Are you looking for a bassinet small enough to slide in next to your bed? Is storage space an issue in your home? Getting clever with a space-saving design is the smart way to go when hunting down the best bassinet for small spaces. I picked the Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet for this reason.
I’ve touched on bassinets before when reviewing alternatives to baby cribs. And I even discovered the amazing rocking bassinets for putting your baby to sleep in no time at all! But parents are asking the question “What bassinet can I use for small spaces?”. This got me looking at bassinets some more to help out these folks.
- My Top Picks
- Living in a Small Space? Here’s How to Pick the Best Bassinet
- Best Overall – Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet
- Best for Newborns – Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
- Best for Traveling – MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet
- Best for Value – Dream On Me, Karley Bassinet
- Best for Soothing Motions – Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
- FAQ
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet
- Best for Newborns – Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
- Best for Traveling – MiClassic 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet
- Best Value – Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
- Best for Soothing – Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
Living in a Small Space? Here’s How to Pick the Best Bassinet
Not every parent has the option of a separate room for their baby to sleep in. Or, out of choice, you want your baby to sleep in the same room as you. But your space is limited. While your baby could sleep in the same bed as you, I know some parents prefer their baby to sleep independently. A bassinet is perfect for this but size DOES matter when your space is small. I like to make parents’ lives easier by doing the research. All you have to do is read my buyer’s guide to discover the five different bassinets I found for small spaces. Read on to find out what’s a bassinet (in case you’re still wondering) and how to pick the best one for you and your baby. Watch this video if you’re looking for some cool ideas for saving space with a baby in the house.
What is a Bassinet and its Brief History
A bassinet looks like a woven basket with free-standing legs. It can come with beautiful fabric lining on the outside of the basket. Some designs can rock or glide. The Moses basket often refers to the lighter, more portable bassinet while the alternative is a sturdier construction. The first avant-garde bassinet was designed by Paul Bry in the 1940s. While streamlined with “modern” features the design does seem cumbersome! Before the 19th-century babies slept with their mothers. Bassinets came about to protect babies from bed lice and mites (and to keep them safe in their own space). Over the years, the design of the bassinet has changed to factor in safety, portability, and use of different materials. Technology has also added features such as music, nightlights, and mobile toys.
How to Pick the Perfect Bassinet
As we’re looking at small spaces, specific features supporting this is noted. But I’ve also included other features to help you make the best pick based not only on size.
- Size: The Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet Melange came in as the most compact of all products reviewed while the Dream On Me Karley Bassinet was the biggest.
- Storage and Foldability: The Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet, Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet, the Dream On Me Karley Bassinet and the MiClassic 2in1 Classic Stationary and Rocking Bassinet have easily collapsible features allowing for easy storage. The Fisher-Price Soothing Motion Bassinet is not collapsible.
- Ages and Weight: All products reviewed are best suited for newborns up to 5 months, weighing on average 20 lbs. The MiClassic’s Stationary and Rocking Bassinet can take a baby up to 33 lbs.
- Pricing: The Fisher-Price Soothing Motion Bassinet was the most expensive option with the Simmons Kids’s coming in second. The other 3 products were comparatively cheaper and similar in price range with the Dream On Me Karley Bassinet being the cheapest.
Why Buying a Space Saving Design is Smart
There are many smart benefits to picking a bassinet compact in size. You can move your baby around to any room in the house. This means your baby can be with you whether you’re in the kitchen, study, or bedroom. You won’t clutter up the grandparents, baby-sitter’s, or friends’ home when visiting them. Tuck your baby neatly away in a corner and no one will even know they’re around! Most space saving bassinets are foldable so you can store them away when not being used. They’re great for camping trips, vacations to the seaside and traveling on airplanes.
Best Overall – Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet
With its sleek folding and portable design, this bassinet is perfect for those small spaces. Put it up when your baby needs to sleep. Fold it up and store out of the way when they’re awake. It can be used anywhere, from your bedroom to the grandparents’ house when visiting. The bassinet is made from high-quality, soft, and durable materials. Mesh panels allow for airflow and visibility. A fitted-sheet is included for maximum comfort.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents on the move while maximizing limited space.
Why You Should Consider It
Yes, we’re talking about the best bassinet for small spaces but I love the Bluetooth connective speaker for playing music. The soft nightlight is convenient for late-night feeding or changing your baby’s diapers. And the room temperature monitor helps you to create the perfect setting for your baby’s peaceful sleep.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 3 x 26.75″
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Ages: Not specified
- Weight range: Maximum 20 lbs
- Type: Portable and foldable
- Batteries: Yes – C batteries
Pros
- Lightweight
- Perfect height for a tall bed
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- No carry bag included
- Bluetooth beeps when switching off (wakes baby up)
- Fabric separates too easily from top railing
Best for Newborns – Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
The slim base with wheels makes for easy sliding under your bed, sofa, or chair. The design allows for mom to pull the bassinet closer to her while lying down or sitting. The easy-to-clean fitted sheet and 1-inch comfortable mattress mean fewer hassles when mopping up split milk or leaks from your baby’s diapers.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents who want their newborn close to them without bed-sharing and for moms still recovering from C-sections.
