The 2025 Bassinet Shortlist: 5 Sleep-Friendly Choices for Newborns
Welcoming a new baby into your life comes with big emotions and even bigger decisions. Everything starts with choosing the right bassinet.
From late-night feeds to early-morning snuggles, the right bassinet brings your baby safely within arm’s reach while giving you peace of mind. Whether you’re recovering from birth, sharing your room, or need something portable to move around your home, your bassinet should work for you.
At Little Canadian, we’ve created this handpicked list of top bassinets for 2025 based on what really matters to Canadian parents: safety, comfort, design, and real-life functionality. No trends, no fluff; just tried-and-tested essentials to make those early weeks a little gentler. Let’s find the one that fits your family!
What to Look for in a Great Bassinet
In 2025, the best bassinets do more than just look cute next to your bed; they help babies sleep better and help parents breathe a little easier.
Here’s what to consider:
Safety certifications: Make sure your bassinet complies with Canadian safety standards and Health Canada’s safe sleep recommendations: a firm, flat surface with no pillows, bumpers, or soft toys.
- Breathable mesh sides: These promote greater airflow and also provide a clear view of your baby.
- Portability: Having a bassinet with wheels or a lightweight frame will allow you to move the bassinet from room to room.
- Ease of access: This is critical for the midnight feed or if a parent is recovering from birth!
- Bedside compatibility: Many parents may prefer a bedside bassinet and be able to align the height of the bassinet with their own mattress.
- Soothing features: Some bassinet models can offer rocking or gentle bouncing motion to help your baby settle themselves.
It should be easy to find a sleep solution for your newborn, no matter whether you live in a condo, house, or share a room together. To learn more about sleep safety, you can check out the full Health Canada sleep safety guidelines here.
Our Top Bassinet Picks for Canadian Parents in 2025
1. HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper- Essentia Series
If there were a bassinet designed just for exhausted parents, this might be it. The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is incredible for new parents because the full 360° swivel allows you to pull the baby close without even getting out of bed.
We particularly love it for C-section recovery because you can simply slide the baby your way and avoid bending and twisting. The adjustable height means it will fit with almost every bed, and its compact footprint allows it to fit in the smallest of rooms.
Why we love it: For new parents recovering post-birth or living in tighter spaces, this sleeper is all about support for the baby and you.
2. Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Bassinet
The Iora is as chic as it is practical. It glides quietly for easier nighttime access, comes with a large built-in storage basket, and has a supportive mattress that babies love.
We especially love how its clean, modern design fits seamlessly into any room. No bulky baby gear eyesores here.
Why we love it: Elegant and efficient, it keeps essentials close and sleeps even closer.
3. Maxi-Cosi Starling Bassinet
The Starling Bassinet is an incredibly lightweight, compact option. Great for families that travel or families that find themselves moving from floor to floor throughout the day. It easily folds down in a matter of seconds, comes with its own travel bag, and even includes breathable mesh sides and a firm, safe mattress.
Whether you’re headed to Grandma’s or just need a place for the baby to nap, this portable bassinet makes everything much easier.
Why we love it: It's lightweight, foldable, and perfect for a family on the move.
4. Safety 1st Nap ‘n Go Rocking Bassinet
This budget-friendly gem rocks gently to soothe the baby, then locks in place when needed. It’s foldable, easy to store or carry, and makes an ideal secondary bassinet for another floor of the house or for travel.
Its minimalist design blends in anywhere, and the motion feature is a serious bonus during fussy evenings.
Why we love it: Affordable, portable, and gentle on both baby and your budget.
5. BabyBjörn Cradle
If design really matters to you (and let’s be honest, it usually does), the BabyBjörn Cradle is a lovely and practical option. It provides a nice springy motion, visible mesh sides, and a lightweight, sturdy frame that is easy to carry around the house.
The Nordic styling means that it is as pretty in the living room as it is in the nursery; no ugly, bulky options here.
Why we love it: Functional design and smooth moves for parents who value form and function.
Choosing the Right Bassinet for Your Baby
Each family and home is unique. The best bassinet will depend on your space, your sleep setup, and what makes those early days a little bit easier.
- If you share a room with your baby, a bedside bassinet that is adjustable in height can help keep them nearby while following safe sleep practices.
- If you want something for ease of use throughout your home or to travel with a portable or foldable bassinet is important.
- If you love the thought of gentle motion or rocking, choose a model that has built-in bounce or gliding capabilities.
In 2025, design and function are both key, with the best bassinets adding support for both baby sleep and parents' everyday lives. Whether you’re after simplicity or a ton of features, we have considered everything.
We have chosen these because they balance safety, comfort, and real-life usability, which we believe all new parents should have!
FAQs About Bassinets
How long can a baby sleep in a bassinet?
Most babies will outgrow their bassinet by four months, or when they start to roll over or push up on hands and knees.
Are bassinets safe for overnight sleep?
Yes, if safe sleep guidelines are followed according to Health Canada. The bassinet must have a firm, flat mattress and should not have extra padding, toys, or loose bedding.
Do I need both a bassinet and a crib?
You don't have to, but many parents like to start with a bassinet for the first few months because they are smaller, portable, and easier to care for at night. A crib will usually be next when the baby is ready to transition to it.
What is the difference between a portable bassinet and a full-size one?
Portable bassinets are lighter, often foldable, and meant to be portable or to move more easily between rooms. Full-size models may have more features, but they are often not travel-friendly.
Can I use a used bassinet?
Only if it is compliant with current safety standards, in good condition, and hasn't been recalled. Always check that the frame is secure and that it has a clean and firm mattress.
Because Every Great Day Starts with a Good Night’s Sleep
Choosing a bassinet is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a parent, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
In 2025, there are smart, stylish, and safety-tested options to suit every sleep space, routine, and budget. Whether you need a compact co-sleeper or a travel-friendly cradle, Little Canadian has handpicked the best for growing families like yours.
Shop Little Canadian’s entire bassinet collection today!
