Shopping for a stroller that will work for your baby during those first sweet months? How about a bassinet stroller for your newborn? These strollers are designed specifically for young children and can make your day run a little more smoothly.
What can you expect from a bassinet stroller, and what should you look for during the shopping process? We’ll share our insider tips and reviews of our favorites.
- Adjustable handlebar
- Sturdy, maneuverable wheels
- 2-in-1 convertible stroller
- Rubber wheels
- Included mosquito netting
- Straightforward to assemble
- Six different modes
- Oversized undercarriage storage basket
- Includes infant car seat
- 3-in-1 design
- Top safety features
- Fast and steady brakes
- Convertible seat
- Shock absorbing wheels
- User-friendly
The Best Bassinet Strollers of 2023
Here are the top five favorite bassinet strollers on the market.
Baby Joy Convertible Bassinet Stroller
Best Overall
This cozy linen model offers a lightweight aluminum frame and two modes of use — a bassinet stroller and a toddler stroller. The bassinet easily detaches for those times where it’s inconvenient to navigate with the stroller. An included foot cover rolls over the top to protect your child from chills while maintaining a safe sleep space.
The toddler seat features seat recline, an adjustable five-point harness, and a detachable safety bar. An included sunshade is adjustable and for use in both modes, while the fabric is lightweight and breathable. When needed, it can be removed from the stroller for cleaning.
What We Like
Adjustable Handlebar
The jointed handlebar requires just a push of a button and enables you to change the angle for additional height. You’ll find this feature handy if you and your partner are radically different in height or you’re looking for more wrist support.
Great Accessories
We love the accessories this unit is equipped with. The foot cover rolls over the top of the bassinet when needed. Well above your child’s resting space, this helps block wind and chills while maintaining an empty sleep space below.
It’s a great space to stash a small diaper bag, purse, or other baby-related items. The detachable handlebar works well for older children, providing an extra step of security to prevent the stroller from tipping during use.
Lightweight
An aluminum frame provides plenty of durability while keeping this stroller lightweight. It can easily be steered with just one hand and isn’t too heavy to lift if needed. If you find yourself navigating a lot of curbs, this stroller can be an excellent option for you.
What We Don't Like
It’s Bulky
This unit doesn’t offer a compact fold. Though it’s lightweight, it’s also bulky, which can make it more cumbersome to move when folded. Even when folded, it will continue to take up a significant amount of space.
Ensure you have the trunk room and storage space to host this stroller or go with a different option.
Folding Can Be a Challenge
The design is intended for use with just one hand, but it may catch during the process. When this happens, you may need both hands to complete the fold.
In addition to the mechanism, you may need to rearrange the seating area before folding. The bassinet is large and can interfere with folding when in place. When it does fold while set up for the bassinet, you may find the unit is too large for small trunks.
It may be best to remove the bassinet altogether before attempting to fold it.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 22 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37 inches by 15 inches by 43 inches |
| Maximum Weight | 33 pounds |
| Color | Gray or black |
| Additional Features | Foot cover; adjustable handlebar; undercarriage storage |
Our Ratings
Cynebaby Convertible Luxury Pram Stroller
Best for Warm Weather
This unit features a reversible seat, and your child can face in or out while in either the toddler seat or bassinet. Sturdy wheels equipped with an anti-shock system are suitable for use on all types of surfaces.
Just shy of 43.3 inches long, the bassinet is large enough for tall babies and those who stretch out while sleeping. The streamlined handle allows you to carry the basket easily. Solid support through the back provides a safe place for your little one to rest.
What We Like
Rubber Wheels
High-quality rubber wheels with tread give excellent traction on all kinds of surfaces. A shock-absorbing spring creates a smooth, easy ride that reduces bouncing and keeps your baby’s head stable. Durable and explosion-proof, these wheels resist popping and air loss.
Easy to Maneuver
Lightweight and equipped with two larger wheels in the rear, this unit is simple to maneuver. The front end of the stroller is slightly more narrow than the back, giving greater stability to the unit. The slight triangular shape also makes the stroller more responsive to minor adjustments from the pusher.
Included Mosquito Netting
Mosquito netting is included with this unit and is designed to be used over the bassinet to protect your child without blocking airflow. It’s a great feature when outdoors during warm months when bugs are prevalent.
Straightforward to Assemble
Some assembly is required to put this stroller together. You’ll need to make minor adjustments when it’s time to transition your baby to the toddler seat as well. Included instructions make the process easier and assembling your new unit is simple and quick.
