If you brought a baby Hulk into this world, you’re probably proud…as you should be.
That pride might fade a bit when you try to choose a good bassinet for them.
It’s not because there aren’t long and large bassinets out there. The market is packed with bassinets of all shapes and sizes.
It’s because many of the bigger bassinets are subpar in other quality aspects, like safety and soothing functions.
It’s like trying to find size 15 shoes and settling for a pair you don’t like just because it comes in your size.
There’s a better way to go about this.
In the guide below, I’ll try to balance five quality aspects of the best large bassinets:
- Size of the sleeping surface
- Weight capacity
- Quality of the materials
- Versatility of the features
- Price
The bottom line – just because your baby is long or bigger doesn’t mean they should be less safe or comfy.
Is your baby having trouble sleeping in a bassinet? Here’s why.
Best bassinet for large babies – Top 5 picks
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Best overall – Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
(weight capacity 33 lbs, dimensions 36 x 22 x 32.7 inches )
I’ve been reviewing bassinet for longer than I care to remember, and this Mika Micky bedside sleeper is one of THE top-rated bassinets in owner reviews I’ve ever come across.
If you’re looking for a bedside sleeper, this one will easily fit a baby as long as 26 inches…and with room to grow.
Features
- Adjustable height – seven levels (fits most adult beds)
- Two modes of use – standalone bassinet and bedside sleeper
- Two generous side pockets for storage
- The wheels are built-in and come with breaks
- Breathable mesh on two sides
Why I love it
I love the value proposition of this Micka Micky.
In terms of the materials, finish quality, and fabrics, I’d compare it to the high-end Baby Delight Beside Me sleeper.
It’s on-par in material quality, costs much less, and, most importantly, it’s just as long and big.
What could be better
Minor CON is the fact that not all walls are mesh. The top and bottom are fabric. It is a very thin fabric that’s not really a safety concern, but it isn’t mesh.
You can see my full review of the Mika Micky here.
Most versatile bassinet for large babies – Chicco Close to You 3-in-1
(weight capacity 35 lbs, dimensions 33.5 x 28 x 46 inches)
The overall runner-up and the most versatile pick is Chicco Close to You.
It is one of the very few (if not the only) 3-in-1 units out there that fully delivers in all three modes – standalone bassinet, changing table, and a bedside sleeper.
Features
- Adjustable height – 24-33.5 inches
- Soothing electronic module – music, light, and vibration
- Three modes – bassinet, bedside sleeper, changer
- Swivel wheels (rubberized) with a hand-activated brake
- The changing table designed for extended use (up to 35 lbs)
- The fabrics zip off and are machine-washable
Why I love it
I’m seriously impressed with the feat of engineering that this Chicco is.
There are similar units out there (all-in-ones), but in my opinion, Chicco blows the competition out of the water.
For you, choosing this Chicco would mean a pretty penny saved because it replaces a changing table.
What could be better
The wheels aren’t great when they meet an obstacle like a thick rug.
If you have plenty of those around the house and plan to move the bassinet daily, get a set of caster wheels. It will make all the difference.
Read more about the Chicco Close to You in this review.
Top smart bassinet for a long baby – Graco Sense2Snooze
(weight capacity 45 lbs, dimensions 48″ H x 29.30″ W x 24.10″ D, interior length 30 inches)
Apart from the BONUS mention (we’ll get to that in a minute), this is the most well-rounded bassinet here. The soothing features are second to none, and it comes with cry detection sensors, which means much less work for you.
At 30 inches of sleeping space and 45 pounds of weight capacity, this is a great bassinet for bigger babies (highest weight capacity out of the top picks).
Features
- Full-sized canopy, reversible and foldable
- Cry detection sensors (trademarked by Graco)
- Mesh on all sides for optimal breathability
- Soothing station – sound, motion, and vibration
- Generously sized storage pockets (built-in)
- Integrated wheels with solid maneuverability
- The night light is dimmable.
Why I love it
I love the comprehensive soothing center. Two vibrations levels, three motion intensities, dozens of soothing sounds, and (drumroll please) cry detection.
Moreover, Graco‘s white noise is superior to (almost) any brand I know of when it comes to mimicking womb sounds.
What could be better
The attention to detail and finish of the buttons could (and should) be better at this price point.
Read more about this Graco in its full review here.
Top rocking bassinet for bigger babies – MiClassic Stationary & Rock
(weight capacity 33 lbs, dimensions when unfolded – 37.4 x 23.8 x 28.0 inches)
There’s no bassinet in the Top 5 with a better balance between weight capacity, size, and portability than this MiClassic. And it’s big enough to fit two babies, let alone one.
