If your baby is suffering from frequent reflux that has become quite bothersome, your search has brought you to the right place. All you need to do is put your baby in an inclined position in a sleeper to see improvement. Yes, it’s that simple!
You are probably wondering, where the heck do I get an inclined sleeper? Are they safe? For sure, they exist but are so few in the market. And yes, they are very safe. An inclined bassinet keeps your infant’s head raised, helping them keep down the food in the stomach and breathe better.
Again, these inclined bassinets are hard to come by, but after many hours of searching, we managed to come up with a list of a select few that have great reviews in helping manage reflux. But first, let’s talk more about reflux and how it is connected to sleeping position so you can understand how these inclined bassinets will help your child’s reflex. Here are the best bassinets for reflux we have reviewed:
About Acid reflux and baby sleep position
Reflux refers to when a baby brings up milk immediately after feeding. It is a very common occurrence among newborns. Most babies experience reflux multiple times each day from as early as two weeks. While in most cases it is not harmful, some parents are bothered by it.
When a baby feeds on milk or formula, it goes from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. The esophagus has a muscle called the Esophageal, which acts as a valve between the mouth and stomach. This muscle functions by opening to let food into the stomach and remain closed to prevent stomach contents from backing up to the mouth.
Babies suffer from reflux because their Esophageal is not fully developed, allowing food to back up when you lay your baby down. Placing your baby in an inclined position makes it harder for reflux to occur. That’s why doctors advise parents to hold the baby upright after feeding.
Elevating/Inclining Bassinet Mattress for Reflux – the angle of incline for a bassinet for reflux
Inclining the sleeping position of a baby may help with reflux and breathing, especially when congested from a cold. There are many ways you can raise the head of a bassinet to help your baby. The first is to buy a bassinet designed to incline. The second is to prop the mattress from under with a rolled towel or blanket. You want a gentle incline, not a steep one; an angle between 15 to 30 degrees should be safe and comfortable. Also, tuck everything to ensure that no loose blankets and materials are sticking out to prevent SIDS.
The third is to purchase a crib wedge and place it under the mattress. They are perfectly fitted to give just the right level of incline and do not cause the mattress to budge at all.
Are Inclined Bassinets Safe for Babies?
This is a very divisive issue right now; some people feel it is safe while others are opposed to placing the baby in an elevated position. Still, some doctors have advised using an inclined sleeping position to help with certain problems, including reflux. When reading through different parenting blogs, we noted that many parents have reported improvement in their babies’ conditions from using inclined bassinets and other incline products.
The AAP does not support the use of inclined products. They caution that it poses a risk of the baby shifting downwards and may cause serious breathing problems depending on how the baby is positioned.
If you still want your baby to use an inclined bassinet, our recommendation is that you should be present to keep an eye on them to make sure they are safe for the whole duration they are in.
Quick Comparison Table of Incline Sleepers for Baby with Reflux
| Product Name | Dimensions | Item Weight & age/weight limit | Incline Angle/Height Adjustment | Rating on Amazon | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper | 15.75 x 27.56 x 21.26 inches | 10.58 pounds; 40 Pounds | 3 different angles | 4.2/5 stars in 600+ reviews | Check here |
| #2. SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper | 6.1 x 17.2 x 15.7 inches | 6 Pounds; 15 Pounds | 2 different angles | 4.5/5 stars in 5,700+ reviews | Check here |
| #3. Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard | 8.5 x 26.5 x 23 inches | 15 Pounds | Fixed inclined angle | – | – |
| #4. Evolur Stellar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper | 35 x 22.25 x 30 inches | 25 pounds; 20 Pounds | 5-incline positions | 4.6/5 stars in 300+ reviews | Check here |
| #5. Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer | 37 x 22.5 x 30.75 inches | 19 pounds; 20 Pounds | 6 levels | 4.7/5 stars in 3,700+ reviews | Check here |
| #6. Cloud Baby Premium Bassinet | 35.04 x 28.35 x 39.37 inches | 19.8 pounds; 3 or 4 months | 9 levels | 4.5/5 stars in 1,800+ reviews | Check here |
| #7. RONBEI Baby Bassinet | 36.5 x 21.6 x 6.5 inches | 27.6 pounds; 20 Pounds | Fixed inclined angle | 4.6/5 stars in 1,700+ reviews | Check here |
| #8. Milliard Bedside Bassinet Side Sleeper | 42.4 x 24.2 x 4.9 inches | 25.6 pounds; 20 Pounds | Fits beds 23”-31” high | 4.7/5 stars in 1,700+ reviews | Check here |
| #9. BABY JOY Rocking Bassinet | 37.5 x 23 x 28 inches | 16 pounds; 25 Pounds | Fixed inclined angle | 4.6/5 stars in 500+ reviews | Check here |
| #10. Unilove Bedside Sleeper | 36 x 24.8 x 33 inches | 25.5 pounds; 30 Pounds | 7 levels | 4.8/5 stars in 10+ reviews | Check here |
Reviews of the best incline bassinet for acid reflux
1. Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper
Tiny Love 3 in1 is top on our list of the best bassinet for reflux because it is multifunctional and allows you to adjust to three incline positions (there aren’t many bassinets that offer multiple reclining positions). You can also read more reviews on the best rocking bassinets here.
