5 Best Non-Toxic and Organic Bassinets: Bedside, Crib

Having an organic baby bassinet that is non-toxic and safe for your newborn baby is a MUST.

Since babies spend HOURS sleeping on their bassinet or crib, you should make sure to keep your baby safe from any toxic chemicals.

Non-toxic bassinets are the only options you should consider when figuring out what’s best for your bundle of joy.

These options are all NON-TOXIC and SAFE for most babies. Others also work great in the long run and can even turn into a toddler bed!

Whatever type of organic baby bassinet you’re looking for, there are the best non-toxic bassinets that will keep your newborn baby safe and free from toxic chemicals.

5 Best Non-Toxic Bassinets for Newborns

1. HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper

The Halo BassiNest is a popular non-toxic choice that you might have heard of before.

This baby bassinet is especially convenient for moms who have sore backs or had a C-section. You can easily swivel this co-sleeper bassinet close to you without having to get up!

This non-toxic bassinet has breathable mesh sides, adjustable height features, a drop-down side wall for easy access, and rotates which make it easy to bring it closer to you on your own bed!

All these make it easier and more convenient for my baby to see me and feel my presence!

It’s also an award-winning product and is JPMA certified too!

The bassinet mattress that comes with it, unfortunately, contains polyurethane foam. Although HALO claims that no chemical flame retardants are used in any of their non-toxic products.

Thankfully, they offer an organic cotton mattress that’s a safer non-toxic alternative.

2. BABYBJORN Cradle

The BabyBjorn Cradle is another great non-toxic bassinet that’s hard not to love.

When it comes to the best non-toxic bassinets that you can rock from side to side, then this product stands on top.

Having a sturdy base and a lightweight fabric body, you can easily rock your baby to sleep with your hands or feet.

What’s also great about this product is that it has a low height, making it easy for you to sneak a peek at your baby on the side of your own bed.

Thankfully, there hasn’t been a day where my baby was fussy or crying while trying to sleep!

It also has breathable mesh sides because of its transparent fabric body. The mattress is made out of polyester fabric, making it non-natural, but it’s still safe for your baby.

If you want a natural non-toxic alternative, then Naturepedic offers an organic cotton mattress that fits perfectly!

3. Guava Lotus Travel Crib with Bassinet Kit

If you’re a frequent traveler like me or need to bring a crib with you when you’re staying over somewhere else besides your home, then this non-toxic bassinet/play yard is perfect!

Thanks to this choice, my baby was comfy and happy for pretty much the entire trip!

You can set up and pack up this travel crib in as easy as 15 seconds!

When packed, this 13-pound crib is designed to be a backpack you can easily carry when you’re on the move.

This GREENGUARD Gold-certified product has breathable mesh sides, a low and comfortable mattress, and a zipper opening on the side which makes it a great play yard!

The side zipper also makes it easily accessible, so checking on your baby and cuddling them to co-sleep is hassle-free.

You can also buy a separate bassinet kit which makes the height of the mattress higher, making it perfect for newborns!

4. Delta Children Deluxe Bedside Bassinet

If you’re trying to find a great non-toxic bassinet that doesn’t cost a lot, then this product is a great choice!

This bassinet meets all safety standards that are set by CPSC and ASTM, so you don’t have to worry about it being unsafe for your newborn.

What makes this bassinet is great is that it has an adjustable and removable canopy.

You can either close it to block light to have a more peaceful sleeping environment or open it up to give your baby more room to breathe.

There’s also a large storage basket underneath which is a plus!

This bassinet has a polyester fabric mattress that’s safe for your baby. Unfortunately, there isn’t any natural non-toxic mattress you can replace it with.

Another great feature is that it has a calming nightlight and soothing music feature that can help your newborn to fall asleep easier!

This was the highlight for me, and it helped my baby fall asleep in MINUTES!

5. DaVinci Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

The DaVinci Autumn 4-in-1 isn’t actually a non-toxic bassinet, but it’s a great convertible crib that will last you for years!

What makes this product great is how LONG-LASTING it is for all babies.

This product grows with your baby and can act as a full-sized crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed!

My baby and I don’t have to worry about adjusting to a brand new crib or bed now!

This crib is made out of sustainable New Zealand pine wood that’s TSCA-compliant MDF. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold-certified and meets the safety standards of ASMA and CPSC.

On top of that, it also has awards from Safewise, National Parenting Product Awards, and Wirecutter. This non-toxic crib is one of the SAFEST cribs out there!