The only reason it’s not our top pick for travel is that we have an even lighter, more travel-friendly bassinet below.
Features
- Folds up and down in seconds (pull & pack system)
- Comes with a carry bag (tote)
- Two modes – rocking cradle and stationary sleeper
- All-around mesh design with extra padding over the frame
- Padded mattress comes with a fitted sheet (washable)
Why I love it
I absolutely love how easy this eye candy is to set up and pack down.
I never had access to this bassinet to test it personally, but I just read the manual and watched videos of it being folded down.
It’s impressive.
It’s the kind of design solution that makes you wonder why it isn’t everyone doing it.
What could be better
When unfolded, this is a large baby bassinet with a substantial footprint – not a great choice for small spaces.
You can see my complete review of the MiClassic bassinet here.
Top portable bassinet for large babies – Dream On Me Traveler
(weight capacity 25 lbs, dimensions 37 x 22 x 27 inches)
My top pick for travel might not have an impressive weight capacity, but it’s much longer and bigger than you’d expect from a bassinet that weighs 7 pounds.
Features
- Lightweight – weighs only 7.05 lbs
- Removable and foldable mattress (big plus for travel)
- Easy setup – the top is one-piece, and legs snap on
- Five colors available – Starlight Blue, Cloud Grey, Fusion Coral, Berry, and Twinkle Grey
- Sturdy but light aluminum frame
Why I love it
I love the idea of a bassinet that weighs less than a gallon of milk being spacious enough for a long baby.
On top of that, it costs less than most bassinets we talked about.
What could be better
A large chunk of the sides aren’t mesh…too large for my taste.
Read more about the DreamOnMe portable bassinet here.
BONUS: Money-no-object pick – SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet
(weight capacity 25 lbs, dimensions 35.7 x 19 x 31 “)
Features
- Safest baby bed out there – patented swaddle keeps the baby on their back
- Second-to-none soothing station – a wide range of vibration, motion, and sound settings
- High-end cry detection sensors
- Responsive – changes the rocking intensity based on the baby’s movement
- All features are app-controlled
Why I love it
I could write a novel about why I love the SNOO. It’s the bassinet that ruined other bassinets for me.
By ‘ruined’ I mean made me much stricter in what I expect from a bassinet, especially safety-wise.
It’s expensive and not the biggest out there, but if the size works for you and money is not tight, SNOO is THE bassinet to get.
What could be better
The price – that’s it.
It costs more than most people are willing to spend on a bassinet (or a fridge).
It’s a good thing they started a rental program (read more about renting the SNOO here).
For the full review of the SNOO, click here and see it compared to other smart bassinets here.
What to look for in a large bassinet for bigger babies
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the quality aspects of bassinets for bigger babies.
First things first…
What is considered a big baby?
Most doctors consider a baby to be big when it weighs over 8 lbs at birth.
The medical term for a big baby is macrosomia and literally translates as “big body.”
When is your baby too big for the bassinet?
There are a few different ways to notice when you baby has outgrown the bassinet but it usually comes down to bassinet size and weight limits.
Check out my article to understand exactly when babies are too big for bassinets.
Safety of a large bassinet
Safety standards for bassinets are strict. Any bassinet sold in the US must meet or exceed the requirements set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
Most of the best large bassinets will also be JMPA and ASTM-certified (JPMA – Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials).
Those certifications will be explicitly listed in the specs of the bassinet.
Safety rules of thumb
For those of you who like to know what exactly makes a bassinet safe, let’s take a moment to look past the certificates.
Flat, firm, tight, and NEW
First and foremost – the mattress must be flat and firm, and the sheets must fit tightly.
There should be room between the sides of the bassinet and the sleep surface. Another no-no are loose toys, blankets, or stuffed animals.
All of these are suffocation hazards and have been linked with the increased risk of SIDS.
Related reads: bassinets for small spaces | best bassinets for acid reflux | best bassinets with strollers
Free airflow in the bassinet
You want the sides of the bassinet to be breathable and not obstruct your view of the baby.
In nine cases out of ten, this means mesh on all four sides.
But, not all mesh is created equal, and I’ve seen low-end bassinets with mesh that feels flimsy and sags. Practicality-wise, it’s not a massive problem; it’s just an eye-sore.
All of my top picks for bigger babies use quality mesh that lets air in but maintains form with prolonged use.