The first incline angle allows you to set it at 180 degrees, where it lies flat like a normal bassinet or what the company calls ‘Napper’. This is great when your baby needs to nap or at bedtime.
The second is ‘Rock n Play’ where you incline the bassinet to raise the baby’s head just a bit. A lot of babies love this position because they can see things around them better. It is also a great position for playtime and will also help prevent reflux.
The third position elevates the bassinet even higher and converts it into a seat. This angle is great for feeding time as the baby will be upright.
To convert the bassinet to the napper, pack n play, or versatile seat is very easy, using only a one-handed mechanism. And don’t forget that it also gently rocks in any of these positions- no other bassinet in the market so far has the capability to rock while reclined.
There is another reason why we adore this bassinet. It has a very cuddly seat with a soft, plush padding that will keep your baby feeling safe and comfortable as they sleep.
This bassinet also includes useful features that will delight your baby’s senses. It has overhead toys she can tug and play with their tiny hands, and attached device for vibration and music when she needs to relax and be soothed to sleep, and soft lights that will catch your baby’s attention without being too harsh.
If you are not already sold, what about that it serves your baby from birth till 12 months/ 40 pounds? This is the longest-serving bassinet we have seen. Most bassinets last until the baby is 3 months. Once your child outgrows it, they can use it as a high chair or bouncer chair still.
2. SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper
The second position on our list of the best bassinet for reflux is the SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper because it offers two different incline positions.
You can easily adjust the two incline levels to set the baby higher or lower depending on the need. When you place your baby at a higher level, it will help reduce the chances of food backing up after feeding and help with digestion. It also enables them to breathe better, like when they are congested from a cold.
If you want a cozy spot that your baby will love sleeping in, the SwaddleMe incline bassinet is designed for just that. This bassinet uses soft fabrics for comfort and meshes walls for all-around breathability and visibility. It also includes a mobile device producing soft light, music, and soothing vibrations. With these features, your baby will relax and fall asleep quickly.
But what impressed us the most is that this incline bassinet also functions as the perfect bedside sleeper.
With an adjustable leg, you can raise the bassinet to a height that feels comfortable for you when picking up the baby or set it to have your baby at eye level from your bed. That way, you can easily access your baby to feed or change their diapers without leaving your bed. And again, the sides are see-through with mesh so both you and your baby can see each other, which instills a sense of security for your child and helps you bond because you can see each other the whole time.
Nothing relaxes a baby more than being rocked. SwaddleMe bassinet has the capability to rock side to side with just a simple push to have your baby snoozing in minutes.
We found the SwaddleMe by Your Bedside to be a very practical and highly functional bassinet.
3. Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard
The next product is the Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard by Fisher-Price. A lot of parents love Fisher-price products, and this one is no exception. As you can tell from the picture above, it is a combo of a sleeper and play yard; the two most useful features anyone with a baby would appreciate.