The mattress that comes with this crib is firm, lightweight, and is also non-toxic, so that’s a plus!

Benefits of Organic Bassinets

An organic bassinet may seem like another expensive purchase, but there are lot of reasons why they are WORTH IT in the long run.

Here are some ways you and your baby may benefit from an organic bassinet.

Safer for Newborns

Organic bassinets are made of the SAFEST materials for babies, such as organic cotton, wool, or natural wood.

There is also the reduced exposure to harmful chemicals like VOCs, allergens, or BPA that may disrupt the baby’s sleep and health.

Help Baby Sleep Better

In addition to the safer materials, they also work hand-in-hand to help the baby sleep better!

Organic cotton, one of the commonly used materials in bassinets, is softer and gentler on the baby’s skin.

It prevents itching, rashes, or any kind of discomfort that will affect the baby’s sleep.

Strengthens Relationship With Mother

Of course, bassinets are bedside sleepers for the baby, meaning the mother can turn to look at her baby anytime!

Knowing that the mother and baby are very close while they sleep helps strengthen their bond.

Plus, the mother won’t always have to get up and check on her baby as she is always there at the ready if he starts crying or cannot sleep.

What to Look for in an Organic Baby Bassinet

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping every day, so it’s important to figure out what kind of organic baby bassinet would work best for them.

To figure out the best non-toxic bassinet for your bundle of joy, there are a couple of features you should keep in mind.

#1 Non-Toxic Materials and Chemicals

Since your baby would spend hours inside a bassinet or crib, this factor is probably what you shouldn’t shrug off the most when it comes to bassinets.

What makes non-toxic bassinets options great is that they’re free from any toxic chemicals and flame retardants that could be harmful to your baby.

Unfortunately, 100% organic bassinets are hard to come by. Although in this list, these non-toxic bassinets do a great job of being safe enough for your baby!

Some of the chemicals that you should be careful of are VOCs, allergens, formaldehyde, BPA/BPS, chemical flame retardants, and polyurethane foam for the organic bassinet mattress.

Organic cotton and polyester are two common fabrics that are used for baby bassinets. Thankfully you don’t have to worry about those being harmful.

The polyester fabric is what makes the bassinet exterior light and breathable, and organic cotton is what makes the bassinet sheet feel soft and comfy.

#2 Certifications and Safety Standards

As much as possible, you should go for the best non-toxic bassinets that are tried, tested, and reviewed by a lot of people.

Having official certifications and reviews is even better and makes parents feel that these products are safe and trustworthy.

Certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, CPSC, ASTM, and JPMA are some of the things that you might see on a couple of these products.

You might also see that some products “meet the safety standards” of the US, Canada, and other countries.

The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) is another familiar board of reviewers that you might have heard of when it comes to baby products.

Thankfully for us, most of the baby products that are released these days make sure to meet or exceed these standards, so that’s great!

#3 Size

The size of the bassinet is more important for you rather than it is for your newborn. All bassinets are designed to be big enough for all newborns.

You don’t have to worry about whether or not your baby will fit even until they turn one, although this could depend on the product guidelines.

What you do have to worry about is if the size of the bassinet fits your bedroom space.

Some bassinets have slimmer and more compact designs which are great for most situations. Although some can be bulkier and difficult to fit, especially in tight spaces.

Keep this in mind and make sure the bassinet won’t take up too much room or space. Check the dimensions of the bassinet if they’ll work for your bedroom before buying!

#4 Height

The height of the bassinet is also another feature you should consider.

If you’re looking for bedside sleeper bassinets that work great as a co-sleeper, then you can go for one that’s low enough so you can easily sneak a peek at your baby.

Some bassinets have a height adjustment feature and some have sides that you can lower down. These features are particularly great for those looking for a co-sleeper option.

#5 Mobility

Mobility is also a factor that you shouldn’t forget! When your baby is sleeping soundly on the bassinet, there are times when you have to move rooms or decide to place the bassinet in a different position.

Luckily for us parents, some bassinets are mobile enough to address these problems!

Some of these bassinets are compact and lightweight, making them easy to lift and transfer from one place to another.

There are even some bassinets that have wheels on their stands, which makes it almost effortless to transfer it anywhere!

#6 Durability

Safety is always the top priority when taking care of babies. I’m sure all moms can agree with us on this one!

When buying a non-toxic bassinet, make sure that they’re sturdy and stable enough for most situations.

Some lightweight bassinets are flimsy and lack durable stands. This could be a problem especially if you have other kids and pets around the house!

