Best Rocking Bassinets

Are you looking for the best rocking bassinet to help soothe your baby to sleep?

Then let us help you find a rocking bassinet that you and your baby will love with our guide to the best automatic rocking bassinet!

Sleep is so important to a baby, and very important for parents too. And if your baby isn’t happy where they’re sleeping, they’ll let you know about it!

That’s where a rocking bassinet might just be your new best friend!

The gentle automatic rocking of a bassinet helps to soothes fussy babies and drift them off to dreamland. And the rocking motion can also help calm your baby in the middle of the night.

But, with so many on the market it can be hard to know which is the best self rocking bassinet.

That’s why we put together this guide on the best self rocking bassinets!

We’ve narrowed down your choices for a moving bassinet, looking at the features, pros and cons, of each so you can easily find an auto rocking bassinet you’ll love.

And if you love this guide on the best rocking bassinets, make sure to check out these guides on Halo vs SNOO, Graco Sense2Snooze vs SNOO, and what to wear under SNOO sack. Or even this guide on the best bassinets for c section.

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List Of 5 Best Rocking Bassinets

Best Rocking Bassinet

1. SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet – Best Smart Rocking Bassinet

Designed by celebrated pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, the SNOO smart sleeper uses integrated microphones and automated movements to settle fussy babies.

The SNOO was the first smart bassinet to reach the market, and it remains the best.

The smart bassinet offers busy parents a little extra help. Useful during the day to keep babies calm while parents work, the SNOO shines when it comes to nighttime soothing.

When your little one starts fussing, the SNOO activates a carefully designed combination of white noise and movement, to stop screaming before it starts.

The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet is an attractive and intelligent option.

The connected app allows parents to monitor sleep patterns, and several pre-planned modes establish a sleep cycle.

So, when it comes time to move on from the bassinet and into a crib, your baby goes easy. Or, at least, easier.

SNOO is not your standard rocker. The movements have been carefully crafted to mimic the feeling of the womb, and the cry detection is sophisticated in its response.

Something else that isn’t standard about the SNOO? The price. This exceptional technology comes at a hefty sum.

However, if you add up all the extras that are included in the SNOO bundle, like SNOO sacks, SNOO sheet, mattress, mattress protector, and unlimited access to sleep consultants, 7 days/week then the price is somewhat mitigated.

Pros

• Cry detection – The SNOO picks up on the sounds of fussing, from sniffles to meltdowns, and responds.
• Sleep sacks – Included in the price are three SNOO sleep sacks, designed for a safe night’s rest.
• Rental option – Don’t like the price? Rent the SNOO for a smaller fee.

Cons

• Price – The SNOO is a luxury bassinet.

2. 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet – Best Affordable Smart Rocking Bassinet

Smart bassinets are becoming more and more common, and the mamaRoo is one of the better SNOO alternatives.

Created by the respected designers at 4moms, this rocking bassinet uses 5 unique motions to calm your baby back to dreamland.

The motions of the mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet are: car ride, kangaroo, rock-a-bye, tree swing, and wave.

Designed to mimic natural motions that babies find relaxing, the mamaRoo steps in for all those midnight wake-up calls.

And with a connected app, it’s easier to control what the mamaRoo does.

The mamaRoo lacks some of the additional features that really sets the SNOO apart.

There’s no cry detection, and the app isn’t as advanced. However, the price difference is incredible. The mamaRoo acts as an impressive alternative to the SNOO, for a fraction of the price.

With a gentle motion and integrated white noise, the mamaRoo is a soothing bassinet.

The adjustable height makes it comfortable to use, and the open mesh is airy and breathable. Expect a happy and comfortable baby with the 4moms sleep bassinet.

Pros

• Firm sleep surface – Safe and supportive, for a good night’s sleep.
• Adjustable height – Lower and raise the bassinet for comfortable use.
• Timer mode – Set the rocking motion to continue for 4 hours after you’ve gone to sleep.

Cons

• Design – The legs have a large footprint, and look surprisingly cheap.

3. BabyBjorn Cradle – Best Standard Rocking Bassinet

With a simple modern minimalism, the BabyBjorn cradle has a deceptively clever design.

The wide legs provide a sturdy base that allows the parent to rock with both their hands and feet, while also converting your baby’s movements into motion.

And all the fabrics are removable and machine washable to save you extra stress on laundry day.

