Keeping a bassinet next to your bed can reduce the risk of SIDS (source) as well as help your baby feel secure, safe, and get better overall sleep. Bassinets are also easier to lift baby in and out after a C-section. A portable bassinet is just as secure as a normal one, and it can be easily folded and stored as well. We’ve done the research and have all the specs that you need to make the best portable bassinet choice!
Best Portable Bassinets
Some bassinets are portable because they are lightweight like the Chicco LullaGo and the BABYBJORN Cradle. Others are easy to move because they have wheels or casters like the Arm’s Reach Cambria and the Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle.
Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet
The portability of the Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet allows you to store it away easily when not needed, take to gatherings, or take while traveling. Set up is quick and easy and the carry bag is large, allowing you to easily tuck all pieces in. It is the right height to sit next to most beds and the breathable mesh allows baby to breathe even pressed up against it. Its roomy interior is good for large or small babies.
Great, Portable Bassinet
This sturdy, portable bassinet is perfect for on-the-go families, but can also be a great bedside sleeper. Mesh along the sides keeps baby safe while sleeping. It is easy to take apart and put back together. This is the perfect option for an on-the-go family.
Why I Love This
- Easy Assembly and Tear Down
- Portable for Travel
- Mesh Sides for Air Flow
- Can be used as a Bedside Sleeper
- Affordable
Considerations
- Can be Wobbly
- Travel Bag is too Large
See more of the top-rated bassinets in our Best Bassinet article.
BABYBJORN Cradle
This is a simple, no-frills bassinet. The BABYBJORN Cradle is surrounded by removable, breathable mesh that can be washed. The low height allows easy supervision of baby from any angle. It may be too low to be used as a co-sleeper, but is a terrific place for little ones to nap.
It has a rocking and bouncing motion to soothe fussy babies. It looks substantial in the photos, but it is small and light enough to be carried around the house. You can also remove a couple of screws to easily fold it flat for taking on a trip. The materials used in this bassinet have been tested and are certified to be non-toxic.
Simplicity
There is nothing fancy about this bassinet, except its functionality. It features a minimalist design that is suitable for any baby and is able to easily be moved from room to room. If you need just the basics but with high-quality, non-toxic materials, this portable bassinet will put you at ease. Plus, you will always have a full view of your new addition at any angle.
If you want more of a travel crib that has a bit more size, but still has the quality and convenience, take a look at the BabyBjorn travel crib in our best pack n plays breakdown.
Why I Love This
- Certified Non-Toxic
- Lightweight
- Simple Design
- Made to Last
- Rock and Bounce Features
Considerations
- No Soothing Sounds
- Very Low Height
HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet
One of the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet’s most unique features is the spring-loaded sidewall that lowers with pressure from arms, making putting baby inside simple. The 360-degree rotation makes it easy to bring baby close and then swivels to allow a parent to easily get out of bed. Baby is visible through the side mesh to alleviate sleeping fears. It can be used as a co-sleeper by dropping the side and sliding it under the parent’s mattress. The bassinet is very sturdy and hard to knock over. With lights and vibration, it helps babies sleep longer and better. There is also a back-to-sleep reminder to put baby back in bed, which is helpful for sleep-deprived moms after 2 am nursing/feeding sessions. The range of features makes this an especially good choice for C-Section moms.
Lots of Features
The legs of this bassinet fit easily under any couch or bed, putting your baby within arm’s reach. C-Section moms will love the swivel feature, which easily moves the portable bassinet out of the way when getting up or climbing into bed. Very sturdy base prevents tip over, even from eager pets or other children. The vibration, nightlight, and soothing sounds help baby sleep longer and better. There are also two storage pockets for diaper changing supplies, pacifiers, or burp cloths. You can see a full feature breakdown in our Halo Bassinest review.
Why I Love This
- Spring Loaded Side Can Be Locked into Place
- Mesh for Safety
- 360-Degree Swivel Action
- Soothing Vibration and Sounds
- Adjustable Height
- Nightlight for Diaper Changes or Feeding
Considerations
- Baby May Roll to One Side
- Thin Mattress May be Uncomfortable for Babies
- High Price for Short Use Product
Arm’s Reach Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet
The Arm’s Reach Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet is perfect for new parents. The sides drop so it functions as a true co-sleeper, or can be used as a standalone bassinet to keep your baby secure. It is surrounded by mesh for visibility and safety and comes with a thin, firm mattress. Storage beneath the bassinet is an added feature for storing diaper-changing supplies.
