A Little Background

HALO was founded by a couple who lost their child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) back in 1991.

For those that do not know, this is the sudden, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant up to an age of one year.

Created on the understanding that suffocation is one sleep environment risks, which are primarily centered around loose bedding that can accidentally cover a baby’s face and interfere with breathing, the SleepSack is designed to eliminate such risk.

But that's a story for another day. 

The BassiNests

On the same note, the BassiNests were invented.

This revolutionary bassinet is made to allow parents sleep close to their baby, while still maintaining a safe sleep environment for their child so that the risks associated with bed-sharing / co-sleeping can be thoroughly eliminated.

Like this:

As you can see from the picture above, the BassiNest can be placed right next to you, with more than half of it on your bed so baby can sleep as close to you as you want.

So much so that it can even feel like you are sharing the same bed, yet baby still have his/her own separate space to sleep safely in. 

But wait, there's more - the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is the only infant bassinet that moves to bring the baby closer to you. More about that later.

For now, let's explore the different BassiNest models the brand offers.

You see, the base design has low profile legs so you can tuck them under the bed and the updated improved design now requires only 32" clearance from the wall, making it ideal for small spaces. 

Another distinctive feature is its patented sidewall - it can be lowered so that you can tend to baby from your bed. You do not have to get out from your bed, you do not even have to sit yourself up if you'd like to continue lying comfortably on your bed. 

It will return back to its upright position automatically to ensure baby always sleeps safely, so you don't need to fret out each time wondering if you have pulled it back up. If you'd prefer to keep it upright all the time, you can lock it to your desire.  

Other core features include:

HALO has subsequently released 3 other series. They are also called "HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper" (just different series) and they look pretty much the same at a glance so it can be confusing as to what their difference is. But know this:

All of them have the same features as the Essentia Series, plus a variety of different additional features and add-ons.

Parents found that the nightlight helps navigating to baby easier at midnight, as there's no need to switch on the bedroom lights and wake your partner up.

The nursing timer, on the other hand, helps to regulate baby's feeding sessions and this in turn keeps breastfeeding mothers' supply steady. 

In terms of features like vibration and soothing sounds, parents have found them to be effective in calming their fussy baby and soothe them into a deep sleep faster. 

We particularly like how the slight vibration and womb sound work together to mimic the environment your newborn is familiar with for the past 9 months in your tummy.

That's perhaps the biggest distinction between the Luxe and its predecessors. Other than that, it has floor lights and a removable storage caddy, both of which may be more useful than you'd think.

The light is shone directly towards the floor and away from your baby, so it helps you to see and navigate better without tripping all the while not disturbing baby.

The storage caddy that hangs at the back provides extra storage for baby's essentials because for some, just the pockets at the side may not be enough. It is an item sold separately otherwise so if you really add everything up, the Luxe Series is actually pretty reasonably priced.

It is basically a basket-like compartment which you can 'insert' into the bassinet. Made of breathable and soft padded mesh fabric, this is how it looks like:

Do we think it is worth the extra money paid? Absolutely, when you have a preemie, or if your baby is smaller in size.

The normal-size bassinet may otherwise feel a bit too big and baby may get anxious in it so considering it is so much more cheaper than buying the newborn insert separately, we think the Luxe Plus is worth the money paid.

Which HALO BassiNest is The Best

Now comes the question: which among the different series is the best HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper?

In particular, and we always get asked this a lot, halo bassinests essentia vs premiere - what's the verdict?

The answer - it really depends. 

The Essentia Series has all the basic features a HALO BassiNest is well-known for so if you are not fussed about fancy accessories and add-ons, this shall suffice in doing the magic.

If it helps to know, the Essentia is also the brand's bestselling model and it is the cheapest model out of all.

On the other hand, if you have a particularly fussy baby, then perhaps a soothing center will be helpful in which the Premiere, Luxe or Luxe Plus Series will then be a better choice for you.

To some, floor light or storage caddy may be a necessity, while for others, they may prefer the flexibility of a detachable bassinet bed. It all depends on what you need, and perhaps also on your budget. 

Just an observation though, with the small price difference between the Essentia and Premiere, we do find parents lean more towards the latter in most cases.

If you are still unsure, perhaps the following comparison chart may help you decide.

Go through each criterion and ask yourself: is that necessary? Do I need this feature? 

Move down the list one by one. By the time you get till the end, you will already know which HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is the best co sleeper bassinet for you. Go on, try it!

What Makes the HALO BassiNests So Special

There are many reasons as to why the HALO BassiNests are regarded some of the best baby bedside sleepers in the market.

If we are to round it up though, it has to be, hands down, its innovative design. 

For one, it creates this safe co-sleeping arrangement that otherwise may not be available for parents.

Safe Co-Sleeping Arrangement

You see, the issue of "Co-Sleeping" — parents and infants sharing beds has long been a polarizing topic in the U.S., laced with strongly held views about family bonds, psychological development and, of course, safety.

Parents are NOT recommended to share the same bed with baby without appropriate measures, because that may pose hazardous SIDS risks.

Yet experts have found that co-sleeping provides so many benefits to a baby's development. It's safe to say that this is a controversial subject.

The HALO BassiNests bring the safety of a bassinet into an adult bed in a way that is comfortable for both babies and parents. To put it simply, it allows baby to share the same bed as parents (hence achieving the goal of co-sleeping) but s/he has his own confined sleeping space.

Again, this picture will explain better than words:

Many know of the ease it brings for parents, that is they can get out of their bed normally without being blocked by a bedside sleeper because the Swivel Sleeper can be rotated sideways to 'get it out of the way'.

In fact, that is probably the very first thing you'd read in many HALO Bassinest reviews.

What many may not know though, is that the purpose the bassinet is made to rotate is to make it easier and safer for parents to lift their baby from the bassinet.

You see, the safest position to lift a baby is actually when his/her feet are pointing towards you. By being able to rotate the bassinet, parents can easily and safely do so even when they are lying down on their bed.

C-Section & Childbirth Recovery

The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is widely known to be the best bassinet for c section recovering mothers in the industry.

In fact, for all mother recovering from childbirth. Your body has just went through a lot so you need to get all the rest you can. For c-section mothers, we're talking about at least 6 weeks of maximum rest.

Having baby on the same eye level as such also calms and soothes him/her as s/he can feel your presence. So even though you're just lying down getting your own rest, baby gets to feel the closeness and bond.

Small Space Solution

It may not look like it, but the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper is actually the best co sleeper bassinet for small spaces.

Even though it has a wide base (to provide balance for the upper portion), the improved base design now includes low profile legs that can be tucked under the bed to reduce its footprint.

And with the updated design now requiring only 32" clearance from the wall, it makes the Swivel Sleeper ideal for small spaces. 

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