The BabyBjorn cradle is lightweight and can be picked up and transported around the house. Foot grips keep the cradle steady on any surface and through all the bouncing.

And the transparent mesh sides make supervision easier.

Although not a smart bassinet, the natural rocking that occurs when your baby moves allows parents to take a step back at times.

If your little one wakes up in the night, the bouncing movement they create can aid soothing.

Parents will also appreciate just how easy to wash the BabyBjorn is! The waterproof mattress cover can be machine washed, as can the mesh walls that make up the bassinet.

Accidents can be dealt with swiftly and easily.

Simple and elegant, the BabyBjorn cradle is a stunning addition to any home or nursery.

Pros

• Oeko Tex Standard 100, class 1 approved fabrics – Fabrics and materials are tested to an international standard, free of health-hazards.
• Portable – The light design can be picked up and carried from room to room.
• Timeless design – The classic appeal makes this a bassinet for any home.

Cons

• Flimsy mattress – While the rest of the design is impeccable, the mattress lacks quality.

4. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet – Best Budget Option

A budget friendly option that outperforms its price point, the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet combines natural movement with automated vibrate modes.

The bassinet can be rocked back and forth by parents, or let your baby’s natural movements cause a gentle swing.

And when it’s time to soothe, the built-in vibrations, noises, and lights will make sleep come easier than ever.

Combining side-to-side rocking, a stationary mode, and vibrate, the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions bassinet is a versatile choice.

The Soother plays music and natural sounds, designed to create a calming environment. It also features a projector and night light, appealing to all your little one’s senses.

Detachable, the bassinet soother becomes a tabletop soother.

Mesh sides create a breathable space for the baby, while also allowing an easy view for parents. Parents will also love the built-in storage space, and the small overall footprint of the bassinet.

As a final bonus, the Fisher-Price Soothing motions bassinet includes an overhead mobile!

Pros

• Versatile soothing techniques – Natural rocking motions, vibration, sound, and light come together for a calming environment.
• Portable – Lightweight, the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet is easy to move around the house.
• Machine washable sheet – Save time on laundry day and after accidents.

Cons

• Thin mattress – The sleep pad is a little basic, even if it is wipe-down.

5. miclassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet – Best Portable Rocking Bassinet

Once you’ve found the best way to get your baby to go to sleep, you don’t want to give it up.

And if your baby enjoys being rocked to sleep, you might feel you have to sacrifice the movement any time you travel.

But with the miclassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet, you can take your little one’s favorite bassinet wherever you go.

Able to fold down to half the size in just seconds, this is a simple and versatile option. The legs are also removable for even more compact storage whilst traveling or storing.

The Miclassic isn’t just an on-the-go bassinet. It’s suitable inside the home as well.

The rocking legs create a gentle and natural movement that can soothe your baby into slumber. But when you don’t want movement, the legs can be secured.

It also features all mesh, breathable fabric walls for maximum breathability and visibility.

Use the included travel bag whenever you want to take your baby exploring (or on a trip to Grandma’s house).

And at home, the miclassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet has enough features to keep baby and parent happy.

Pros

• Foldable – A great bassinet for on the go and staying home.
• Carry bag – For easy transport
• Rocking or stable – Not sure what your baby will prefer? The Miclassic can both rock, and stay still, to match your needs.

Cons

• Shorter usage – Only suitable for babies up to 5 months.

Buyer’s Guide on Best Automatic Rocking Bassinet

Bassinets are an important part of every growing family’s life. They provide a safe haven for your baby during those early months of development.

A rocking bassinet provides a gentle and soothing motion that mimics the womb, and the feeling of being in their parent’s arms.

Bassinets are only used for up to 6 months, at which point you’ll be looking to upgrade to a crib. But those first months are vital in creating a sleep pattern.

To find the best rocking bassinet to get your baby and you as consistent a night’s sleep as possible, take a look at this buyer’s guide.

Safety

The absolute first consideration should be that the rocking bassinet is safe to use.

It might be tempting to buy the newest bassinet that’s reached the market, but we recommend looking for consistent reviews before buying.

A baby must sleep on their back, and the bassinet should provide a firm and flat surface. If the bassinet has slats, check that they’re less than 60 mm.

Larger than this poses a risk of your baby getting trapped.

Bassinets should meet federal safety standards. Look for JPMA or ASTM certification, which indicates voluntary testing.