However, babies may find the mattress uncomfortable and it can be difficult to assemble. Also, while it does have wheels for some portability, it doesn’t easily go from place to place due to the size. You’d have to disassemble it to travel with it.
Great Co-Sleeper
Having your baby nearby, but in its own space makes both baby and mom feel safe and secure. New parents can quickly hear and respond when the baby wakes. With baby so close, it reduces the risk of SIDS and provides peace of mind to parents. Check out our full Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper Review article for all the details on this bedside bassinet!
Why I Love This
- Drop Sides for Co-Sleeping
- Mesh for Safety
- Storage Baskets for Diaper-Changing Supplies
- Can Be Used as a Stand-Alone Bassinet
- Adjustable Height
Considerations
- Smaller Than Other Co-Sleepers
- Limited Color Choices
- Mattress is Uncomfortable for Some Babies
- Assembly Can be Difficult
Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle
The modern design of the Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle is eye-catching and pleasant to look at. A premium comfort mattress is included to cushion your baby as he/she sleeps. The quality materials ensure that this bassinet lasts for years to come.
it’s not portable but it does rock and it’s so beautiful. Babies will feel safe and you get a gorgeous cradle ready to help with the first few months. It’s a simple design that maximizes on space and the beauty of simplicity and safety.
Modern Look for Modern Babies
The best part of this is the beautiful design. The neutral colors fit in with any design and it provides your baby with a stylish sleeping area. It is light enough to carry to any room of the house and comes with a premium comfort mattress. The bars on the sides allow for plenty of airflow.
Why I Love This
- Modern Design Fits in With Decor
- Premium-Comfort Mattress
- Rocks to Soothe Baby
- Lightweight and Easy to Move
Considerations
- Mattress Maybe too Soft for Newborns
- Difficult to See Baby Through Sides
Best Foldable Bassinets
In the Foldable bassinet category, the Brica is the most portable because it has no legs and is more like a Moses basket. The Dream on Me, Fischer-Price and Delta bassinets all have legs and fold compactly with the Fischer-Price being the lightest weight of the three.
Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet
If you want a true travel bassinet, one that can go anywhere at anytime, then the Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet is for you. This portable bassinet isn’t a bulky piece of furniture, but rather a lovely little baby bed that works at the park, at home, on the road, and anywhere in between. It’s an affordable option for those who need something to travel with for the first few months of baby’s life.
Versatile
You could place this bassinet on the grass at the park while baby snoozes, and you could also place it in the bed and use it as an inexpensive co-sleeper. It works on the bed, on the floor, on the couch, or anywhere you need it to go. Just remember to keep it in a safe space- that is, don’t put it up on a high surface if baby is old and big enough to scoot it around! And do be aware, this is best used in baby’s first 4 months or so. Beyond that, they’ll scoot this thing all around and find out how to get out of the shallow part.
Why I Love This
- Locking steel frame
- See-through mesh sides
- Mattress pad and cover
- Solid underside= no sagging when moving it around
- Folds flat and easy to carry
- Perfect for car or air travel
Considerations
- Not sturdy enough to keep an older baby in place
- Won’t fit baby over about 25 or 26 inches
- Mattress is very thin
You can find more co-sleepers in our best co-sleeper breakdown.
Dream On Me Poppy Traveler Portable Bassinet
If you want the convenience of a portable bassinet with the soothing capabilities of a rocking bassinet, then the Dream On Me Poppy Traveler Portable Bassinet is just the ticket to great sleep for baby. The amazing features of the bassinet include a one-handed fold: just pull up on the center strap and it folds right in half (reminds me of folding a stroller). Once folded, you can pop it into the included carry bag for taking it on-the-go. This sleeper has a lightweight easy to wash design. It also has a removable mattress and snap-on legs. The breathable mesh sides will also help ease parents’ minds by reducing the risk of SIDS or any other breathing difficulty.
