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10 Best Auto-Rocking Bassinets in 2024

Whether you’re expecting or have a new little one at home, you may be overwhelmed with all of the gear that’s out there. While you can skip some of the items, one that you don’t want to breeze by is the auto-rocking bassinet.

Sure, the idea of rocking your baby to sleep makes you feel warm and fuzzy, but there will be times when you can use some help. That’s when a self-rocking bassinet comes in.

Short On Time? Here Are Our Top Three Choices

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

What Is An Auto-Rocking Bassinet?

An auto-rocking bassinet is basically what it sounds like. It’s a bassinet that does the rocking action for you so you don’t have to sit there and do it constantly. 

You put the baby in the bassinet and set the swing to a specific speed. The bassinet can be battery-powered or plugged into an outlet. Once the baby is in and you’ve set the control, your baby will be soothed and rocked to sleep.

Sounds pretty good, right? There are some other auto-rocking bassinets that just require you to give it a slight push to get it going. If you’re into the idea of an auto-rocking bassinet, here are some things to look for when buying one.

What To Look For When Selecting A Self-Rocking Bassinet

Safety

You want any product you buy for your baby to be safe. Buying a self-rocking bassinet that is certified from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can give you peace of mind that the bassinet is safe.

While this is not a 100% guarantee that the bassinet won’t be recalled or that problems can’t surface, it’s a good indication that it is a safe product to start with.

New Items

While your sister may want to give you a hand-me-down bassinet from five years ago, you really should buy baby gear items new. Getting used baby gear items or buying them second-hand is not recommended because safety standards evolve over the years.

It’s likely that the newer model is safer for your baby. Plus, when you buy second-hand, you don’t know if there have been any recalls on the item unless you do some digging.

Check For Gaps

As you’re looking around at auto-rocking bassinets, check to see that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. If there are gaps, the baby could get trapped in between them.

The mattress needs to be thin and firm enough to fit the bassinet perfectly. This will assure there are no gaps for the baby to get stuck in.

Weight And Age Specifications

The manufacturer puts weight and age specifications on products for a reason. Different self-rocking bassinets have different age and weight restrictions.

You can always see the minimum and maximum weight capacities for the bassinets. Always look to see that your baby is in the proper weight recommendations. This can help you make sure that you have a safe product for your child.

Portability

If you plan on moving the bassinet to different rooms in your house and up or down the stairs, you want it to be portable. Even if you plan on keeping it one room, you still want to be able to move it around easily.

Easy To Assemble

No one wants to spend all day putting together baby gear (although there are some items out there that could take that much time). Look for self-rocking bassinets that are easy and quick to assemble.

You don’t want anything too difficult because there’s a greater chance that you may put it together incorrectly. Keep it simple. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

toy mobile of a bassinet

Soothing Features

Besides the soothing rocking feature, you want a self-rocking bassinet that has other calming features. This can include soft music, nature sounds, or toys.

Some of these features also come with the option to be remote-controlled. This is great if you’re laying in bed and don’t want to get up to shut it off once your baby is asleep.

Another accessory to look for is a teething rail. Some auto-rocking bassinets come with a top rail that is covered with a form teething ring for your baby. Since babies tend to put everything in their mouths, this is a handy accessory to have.

Now that you know what to look for in a self-rocking bassinet, here are our picks for the 10 Best Auto-Rocking Bassinets of 2024.

10 Best Auto-Rocking Bassinets of 2024

  1. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill
  2. Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection
  3. Delta Children Rocking Bedside Bassinet
  4. Simmons Kids Elite Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bedside Bassinet
  5. Serta Comfort Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bassinet
  6. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions with Smart Connect
  7. Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Bassinet
  8. Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet
  9. Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet
  10. MiClassic All Mesh 2 in 1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

1. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill

Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill

This one is our top pick. When it comes to an auto-rocking bassinet, it checks all the boxes of what parents look for and what babies will love.

Let’s start with the calming swaying motion that will help to relax your baby and put him to sleep. The baby can lay safely on their back as they drift off to sleep.

Putting your baby to sleep on their back is the recommended position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Besides the comfy mattress, your baby can also enjoy 30 minutes of calming vibrations, music, and sounds to help get them sleep. Another great feature is that there are two forms of mode lighting.

You can choose to put on a night light or a soothing projector. The light projection unit is also removable and can be used as a tabletop soother. The mobile toys at the top will also help to keep baby focused as they rest.

Batteries are required to make all of the accessories work. This self-rocking bassinet is also recommended for babies 40 pounds and under.

Since there are some nice added features, the one thing this bassinet is missing is a remote control. Some parents may find this one a bit on the expensive side, but there are some great features that make it worth the money.