One key phrase to look out for is the phrase “never leave infants to sleep in this product unattended”. This often indicates a safety risk.

Rocking Motion

It wouldn’t be a rocking bassinet if it didn’t rock, but there are a range of motions available.

Side-to-side and head-to-toe are common, and these mimic the feeling of being in a parent’s arms.

There are also gliding bassinets, which have more of a swaying motion.

A rocking bassinet often needs a parent to push, but some will convert your baby’s movements into gentle motion.

Smart bassinets are becoming more and more popular. These are equipped with automated rocking movements.

Many have multiple settings, to mimic different experiences. These are fantastic but typically more expensive.

The rocking should be stable, and gentle. Too much movement might make your baby ill.

Walls

The walls of the bassinet are related to safety concerns.

Mesh walls are considered standard, as these are breathable. This means if your baby does turn in the night, they won’t suffocate on solid fabric.

Mesh walls also increase the airflow to the bassinet. This gives the baby a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment.

And for parents, mesh walls make it easier to keep an eye on your baby. Even from across the room, you can glance in and see if they’re happy.

Age Limits

Bassinets are essential for new parents, but they only get a few months of use. By the time your baby has reached 6 months old, they’ll need to move on to a crib.

Check the age and weight limits of your bassinet.

Some will hold babies up to 25 lbs, but others have smaller limits. By the time your baby is able to get on their hands and knees, it’s time to move out of the bassinet.

Mattress

The mattress should provide a firm sleeping surface, with a soft and comfortable top layer. It’s also helpful if they can be wiped clean.

Adorable sleeping newborns can still create a lot of mess overnight.

Even the best quality bassinets can sometimes be let down by a flimsy mattress. Check the sizing before you buy, to know there’s an option to upgrade if necessary.

Portability And Size

At this stage, you want your baby to be close to you as much as possible. A bassinet is naturally a more portable option, as it’s smaller.

However, rockers can add a fair bit of weight. Look for bassinets that can be picked up and moved when necessary.

Some bassinets will double as travel bassinets that can be easily collapsed and stored.
Adjustable height is another useful feature to look out for.

This is one for parents with bad backs. Being able to move the height up and down will make access easier, and more comfortable.

What Else Can It Do?

Rocking is often just one feature of the rocking bassinet. Some now feature vibrate modes, built-in sounds, integrated lights, and even apps to connect.

There’s an incredible range out there, all designed to ensure parents and babies can get a good night’s sleep.

Not every feature is going to be worth it.

Exactly what soothes a baby to sleep is impossible to predict. Unfortunately, it’s something you tend to find out along the way.

Think carefully about the options available, what you need, and what your budget is.

Price

The price range of a rocking bassinet can vary from under $100, to over $1000. Remember that safety is key here.

Don’t try to save money and accidentally sacrifice safety features.

That said, a bassinet will only be useful for around 6 months. Carefully consider your budget before making a costly decision.

A good bassinet will last well beyond your little one. If you plan on having a big family, it’s worth investing in a bassinet you can trust to rely on in the years to come.

And when you’re done with it, you should always be able to pass on (or sell on) a durable bassinet.

FAQs on Best Self Rocking Bassinet

What Are Rocking Bassinets?

Bassinets are small beds for young babies that are used until the child is roughly six months old.

A rocking bassinet uses a gentle rocking motion to mimic the movement of the womb and the swaying of a parent’s arms.

They help calm infants who may not like being put down to sleep.

Are Rocking Bassinets Safe?

Yes, rocking bassinets are safe, but make sure to check that the bassinet has been tested before buying.

A properly safety tested rocking bassinet is just as safe as a still bassinet.

What Should I Look For In A Rocking Bassinet?

A rocking bassinet should primarily be safe, and with a gentle rocking movement that can soothe your baby to sleep.

Like a standard bassinet, the rocking bassinet should have breathable mesh walls, a firm yet soft mattress, and a stable base.

A calm rocking movement, easy portability, design, size, and price are all key considerations.

Final Thoughts on Best Self Rocking Bassinets

While it is not a necessity, an automatic rocking bassinet is a fantastic tool to help parents with the soothing their babies to sleep.

We hope this guide has been useful in finding a self rocking bassinet you love!

And if you want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides on SNOO vs mamaRoo, how to keep a baby warm at night, and 10 tips to help your newborn baby sleep.