Lightweight and Mobile
While the bassinet is lightweight making it extremely mobile kind of like a stroller. It’s nothing fancy but it does provide a safe place for babies to sleep comfortably. Also, it meets all safety aspects and works perfectly for babies who weigh 25 pounds or less. Do not use it for babies who can push up or roll over unassisted. It’s cute too with four fun colors that won’t hurt the eyes to look at.
Why I Love This
- Lightweight
- Easy to Fold
- Included Carrying Case
- Breathable Mesh Sides
Considerations
- Crease In Center Causes Mattress to Not Lay Flat
- Mattress is Thin and Very Hard
- Travel Bag Could Tear Easily
If you want to see more good cradle for baby options, be sure to read our Best Cradle article.
Fisher-Price Rock and Play Portable Bassinet
You’ve no doubt heard of the Fisher Price Rock and Play Bassinet. They have been a staple for years until the original Rock and Play Sleeper was recalled due to the safety of the incline and narrowness. But here we are with the new and improved version, with more space for baby to lay, and a nice flat surface, no less. This has all the things that were so popular with the original: flat-folding, rocking or standing, a soft sleeping pad, and a few toys to keep a wakeful baby happy.
Flat Folding for Quick Travel
One of the things you need to have in a portable bassinet is the ability to pack it up and move it, whether that’s from room to room or town to town. This portable bassinet does that so very well- it folds up almost flat! Now you can’t get the actual size to get much smaller, but you can fold the frame down on itself to get it to be not very tall. The folded dimensions are about 33 by 19 inches, so still not tiny, but at least flat!
Why I Love This
- Flat sleeping surface
- Machine washable pad
- Rock it or lock it
- 1 attached mirror, 1 removable toy
- Breathable mesh
- Flat folding
Considerations
- No fancy sounds or vibration
- Pad doesn’t stay on and warps in the wash
Delta Children EZ Fold Bedside Bassinet
The Delta Children EZ Fold Travel Bedside Bassinet has an modern and clean, sleek look. This product is more affordable than other travel bassinets, but still has a few bells and whistles of its own. It has a fully closable canopy with both solid and mesh panels to keep light from bothering baby. This is similar to other popular options, like the Primo bassinet, but provides more sun coverage for outdoor use. The simple design features more mesh on the sides and a water-resistant mattress pad.
This bassinet is easily portable – both within your home and when traveling away from home. It folds flat and has a carrying case to make your life easier.
Bargain With a Few Fancy Features
This is not the fanciest bassinet out there. Its simplicity and modernity are the perfect addition to any decor. Moving the portable bassinet is easy because the lightweight frame weighs just 13 pounds and it folds flat on itself. If you need a covered place for your baby to sleep without an exorbitant cost, this is the bassinet for you.
Why I Love This
- Affordable
- Simple Design
- Easy to Travel With
- Ultra-Compact and Lightweight
- Canopy Covers Entire Bassinet
- Quick Assembly (Just Lock Legs In)
Considerations
- Tricky Zipper is Loud
- Canopy Lies in Bed When Unzipped
- Flimsy Mattress
Portable Bassinet Comparison
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet 8.8 9.2 363.99 BABYBJORN Cradle 8.0 9.0 333.15 Arm's Reach Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet 6.1 9.4 270.00 Chicco LullaGo Portable Bassinet 3.9 9.2 119.99 Fisher-Price Rock and Play Portable Bassinet 4.5 9.2 105.99 Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle 7.3 9.2 98.99 Delta Children EZ Fold Bedside Bassinet 5.6 9.2 89.99 Dream On Me Poppy Traveler Portable Bassinet 5.4 9.2 69.92 Brica Fold N Go Travel Bassinet 9.9 9.0 47.99
Guide to Selecting a Portable Bassinet
When searching for a portable bassinet for your new baby there are many considerations.
Of utmost importance are safety features such as the weight limits, materials used, firmness of the mattress and more. Also, consider the space you have available for a bassinet.
Doing these things will ensure a functional, safe sleeping space for your baby. And remember, Back to Sleep is the safest sleep position.
Stability
Any travel bassinet should be sturdy and resistant to tip over, even if a child or pet leans or pulls on the side. It is recommended to always supervise children and pets around any baby, but make sure they can’t accidentally cause a dangerous fall.