This playard deserves to be on this list because it comes with a removable incline sleeper. It is not adjustable to different heights like the first two products hence taking the third position. But regardless, parents have found this gentle incline position comfortable and enjoyable enough for their babies to sleep. It has also helped many babies with reflux.
We have ranked it in the third position because we appreciate its portability. This thing is small, foldable into a compact package, and weighs like half the weight of most playards (15 lbs). So if you are a traveling mom or dad, Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Playard is the best accessory. Plus, it also comes with a storage tote bag, which is very convenient for hands-free carry.
And whenever you need to change your baby’s diaper, this playard makes it very convenient for you; it comes with a portable clutch changing pad and built-in wiper dispenser.
Your baby will love sleeping in the cozy incline sleeper because it has a supportive plush seat pad and head support. It also has a three-point restraint, which keeps your baby secure in the inclined position. The pad and head support are machine washable, so your baby will always sleep in a germ-free and nice-looking environment.
Whenever your baby is not using the sleeper, you can remove it to have a spacious and comfortable playard where they can play as you do other stuff around the house. The mesh walls let you see what they are up to as well as provide airflow.
If you want a product that gives you the best value for the price while sorting your infant’s reflux issues, get the Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard.
Click on lightweight and portable for more info
4. Evolur Stellar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
The Evolur Stellar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper is the perfect bedside bassinet for your baby as it assist with reflux. This modern, sleek design can be used as a bassinet or a bedside sleeper. It has 5 adjustable positions (26.5” to 30.5”) that let you get your little one at the perfect height of your bed so you can easily reach them without having to get out of bed! The exact adjustments are 26.5, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5, and 30.5 inches.
The Evolur Stellar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper is a lightweight and mobile bassinet that’s perfect for use in any room of the house. Weighing just 20 pounds, it’s easy to move from room to room as needed. The Stellar Bassinet also includes a storage pocket for diapers, wipes, and other essentials, as well as a music box with 8 lullabies to soothe your little one to sleep.
The Evolur Stellar is a bassinet and bedside sleeper that gives you maximum closeness to your baby. It’s the only bassinet that allows for you to unzip the drop side for easy access to your baby. With inward folding legs, the stellar can be positioned as close to the mattress as possible. The Evolur Stellar Bassinet Bedside Sleeper has a mattress pad of dimensions 32.5″ X 19.5″ X 1″.
The Evolur Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper is the perfect addition to any nursery. The bassinet provides a safe, cozy place for newborns to sleep while the bedside sleeper can be used as a co-sleeper or a travel bed. The stellar is constructed from soft non-allergenic fabric. It features mesh panels on either side that provides visibility to parents and enables optimum airflow for baby. It also features a sleek, modern design that will look great in any room of your home.
The Evolur Stellar Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper is perfect for nursing moms and parents who want their baby close by. The ASTM approved stellar is perfect for babies up to 25 lbs, or 6 months of age. Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is right next to you.
5. Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet
Trusted by parents for more than 20 years, Baby Delight is an American-based baby products brand whose products are designed in Rhode Island. Their Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet features 6 adjustable heights that is good for baby reflux and allow it to be compatible with most beds and is lightweight for convenience.
- DIMENSIONS: 37 long x 22.5 wide x 31 tall
- SAFE and COMFORTABLE - Sleep soundly knowing that your baby is safer and comfortable. Your little one will rest on a comfy, yet firm mattress covered in a soft sheet that is machine washable.
- MOBILE- Lightweight enough to move from room to room, the Beside Me Dreamer can be used as a bedside bassinet/co-sleeper in beside your bed, or as a bassinet out in the living room. Convenience is key!
- ADJUSTABLE- 6 position height adjustment allow the sleeper to accommodate to most beds.
- ACCESS- Easily lean over to nurse, comfort or just check on your baby during the night
- QUICK TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY - the bassinet can be assembled in less than 5 minutes with no tools needed.
- LOCAL - Trusted by parents for over 20 years, we are American based and design our products in Rhode Island, USA
- Age: Recommended for babies from 0-5 months or up to 20 lbs.
