The Best Bassinet Strollers for Newborns and Infants
Bassinet strollers have come a long way from the vintage prams of our parents’ and grandparents’ eras. The latest strollers with bassinets come equipped with many features designed to keep your newborn both safe and comfortable, like extendable sun canopies with built in UV protection and ventilated mattresses for optimal breathability. But if you’re unsure about which newborn stroller to pick—or if one is even necessary—you’re not alone. Keep reading for what you need to know when shopping for a bassinet stroller, then check out our top picks.
In this article:
Do you need a bassinet stroller?
What to look for in a bassinet stroller
Best bassinet strollers to shop
Most stroller seats are not recommended for use until at least 3 months of age (or when baby has some head and neck control), leaving parents with newborns two options to choose from: using an infant car seat attached to a stroller base or a stroller with a bassinet attachment. But even if your stroller has the ability to connect to an infant car seat, depending on your needs, you still might want to consider a bassinet stroller.
The advantage of a travel system stroller that can accommodate a car seat is that you can move baby in and out of the car without taking them out of their seat. But that’s only an upside if you’ll be taking the car. If you’ll be on foot, the big benefit of a bassinet stroller is that it allows baby to lie completely flat, which is the recommended position for safe sleep. Since newborns and younger infants will often sleep while strolling, a bassinet that allows them to lie flat is preferable over the incline of an infant car seat.
Several stroller bassinets are also designated as safe for overnight sleep, allowing parents to get double the use out of one piece of baby gear. And when baby does fall asleep in the stroller (which is inevitable in those early days), many strollers will allow you to simply detach the bassinet and set it down on either the floor or a stand without interrupting baby’s sleep. (On the other hand, if baby’s sleeping in their car seat when you get home from a walk, for safety reasons you’ll have to take them out and transfer them to their bed.)
As with any piece of baby gear, there are several factors to consider before selecting a bassinet stroller:
- Stroller configuration. This is especially important for families with more than one child (or those planning to have children close in age). Can the stroller support the bassinet and an additional seat, or even two bassinets? Is the bassinet close to the parent or nestled below the stroller seat?
- Lifestyle. Stroller bassinets are often large attachments that can be bulky and difficult to store. This may be fine for those living in large homes, but for those that live in tight apartments or travel frequently, look for a stroller where the bassinet can be compressed or folded down for easy storage and portability.
- Care and cleaning. Newborn messes are inevitable (spit up, leaking diapers and the like), so be sure to check how the bassinet’s fabric and mattress can be cleaned.
- Ventilation. Breathable mesh panels are important for air flow in any stroller bassinet, but those who live in warmer climates will want to look for one with ample ventilation to help keep baby cool and comfortable.
- Stroller connection. Does the bassinet require extra adaptors or accessories to attach to the stroller frame? Does it require one hand or two to remove? The fewer items and steps needed, the better.
Beyond these factors, safety always comes first and foremost when it comes to baby gear—and bassinet strollers are no exception. Never use a stroller bassinet for overnight sleep unless it’s specifically designated as safe for that purpose. Also, keep an eye out for bonus safety features such as a breathable mattress and UV protection. A check for certification from the ASTM International for safety and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any potential recalls is another way to ensure baby is strolling securely.
With this information in mind, read on for our top picks for the best bassinet strollers out there.
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller With Bassinet
The UPPAbaby Vista is a parent cult favorite for several reasons. For starters, the bassinet is included (unlike many other strollers). It also has the ability to carry two bassinets, two car seats, two seats or any combination of the three, making it ideal for parents of multiple children (or multiples). Throw in the fact that the bassinet is detachable with one hand—making the transition from stroller to stand seamless—and it’s easy to see why the Vista V2 is a top choice.
