The 5 Best Bassinets For Breastfeeding – Every Nursing Mom(or To Be Mom) Needs To Know
When my wife delivered my first born daughter in the hospital, we had a high tech looking bassinet with drawers conveniently placed right below for keeping baby essentials such as diapers, swaddles and baby wipes. It also has wheels to move the bassinet around with ease.
It was great as mommy needs to be really close to the baby for feeding sessions and it was also good for bonding. Mommy could rest and recuperate knowing little Chelsea was just arms length away.
When we got discharged and came home a few days later, it was not what we expected. We had a crib that was in another room.
Breastfeeding can be challenging for a first time mom.
Waking up every couple hours to feed, sleep deprivation and everything doesn’t happen as you planned (well that’s the easy part), breast engorgement, baby not latching well (read: sore nipples), baby spitting out milk and getting colicky.
Having the baby being close to is really important especially if you are breastfeeding and more so if you delivered via caesarean.
That’s why having the baby’s sleeping place right next to you is what my wife and I needed most.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should sleep on their backs in their 1st year and recommends a bassinet, crib, portable crib or playard. Also, babies should be sleeping with their parents in the same room at least for the first 6 months.
In the early months, babies spend 12-17 hours sleeping a day in their 1st 6 months (in their first few months, they usually sleep more towards 16-17 hours in day). So, investing in a good bassinet will is great for your baby’s development.
So after thoroughly checking out the best had to offer, here are the Top 5 Best Bassinets for Breastfeeding, providing a great safe & secure sleeping environment for your baby and with mommy , comfortably resting inches away.
Best Bassinet For Breastfeeding - Comparison Chart
 Chicco Next2Me |  Arm's Reach Cambria |  Mika Micky |  Ronbei |  HALO Bassinest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $$$$ | $$ | $ | $ | $$$ |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Pros | -One touch release panel -Rocker -Incline setting | -All mesh -Good air flow -Added storage bags | -Good for bigger babies (33lbs limit) -Popular choice -Budget | -Light -Easy to assemble included -Budget | -360 rotation -Sturdy -Durable -Side walls lowered for easy access |
Cons | -Pricey -No storage bags | -No incline setting -Poor quality mattress | -Leans slightly -May not be sleep safe (SIDS risk) | -No wheels to move it around -Wobbles a little | -No wheels so you’ll need to carry it around |
Bottom Line | All you want in a bedside bassinet | Modern comfort with classic charm and beauty | Popular and for the budget minded to get the job done | Budget choice , easy to assemble and super light weight | Bedside bassinet made for nursing c-section moms |
Type | Bedside Bassinet | Bedside Bassinet | Bedside Bassinet | Bedside Bassinet | Bedside Bassinet |
Weight / Age Limit | 20lbs / 6months | 5 months or when baby push up itself | 33 lbs (or 5-6 months) | 20lbs / 6 months | 20lbs/ 6 months |
Wheels? | Yes. 4 with brakes. | Yes. 4 with brakes. | Yes. 4 with brakes. | No | No |
Assembled Weight | 22 lbs | 26lbs | 24lbs | 25lbs | 37lbs |
Cell |
Best Bassinet For Breastfeeding Reviews
Chicco Next2Me - Best Bassinet for Breastfeeding
Chicco - The Company
Chicco is a household name in the baby products market. With more than 50 years in the baby products industry and developed a solid reputation for car seats, strollers, cribs and bassinets, one can simply be assured by its quality build for baby gear and furniture.
Chicco Next2Me Bedside Bassinet
The Chicco Next2Me bassinet series are bedside or co-sleeping bassinets made specifically for the breastfeeding mother in mind. These bedside bassinets are also very handy for c-section moms who need more bed rest in the early days post delivery.
This bedside bassinet is made in a way to be “attached” to mommy and daddy’s bed so parents, especially mommy , is able to attend to the baby just an arm’s reach away. Nursing is convenient, changing diapers and soothing the baby to sleep is done comfortably on your side of the bed.
The bassinet has also built in castor wheels with brakes you could easily move it around and also have the flexibility to use it as a standalone bassinet.
There are a few variants to the Next2Me bassinet from the standard Next2Me, Next2Me Magic, Next2Me Dream and Next2Me Air.
Here is a simple table that outlines the difference between the variants.
