Bassinets

A traditional bassinet is oval-shaped and small enough to sit beside a bed, so a parent can easily access the baby during the night. It should have mesh or slatted sides that are lower than a crib but still tall enough to guard against a baby rolling out.

Smart bassinets vibrate, rock, and make noise intended to soothe a baby. Some detect a baby’s fussing and respond with soothing motions and sounds. Some even have lights intended to calm or delight a baby. These models are controlled by an app, buttons on the side of the device, or a smart home device.

These models fold or disassemble, making them good for travel. Families that don’t travel a lot may value them just as much since they make moving from room to room easier, given their lightweight nature and ability to fold into a more manageable shape for carrying.