Pros

  • Dual-mode lighting
  • 30 minutes of calming vibrations, music, and sounds
  • Comes with mobile

Cons

  • No remote
  • A bit expensive
Buy on Amazon

 

2. Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection

Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology | Baby Bassinet Detects and Responds to Baby's Cries to Help Soothe Back to Sleep, Roma

When you’re looking for an auto-rocking bassinet, this one from Graco should be on your list for consideration. One of the best things about this bassinet is that there are different speeds to help your baby relax and get her back to sleep.

This allows you to find the perfect fit for your baby because not all babies like to be rocked the same way.

One of the best features about this bassinet is the cry detection technology. This helps detect when your baby is crying and automatically responds to help get your baby back to sleep.

So even if you don’t hear your baby cry, the bassinet will pick up on the sounds and do its best to soothe your baby.

It has a two-speed vibration that can help to soothe your baby even more. Besides the auto-rocking components, you can also choose from white noise, music or nature sounds to help get your baby back to sleep. 

We also like this bassinet because of its airy mesh sides, washable mattress cover, and storage pockets below. This auto-rocking bassinet has a lot to offer, so it should come as no surprise that it is more expensive than other models on the list.

While some parents may find that it’s too much to spend, others may think the investment is worth it.

Pros

  • Cry detection technology
  • Different rocking speeds
  • Includes white noise and nature sounds to help soothe baby

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No remote included
  • Not very portable
Buy on Amazon

 

3. Delta Children Rocking Bedside Bassinet

Delta Children Rocking Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib with Lights Sounds and Vibrations, Play Time Jungle

Here is another great choice when it comes to self-rocking bassinets. This one from Delta checks all of the boxes when you’re looking for a bassinet that gets the job done without breaking the bank. 

Gently push the bassinet to activate the gentle rocking feature. This will help your baby sleep as well as the vibrations unit that has calming sounds, music, and a nightlight.

It has plenty of storage under the bassinet for supplies, toys, pacifiers, and anything else your baby may need. The retractable locking wheels make it easy to move from room to room.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive auto-rocking bassinet, this one should be on your list.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to activate self-rocking option
  • Comes with calming sounds, music, and a nightlight

Cons

  • No remote to control features
Buy on Amazon

 

4. Simmons Kids Elite Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bedside Bassinet

Simmons Kids Elite Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib Features Silent, Smooth Gliding Motion That Soothes Baby, Basketweave

With a push of a button, you can activate the auto glide motion to relax your baby and help them fall asleep faster.

We like this model from Simmons as one of our top picks for the best auto-rocking bassinets because you can set the auto-glide setting in 15-minute intervals. This allows you to see how your baby is reacting to the gliding motion.

It also comes with soothing music and a nightlight to make bedtime easier.

The plush bears that hang overhead encourage sensory development without posing a danger to your baby. They’re placed out of reach so the baby can enjoy them without them being dangerous. 

The bassinet comes with a waterproof mattress and fitted sheet. The music and nightlight control panel requires batteries that are not included. 

When it comes to safety, this model is JPMA certified so you can have peace of mind that it is safe for your baby. It is a little more expensive than some models, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping around.

Pros

  • JPMA certified
  • Auto-glide setting has 15-minute intervals
  • Comes with music and nightlight

Cons

  • On the expensive side
Buy on Amazon

 

5. Serta Comfort Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bassinet

Serta iComfort Hands-Free Auto-Glide Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib Features Silent, Smooth Gliding Motion That Soothes Baby, Cameron

Rocking your baby to sleep is as easy as pushing a button. Once you turn on the auto-glide motion, your baby can start feeling more relaxed. There is also an electronic mobile that spins plush stars to visually stimulate the baby.

It also plays soothing sounds and has a soft-glow nightlight. You can rotate the arm of the mobile so that it’s easier to get the baby in and out of the bassinet. The removable and adjustable canopy also blocks light.

Another thing we like about this bassinet is that the wheels make it easy to move around if needed. If you were looking for a bassinet that’s easy to fold up and is portable, this is not the one. This auto-rocking bassinet is best for at-home use.

This bassinet comes with a fitted sheet and a waterproof memory foam mattress pad that’s comfy for the baby. If you are concerned about safety, this bassinet is JPMA certified.

As you compare it to other models, you’ll see it’s on the expensive side. But, it does have several features that could make it worthwhile.

Pros

  • Activate auto-gliding with push of a button
  • Electronic mobile plays soothing sounds
  • Comes with a nightlight

Cons

  • Not portable for travel
  • On the expensive side
Buy on Amazon

 

6. Fisher-Price Soothing Motions with Smart Connect

Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet with Smart Connect

Fisher-Price has another top auto-rocking bassinet with this model. It’s much like our top model. However, it has an added feature that allows parents to control all soothing features through an app. It’s also more expensive than the other version.

It also has dual-mode lighting that allows you to choose a soothing projection for the baby or a nightlight. One bonus feature is that you can also take the light projection unit off and use it as a tabletop soother. This can be helpful for diaper changes.