Features |  Chicco Next2Me |  Chicco Next2Me Magic |  Chicco Next2Me Dream |  Chicco Next2Me Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocker/ Swinging Function | No rocking mode | Rocking mode / swing from top | Rocking mode from floor | No rocking mode |
Height settings | 6 levels | 11 levels | 11 levels | 6 levels |
Incline Mode on Bassinet | ||||
Air Flow | Mesh side walls | Mesh side walls | Mesh Side Walls | -All around mesh for optimal air circulation and ventilation -Clear view/ better sight of children |
Foldable feet for small spaces / divan beds | Foldable/ collapsable feet for beds with drawers / divan bed | Retractable feet | Foldable/ collapsable feet for beds with drawers / divan bed | Foldable/ collapsable feet for beds with drawers / divan bed |
Dimensions | L: 37" H:26"-32" W: 27"
Weight: 20lbs | L: 39" H: 26"-32" W: 29"
Weight: 29 lbs | L: 37" H:26"-32" W: 27" Weight: 20lbs | L: 37" H:26"-32" W:27" Weight: 20lbs |
What's to like about the Chicco Next2Me?
Overall, this is a bassinet for breastfeeding moms that is hard to beat. It is a bedside bassinet complete with rocker / swing so you can soothe your fussy little one.
For breastfeeding moms, babies do spit out and may even vomit a little after feeding. Bassinets are usually flat.
The Next2Me has an incline setting to reduce vomit and spitting up. This is great especially after feeding you can just place the baby on the Next2Me instead of moving the baby around to another carrier.
The opening panel of Next2Me bassinet to your bed is just a simple latch and once unlatched you can get to your baby just arm’s reach away.
It also comes with 4 castor wheels on all models , so you can move the bassinet around especially to different rooms in the house.
Finally, the Next2Me bassinet is easy to assemble and disassemble. You can easily fold it and keep in a travelling bag (that comes with it) when you go travelling.
What's not to like about the ProductName
The biggest issue about the Next2Me is probably the price tag. It does come in at a little bit more pricey than the others recommended below.
However, we believe it is worth the price paid because it is a remarkable bassinet and assembled with good sturdy materials and with the strong reputation of the Chicco brand.
The major downside is that the Next2Me bassinet may not be suitable for low beds as the minimum height of the bassinet is 26 inches.
PROS
CONS
Arm's Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Arm’s Reach - The Company
Arm’s Reach is well known for its co-sleeper bassinets and has been endorsed by many paediatricians, ob/gyns and infant care specialists for more than 2 decades. Over the years it has also won numerous awards for its flagship co-sleeper or bedside bassinets.
The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Mission
“The Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® baby bassinet is a unique creation that began with a mother and father’s need for a safe sleeping environment for their baby.
They, like many parents, had rediscovered the benefits of co-sleeping with their infants - increased bonding, ease of feeding and a greater sense of closeness - yet were concerned modern beds weren’t appropriate for a baby’s space.
They solved this problem by placing the child at the side of the bed - literally within arm’s reach!
Their result is a wonderful series of bassinets that keep babies close to their parents during the important early months of development.”
Arm’s Reach is possibly the first company that conceptualized the bedside co sleeper bassinet before any other and they are still focussed on delivering the best bassinets for breastfeeding until today.
It is also the first patented co-sleeping product that attaches securely to the parent’s bed.
Arm’s Reach Concepts Bedside Bassinets
All of Arm’s Reach bassinets are co-sleeper or bedside bassinets. Our recommendation is the beautiful Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria which has the comfort of a bedside bassinet and the nostalgic charm from its elegant curved wooden ends.
Apart from the Cambria, Arm’s Reach also has the Ideal Ezee 3 in 1 , Mini Ezee 3 in 1 , Clear Vue and Versatile models which are also bedside co sleeper bassinets.
For the purpose of this review, we will focus on the Arm’s Reach Cambria which is the recommended bassinet for breastfeeding.
Image Credit: armsreach.com
What's to like about the Arm's Reach Cambria
The first thing that set our eyes on the Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria was simply the elegant curved wooden ends reminiscent of the old cradle bassinets.
But beauty aside, the Arm’s Reach Cambria does not lack in functionality and ease of use.
It has 4 castor wheels allowing it to be moved around easily and placed as a free-standing bassinet or a bedside bassinet.
The bassinet is made with all-around mesh for ventilation and eliminates any risks of baby suffocating due to materials that can prevent the baby from breathing properly.