What We Don't Like
On the Large Side
The bassinet is oversized, which is great for long babies and those who enjoy their space. However, it does make for a bigger finished unit. If you’re planning on navigating tight spaces, you may find it challenging to do with this stroller.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 30.1 pounds |
| Dimensions | 30.7 inches by 23.6 inches by 43.3 inches |
| Maximum Weight | 33 pounds |
| Color | Pink, starry night, green |
| Additional Features | Mosquito net; foot cover; wrist strap; cup holder; seat cushion; undercarriage storage |
Our Ratings
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
Best Bassinet Stroller Travel System
If you’re looking for a bassinet stroller that’s ready to take on multiple jobs, this might be one to consider. With an easy-to-use infant car seat, you can opt to use the stroller frame like a traditional travel system.
Featuring a modular frame, this stroller can be used in six different modes. It’s safe for newborns who weigh at least 4 pounds and can be used by children who weigh up to 50 pounds. Some modes do have a lower weight maximum, and care should be taken to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What We Like
Six Different Modes
With six modes, you can choose the one that’s right for you and your child at the current moment. You can opt to have your baby positioned facing you, or have them face out. Whichever direction you pick, you’ll be able to select the car seat, bassinet, or traditional frame stroller seat.
Great Storage
This model offers an oversized undercarriage storage basket that gives you quick access to your belongings. There’s enough height between the storage space and the bottom of your child’s seat that removing items is easy — even when your child’s on board.
Infant Car Seat With Stay-In-Car Base
Like other travel system options out there, the infant car seat is included with the purchase of this bassinet stroller. This can make it a great budget-friendly option as you don’t need to buy a separate car seat or travel system.
The infant car seat features a stay-in-car base. You’ll secure the car seat base properly in your car and simply release the basket from the base when needed. The basket then snaps into the stroller frame for use.
This ensures a quick and safe loading process for your little one as the base’s position remains the same for every use.
Easy Fold
Offering a slim fold, this unit can be closed with just one hand. You’ll need two hands to unfold it, but it’s a straightforward and quick process. Ensure it has snapped fully into place and the frame is locked before loading your child into the stroller.
What We Don't Like
It’s Not Compact for Car Travel
Though this unit offers a slim fold, it’s still wide and will take up space in your car. More importantly, if you plan to use it in its bassinet mode, you’ll need to travel with the additional seat component.
While this isn’t a deal breaker, you’ll need to have significant storage space in your trunk to accommodate the necessary pieces.
The Infant Carrier Is Finicky to Latch
Though this can be used in the traditional travel system mode, the car seat can be difficult to latch into the stroller. Spend some time learning exactly how the pieces fit together to avoid struggling with your unit car-side.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 20 pounds |
| Dimensions | 25 inches by 34 inches by 47 inches |
| Maximum Weight | 50 pounds |
| Color | Casual gray; dusty rose; navy; rockland; sandstone |
| Additional Features | Six modes of use; undercarriage storage; compact fold; child tray; car seat |
Our Ratings
Wonfuss Reversible Infant Bassinet Stroller
Best Bassinet Stroller for Daily Use
This beautiful bassinet stroller is perfect for everyday use, whether you’re going shopping or out for a long walk. It’s been designed with your ever evolving family in mind, ensuring that it suits your daily life.
It’s also there for you as your baby grows, easily transitioning from a baby stroller to a toddler stroller. It even has a reversible seat, so you can face your baby towards you or looking out at the world.
This is a versatile and comfortable stroller that’s definitely worth the investment.
What We Like
3-in-1 Design
No matter how you’d like your child to sit in the stroller, the world is yours. Firstly, they can lie in it as a flat bassinet, where the baby is on their back. The seat can also be tilted which is great for toddlers. From there, you can face the seat towards you or towards the world. Lastly, the seat can be adjusted into half-lying position.
Top Safety Features
It’s important that your little one is protected, especially as a newborn. If this is your first outing, don’t worry — this bassinet stroller is super safe. It has a five point safety harness to keep children secure. The height adjustable canopy means you can shield them from bright sun or heavy rain. The stroller itself is sturdy due to its aluminum frame. Lastly, it has damping springs on both sides of the wheels to ensure that the stroller isn’t too bumpy no matter the terrain.
Storing? No Problem
Whether you’re storing stuff in the stroller, or storing the stroller itself, it’s been designed brilliantly. There is a large capacity basket underneath the bassinet for all the important things, including your diaper bag, handbag, toys, and snacks.
What We Don't Like
Quite Small
The bassinet seat is a little small for older toddlers. We recommend getting this when your child is a newborn so you can get the most use out of it. It might be fine for your kid, but otherwise, it may be something you save for your next baby, or pass onto a friend in need.