Mattress Firmness
For infants, it is vitally important that they use a firm mattress to sleep. Soft mattresses may obstruct breathing and can contribute to SIDS and other breathing problems. Infants should sleep on a firm mattress with only a fitted sheet and no other bedding.
Product Recalls
With any product, you should check the CPSC recall page before purchasing and register any new purchases so you will receive notices if any product is recalled. Products are recalled for a variety of reasons, so even if your product seems to be working fine, follow the recall instructions to keep you and your family safe.
FAQs – Portable Bassinets
What is the biggest baby that can sleep in a portable bassinet?
The Arm’s Reach Cambria bassinet accommodates babies up to 30 lbs which is the highest limit of the bassinets on this list. Most other models range from a maximum supported weight of 15 lbs to 25 lbs.
Until what age can baby sleep in a bassinet?
Babies under six months of age can sleep in a bassinet, but check weight limits on each bassinet, as many babies outgrow the bassinet’s weight limit before six months of age.
Can I buy a used bassinet?
You definitely can buy used, but extra safety precautions must be taken. Look for a JPMA or ASTM safety certification. Check the recall list at the link above for any notices. Any bassinet made before 2014 was not subject to the same stability and durability standards as newer bassinets. Measure the distance between the slats, if there are any, and make sure you cannot fit a soda between them.
Make sure the mattress is firm and doesn’t have any dips or indentations, also make sure the mattress has solid support underneath, such as wood, or non-flexible plastic. If you decide to buy used, check for warping, and clean all parts of the bassinet thoroughly before use. These tips will help ensure the safety of the bassinet you are considering.
Are bassinet mattresses waterproof?
Most are waterproof and able to be wiped clean, however, check the specs of your mattress to ensure proper cleaning of the surface.
Are travel bassinets safe for babies to sleep in?
Bassinets that adhere to safety standards are safe for babies to sleep in. Bassinets can be a great option because they help baby to sleep safely on their back. Do not put anything in bed with a baby, such as blankets, pillows, or bumpers. These create hazards for an infant. Follow all safety recommendations to keep your baby safe.
Can I add blankets or bumpers to a portable bassinet?
You should never add ANYTHING to a bassinet or crib, other than a baby. Babies should be properly swaddled or clothed as to not need a separate blanket that could end up covering a baby’s face. And always follow the American Association of Pediatrics’ guidelines for safe sleep practices for infants.
How long do bassinets last?
A bassinet may last for years, but your baby can probably only use it for six months or less. The bigger (longer, especially) the bassinet, as a general rule, the longer your baby can use it comfortably.
Are rocking bassinets safe?
Opinions are mixed. If the bassinet is stable and does not have enough tilt to allow your baby to squirm down to one side and become trapped, it is probably safe enough. Still, it’s better for the bassinet to be lockable, so that you do not have to leave the baby rocking. Another objection to rocking bassinets (and swings) is that, after being rocked or swung to sleep consistently over time, a baby may have difficulty falling to sleep without the rocking motion, making the transition to a crib difficult.
Should you put newborns in a crib or bassinet?
It should be fine to do so, as long as the mattress is not too soft. A too-soft mattress might interfere with the breathing of a newborn, should he/she manage to turn over onto the tummy.
Should I swaddle my newborn at night?
Opinions vary, but many newborns are better able to feel calm and comfortable — and to sleep — if they are swaddled. The rules of swaddling are:
- As in every case in which you put your baby down to sleep, put him/her on the back, facing upward.
- Know how to swaddle, and swaddle snugly, so that the swaddling stays in place.
- Once your baby is old enough to wriggle out of swaddling, swaddling time is over.
Should newborns wear hats at night?
Once your baby comes home from the hospital (so goes the general consensus) your baby should not sleep in a hat at night (when you are also sleeping and not attending). The primary reason for this is that, though it is good during the day to help keep baby warm, a hat in the crib or bassinet, like a loose blanket or toy, could potentially present the risk of suffocation. Young babies can get cold, however, so it is important to regulate room temperature at night. Use swaddling or a sleep sack to help keep baby warm.
Final Word
Only you know what is best for your baby and home. The portable bassinets listed here are highly rated by parents just like you. Although these are great options, not all will work for every household. Research size, features, and safety to find one that is right for you. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and safe sleep practices to get the best night’s sleep. Maybe you’ll even sleep like a baby.