Make sure that your bassinet has a solid foundation that won’t break under any pressure.

For bassinets that you can rock side to side, make sure that they’re designed well and have zero chance of breaking and falling off.

Avoid Old and Used Bassinets

Another tip is that, as much as possible, you should buy a brand new bassinet or crib instead of hand-me-downs.

Older bassinets might not be as sturdy or reliable compared to new ones, so this is something you should keep in mind.

Let’s face it, some bassinets cost a lot of money, and a family of three is already filled with expenses!

I’m sure that some of you considered getting one from another mom or friend to cut down on additional costs, I know I have!

Although, I realized that buying a brand new bassinet is a worthy investment that’s best for the safety of out little one.

#7 Visibility and Breathability

As a mother, it’s hard to take your eyes off your precious one.

When it comes to bassinets, your baby should be visible to you, not so you can admire their cute little faces, but so you can monitor their breathing and sleeping.

Make sure that the bassinet you choose has mesh sides or have gaps that give room for visibility. You’ll easily be able to monitor your baby and can even see if they’re fine from a distance.

Another function of these sides is that they can prevent any breathing problems.

Babies can turn to the side and put their faces on the side of the bassinet. This could affect their breathing if the bassinet doesn’t have any breathable sides.

Having air gaps that don’t block air circulation helps keep your baby’s breathing normal and safe.

Additional Factors to Look For

• Comfort – Of course, you want your baby to sleep peacefully, and a bassinet that is comfortable enough will do that. See how your baby reacts after placing him down on the bassinet to gauge if it is comfy enough.
• Portability – A bassinet that is easy to move around or has wheels is convenient for those who travel.
• Ease of Assembly and Maintenance – Finding a bassinet that is easy to put together will save A LOT of time.
• Price/Warranty – It’s important to consider your finances, as a bassinet is a good investment for the baby. A warranty will come in handy as well in case of damages or replacements.

EXTRA TIP: You can hook up a baby mobile with toys and sounds to your bassinet to help stimulate your baby and promote a sounder sleep!

Are All Bassinet Mattresses the Same Size?

Not all baby bassinets share the same size and dimensions, so a rectangular mattress for Bassinet A might not fit well with Bassinet B that has an oval-shaped bassinet mattress.

Oval ones are more common for smaller bassinets that work well for co-sleepers and bedside sleeping.

For those babies that have grown past their bassinet stage, a crib mattress is what they transition to. A crib mattress is bigger and thicker compared to mattresses for bassinets.

For some products, they can be convertible and grow along with your baby. A crib mattress for an infant is big enough to use as for toddlers eventually, which is great in terms of value and long-term solutions.

Crib vs. Bassinet

Some of you might be unsure about which of these options will be best for your little one. To help you figure that out, here are the main differences between a crib and a bassinet.

Bassinet

Bassinets are smaller beds that are meant for newborns usually until they’re about 6 months old. This age range would depend on how fast your baby would grow.

Bassinets also usually have a higher height compared to cribs, making it easily accessible to attend to newborns. The mattresses on bassinets are also smaller, thinner, and frequently have an oval shape.

Crib

Cribs are bigger beds that could also be converted to toddler beds (this depends on the product, of course). These can fit older babies that are bigger and heavier.

Since they’re designed for bigger babies, they tend to be sturdier, heavier, and have a lower height. The lowered height helps prevent older babies from accidentally falling off the crib when they’re standing up.

Crib mattresses are also bigger and thicker compared to those of bassinets. These make them more suitable for heavier babies who need a bit more cushioning and firmness.

If you’re looking for something more spacious for your baby, you can browse through my article on the Best Baby Cradles for good options.

When Should My Baby Transition From a Bassinet to a Crib?

When your baby starts to roll over, get bigger and heavier, and seem finicky or uncomfortable in a bassinet, then those are clear signs that it’s time to move on from a baby bassinet.

Depending on your baby, some babies can transition to a crib as early as 3 months!

There’s no definite age when your baby should switch to a crib, so the best way to know is to observe if the size of the bassinet is already too small for your baby.

Some bassinets might not be strong enough to hold heavier babies, so make sure to check the product descriptions just in case.

If your baby can’t keep himself from rolling over everywhere, I suggest you purchase a good non-toxic changing pad. It’ll help keep him secure when you’re changing diapers.

Making the Transition Easier

Some babies might struggle to transition from a bassinet to a crib for several reasons.