Not for Travel
The back wheels of this stroller makes this one on the bulkier side. Keep in mind that the stroller is a bit bulky for many car trunks. Thus, it is not recommended for travel.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 19.91 pounds |
| Dimensions | 33.6 inches by 18.9 inches by 9 inches |
| Maximum Weight | 33 pounds |
| Color | Smoky gray, pink, or purple |
| Additional Features | Reversible seat, suspension wheels, height adjustable handlebar |
Our Ratings
Infans 2 in 1 Baby Stroller
Best Folding Bassinet Stroller
Take this stroller with you anywhere. The foldable design makes this super portable and easy to carry. You can even fold just the bassinet part which saves extra space.
As well as flexibility in that area, while it’s open, you have some options, too. The canopy itself is adjustable so you can open this up on sunny days to protect your little one.
The bassinet seat is adjustable, too. You can choose between three angles to allow your baby to lie down or sit up slightly. You can also adjust the backrest to suit your baby’s posture.
What We Like
Convertible Seat
Your little one will love this since you can switch it up depending on their mood. You can either have them facing outside, looking at the world around them. Or you can face them towards you, which is great if they’re still young or you want to make sure they’re taking a safe nap.
Shock Absorbing Wheels
The wheels were carefully designed on this stroller. The shock-absorbing feature means you can take this over everyday terrain without discomfort. The front wheels also rotate 360 degrees which makes steering easy. If you want to fix them in a certain orientation, there are clickable buttons at the front. The back wheels are lockable so you can apply a brake for ultimate safety.
User-Friendly Features
There are some more features worth calling out. First of all, this has a cup holder for you or your baby to store their drink. There’s a mesh window for you and your baby to see each other while the canopy is out. We also love the zipper design on the canopy which makes it super easy to open and close.
What We Don't Like
Some Cheap Parts
This isn’t a particularly expensive stroller, and some of the parts reflect that. Some customers found that the handle, and other pieces, were quite cheap. In some rare cases, pieces even fell off the stroller.
Product Specs
| Product Weight | 21 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37 inches by 18 inches by 39 inches |
| Maximum Weight | 50 pounds |
| Color | Grey |
| Additional Features | Anti-shock wheels, reversible facing, adjustable canopy, and foot activated brake |
Our Ratings
| Product | Award | Product Weight | Dimensions | Maximum Weight | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Joy | Best Overall | 22 lbs | 37″ x 15″ x 43″ | 33 lbs | 2 colors |
| Cynebaby Convertible | Best for Warm Weather | 30.1 lbs | 30.7″ x 23.6″ x 43.3″ | 33 lbs | 3 colors |
| Evenflo Pivot Modular | Best Travel System | 20 lbs | 25″ x 34″ x 47″ | 50 lbs | 5 colors |
| Wonfuss Reversible Bassinet | Best for Daily Use | 19.91 lbs | 33.6 x 18.9 x 9″ | 33 lbs | 3 colors |
| Infans 2 in 1 Baby Stroller | Best Fold | 21 lbs | 37″ x 18″ x 39″ | 50 lbs | Grey |
What Is a Bassinet Stroller?
You may have come across bassinets while prepping for your little arrival — they’re small, safe sleeping spaces for young babies. They’re frequently designed to be mobile so you can move them as you go about your daily chores in the house. This allows you to keep tabs on your little one while letting you get some things on your to-do list finished.
A stroller, on the other hand, is meant to help you travel with your child over a greater distance. You’ll want one when it’s important to have your hands free, when you need additional storage, or when your baby is napping. They’re also great when your sore arm muscles need a break from carrying your baby for too long.
A bassinet stroller strives to bring you the best of both worlds. Traditional bassinets — flat and long — are able to snap into a stroller frame. This is perfect for babies sleeping on their backs, which is considered the best and safest way for newborns to sleep (1).
Since babies outgrow bassinets so quickly, it’s a smart buy to get a convertible bassinet stroller. Here’s the 411 on how these things work and some of the pros and cons you’ll find while using them.
How to Choose a Bassinet Stroller
When it’s time to select your new bassinet stroller, the following tips will help you narrow down the choices:
Identify How Long You Plan on Using Your Stroller
While most bassinet strollers offer multiple modes, they aren’t all suitable for older children. If you want to use your stroller into childhood, know that’s the case before shopping.
Know What Features You Need
Not all bassinet strollers fold compactly for easy travel or have ready access to storage. Determine which features you aren’t able to live without to make shopping easier.
Look for Lightweight Options
Bassinet strollers are designed to be mobile and get you where you need to be — despite your sleeping baby. To get the most out of them, you’ll want to make sure they’re light enough for you to carry around.
