Having baby at arm's reach makes night feeds and settling easier
The main disadvantage is that bassinets have a limited useful lifespan. You'll eventually need a cot regardless, so a bassinet is an additional purchase rather than a replacement.
Red Nose Australia recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6-12 months. A bassinet makes this practical even in smaller bedrooms where a full cot wouldn't fit.
Types of Bassinets
Understanding the different bassinet types helps narrow your search based on your priorities.
Standard Bassinets
Traditional bassinets sit on a standalone frame and offer a simple, no-frills sleep space. They're typically the most affordable option and work well for parents who want reliability without complexity. Many feature a gentle rocking motion that parents can control manually.
Bedside Bassinets (Co-Sleepers)
These bassinets attach to or nestle against your bed, with a drop-down side that allows easy access to baby without getting up. They're excellent for breastfeeding parents who want minimal disruption during night feeds. The Halo BassiNest with its 360-degree swivel is a popular example of this type.
Smart Bassinets
Technology-enhanced bassinets like the SNOO Smart Sleeper offer automated soothing through motion and sound, responding to baby's cries without parental intervention. They're the most expensive category but can provide significant value for exhausted parents. Many feature app connectivity for sleep tracking and customisation.
Travel/Portable Bassinets
Designed to fold compactly for transport, these bassinets prioritise lightweight construction and easy setup. They're ideal for families who travel frequently or need to move the bassinet between locations regularly. The trade-off is often less robust construction compared to stationary models.
Moses Baskets
Traditional woven baskets with handles for carrying, Moses baskets are the most portable option but typically lack stands (sold separately) and have the shortest useful lifespan due to size constraints. They offer a classic aesthetic but fewer features than modern bassinets.
Essential Features to Consider
Safety Compliance
This is non-negotiable. Any bassinet sold in Australia should comply with the mandatory safety standard AS/NZS 2195. Look for clear compliance statements on packaging or product documentation. Beyond the standard, check for:
- A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly with no gaps
- Breathable mesh sides for airflow
- Sturdy, stable construction that doesn't wobble
- Secure locking mechanisms on any folding parts
Mattress Quality
The mattress is critical for both safety and comfort. It should be firm enough that it doesn't indent when baby lies on it, and it should fit the bassinet precisely with no gaps around the edges. Many bassinets come with thin mattresses that meet safety requirements but offer minimal comfort—consider whether a replacement or addition might be worthwhile, but only if it's manufacturer-approved and fits perfectly.
Height Adjustability
Adjustable height allows you to position the bassinet at the same level as your bed for easy access. This feature is particularly valuable for bedside bassinets and can also help accommodate different bed heights if you move the bassinet around the house.
The most expensive bassinet isn't necessarily the best choice for your family. Focus on safety compliance, practical features you'll actually use, and whether the bassinet fits your living situation.
Portability
Consider how often you'll need to move the bassinet. If you want it to follow you from bedroom to living room during the day, wheels (with locks) are essential. If you'll travel with it, look at folded dimensions and weight. For a permanent bedside position, portability matters less.
Mesh Sides vs. Solid Sides
Mesh sides offer superior breathability and allow you to see baby without sitting up. Solid sides may look more traditional but can restrict airflow and visibility. From a safety perspective, breathable mesh is generally preferred.
Rocking or Swaying Motion
Many babies find gentle motion soothing. Bassinets offer various motion types:
- Manual rocking: You push to create motion; baby learns to settle without automatic soothing
- Automatic sway: Motor-driven motion that responds to baby's sounds or runs on a timer
- Static: No motion capability; simpler and often lighter
There's debate about whether automatic motion creates sleep associations that make transition to a cot harder. Consider your philosophy on this before choosing a smart bassinet.
Practical Considerations
Your Bedroom Space
Measure the space where the bassinet will live most often. Bedside bassinets need clearance for the swivel function and for you to access baby. Check that the bassinet fits through doorways if you plan to move it between rooms.
Your Bed Height
For bedside bassinets, measure your mattress height from the floor. Check that the bassinet's adjustable height range accommodates your bed. Some bassinets work better with lower beds, others with higher.
Floor Types
If you have carpet, hard floors, or a mix, consider how the bassinet will move and sit on each surface. Locking wheels are essential on hard floors to prevent rolling.
Weight Limits and Longevity
Most bassinets accommodate babies up to about 9 kilograms. If you have a baby who's predicted to be large, or if you want maximum use time, check weight limits carefully. Remember that weight is only one factor—once baby can roll or push up, it's time to transition regardless of weight.
Budget Considerations
Bassinets range from under $200 to over $2,000. Here's how to think about the investment:
Budget Range ($150-$350)
Basic but fully functional bassinets that meet safety standards. You'll get essential features without bells and whistles. Good choices for parents who prefer simplicity or plan to use the bassinet only briefly.
Mid-Range ($350-$700)
Added features like better adjustability, improved build quality, bedside attachment options, or gentle vibration/sound features. This range offers the best balance of functionality and value for most families.
Premium ($700-$1,500+)
Smart features, superior materials, brand recognition. The high end of this range includes automated soothing bassinets that can extend sleep time significantly. Worth considering if budget allows and you value the specific features offered.
While buying used can save money, exercise extreme caution with second-hand bassinets. Check for recalls, inspect all components for wear, ensure the mattress hasn't degraded, and verify that all safety hardware is present and functional. If in doubt, buy new.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before finalising your decision, consider these questions:
- Where will the bassinet primarily live? (Bedroom, living room, both?)
- Will you need to move it frequently?
- What's your philosophy on motion-based soothing?
- How important is bedside access for night feeds?
- Will you travel with the bassinet?
- What's your realistic budget including sheets and accessories?
- Do you plan to have more children who could use the same bassinet?
Making the Final Decision
After researching options, narrow your choice to two or three bassinets that meet your requirements. Read reviews from real parents, paying particular attention to comments about durability, ease of use, and any issues that emerged over time. If possible, see the bassinet in person at a baby store to assess build quality and size.
Remember that the "best" bassinet is the one that fits your specific needs, space, and budget—not necessarily the most expensive or most popular option. A well-made, simple bassinet that meets safety standards will serve your baby just as well as a high-tech alternative if the features don't align with how you'll actually use it.
For specific product recommendations, explore our comparison tool to filter options based on your priorities.