Despite having fixed legs, the Arm’s Reach Cambria is able to fit divan beds as the opening of the bassinet is parallel and should fit flush with your bed (even if it’s a divan bed or beds with storage cabinets on either side)
The Arm’s Reach Cambria also has storage bins to keep all baby and breastfeeding essentials, so mommy can grab a change of diapers within an arm’s reach. That’s basically why it’s called Arm’s Reach!
Last but not least the Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria has built in leg extensions to suit the height of your bed.
By default , it has a minimum height of 24” from the floor and it is extendable up to 30” (based on 2” increments”)
What's not to like about the Arm's Reach Cambria
The fabric materials have a little bit of chemical smell to it and you will need to off-gas it for a few days to a week before you can put it to use.
Whilst the materials are not listed as hazardous , the smell can be off putting. However we are comforted that since this is a popular product endorsed by paediatricians and baby professionals, it should be harmless and just off-gas it before using it.
The included fitted sheet is also not soft and comfy which may irritate your little one. This can be easily fixed with compatible fitted sheets like this one or this.PROS
CONS
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet
Mika Micky - The Company
One of the most popular bedside bassinet and is ideal for breastfeeding.
This is one of the most popular bedside bassinets for breastfeeding. Mika Micky may not be as popular as Arm’s Reach or Chicco but it has almost 3000+ 5 star positive ratings.
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet
The Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet is also a co-sleeper bassinet much similar to 2 we have just reviewed.What's to like about the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet
This is one of the only bedside sleeper bassinets that can be used on a low bed. From the floor, the minimum height setting is 13 inches. However, it can also be adjusted up to 26 inches for normal bed height settings.
The Mika Micky is built with 4 castor wheels with brakes for safety. So you can easily move it around and use it as a freestanding or bedside bassinet.
It also has side pockets to keep baby and breastfeeding essentials.
Although there is no rocking or swing function, with the 4 wheels you could move the bassinet gently side to side or front to back to comfort your baby. I found this similar a rocking or bouncing effect that babies love (and just simply fall asleep).
There is no built in incline function but you can adjust it by setting one of the posts to be higher than the other to give it a tilt or slight incline to help with babies’ post feeding.
Mika Micky Bedside Bassinet also has a higher weight capacity up to 33lbs (most are usually 20lbs) to fit heavier and bigger babies.
What's not to like about the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet
One of the main problems of the Mika Micky is that the meshes at the sides don’t go down all the way and if the baby sleeps facing the side and his mouth is below the mesh area it can be a real suffocation hazard.
One workaround for this is to get a mattress pad protector to “thicken” the base in order to lift the frame up so the baby is not exposed to the non-breathable surfaces.
Another thing we didn’t like was somehow the bassinet is not level and it leans to one side.
PROS
CONS
RONBEI Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet
Ronbei - The Company
Ronbei is an established baby products manufacturer from China and has been exporting baby furniture gear to Europe and North American since 2015. The most popular product is its Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet.
Ronbei Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet
The Ronbei Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet is similar to the bedside or co-sleeping bassinets we have reviewed earlier.What's to like about the RONBEI Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet
It is very much a simple yet complete bedside sleeper bassinet that we have reviewed. It has easy mobility with 4 wheels and built in brakes for safety.
It is also light and not bulky.
Another convenience is that this bassinet can be assembled without any tools . The assembly is quite intuitive and you can simply assemble it without much referring to the manual.
One of the added features of this bassinet is that it has a Music Box for soothing sounds and lullabies to lull baby to sleep and detachable hanging soft toy mobile to stimulate baby’s sensory development and coordination of hands and eyes.
What's not to like about the
RONBEI Bedside Sleeper Baby Bassinet
Although it is a bedside sleeper, the side panel that opens up to your bed is rather high. It is not level with bed level so you might need to sit up and peer over to see your baby when you are lying down. So this may not be a good option for c-section moms.
Also, the side panel when opened tends to tilt the entire bassinet.
Similar to Mika Micky, the mesh sides do not go all the way down so it can be a suffocation hazard if the baby is side sleeping with the face on the side cover, although this is a CPSC certified bassinet.
PROS
CONS
HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleepers
Halo - the company
For over 25 years, HALO®’s mission has been to create simple, innovative products that make safe sleep easier for you—and more comfortable for your baby. The founder of HALO® lost his firstborn to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and he has made it his life’s mission to ensure another family wouldn’t have to experience the same tragedy.