It could be that…

• The crib mattress is not what they’re used to
• They don’t feel as snug in a bigger sleeping environment compared to when they were in a bassinet

As much as possible, try to keep the same elements and routine when you transition your baby to a crib.

Some tips would be to stick to the same sleeping schedule, have them sleep in the same room, and make your presence felt until they fall asleep.

Another way to make the transition easier is to have them nap on the crib during the daytime until they get used to it.

When they familiarize themselves with the sleeping environment of the crib, it will be easier for them to fall asleep there!

Safe Sleep Guidelines for Your Baby

Now that you know everything there is about cribs and bassinets, you should also learn about the different guidelines that are recommended for your baby.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an occurrence that sounds scary but has a rare chance of happening. Even so, you should try to reduce the chances of this happening as much as possible.

There are a couple of safe sleep guidelines for your baby that you should follow to decrease the risk of SIDS as much as you can.

1. Have Them Sleep on Their Back

There’s a report that shows that the rate of SIDS declined by 50% when more parents were encouraged to put their babies to sleep on their backs.

A simple practice like that can make a big impact on your baby! Having them sleep on their back is safer compared to when they’re on their side or stomach.

This is because having them sleep on their sides or tummy can decrease airflow and make it difficult for them to breathe. Having them sleep on their side can also lead to them turning to their stomach.

As newborns, they might not know how to turn their heads yet to give themselves room to breathe. Always keep an eye on how your baby sleeps!

2. Firm Sleeping Surface

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is in charge of checking if a sleeping surface is safe for babies.

Your baby’s sleeping surface should be firm enough to maintain its shape. It also shouldn’t conform itself to the shape of your baby’s head. This reduces the chances of rebreathing air which is suspected to be a factor for SIDS.

Make sure to check if your products are reviewed and certified to be safe for your baby!

3. Shared Bedroom

The AAP strongly recommends that babies sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first 6-12 months of their lives. Sharing one room with your baby will make it easier for you to comfort and feed them as soon as they need it.

According to the AAP, you can decrease the chances of SIDS by 50% by doing this!

You should also keep in mind that it’s better to have your baby sleep on their own sleeping surface and not bedshare with you.

There are times when you’re going to accidentally fall asleep with your baby on your own bed! When this happens, make sure to gently carry them back onto their bassinet.

4. Keep the Sleeping Surface Free From All Objects

The crib or bassinet should be free from all objects when they sleep. Yes, even pillows, stuffed toys, and loose sheets.

This helps reduce the chances of SIDS, suffocation, and entrapment from other objects!

You only need a tight-fitting sheet alongside your newborn and you should be good.

Although your baby might need a pacifier to help them fall asleep, so this is okay to leave inside the crib with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your baby’s sleep is SUPER important, and an organic bassinet will help with that.

Here are some additional questions you may have to help you!

How Long Can a Baby Stay in a Bassinet?

A baby can stay in the bassinet until the 3-6-month mark. By then, they should be transitioning out.

This is because the baby’s height and weight increases with age, and the bassinet may not be sturdy enough to support them.

Check the bassinet’s age, height, and weight limits to ensure the baby’s safety and to see when is the BEST time to move them out.

Another sign to start transitioning your baby out of the bassinet is if they start rolling over or sitting up. This could case the bassinet to fall over and we NEVER want that!

Can I Use an Organic Bassinet for a Newborn?

Yes, a newborn can use an organic bassinet!

The softer, gentler, organic materials are better for the baby’s sensitive skin, and these could also help them fall asleep better.

Bassinets are a good choice for newborns to sleep as long as they follow safety standards and guidelines.

Can I Wash an Organic Bassinet?

It depends on the product.

Some bassinets are machine-washable, while others will require spot-cleaning or dry cleaning.

Either way, it is best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any mishaps with the bassinet.

Conclusion

My pick for the best non-toxic bassinet in this list would be the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper. Its innovative features just make it stand out compared to the rest. It’s also a great co-sleeper option that also works well for mommies with aching backs or who had a recent C-section!

The BABYBJORN Cradle is a close second, but it’s one of the best rocking bassinets that you can buy. Its lightweight body and low height make it a convenient option for any parent. Since it’s mostly made out of non-toxic fabric, it’s very breathable and safe for all babies too!

For on-the-go options, the Guava Lotus Travel Crib with Bassinet Kit is a no-brainer. You can literally carry this product on your back and your baby can have a play yard or sleeping area wherever you go!

Need more things for your baby’s essentials? Read through my Infant Prep Checklist for a complete guide on what you should get ready.