Finally, as a rule of thumb – avoid hand-me-downs. Buy new and buy certified. The reasons for this go beyond wear and tear – what was considered safe 15 years ago isn’t necessarily safe today.
Ease of access
If mobility is a problem, you’ll want a bedside sleeper with a lowering sidewall – like the Chicco Close To You or the top-rated Micka Micky.
You might also see this type of bassinet referred to as a co-sleeper, which it isn’t if I’m being nitpicky. The baby’s sleep surface and your bed are entirely separate (as they should be).
A good bassinet of this type will give you easy access and view of the baby without any risks associated with co-sleeping. Win-win.
Related reads: top picks among tall bassinets | top-rated vibrating bassinets | top luxury bassinets | my top picks among twin bassinets
Mattress and bedding of a bassinet
A bassinet typically comes with a thin mattress or pad (1-1.5 inches thick), fabric lining, and fitted sheets.
Some of them feature a bed skirt that cascades down and rumpled hoods – not my favorite look to be honest, but to each his own.
Cut through the noise and just make sure the bedding is machine-washable. You’d lose your mind spot-cleaning a bassinet after each minor mishap.
Soothing features
This is what separates good bassinets from great bassinets.
It’s the 21st century, and it would be madness not to use the wealth of knowledge we now have on babies’ likes and dislikes.
The range here can go from a few lullabies played on a loop to cutting-edge sensors that detect crying and respond by hushing the baby back to sleep through motion, sounds and vibration.
The problem?
A good soothing system is not cheap.
Ultimately, what’s right for you will depend on how fussy your baby is.
My wife and I had a restless desperado on our hands, so we went with the best the market has to offer – the SNOO.
Paying that much for a bassinet hurts if you’re on a budget. In hindsight, it’s the best money we’ve ever spent.
Functionality features of long bassinets
At first sight, you might think that a cute Scandinavian bassinet will go great will the minimal decor of your home.
For most new parents, however, minimalism and design become an afterthought very quickly. Chances are, you’ll wish you’d gotten that busy-looking bassinet with zillion pockets.
The all-in-one bassinet
This one’s tricky.
There are bassinets that do it all – changing table, bedside sleeper, standalone bassinet…you name it.
In reality, most of them leave a lot to be desired compared to the standalone units.
However, every once in a while, a product comes along that truly does it all.
My pick for the most versatile bassinet for long babies is that kind of a product. Kudos to Chicco for making the Close To You 3-in-1.
Rocking and movement
Even the basic bassinets typically come with some sort of a mechanism that allows gentle rocking.
The operative word here is “gentle.”
The rocking motion is only safe if it’s not intense enough for the baby to roll against the walls of the bassinet. That’s a massive suffocation hazard.
On the low end, you have basic bassinets like the MiClassic foldable that you manually rock.
On the high-end, you have the automatic smart bassinets that not only rock the baby but ‘know’ when, how fast, and for how long to do it.
You can imagine the price difference between the two extremes.
Setup, portability, and wheels of an extra-large bassinet
If you ask me, easy assembly is an overestimated factor when it comes to big bassinets.
It’s significant if you’re looking to travel with the thing. If that’s the case, the DreamOnMe Traveler and the MiClassic foldable should be your favorites.
But, if you’re looking for a large bassinet that you’ll move around the house, the focus should be on the wheels. As a rule of thumb – go with lockable swivel wheels with a rubberized finish.
Note: If you want an extra-large bassinet that’s still good for travel, pay special attention to the folding mechanism – it should lock in place.
Canopies and toys
Some of the long bassinets come with a canopy and an overhead mobile with toys. An overhead unit is nice entertainment, and some babies love the movement.
You just need to make sure it’s safe…meaning there’s no way to pull anything down into the bassinet.
Nightlight
A night light is a pretty basic feature, but there’s nothing basic about what it does. It allows you to go around your business in the baby’s room without turning the overhead lights on.
Elementary, my dear Watson.
App controls
Some of the modern bassinets come with apps that allow you to control everything from your phone. App controls are a nice-to-have but not a must-have.
Conclusions and takeaways
Buying a large bassinet for bigger babies is not just about length. It’s about ticking the size off and checking if the bassinet is worth your money in other aspects.
I hope this guide helps you choose wisely.
I do my best to keep the picks updated because the market changes quickly.
So, even if you’re not making a decision today, bookmark this page for future reference.
Paul is a passionate dad who founded Upside Dad to share his parenting journey with other new parents. He graduated from Concordia University and worked as a test engineer for over a decade. Paul loves dad jokes and craft beer.
Learn more about Paul and Upside Dad here.