Choose a Model That’s Easy to Maneuver
You want a stroller that’s enjoyable to use. The unusual shape of a bassinet can leave your stroller cumbersome and awkward to handle. Skip models that don’t offer good maneuverability, or you’ll find you won’t use your purchase.
Know Where You Plan on Using Your Bassinet Stroller
Will you be heading out on long walks directly from your home, or do you need to drive somewhere? While some models are great to leave permanently set up in a corner of the garage, they may not travel well. Have a good idea of where you’ll be using your new stroller to ensure you make a good selection that meets your needs.
Identify Your Budget Before You Start Shopping
Bassinet strollers can be pricey. Know what you want to spend before looking at options — this will help keep you on the right path to finding the perfect model for you.
Bassinet Stroller FAQs
Can the Bassinet Be Used in the Car?
No. While you can travel with the bassinet in the trunk with the stroller frame, your child should not be in it while you’re driving. You should always use an approved car seat with a five-point harness that’s been properly installed in your vehicle.
What Should Be in the Bassinet Stroller?
You’re likely using a bassinet stroller because you want a comfortable place for your newborn to sleep while you’re out and about. Even though you’re on the go, having a safe sleeping space is critical.
No Frills
Does a Bassinet Stroller Work for Off-Roading?
Some bassinet strollers may have more appropriate wheels for off-roading than others. This can be great once you transition to a different seat style and have an older child.
That being said, you’ll want to avoid bumpy surfaces with your newborn as they don’t have much head or neck control. While a bassinet provides a safe, cozy place for little ones to sleep, it doesn’t have structure or support for the upper body.
If you plan on off-roading with your newborn, look into an all-terrain stroller that works with an infant car seat. And even then, try to make the ride as smooth as possible for your baby’s safety.
Can I Use a Bassinet Stroller With an Older Child?
Your stroller can certainly be used with older children if they fall within the weight limit and you’re using the seat and harness. Once your child can sit up and roll over, though, they shouldn’t be in the bassinet portion. Not only will they have outgrown the weight capacity, but they can also easily upset the balance of the stroller, causing it to overturn.
Are Bassinet Strollers Safe?
They are marketed as strollers and are required to meet specific safety standards. Follow your stroller’s safety guidelines and use them as they are intended to be used, and they’ll be safe for your child. Make sure you closely adhere to weight and age requirements and frequently check your equipment to ensure it’s not compromised.
For more information on stroller testing and what’s being done to help protect your child, check in with ASTM (3).
Tips for Using Your Bassinet Stroller
1. Go Ahead and Use It in Your Home
Bassinet strollers aren’t just for those times when you’re on the move. Letting your little one catch up on some rest in your own home? You may want to leave the bassinet in its stroller frame.
If that’s the case, you should always make sure the stroller is somewhere out of the way where it won’t be knocked over.
If your bassinet is in the stroller, do make sure the wheels are locked. You may also choose to remove the bassinet from the stroller and use it that way.
Always ensure you have placed the bassinet on a safe surface. The floor is best, but you’ll need to remove any pets from your child’s sleeping space that may climb into the bassinet.
Watch Out For Heights
2. Don’t Rely on Bassinets Outside of Naps
It can be tempting to place your little one in the bassinet to keep them contained while you tend to chores. But you want to make sure your baby has plenty of opportunities on their arms and their stomach during supervised tummy time.
These activities help develop needed muscles and coordination skills. They can also help prevent Flat Head Syndrome (5).
3. Mix-Up Napping Routines
When you find something that works for getting your little one to sleep, you might want to turn to it all the time. Try to avoid that as it can lead to your child being dependent on that activity (or location or soothing technique) to fall asleep.
Once your child is older and ages out of the bassinet stroller, you’ll still want to put them down for naps successfully.
4. Start Slowly
Have a baby who isn’t taking well to the bassinet stroller? New experiences can take a little bit of time for children to warm up to. They find familiarity comforting and relaxing. If you’re newly transitioning to a bassinet stroller, your little one may object.
When first introducing your stroller, choose a time when your baby is settled and happy. They should be alert and not overly tired.
Place them in the bassinet stroller and take them for a short trip. End on a positive note and don’t plan on introducing something new when you’re pressed for time or have somewhere to be.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Multiple Strollers
A bassinet stroller is great at what it does, but it won’t always be the best option for your current needs. It’s not as easy to maneuver or navigate in tight spaces as other strollers. It also doesn’t always offer the convenience of a snap-in infant car seat.
To get the most out of your bassinet stroller and those early parenting months, you may want to consider owning more than one stroller.
