Do You Need a Bassinet Stroller? Benefits, Cons & Considerations (Guide)

Key Takeaways

A bassinet stroller allows newborn babies to lie flat.
Bassinet strollers can be a great solution for parents on the go who walk rather than drive.
Bassinet strollers can only be used until babies can roll over (usually between 3 and 6 months).

How do you know if you need a bassinet stroller? You’ll want to weigh several factors. The age of your baby and your lifestyle will be the biggest determining factors. You may also want to consider how a bassinet would work with your car seat and if your stroller can adapt for both.

To help you decide, let’s first take a look at what bassinet strollers are and how they differ from traditional strollers.

Bassinet Strollers Explained

A bassinet stroller provides a flat surface for newborns and younger infants. They may be one contiguous piece or the stroller may have a bassinet attachment that clicks in and out of place, similar to a car seat. The biggest advantage of a bassinet stroller is that it positions small babies in the safest position for them—flat on their backs.

Car seats and strollers utilize a more propped up angle that, over time, can restrict your baby’s movement and breathing. Most experts agree that newborns should not spend more than two hours in a car seat because of this positioning. For parents on the go, a bassinet stroller can offer a safer way to transport your little one.

Is a Bassinet Stroller Necessary?

Bassinet strollers can be highly useful in an urban environment or anywhere else where parents travel primarily by foot. Because bassinets allow babies to lie flat, this keeps them in a safe position.

Many parents also like that bassinets ease the transition from home to stroller, especially during a phase that includes very little wake time. With no buckles to snap, a swaddled baby can be moved with minimal disruption.

When to Consider a Bassinet Stroller

Not sure if a bassinet stroller is right for you? Here are few factors to consider:

Your Baby’s Age + Development

Bassinets are only used before babies can roll over. While the age at which this milestone is achieved can vary widely, it’s usually somewhere between 3 and 6 months.

Your Lifestyle

Do you live somewhere where you’ll travel often by walking? Or maybe you have a very walkable neighborhood and want to be able to get out and about with your little one for exercise. Bassinet strollers are a great option for parents who are going from home to stroller and back again without using the car.

Other Baby Gear

Many bassinets work with car seats and strollers within the same brand, so if you’re interested in utilizing a bassinet stroller, be sure to choose one that works within the rest of your travel system.

Pros and Cons of Bassinet Strollers

When deciding if a bassinet stroller is right for you, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

Better positioning. Experts agree that newborns should not be in a car seat for more than two hours because of the way the position can impact their breathing. A bassinet stroller allows babies to lie flat.
Easier transitions. Using a bassinet makes it easier to transition sleeping babies from home to the stroller.
Support parents’ mental health. Getting out and about can be critical to new parents’ mental wellbeing, and using a bassinet stroller makes that easier.

Cons

Short shelf life. Bassinets can only be used for a few months, and then you’ll need to replace them with a regular stroller seat.
Usefulness may depend on your lifestyle. They may be more useful for parents who are used to navigating on foot rather than by car, like in an urban environment.
Not for uneven terrain. Because a baby isn’t buckled in, like in a traditional stroller seat or car seat/stroller combo, you’ll need to stick to smooth sidewalks and even terrain.

What to Look for in a Bassinet Stroller

In order to choose the best bassinet stroller for your family, there are several factors to consider:

Safety is always paramount; choose a bassinet stroller that can transport your baby safely.
Compatibility with other components is another key factor. Choosing a bassinet that works interchangeably with your car seat and stroller to make a three-part travel system will add longevity to your purchase.
Portability is important. Your bassinet should attach and detach easily and be light enough to make transport easy. Many bassinets also collapse for storage and packing.
Construction also matters. Choose a bassinet that is sturdy with breathable fabrics for your baby’s comfort and safety. Many bassinet covers are also machine washable, which is nice.

Alternatives to Bassinet Strollers

If, after doing the research, you don’t feel like a bassinet stroller is right for you, there are a few alternatives that you can consider:

A traditional stroller with a newborn insert can accommodate your little one while keeping them positioned more safely.
For parents who travel by car frequently, a travel system that includes a car seat and stroller can be a good option.
Baby-wearing, with an Ergo or other wrap, can be a good hands-free option for babies who like being held over riding in the stroller.

When to Stop Using A Bassinet Stroller?

There is no hard and fast age cutoff when you need to stop using your bassinet stroller. It depends on your baby and when they reach certain milestones.

You’ll want to confirm with the guidance from the manufacturer, but typically you should stop using a bassinet stroller when your baby can roll over. Most babies reach this milestone somewhere between 3 and 6 months of age.

If your baby is developmentally delayed (or is just extra chunky!), you may also want to keep an eye on your bassinet’s weight limit. Most have a limit of 20 lbs.

Make a Bassinet Part of Your Travel System with Orbit Baby

Orbit Baby makes incorporating a bassinet simple with their customized travel systems. From car seat to stroller to bassinet—and back again—all the pieces work on the same rotating base. This allows parents to build a system that grows with their baby, ensuring they always have the best solution for each phase of growth. From the sleepy newborn days in a bassinet to the preschool years and beyond, Orbit Baby has parents covered.