You want your newborn to be safe and comfortable at night. And let’s be honest: You’re also craving a little extra sleep. That’s why you’re considering a smart bassinet for your baby.
This innovative bed promises more than just a cozy place for your baby to rest. Its features are designed to keep them asleep for longer. And for an exhausted parent, any product offering a few extra minutes of shut-eye is worth investigating.
But what exactly is a smart bassinet? And what features does it offer that a regular bassinet does not? We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know before you shop so you can make the best decision possible for your precious bundle of joy.
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- What is a smart bassinet?
- Smart bassinet features
- Questions to consider before you shop
- Sleep safety in a smart bassinet
- How to transition your baby out of a smart bassinet
What is a smart bassinet?
A smart bassinet is a small baby bed with built-in technology. It offers various features, like soothing lullabies and gentle movements to help your baby relax and, hopefully, stay asleep longer.
Some of these beds also include night lights and sensors, making it possible to monitor your baby’s sleep from the comfort of your own bed. Those features can give you peace of mind as a new parent.
Like most bassinets, these small beds are meant for younger babies. They can be used from birth until your baby starts showing the first signs of pushing up or rolling over. At that point, you’ll need to transition them to a different bed, such as a play yard or a traditional crib.
Smart bassinets have been a game changer for many parents, but they may not make sense for everyone. Let's look at pros and cons to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Smart bassinet benefits
The biggest benefit of a smart bassinet is the built-in technology. Many parents appreciate the extra help these beds give them when it comes to soothing cranky babies.
Knowing that they’ll still be rocked if you set them down allows you to take the break you need to recharge. This can be huge for your mental health.
The tracking feature is also beneficial. You’ll see how long your baby sleeps each night and notice anything interfering with their rest. This knowledge is valuable as you work to improve your baby’s sleep habits.
Portability is another plus. Depending on the model you purchase, you may be able to fold it up and bring it along on your travels. Some also come with wheels, making moving from room to room simple.
In addition, smart bassinets are usually smaller than a crib. If you plan to room share during the early months, this space-saving design may be just what you need.
The small design is also comforting for your little one. After nine months in the womb, the outside world can seem big and overwhelming. A tiny bed can help them feel more secure as they adjust.
Smart bassinet considerations
The main thing to take into consideration when you’re shopping for a smart bassinet is cost, especially if you want a top-of-the-line model. However, many parents believe the benefits of smart bassinets make them a worthwhile investment.
In addition, you’ll need to think about technology compatibility. Not all bassinets work with all smartphones or tablets, so verify that the one you want will work with your devices.
Smart bassinet features
Now that you know more about smart bassinets, let’s dive into some of the features these beds offer. Then, you can decide which ones are must-haves when comparing models.
Cry-detecting technology
Some smart bassinets incorporate microphones into their design. When your baby starts to fuss, the bed responds with some of the below features, trying to soothe them back to sleep.
Sound
Let your smart bassinet lull your baby to sleep with soothing sounds. Many of these beds come preloaded with classical music, lullabies, nature recordings, and white noise to help your little one relax.
Plus, with some models, you can connect it to your own playlists for a customized sleep experience.
Movement
Babies like to rock. The rhythmic back-and-forth motion has been used for centuries to calm and help them sleep. Now, with some smart bassinet models, you can rock your baby all night long without staying awake yourself.
The quiet motors rock the bed gently, simulating the feeling of being in your arms. And since your baby is still lying flat on their back, they won’t slump down and block their airway like they could in a swing or car seat.
When deciding between bassinets, see if the movement is auto-response or manual. As we mentioned, some will automatically start moving when your baby fusses, while you must manually activate others. Some have a button on the bed, while others require an app.
Lights
At night, turning on the bright overhead light can disturb you and your baby. But it’s hard to check on them when the room is pitch black.
Thus, many smart bassinets come with night lights. They emit soft light that’s reassuring and not blinding.
Analytics
When you connect your smart bassinet to an app, you can track how long your little one sleeps each night. This can be helpful when reporting to the doctor. It’s also useful for identifying patterns.
For example, you might notice that every time the bassinet plays a particular song, it helps your baby fall asleep quickly. You can use knowledge like this to help make the bed even more comforting in the future.
Design
Smart bassinets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have a sleek, futuristic design, while others look more cutesy.
Look at the bassinet's legs and see if they stick out so much that they’d be awkward to get around based on where you place the bed. When you’re exhausted in the middle of the night, you don’t want to think about where to place your leg so you don’t trip.
Storage
Some smart bassinets have baskets or a shelf underneath for storing diapers and wipes. Others don’t. This extra storage can be convenient if you’re room-sharing and don’t have a good spot for your baby’s things.