- Added breathability thanks to a perforated mattress pad and vented base
- Waterproof inner liner repels spit up, sweat and other liquids to keep baby’s sleeping surface dry
- Bassinet can be used for strolling or sleeping with the additional bassinet stand
- Pop-out sun shade fabric is flimsy, according to some users
- Pricey
Joolz Hub+ Stroller and Bassinet
The Joolz Hub+ bassinet stroller is a favorite for many reasons, including its breathable mattress, extended sun hood with UPF 50 protection and lightweight design at just nine pounds. But one feature that sets this apart is its extra large ventilation panels along both the rear of the canopy and the back of the bassinet. They not only offer air flow on extra hot days, but also provide your newborn with a full view of their surroundings.
- Roomy design allows for use up until 6 months
- Offers more ventilation than most competitors
- Bassinet is self-standing
- Bassinet is a separate purchase from the stroller
- Requires a bumper bar for use that’s not included
Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Single Stroller and Bassinet
Newborns and adults alike will love the smooth push of the Thule Urban Glide 2, thanks to its solid suspension and large 16-inch rear wheels. This stroller’s ability to tackle any terrain—plus the comfort of its roomy bassinet attachment—means naps on the go have never been better, whether you’re exploring hiking trails or maneuvering around a crowded city. But our favorite feature has to be the bassinet’s ability to fold flat, making this typically bulky stroller accessory easy to transport and store.
- Equipped with a mesh cover to protect your infant from insects, wind and air
- Can be used as a jogging stroller once baby is older
- Bassinet is a separate purchase from the stroller
- Requires adaptors to attach
Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller and Bassinet
Families on the go will love the Babyzen YOYO2 and its bassinet attachment. The stroller frame is a traveler’s dream, thanks to its quick and easy fold, shoulder strap for carrying and compact size, which is small enough to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. And with the addition of the cozy bassinet, which features a double-layered mattress for extra comfort, your newborn can join your travels right from day one.
- Stroller is extremely lightweight, at just 17.8 pounds
- Bassinet has a hard bottom, allowing you to set it down on the ground without an additional stand
- Bassinet folds into two half-shells for easy storage and transport
- Bassinet is an additional purchase
Silver Cross Wave 2022 Convertible Stroller
For families with more than one child—or those planning on having more than one child—the Silver Cross Wave is ideal. It comes equipped with both a bassinet and seat, offering seven different modes of travel right out of the box. The Wave also allows for the bassinet to be parent-facing with the tandem seat facing outwards, a combination that’s a favorite among parents and children alike (and surprisingly hard to find). With the ability to hold up to 187 pounds, this is a bassinet stroller that’ll be a workhorse for your entire family (from newborns to toddlers and up!).
- Bassinet is suitable for overnight sleep, making it a versatile piece of baby gear
- Bassinet is lined with soft, natural bamboo fabric that has antibacterial properties and helps regulate temperature
- Pricey
Baby Joy 2-in-1 Convertible Baby Stroller
Looking for a bassinet stroller that won’t break the bank? Look no further than this convertible option from Baby Joy. An optimal choice for safety and durability, this stroller has a lightweight aluminum frame, a breathable linen cover and a canopy with covered sunroof ratchets to protect baby from the sun. It also comes with a bassinet and seat included, as well as extras like a foot cover, cup holder and diaper bag—all for a price tag of around $200.
- Features an adjustable handlebar, ideal for parents and caregivers of different heights
- Bassinet can be parent-facing or outward-facing, an option not typically found with most bassinet strollers
- Large, even when folded, with users reporting it takes up most of the trunk space
- Odorous out of the box, according to some users
Dream On Me Strider Stroller
Bassinet strollers typically require removing the bassinet from the stroller frame in order to fold it down—but that’s not the case with the Dream on Me Strider Stroller. The bassinet can convert to an infant seat with no extra attachments or accessories and can fold as one piece. This kind of convenience is key for parents who prefer to travel light (and the affordable price tag doesn’t hurt either).
- Stroller folds with one hand
- Features an extendable and removable footrest and sun canopy
- Bassinet is not as plush or comfy as other options
- Requires a five-point harness, even when lying flat
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