The HALO® Bassinest Swivel Sleepers - What is It?
With such a passionate mission, it is clear that HALO®’s products are genuinely dedicated to ensure safe sleep for babies and comfort for parents. The HALO® Bassinest Swivel Sleepers are made for this purpose.
This unique bassinet is a bedside co-sleeper except that its side walls can be lowered instead of detachable or removable like the other bedside co-sleeper bassinets we have reviewed. The highlight of the The HALO® Bassinest Swivel Sleepers is that it has a 360° swivel and rotation so you can tend to your baby in the bed at all angles.
Image Credit: halosleep.com
There are 3 main variants of the product basically with increments (in line with pricing increments) from the base product. Additional features such as soothing center with sounds, lights and vibrations to give baby all its comfort, machine washable fabric, removable storage caddy, removable bed, Newborn insert and better product finishing.
 Essentia |  Premiere |  Luxe |  Luxe Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
Convenient storage pocket | Convenient storage pocket | Removable storage caddy | Removable storage caddy |
Soothing center- sound, lights and vibration settings | Soothing center- sound, lights and vibration settings | Soothing center- sound, lights and vibration settings | |
Machine-washable fabric | Machine-washable fabric | ||
Removable bed | Removable bed | ||
Newborn insert |
What's to like about the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleepers
The build of this bassinet is just simply excellent. It was designed and created to ensure a breastfeeding and c-section mom’s concern and baby’s safety and comfort. As mentioned earlier, the sidewalls do not detach but it is lowered as and when you reach for your baby. The weight of your arms will release the side wall and return back to its place once you place your arms away.
Another unique feature of the The HALO® Bassinest Swivel Sleepers is that despite having no wheels, you can swivel and rotate the bassinet all any angle making it easy for breastfeeding and c-section moms. Also the 360 rotation also helps getting out of bed easier, especially when recovering from childbirth.
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified independently tested to meet or exceed all U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada safety standards for bassinets.
It is also ideal for small , confined spaces as the low profile legs that tuck under bed and require only 32” clearance from the wall.
For some of the more premium variants, the bassinet bed is removable so you can use it on and off the base allowing you to bring the baby to anywhere in the house comfortably.
What's not to like about the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleepers
Although you can carry the bassinet bed , the bassinet does not have wheels so you may need to carry it around. It is also relatively heavy at 37lbs assembled weight.
The bassinet itself is firm but there have been complaints that the bassinet shakes when baby is moving around especially during startle reflex.
Also, the bassinet has a slight tilt.
PROS
CONS
CTA_GOES_HERE
What are the features/ to look out for when getting a bassinet for breastfeeding
Why a bassinet in the first place?
The bassinet has evolved over the years from a simple wicker Moses basket to having more than a dozen variations in the market today.
Most bassinets today can be categorized into 3 types
-Free standing bassinets
Free Standing bassinets are basically a bassinet basket with leg stands to support it. Main difference between bassinets and cribs is the depth. Bassinets are great for c-section and breastfeeding moms so they don’t need to bend and reach down for their babies compared to cribs which are deeper. Bassinets are also more portable compared to a crib.
-Cosleeper / Bedside
A co-sleeper bassinet is a bassinet that allows the bassinet to be integrated to the parent’s bed, essentially allowing parents to have a watchful eye over the baby. For moms, especially when breastfeeding, allows you easy access to pick up your baby in the sleep deprived 3am feeds. It is also great for c-section moms who need bed-rest to recuperate , allow their wounds to heal and with their baby right next to them.
-Multipurpose
Multipurpose bassinet is usually the mix of bassinet functions which are simply marketed as 2 in 1 or 3 in 1. I’ve just recently found one that is 4 in 1. For instance, a multipurpose bassinet can is a bassinet and also a pack n’ play. Some have multi functions such as a changing station and high chair as well. Multipurpose bassinets are practical as bassinets are usually used up to 6 months and babies will graduate to a pack n’ play.
The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends an infant to be placed on their backs to sleep from birth until 1 year old. It also recommends a firm sleep surface for babies to sleep on.
The AAP also recommends bassinets for babies to sleep in (other than crib, portable crib or playard) and it is also advised for babies to room share (without sharing beds) with parents for the 1st 6 months.