Why You Should Consider It
The ample storage pockets on either end of the bassinet allow for easy storage of diapers and pacifiers. The 5 adjustable heights let you choose the height that works best for you. Mesh panels give optimal air flow and a clear view of your baby.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 31 x 19.5 x 41.5″
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Ages: 0 – 5 months
- Weight range: Not specified
- Type: Removable bassinet for traveling
- Batteries required: No
Pros
- Solid and durable metal frame
- Waterproof mattress
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Heavy to move around
- Doesn’t rock
- Expensive for short-term use
Best for Traveling – MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet
This beats all the other products for its easy one-second open and fold system. If you’re intending to travel lots with your newborn baby this is your best pick. The breathable mesh makes it easy for parents to talk to the baby. It’s lightweight and compact for easy storage. A carry bag is included for ultimate convenience. As a busy parent, what’s not to love?
Who It’s For
Perfect for parents on the go with their newborn baby!
Why You Should Consider It
So, we know this bassinet opens and closes easily but what other features make it a good buy? If your baby likes to be rocked to sleep, this bassinet will do it for you. But it can be stationary too when baby is fast asleep.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 37.4 x 23.8 x 11″
- Weight: 18.4 lbs
- Ages: 0 – 5 months
- Weight range: Maximum 33 lbs
- Type: Portable and foldable
- Batteries required: No
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Waterproof mattress
- Legs are sturdy
Cons
- Middle crease prevents mattress from lying flat
- Tote bag material thin/susceptible to tearing
- Thin mattress (may need additional padding)
Best for Value – Dream On Me, Karley Bassinet
Not only is this bassinet lightweight but it’s versatile. The aluminum frame allows you to move it from room to room easily. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. This bassinet folds up neatly for easy storage and ideal for portability. The zipper feature makes for secure closing of the canopy. It comes in a range of color options to match not only every small space but every stylish one too!
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents on a tight budget.
Why You Should Consider It
The spacious interior of this bassinet has an adjustable double canopy that keeps the bugs, cats, and sunlight away. A large storage bag holds all your baby’s essentials in one convenient spot. This bassinet is the most stylish looking one of all the products I reviewed. It’s made from safe and comfortable polyester foam fabric making it easy to clean.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 33 x 19.5 x 37″
- Weight: 12.4 lbs
- Ages: Not specified
- Weight range: Maximum 25 lbs
- Type: Portable and foldable
- Batteries required: No
Pros
- Dual-sided 1-inch mattress included.
- JPMA certified/meets ASTM & CPSC standards
- Well-priced
Cons
- Fitted sheet not included
- Mattress is hard and uncomfortable
- Negative Amazon reviews with weight discrepancies
Best for Soothing Motions – Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
This product was the most expensive one of all the products I reviewed. Its best feature is the extra-cozy bassinet with calming, swaying motions (which are generated by you or your baby!). Mesh sides, a nightlight, and a convenient storage area are additional features that could make this your best pick. As the cherry on top, the cozy sleep pad and fitted sheet are machine-washable.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for babies who need to be soothed to sleep. It’s also a great option for short parents!
Why You Should Consider It
The bassinet includes 30 minutes of soothing music, vibrations and sounds. An overhead mobile will keep your baby entertained for hours. The removable control unit can be used on tabletops as a soother when your baby outgrows the bassinet.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 22.8 x 5.9 x 40″
- Weight: 20.5 lbs
- Ages: Not specified but not to be used by babies that can push themselves up into sitting position
- Weight range: Not specified
- Type: Not portable or foldable
- Batteries required: Yes
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
- Star lights projected onto the ceiling
Cons
- Mobile gets in the way when lifting baby out
- Low for the taller parent
- Very sensitive to every move by baby
FAQ
Which is best to buy first – the crib or a bassinet?
If you want something compact to keep next to your bed for your newborn baby, a bassinet should be your first purchase. This makes it convenient for feeding and changing your baby at night without needing to get out of bed.
Is it safe to use a bassinet?
Yes, as long as the design has been approved by regulatory bodies. Research on SIDS has proven that babies are safer sleeping in their own space than sharing the parent’s bed. So, if you want your baby in the same room but worried about them sleeping in your bed, the bassinet is your safest bet.
Conclusion
The foldability and portability of the Evenflo Loft Portable Bassinet would make most parents fall in love with this bassinet. But after reading this buyer’s guide, which would be your best bassinet for small spaces in your home? You know what to look for in a bassinet and have five fantastic options to pick from – which one will it be?
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