The mesh sides allow for plenty of air to get in and make it easy to see your baby too. Three small toys hang from the mobile on top for your baby to look at.

While this bassinet has many features, it’s not the best choice for portability. You can move it from room to room in your house, but you’re not going to pack this one up easily for grandma’s house.

Pros

  • Can control soothing motions and sounds through an app
  • Light projection unit comes off for tabletop use
  • Dual-mode lighting

Cons

  • Not very portable
  • On the expensive side
Buy on Amazon

 

7. Delta Children Smooth Glide Bedside Bassinet

Delta Children Smooth Glide Bedside Bassinet - Portable Crib with Activity Mobile Arm Featuring Spinning Toys, Nightlight and Music, Silver Linings

Delta offers another solid choice if you’re looking for an auto-rocking bassinet that’s not going to break the bank. The bassinet has a soothing side-to-side rock motion, as well as a calming nightlight and music to help babies fall asleep and relax.

It has a removable canopy that helps block out the light when you use it for daytime naps. This auto-rocking bassinet also comes with a mattress pad and fitted sheet as well as an electronic mobile arm with soothing music and a soft nightlight.

These functions require AA batteries to work, so be sure to keep plenty on hand so that you can keep everything going for your baby. It has a large storage basket on the bottom for you to put all of your baby’s things.

You can feel confident that this bassinet is safe for your baby as it is JPMA certified. While you can’t fold up this bassinet, it does have wheels to make it easy to move around and is reasonably priced.

Pros

  • Electronic arm with soothing music and a soft nightlight
  • Large storage area
  • JPMA certified

Cons

  • Not foldable
  • No remote to control functions
Buy on Amazon

 

8. Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet

Fisher-Price Rock with Me Bassinet

This Fisher-Price model is a simpler model if you’re not concerned with too many features. With just one gentle push, the flat sleeping surface rocks back and forth to soothe your baby.

If you don’t want the bassinet to rock, simply twist and lock it for stationary use. While there are not electronic features to make it rock, you don’t have to sit there and continuously rock the bassinet by hand. 

One of the key features of the Rock Me Bassinet is its portability. It has a lightweight frame that folds easily so that you can not only move it from room to room easily but can also take it with you if you’re traveling.

It also has a machine-washable mattress sheet which makes it easy to clean.  Although there is no mobile attached, there is one linkable toy that the baby can play with.

Some parents may think this bassinet is a bit expensive for what it offers, especially if you compare it with other models. But, its portability is a big selling point, so if that’s important to you, this could be a good option.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Easy to clean
  • Has stationary option

Cons

  • No electronic features for self-rocking
  • Not many toys included
  • Pricey for what it offers
Buy on Amazon

 

9. Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet

Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet, Star Gazer

Here is another simple choice when it comes to self-rocking bassinets. This bassinet rocks your baby, but there are not electronic features. It also has no additional toys, sounds, or soothing options

This one seems to be geared more towards day trips and outdoor use, although you can use it in your home with no problems. It has a retractable canopy that’s good to keep the sun out and natural light. It has a bug net that can be stored in a zippered pocket.

While it’s not especially expensive, it is a bit pricey when you consider all of the things that it doesn’t come with. If you want a solid self-rocking bassinet that’s great for travel this one should be on your list to check out.

Buy on Amazon

 

10. MiClassic All Mesh 2 in 1 Stationary & Rock Bassinet

MiClassic All mesh 2in1 Stationary&Rock Bassinet One-Second Fold Travel Crib Portable Newborn Baby (Crystal)

Here’s another simple choice when it comes to auto-rocking bassinets. This one from MiClassic has a rock mode to soothe the baby. You can then make the bassinet stationary when the baby falls asleep.

There are no bells and whistles like mobiles or toys, but the portability is a big selling point. It has a one-second open and fold system that makes it easy to transport.

Parents can easily see their baby through the breathable mesh. This bassinet is priced higher than other models that offer more options. But, if you’re specifically looking for a bassinet that’s portable, this one is worth considering.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Easy to fold up

Cons

  • Pricey for what it offers
  • No toys
  • No extra sound features
Buy on Amazon

 

Bottom Line

When it comes to finding the best auto-rocking bassinet out there, you need to decide if extra features or portability are more important to you. Many bassinets that have a lot of features are not the most portable and vice versa.

We chose the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet, Windmill as our top pick because it had many of the features that parents like.

The calming swaying motion and comfy mattress are important as well as the music and vibrations. The light projection unit is a big plus because it not only lets you choose which swaying mode you like, but you can also take the unit off and use it separately.

As you search for an auto-rocking bassinet, think about the space you have for it as well if you’re going to need to move it around a lot.

Consider your budget and features that are most important and should be able to narrow it down to a bassinet that will leave your little one rested and relaxed.