Traveling with your baby can seem like a giant ordeal as a mom. With so many different things to consider, the idea of researching and finding a suitable baby travel bassinet can add to your worries. I’ve done the research myself, so let me help and cross at least one thing off your list.
Depending on your specific needs, the type of travel bassinet for the baby you choose may differ. I’ll break down the different considerations that will help you find the best travel bassinet.
Then, whether you’re traveling to visit family or vacation, you can be sure that you make the right choice in the bassinet so your baby can stay comfy and calm during your trip.
What Is A Travel Bassinet?
New parents are often unfamiliar with the idea of a portable baby bassinet. Don’t worry if you don’t know. It’s just another in the long list of baby supplies you may or may not have heard of.
A travel bassinet is fairly simple as far as baby accessories go. It’s simply a portable bassinet so that your baby has a place to sleep, nap, and be comfortable wherever you go. You can use them when you travel or as a comfy spot to use in your own home.
Some moms will set one up next to their desk or even in the kitchen while washing dishes so you can get stuff done while keeping an eye on your little one.
It’s important to remember that travel bassinets cannot replace a permanent bassinet for your baby. The mattresses for portable bassinets are usually not as comfortable since they aren’t meant to be used long-term. It’s an excellent supplement for on the go, but it’s still only a temporary accessory.
What Makes A Good Travel Bassinet?
Travel bassinets vary, so you can use their differences to determine which is best for you. There are two main types of travel bassinets: those with a stand and without a stand.
With A Stand
Many travel bassinets have a built-in stand or frame as part of their structure, making them slightly less portable but ultimately better suited for long-term or frequent use than those without a stand.
Because the mattress itself is lifted by the stand, it allows for better airflow. Better airflow is essential for frequent use as it reduces the need for constant cleaning.
The stand also makes it convenient to check on, pick up, and put down your baby. Most stands allow the bassinet to stand at around waist height, meaning less bending down when you need to pick your baby up.
Without A Stand
Travel bassinets without a stand are generally less expensive and are better if your key characteristic is portability.
These bassinets work better for temporary and short-term use. They work especially well for letting your baby take a nap in a place other than their crib where you can keep an eye on them.
These work well for overnight trips that aren’t particularly long. They are also ideal for those looking to find the best travel bassinet for airplane rides.
Of course, a bassinet with a stand or frame would have no chance of fitting in the tiny area you have on a plane, but a super portable bassinet works great for this option and gives your baby a better chance of staying asleep for your plane ride.
6 Recommended Travel Bassinets: A Review
Here are some of the best-rated travel bassinets that I’ve found. I pulled all of the options from Amazon as it’s one of the most accessible options for any parent.
Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
The Fisher-Price Baby Dome works just as great outdoors as it does indoors, making it an excellent choice for parents who love being outside but don’t want to leave their baby out of sight.
It’s especially nice because it has an adjustable canopy so that you can shield your baby from the sun’s harmful rays. The canopy can be a great light-blocker when used inside so your little one can sleep soundly.
The bassinet also works well as a small playtime area, especially for tummy time play. It comes with two removable hanging toys so your baby can work on their hand skills.
A majority of reviewers were happy with this bassinet. Many were pleased with the product’s affordability, and many reviewer photos show off the bassinet’s outdoor capability.
Pros
- Great for outdoor use
- Works for sleep and playtime
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as portable as other options
Dream On Me Karley Bassinet
The Dream On Me Bassinet is a standing bassinet that is pretty spacious compared to others. The stand itself is made of aluminum, so it’s pretty lightweight.
Many reviewers mentioned that the bassinet is very sturdy and lives up to its claims of a twenty-five-pound weight capacity. The bassinet also comes with an additional storage area at the bottom of the frame.
This bassinet isn’t as portable as smaller options, but it makes up for that in its sturdiness and features.
For example, the product has a double canopy that you can adjust to cover the entire top of the bassinet.
A few different reviewers said that they used the adjustable canopy to keep their pets from climbing in or messing with their baby at night, a common concern of many parents.
Pros
- Spacious
- Thick, adjustable canopy
- Sturdy
Cons
- Less portable
Lulyboo Indoor/Outdoor Cuddle & Play Lounge
The Lulyboo Cuddle & Play Lounge is probably the most portable option on my list, great for parents who are always on the go. Because of its unique design, this travel bassinet can be folded and used as a backpack!
This feature makes it super convenient to take a bassinet anywhere you need it. It’s especially great for airplane rides since the backpack design means one less thing to carry, and you can set it up easily in your seat.
The bassinet comes with a removable canopy, a machine washable cover, a storage pocket, and two plush toys.
There are also two loops for toys, so if you decide to remove the plush toys it comes with, you can replace them with any toy of your choice. Many reviewers mentioned that they used this bassinet on airplane rides and had no trouble.
Pros
- Portable, folding bassinet
- Backpack design
- Waterproof base
Cons
- A smaller size means you may not be able to use it as long
Mika Micky Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper
This bassinet comes with an adjustable stand. Because of the Mika Micky Baby Bassinet’s “bedside sleeper” design, this is an excellent option for those looking into co-sleeping.
The bassinet comes with adjustable walls so that if you would like to co-sleep or need to grab your baby from the side, all you need to do is lower the wall, and you’ll be directly next to your baby.
The bassinet also comes with wheels on its frame, which you can adjust to be in a mobile or stopped position. The wheels make it easy to move the bassinet around your home.
A few different reviewers mentioned that the wheels are solid in the stopped position, so there’s no worry the bassinet can be moved away during the night.
In addition, it comes with additional straps that can be attached to your mattress and you can sleep completely soundly knowing the bassinet isn’t going anywhere.
Pros
- Perfect for co-sleeping
- Mesh fabric for breathability
- Wheeled frame
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive (when compared to other options)
MOMAID Baby Lounger
The MOMAID Baby Lounger is the most affordable option on my list. It’s pretty simple as far as travel bassinets go, without the extra features that others may have.
It works perfectly as a “baby nest,” a comfy spot where your baby can rest while feeling like they’re being snuggled from the side walls.
Many reviewers mentioned that the fabric of this travel bassinet seemed high-quality and was very soft to the touch. Most people wrote that they use this product primarily for napping and that their babies enjoy it.
In addition, the bassinet has a removable cover, so whenever you need to wash it, you can take it off and throw it right in the washer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Soft, high-quality fabric
- Removable cover
Cons
- Not great for frequent or long-term use
MiClassic All Mesh 2-in-1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet
The most notable aspect of the MiClassic Bassinet is that it has a rocking option and the standard stationary option, which is great if you know your baby sleeps or falls asleep better when rocked.
The bassinet comes with a stand, and you adjust the frame to switch from stationary to rocking mode. The entire bassinet is mesh which is great for breathability and reducing the need for constant cleaning. This rocking travel bassinet is a bulkier option but great if you’re looking for something that you can use daily.
Pros
- Great for frequent use
- All mesh fabric
- Optional rocking mode
Cons
- Bulky
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know, you can choose whichever travel bassinet works for you! The most important thing to remember is that your baby can stay comfy on the go with any of the options I’ve gone over.
Also, if you are looking for a great rocking bassinet, I made another guide that you’ll love!
Hi – I’m Alina and I am a soon to be mom going through the journey of becoming a parent. I am a writer at heart and I love sharing about pregnancy tips and other busy mom hacks.