Portability
Some smart bassinets are more portable than others. If this feature is important to you, check if the specific model you’re looking at folds or comes apart for easier transport.
In addition, check the weight of the bed itself. You want a model that’s light enough to move on your own.
Questions to ask before you shop
If you’re ready to introduce a smart bassinet into your nursery, here are a few questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge.
What’s your budget?
Bells and whistles come with a price tag. Expect to spend between $250-$2000 on one of these beds. Of course, the more features you want, the more you’ll have to pay. Starter models won’t have as much integrated tech.
Since it is a significant investment, you’ll want to consider your budget. Just remember: you can’t put a price tag on a good night's sleep!
Are there other purchase options?
While buying a brand-new smart bassinet can be prohibitive, you may have other options, such as buying a used one from an online or local marketplace.
Here are a few other options to consider:
- Rent the bassinet for a few months (just read the small print to be sure you understand any fees and return shipping costs you’ll have to pay)
- Find another family due 5-6 months after you and split the cost
- Wait for Black Friday sales or other promotions
- See if the company offers certified used models for sale
Getting creative and thinking outside the box might help you purchase a smart bassinet for less.
How long can you use it?
As we mentioned earlier, babies outgrow bassinets fairly quickly. Once your little one shows the first signs of pushing up or rolling over, usually around two to four months, or they’ve reached the manufacturer’s weight limit, you’ll need to move them into a crib.
If you haven’t given birth yet or are planning on having more kids, buying a more expensive bed might be worthwhile. But this purchase might not make sense if your sweet babe is already close to sitting up. They’ll soon need to transition to a different bed.
What accessories do you need to purchase?
Your bassinet needs a mattress and sheets that fit snugly. And you might want to use a mattress pad to make middle-of-the-night blowouts easier to clean. (Note: Avoid using a mattress pad unless it’s explicitly approved for use in your bassinet.)
Other accessories include:
- Compatible sleep sacks
- Mosquito netting
- Water-resistant covers
While some bassinets include these accessories, others don’t. You may need to buy them separately. In that case, ensure everything is compatible and fits well without leaving a dangerous gap and has been approved by the manufacturer.
Is it compatible with your devices?
Smart home devices are growing in popularity. If you already have one that you use (like Amazon Alexa or Google Home), see if the bassinet is compatible with it.
Then, when you need an extra hand, you can ask your smart home device to turn on the baby’s light or start rocking the bed.
Similarly, verify that the app works on your smartphone before you buy it. Otherwise, you may only be able to use some of the features.
Is there a trial period?
There’s nothing worse than shelling out a good bit of money for a fancy bassinet only to discover that your little one hates it. To avoid this problem, see if there’s a trial period offered.
If there is, make sure you know when it officially begins and how long it lasts. Then, if the bassinet isn’t a good fit, just remember to return it before the trial period ends.
Sleep safety in a smart bassinet
No matter what type of bed you select for your newborn, keep these important sleep safety guidelines in mind.
- Place your baby on their back for sleeping
- Ensure their mattress is firm and flat
- Remove any blankets, pillows, or toys from the bed
- If temperatures require it, swaddle baby safely (stopping once they show signs of rolling over) or use a sleep sack
- Check around the bed to make sure there’s nothing your little one could grab
This short video shows a safe sleep environment for a baby:
How to transition your baby out of a smart bassinet
Your baby has been comfy in their smart bassinet for months, and you’ve gotten used to the convenience, but pretty soon you’ll have to make the switch to a regular crib.
Here are a few things to consider when it’s time for your baby to graduate from their smart bassinet to a crib that will make the transition a bit easier.
Make a transition plan.
First of all, it’s important to make a plan before your baby shows signs of rolling over or pushing up on their hands, usually starting around two months old. That said, you’ll also want to check the manufacturer’s weight limit on your bassinet.
Many babies make the transition from a bassinet to a crib between two and six months, so it’s best to have their crib in place at least a month ahead. Doing so ensures there’s no unnecessary panic when the time comes.
Implement a bedtime routine.
Another thing you want to put into place, if you haven’t already, is a bedtime routine. This predictable set of pre-snooze steps will make it easier to keep consistency as your baby’s resting place changes from a smart bassinet to a crib.
A bedtime routine doesn’t need to be long. It’s more important that it’s soothing and consistent. Here’s an example:
- Bathe your baby
- Give your baby a massage
- Dim the lights in the nursery
- Change baby into their sleep clothes and a fresh diaper
- Turn on soothing music
- Read a short bedtime story
Keep in mind there’s no one “right” routine. Choose something you think you can replicate daily.
Start slowly.
Many smart bassinets offer a lot of features, from lights and sounds to rocking movements. If your little one was enjoying these relaxing aspects of the bassinet, taking them away in one fell swoop would be pretty upsetting.