- JPMA Certified
I admire the firm but cozy mattress, the soft sheet that is machine washable as well as straps for attaching it to your bed snugly for double safety. It comes in 6 different and beautiful styles that you will love. In addition, it is quick to assemble and is suitable for babies up to 20 pounds or 5 months. That explains its position as #3 in Bassinets on Amazon Best Sellers Rank.
Buy on Amazon here
6. Cloud Baby Premium Bassinet
This premium bassinet from Cloud Baby Bassinet is yet another fantastic option for babies with reflux as it comes with 9 adjustable heights for perfect positioning. With these height positions, you also get a clear view of your little one as he or she sleeps soundly on a soft mattress that it comes with. You can lower one side and recline the bassinet to reduce acid reflux
I love the versatility of this bassinet that allows it to be converted to fit different uses and is also lightweight for ease of movement. It features a strong aluminum frame for stability and a removable side panel with mesh for a crystal clear view and great air circulation.
| Name | Cloud Baby Premium Bassinet |
| Dimensions | 35.04 x 28.35 x 39.37 inches (LxWxH) |
| Max Weight recommendation | 9 Kilograms |
| Material this bassinet is made of | Aluminum |
| Certification | ASTM Certified |
Buy on Amazon here
7. RONBEI Baby Bassinet
What makes this baby bassinet from RONBEI an exceptional choice for babies with reflux is the 3 to 8 degrees incline design. It has a classical appearance and features 9 adjustable heights that allow it to reach your adult bed hassle-free.
I love the retractable leg that helps you bring the bassinet closer to you as well as the soothing sounds and hanging toys for engagement. Both sides of the bassinet have mesh fabric that promotes airflow and breathability for extra comfort.
It also has a portable design and is very quick to install with a weight limit of 19.8 pounds. There are two colors to choose from including light grey and dark grey and it ranks #7 in Bassinets at the time of this review on Amazon.
8. Milliard Bedside Bassinet Side Sleeper
Like some other products on my review today, this bassinet from Milliard features a dual-mode so you can use it as a stand-alone bassinet or a side-sleeper bassinet.
To help attach it to your adult bed, the bassinet features safety straps and can accommodate beds with a height of between 23 and 31 inches. I love the 35-inches big sleeping surface which means that your little angel will not outgrow it fast.
Unlike others, however, this bassinet cannot be reclined but comes with a sturdy but flexible aluminum frame that allows you to rock your baby during reflux episodes.
9. BABY JOY Rocking Bassinet
Yet another bassinet for reflux that offers a rocking mode other than inclination, this Rocking Bassinet from Baby Joy is a terrific gift for any mom.
It features rails on the bottom that allows you to convert it into either a bassinet or stable crib to suit your different needs. This bassinet is made with aluminum pipes for durability and covered with breathable mesh for extra coziness.
I love padded and soft mattresses as well as the removable and washable cloth for ease of cleaning. It is very lightweight which makes it travel-friendly.
10. Unilove Hug Me Please Bedside Sleeper
This baby bassinet from Unilove comes with height range adjusters making it ideal for your baby with reflux. It offers 7 adjustable heights (13″-19.6”) that you can use to create an incline as your little one sleeps. This, in turn, enables you to change their diapers without strain and prevent them from spilling milk.
I love the 3-in-1 functionality that allows you to change it into a co-sleeping bed from a stand-alone bassinet and is lightweight for ease of traveling. Its frame is made with durable and lightweight aluminum for stability and the sides feature huge mesh panels for excellent ventilation and baby visibility.
The 1.2-inch mattress is made of breathable 3D vertical cotton material that is durable, comfy, and gentle on your baby’s skin. It has a weight and age limit of up to 6 months and 30 lbs. and wheels can be locked in place. Color choices include Airflow Blue, Plum Pink, and Shadow Grey.
Yamesmile Baby Crib Incline Portable Bassinet Bedside Sleeper
This baby crib incline sleeper is made of 100% cotton and has a sturdy frame. It is certified by CPSC and ASTM International safety standards. The enlarged mesh sides provide a clear view of your baby and prevent the risk of suffocation. The sleeper can be tilted to one side to help with reflux, and it is also suitable for babies with gassy stomachs. The zipper puller is located on the outside to prevent scratching the baby.
