Best Affordable Bassinets (Cheap Yet Quality! Under $100/$200)

Finding the best affordable bassinets can be a little bit daunting. 

Especially if you don’t have the time, energy, and patience to shift through dozens of websites, read, research, and compare information, talk to people, and go to forums and popular parenting groups to ask for recommendations.

Luckily, I did all of that for you.

In this article, I’ve listed the cream of the crop, high-quality bassinets that are still affordable. 

You will only see bassinets here that have met federal safety standards and that even carry JPMA and Greenguard Gold certifications.

Everything in this budget bassinet list is thoroughly researched, evaluated, and compared against other similar bassinets. 

Here, you’ll only find bassinets that are highly recommended by tons of parents and even baby experts!

Let’s start with the cheapest yet quality bassinet in this list.

I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

Best Affordable Bassinets (Under $100)

Best Outdoor Budget Bassinet: Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

This is a super popular portable bassinet amongst parents who love to travel and hang out outdoors with their baby.

The Dream on Me Karley bassinet comes with a canopy that can protect your kid from the sun, bugs, and mosquitos.

It doesn’t come with a travel bag which can be annoying, but still, a lot of parents love it for its lightweight, easy-to-assemble feature. 

You can use this anywhere outdoors – even the beach!

Here’s a more detailed Dream on Me Karley bassinet review, if you want to find out more.

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Has canopy for protection
  • Can be used outdoors
  • With storage basket underneath

Cons

  • Thin bassinet mattress
  • Travel bag not included
  • Can only do spot-cleaning

Best Affordable Bassinet for Car Trips: Chicco Lullago Portable Bassinet

This space-saving bassinet is easy to assemble and disassemble, making it super convenient for travel.

You can’t check it as a carry-on on a plane, but you can definitely bring this with you in a car. 

It comes with a carrying bag for easy carrying and storing.

And it’s easy to clean – you can literally throw the entire bassinet in the washing machine, except for its frame and legs!

Here’s a more detailed Chicco Lullago Portable Bassinet review, if you want to find out more.

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Greenguard Gold certified
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • NO soothing settings
  • Not plane-friendly

Some parents actually own both of these bassinets – the Chicco for indoors and the Dream on Karley for outdoors.

Runners-Up for Affordable Bassinets (Under $100)

If you’d like to still look around for bassinets costing less than $100, you can consider the ones below. 

These are still great, affordable bassinets, but not really as awesome as the 2 cheap bassinets I’ve already recommended above.

Best Budget Bassinets Under $200

If you like a budget bassinet but with more frills and features, check out these that are highly recommended by a lot of parents.

Most Popular Budget Bassinet: Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bassinet

So far, this has been the most popular, bestselling co-sleeping bassinet on Amazon, at the time this article is published.

And I get why it’s a bestseller! It has an adjustable height, you can attach it next to your bed, it’s a bassinet with wheels, it’s easy to assemble and it comes with a little storage pocket.

All for under $200.

If you want to know more, check out my detailed Mika Micky bassinet review here.

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Can be attached to your bed
  • Adjustable height
  • Comes with wheels
  • Has some storage for small baby items
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Has complaints of being wobbly
  • Has complaints of having an uneven surface

Best Cheap Vibrating Bassinet: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet

If you want a vibrating bassinet with white noise, night light, overhead mobile, and that can be manually rocked and swayed, check out this Fisher Price Soothing Motions bassinet.

This also comes with a removable overhead projector and is easy to assemble.

It doesn’t come with a mobile app so you can control and adjust its vibrations and sounds. And it’s not exactly portable and easy to bring when you’re traveling with your baby.

But it’s a worth-it purchase, considering all the features it comes with.

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Lightweight
  • Has soothing settings
  • Includes overhead mobile 
  • Has storage area

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a mobile app
  • Not foldable

Best Affordable Smart Bassinet: Fisher-Price Luminate Bassinet

This is the best cheapest smart bassinet, that’s also the best SNOO alternative, (minus the sleep tracking feature).

It’s so worth it if you consider all its soothing features for its super affordable price. It auto-responds to your baby’s cries, it’s got adjustable control settings via an app, a timer, and more!

It also comes with motion-activated floor light, a soft light inside the bassinet for feedings and nighttime check-ins or diaper changes.

It’s easy to assemble, it’s sturdy, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s a freaking steal!

Check out my Fisher Price Luminate Bassinet Review if you want to know more.,

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Easy to assemble
  • Adjustable soothing settings are available
  • Auto-soothes baby 
  • Can soothe the whole night or set an auto shut-off timer (up to 2 hours) 
  • Has motion-sensor floor light and bassinet light 
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

Runners-Up for Budget Bassinets Under $200 

Consider these budget bassinets under $200 if you still want to see more options:

Best Splurge-Worthy Bassinets

Here are other bassinets that are mildly pricey to super expensive but can be definitely worth it, feature-wise. 

