Baby bassinets: safety and buying guide

Newborns tend to sleep for around 16 hours a day. Red Nose recommends that babies sleep in their own safe sleep space in the same room as a parent or caregiver for at least the first six months.

A baby bassinet is a convenient and easy way to keep you baby in the same room as you while saving on space by not going for a crib.

What is the ideal bassinet for your newborn?

There are certain features that cannot be compromised regardless of the style you choose.

Since babies sleep alone in the bassinet, the four sides cannot be soft or of a plush material else the baby could suffocate. Mesh alone does not establish safety. The sides must be firm and the mattress firm, flat, level and well fitted.

For a second-hand bassinet, check the exact model for recalls, damage, missing parts and instructions before use. Do not use it if you cannot establish a safe setup. New Australian infant sleep product standards apply to suppliers from 19 January 2026; a second-hand item is not automatically covered by those requirements. See the ACCC standards overview.

Baby bassinet features that are essential

Tight-fitted sheet
A flat and firm mattress
Firm sides and a stable, secure structure
If the bassinet rocks, a locking mechanism is essential

Extra baby bassinet features that are extremely helpful

Height adjusting option
Storage space or side pockets
Mechanism to fold the bassinet
Vibration option or in-built music player
The base that can be slid under a bed to save space
If the bassinet has an adjustable side, keep it fully raised for sleep.
Lockable wheels to transport it between rooms

Stop using a bassinet as soon as baby shows signs of rolling, or earlier if a manufacturer limit is reached. Keep its side panels upright for sleep. Use a separate safe sleep space in your room for at least the first six months. See Red Nose: Bassinets and Safe Sleep and the ACCC bassinet guide.

Remaining inherited product entries have not been verified for current Australian availability or compliance. This is a targeted editorial safety correction, not product certification or a medical review.

In-bed sleepers

We have withdrawn the inherited Snuggle Nest Dream recommendation. Use a separate safe cot or bassinet in your room for your baby’s sleep. Do not add an in-bed sleeper or nest inside a cot or portacot. See the ACCC safe-sleep guidance.

We are reviewing these product recommendations.

Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper

The inherited Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer entry is awaiting exact-model and Australian-suitability verification. Stop using a bassinet as soon as baby shows signs of rolling, or earlier if a manufacturer limit is reached.

Why do we love it?

This bassinet has been made to cater the needs of exhausted parents of a new born, hence making it adjustable and mobile so it can be repositioned when empty, following its instructions. The setting up of the bassinet is a very simple procedure since it can be assembled in less than 5 minutes. The bassinet is surrounded by breathable mesh walls, so that air circualtion is constant while your baby is asleep.

Safe-sleep note: Do not tilt a bassinet or add a wedge to treat reflux. Babies with reflux should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat, level mattress. Ask your GP or child health nurse about reflux concerns.

Source: Red Nose: My Baby Has Reflux.

Graco Pack 'n Play Travel Dome DLX Playard includes Portable Bassinet, Full-Size Infant Bassinet, and Diaper Changer

The Graco Pack ‘n Play Portable Bassinet, is a multifunctional product with several features that make it special. It can be used while travelling or at home, the removable bassinet has a tote bag that can be carried to stuff new born supplies. Along with that it also has UV 50 canopy with viser to protect the baby from the sun.

Why do we love it?

The bassinet has different ways of using it, as a portable domed bassinet, a raised bassinet that makes sure you can keep a good eye on your baby, the UV 50 canopy and viser protection for outdoors and a full sized toddler playard so if you remove the bassinet it becomes a playard for your child to enjoy in. This entry remains on hold pending exact-model and Australian-suitability verification.

Set up each component only in the positions and locations permitted by its own instructions. Keep the sleep space clear of toys and added padding. A sofa is not an appropriate place to improvise a baby sleep setup.

Source: ACCC safe-sleep guidance.

Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper with 2 Replaceable Sheets

The Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper is a bassinet that comes along with 2 washable sheets. It can be set up with only 3 steps in 3 minutes making it a convenient assembling. It has height adjustment facility along with a detachable side bed.

Why do we love it?

Adjustable height does not make every location or setup suitable. Keep side panels upright for sleep and follow the exact model’s assembly and use instructions. Check Australian safety requirements before choosing a bedside sleeper.