So, a bedside bassinet is ideal for parents especially breastfeeding and c-section moms. All of the recommended bassinets for breastfeeding above are also in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While CPSC is the body that sets the safety regulations for manufacturers to comply, essentially a product with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal is the stamp of approval for the bassinet or product to be fully compliant of all set out safety standards.
Functionality
Keeps baby sleeping safe, comfortable for mommy and baby. For breastfeeding bassinets, it is important that the bassinet can provide convenience for both mommy and baby. Breastfeeding on demand for newborns are usually every 2-3 hours and that means it is best for the baby to be close to mommy, and this is where bedside or co-sleeping bassinets are great.
Stability /Sturdiness/ Built
Many baby gear furniture needs to be built safe - i.e. sturdy and stable. Bassinets for breastfeeding moms need to be sturdy and stable. Please make sure the bassinet is not flimsy or tilts to one side.
Portability
Bassinet with wheels is definitely one that is more advantageous as you can move it from room to room in the house. Also, you may want to consider a bassinet that is easily folded and transported so you can bring it along should the need of travelling arise.
Ventilation
Bassinets are smaller compared to cribs and your baby is likely to move around or toss from side to side when sleeping. Having a meshed wall (if the bassinet is fully mesh it’s even better) allows better air flow and ventilation. It can be also a suffocation hazard if the sides of the bassinet prevents the baby from breathing property (especially non-breathable material).
Mattress
A good waterproof mattress (or mattress protector) is important so you can simply wipe off baby’s vomit or spit. Also, it is easier for you to clean the bassinet if there are any blowout or diaper leaks. So make sure you choose a bassinet that has a waterproof mattress. Or else you could use a bassinet waterproof fitted sheet or mattress protector
Storage
Babies need a few essentials such as diapers, a set of clean clothes, baby wipes and toys to sooth them and much more. Breastfeeding as well has a few essentials like nipple creams, nursing pads, water bottle, breast milk collector like Hakkaa and etc. You don’t want to be searching for them when you need them. You should pick a bassinet that has a storage basket or compartments to keep these essentials within easy reach. If they don’t have any, you could look out for storage caddies to help you.
Budget / Rentals
If getting a bassinet is going to blow a hole in your wallet, you may consider renting from Babyquip. They also have rental plans for other baby gear and essentials.F.A.Q.
When should I move my baby out of the bassinet?
A baby can transition to a crib from 3-6 months of age. However, it is safe for a baby to continue sleeping in a bassinet until the baby is able to roll over on his own, sit up or pull himself up from sitting to standing. Then, you may start to transition your baby from bassinet to crib.
Why are bassinet mattresses so hard?
A bassinet mattress needs to be firm, but not necessarily hard because the American Academy of Paediatricians (AAP) recommends a firm sleep surface. A softer mattress may cause the baby’s head to sink in and this may be suffocation risk and may cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
How should a baby sleep in a bassinet?
AAP recommends that a baby sleep on his/her back until the child reaches 1 year of age. should be placed on a firm sleep surface (eg, mattress in a safety-approved crib) covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding or soft objects to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Soft objects such as pillows and pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, and loose bedding can obstruct an infant’s nose and mouth. Infant sleep clothing is preferable to blankets and other coverings to keep the infant warm.
FINAL VERDICT
At the end of the day, choosing the best bassinet for breastfeeding is entirely up to you. One man’s meat may be another’s poison.
There are quite a few factors that will decide including budget, functionality, quality, comfort and more importantly safety.
We would certainly recommend the Chicco Next2Me Dream as our no.1 choice for the best bassinet for breastfeeding due to overall functionality, comfort and quality. Not to mention Chicco being a reputable brand as a manufacturer of baby products. Most of its other baby products such as car seats, cribs and play yards are well known and recommended. The only drawback may be the higher price, however, it’s worth the price knowing you and your baby’s comfort and safety.
A close second would be the HALO® Bassinest Swivel Sleepers , made with passion by a company whose founder life’s mission to ensure safe sleep for all. This bassinest (love the word play here) is nursing and c-section friendly putting comfort, convenience and safety at paramount.
Final words
I hope you have enjoyed our best bassinet for breastfeeding article as much we have enjoyed preparing it for you. We hope our research and recommendation has helped you in all ways possible searching for the perfect bassinet for you and your little one.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us or leave your comments in the comment section. We read every comment and we promise to answer all your questions because we know that patience runs thin when little one is crying and you need the answer immediately.
And please don’t forget to share the article, because sharing is caring!