The best thing to do is to wean your baby off the features one by one over a period of time prior to transitioning to their crib. Otherwise, your little one will be calling for you to be the soother-on-demand.
Note: Some smart bassinets have a weaning mode to help with this process. If yours does, read the manufacturer’s directions to learn more about how it works.
Create a sleep-friendly environment.
When you’re transitioning from a smart bassinet to a crib, be sure your crib is set up in a sleep-friendly environment so that it will be as easy as possible for your little one to nod off in their new bed.
For instance, double-check that the nursery gets dark and quiet enough for daytime naps. This might require blackout shades and a white noise machine. Also, set the temperature to 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature for sleep.
If the room is dry, try a cool mist humidifier as well. Make sure the humidity level remains between 30 and 60 percent.
When it comes to the new crib’s mattress, you want to opt for one that is both breathable and firm, such as Newton’s Original, Essential, and Waterproof Mattresses. Our mattresses are also fully washable from cover to core, hypoallergenic, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Try a sleep sack.
When it’s time to move from the smart bassinet to a crib, it’s also time to stop swaddling. To limit the stress of all of these changes, try introducing your baby to a sleep sack at bedtime before transitioning their bed.
A sleep sack is basically just a wearable blanket that will keep the baby warm and safe, as regular blankets are a no-no.
Sleep sacks allow baby’s legs and arms to move, so if they start rolling over, they can right themselves. When choosing a sleep sack, opt for one made out of a natural, breathable material.
Also, be sure to purchase the right size, and look for an easy-access zipper so middle-of-the-night diaper changes are a snap.
Time it right.
Like everything in life, timing is key!
When choosing the perfect moment to make the switch from smart bassinet to crib, keep in mind that many babies experience what’s known as the four-month sleep regression around this same time.
If you transition before that, you won’t get the benefit of the soothing features of your baby’s smart bassinet during the sleep regression. If you transition too late, however, it could be dangerous for your baby because they might exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit.
As long as your baby isn’t showing signs of pushing up or rolling over and has not yet reached the weight limit, waiting until the four-month sleep regression is over may be helpful.
Play in the new bed.
Connecting your baby’s new crib with happy moments is another good way you can make them more comfortable with the transition. For a few minutes a day when baby’s awake, make the new crib a play area for them.
Bring some baby-safe toys, get your repertoire of silly faces queued up, and grab a bunch of books to read together. The goal is to build familiarity with the crib and the room itself, seeding positive experiences in the sleeping space to-be.
Then, when it’s time to make the switch, your baby will acclimate all the more easily.
Consider a smaller transition.
As smart bassinets tend to be small and cozy, you might want to consider doing a two-step transition, one for the bed itself and the next for the location.
For step one, switch out the smart bassinet for a play yard, mini crib, or crib, but keep it in your room next to your bed where the bassinet used to be. This way, their environment stays consistent as they get used to the roomier bed.
Then, when the time is right, you can move the new crib to the nursery as the last step in their transition.
Think positively about the move.
This is a big transition for your baby, and they’re looking at you to lead the way. Before you get stressed, remember that your baby will pick up on your emotions, so it’s time to think positively. Transitions are fun!
If your baby’s switch from a smart bassinet to a crib is not feeling as fun as you want, reframe your focus to the benefits of the change. Positive thinking is contagious, so use it liberally during these times of transition.
A smart upgrade for your baby’s bed
A smart bassinet can revolutionize your baby’s sleep experience. With features like soothing sounds, gentle movement, and dim lights, your little one can get the rest they need in a comfortable, safe environment.
But if you prefer a regular bassinet, try our Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper. Its mattress is ultra breathable, so your little one will be safe and cozy while they sleep!
No matter what bed you choose, check out the Newton Blog for more tips on helping your baby sleep through the night. And consider our products to help promote Safer, Healthier, Better Sleep™ and Play.
Frequently asked questions
When should I stop using a smart bassinet?
Check the particular smart bassinet for any manufacturer recommendations, but as a general rule of thumb, a baby moves out of a bassinet when they’re able to push up on their arms or start showing signs of rolling over. This typically happens between two and four months.
Can I get a second-hand smart bassinet?
Although you can purchase a second-hand smart bassinet, it’s important to be careful. Check for any manufacturer recalls and double-check that you’re getting all of its parts. You’ll also want to test it before purchasing in order to ensure all electronic parts are working properly.
Do smart bassinets work with all apps?
No, smart bassinets normally will only work with the manufacturer’s own proprietary app, which will require Wifi or Bluetooth. Additionally, some apps that include tracking functionality will also require you to purchase a subscription.