- High-quality materials: Soft and breathable cotton material and strong AL alloy and light weight frame make your baby feel solid and comfortable.(suit for baby from 0-5 months(up to 20lbs)
- Extra matching cotton sheet and carry bag: Washable fabric and matress cover, matching sheet ensure your baby has a dry and conformable rest. Portable carry bag fit in a car trunk. You can take your ingenuity basinette bedside sleeper on any trips, moving or storage
- Accompany anytime and anywhere: Change diapers or have fun with your baby where such as on the bed, sofa or at the kitchen table. Be closer to your baby when you are sleeping, reading, or anything e
This portable bedside sleeper makes it easy to care for your baby without getting out of bed. The adjustable incline is great for babies with reflux, and the detachable side panel and side pockets make nursing easier at night. It’s a great way to keep your baby close by while you sleep, especially after having a c-section or recovering from delivery.
It has 7 adjustable heights to match the adult bed of different heights (16.5-24inches)
Other bassinets great for baby reflux that I considered and were available on Amazon included:
- Mumbelli Adjustable Angled Bassinet – the only womb-like bassinet you will find on the market today.
I also found SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet to be a good candidate during my review but as of this time, it was not available on Amazon.
Where to buy
You can find bassinets for reflux on sale on Amazon using this link here or on other online stores such as Walmart, Target, and more, or even the product’s official pages.
How to raise bassinet for reflux
One of the most commonly used methods is by putting a towel under the head of your baby’s mattress to create an incline that raises his head higher than the legs to help alleviate reflux effects. Others also suggest that you tilt your kid’s mattress. And while most will advise you to do that, the FDA warns parents against using baby reflux positioners as it is dangerous for your baby.
How to cure infant acid reflux
Although acid reflux symptoms usually improve on their own by the time your baby is 12 to 14 months old, treatment in infants includes lifestyle (feeding) changes and medicines (proton pump inhibitors-PPIs or H2 blockers). Doctors do not recommend surgery for infant reflux unless the symptoms become severe with serious complications or medicines fail to work.
Diagnosis for infant acid reflux includes ultrasound, lab tests, esophageal pH monitoring, X-rays, and upper endoscopy. Read more about this on Mayo Clinic’s website here.
Three sleep safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for babies with reflux:
According to AAP, reflux is part of normal growth and development and results from newborns having a short esophagus and short and weak Esophageal muscle. They say that this condition starts as early as 2 to 3 weeks after birth and peaks at 4 to 5 months in full-term babies. They also note that this condition improves after 6 months once the baby is able to sit. The esophagus will grow longer, and the esophageal muscle will become stronger and function as it should.
Keeping that in mind, if your child suffers from reflux, this is the advice the AAP has for you:
1. Put the baby to sleep on their back even if they suffer from reflux
Babies have a gag reflex, a natural mechanism that causes them to swallow or cough up food materials that they spit up or vomit. This prevents any serious or fatal choking episodes even if they vomit while lying on their back. Therefore, the AAP advises parents to always place the baby on their back for sleep even if they have reflux until the baby can roll over entirely independently. They caution that placing the baby on their stomach significantly puts them at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2. A baby should always sleep on a firm and flat sleeping surface, unless during travel.
AAP recommends that when your baby falls asleep in their car seat, once you arrive at your destination, you should transfer them to a firm, flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, or Playard and place them on their back. They discourage leaving soft beddings such as pillows, blankets, bumpers, and toys in the same space where the baby is sleeping.
They also caution that car seats and other seating devices such as reclined bouncy seats, swings, sleep positioners, nests are not safe sleeping environments. They say there are no safety standards that govern or regulate these products and that more research to guarantee their safety is needed. Additionally, they report that there is evidence showing that using a semi-inclined position can worsen a baby’s reflux.
3. Avoid using devices that are designed to maintain an elevated head position in the crib.
AAP discourages parents from using gadgets that are marketed as solutions for treating reflux. They say these products are ineffective in reducing reflux and may, in fact, risk the baby rolling towards the foot of the bed or put the baby in a position that seriously compromises their breathing.
So, what solution do they give parents to babies with reflux?
As bothersome as it can be, wait it out!
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com