These are all popular, and highly recommended by tons of parents as the best bassinets for newborns:

How To Choose A Cheap Yet Quality Bassinet

Consider these features when choosing an affordable bassinet:

  • Budget

How low or high can you go? 

Low-budget bassinets are fairly plain and simple, while those that are a little bit pricier can have more features and more premium quality.

So consider that first when choosing the best affordable bassinet.

  • Safety

Make sure the bassinet meets all safety standards and regulations, including JPMA certification.

It should be well-built and durable.

  • Size

How big or tall do you want the bassinet to be? Do you want a small one or a regular one?

Would you prefer something lightweight, so you can carry it from room to room? 

Try to also see if it can be folded, stored and even carried with your road trips, beach trips, etc.

  • Comfort

The bassinet should be comfortable for your newborn, with ideally a thin, flat mattress and breathable mesh walls for safe sleep.

  • Ease of cleaning

Choose a bassinet that is easy to clean, with washable fabrics and ideally, removable parts that can be cleaned easily.

  • Extras Features

Some budget bassinets can come with extra features such as storage compartments, built-in nightlights, vibrations, soothing sounds, etc.

Alternatives for Cheap Bassinets

Here are some options to consider if you’re still undecided about getting a bassinet:

  • Mini Cribs

They can be pricier but at least they’ll last longer than a bassinet. 

Compare the pros, cons, and more of mini cribs vs bassinets here.

  • Pack n Plays

They have more uses and can last longer than a bassinet. And some models have their own bassinet!

Compare Bassinets vs pack n plays here.

FAQ: Best Budgets Bassinets

What is the best brand for a bassinet?

The best brand for a bassinet is subjective but so far, the most popular ones with a lot of positive ratings are from Halo and the SNOO.

How much should you spend on a bassinet?

How much you should spend on a bassinet will depend on your budget and your primary needs.

So if you just want a simple, plain bassinet with no frills, you can spend as little as $60 for one.

Is a bassinet cheaper than a crib?

No, a bassinet is not always cheaper than a crib.

Other bassinets can be as expensive or can cost more than a crib, such as the Baby Bjorn and the SNOO.

Is it OK to leave a newborn in the bassinet?

Yes, it’s OK to leave a newborn in a bassinet. Just always remember to remove any times in the bassinet that can turn into a suffocation hazard for your baby.

How long can a newborn sleep in a bassinet?

A newborn can sleep in a bassinet until they start 5 months or less, depending on how mobile they can be. If they are starting to roll over or are trying to pull themselves up in a sitting position independently, then it’s time to transition to a crib or mini crib.

Tips on Buying a Cheap Bassinet

  • Go basic and simple

Fancy designs and additional features often come with a higher price tag. Choosing a simple and functional bassinet can save you money without compromising on safety or quality.

  • Look for sales and discounts

Keep an eye out for promotions, (such as the Black Friday sales), and discounts offered by retailers. Sign up for newsletters or follow the social media accounts of baby stores to stay informed about the latest deals and offers.

  • Shop secondhand

If you want cheaper bassinets, look for used ones in good condition in Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Goodbuy Gear, thrift stores, or local parenting groups. 

  • Inspect thoroughly

Inspect used bassinets before purchase. Make sure that all parts are present, and are in good shape.

  • Check for recalls

Before buying a used bassinet, search for any recall notices associated with the specific brand and model. 

  • Ask friends or family

Inquire if friends or family members have a bassinet they no longer need. You never know, you might just get it for free!

  • Attend baby expos and trade shows

Baby expos and trade shows often have vendors offering discounts on bassinets, cribs, and other baby essentials. So take advantage of these events.

  • Explore local community groups

Check if there are community organizations, churches, or charities that provide free or low-cost baby items, including bassinets. 

Best Affordable Bassinets: Takeaway

Getting the best affordable bassinets doesn’t always mean compromising on their quality and safety standards. Especially when it concerns your baby.

You can still find budget bassinets that are safe, are of premium quality, and some with a lot of frills and features. Just like the ones in this list. 

Cheap Bassinets Under $100

Dream On Me Karley Bassinet

Chicco LullaGo® Anywhere Portable Bassinet

Cheap Bassinets Under $200

Mika Micky Baby Bassinet  

Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet

Fisher-Price Luminate Bassinet

I hope my list of the best budget bassinets has been helpful. Happy shopping! 🙂

Julie