Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet Review

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A few years ago I reviewed the Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet. At the time, I felt like it was the best Snoo Dupe and I’ve recommended it to quite a few friends and family since then.

When my baby outgrew it I stored it in case we have any more babies because I liked it so much.

The Snoo is great but the reality is that it’s just not affordable for the average family.

My biggest complaints with the Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet were that it looked cheap and not nearly as sophisticated as the Snoo, the canopy was clunky, and I felt like it took too long for the bassinet to sense crying before it would automatically start moving and trying to sooth.

So, when I saw that Graco recently updated their smart bassinet to the new Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it to compare it to the Snoo, the older Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet, and other bassinets I’ve used in the past. (As a mom of 7, I’ve used a lot of bassinets!)

Key Features & Description of the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet

The Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet hears your baby’s cries and responds with synced sound and motion, helping to create more peaceful, happy moments for you and your child.

This baby bassinet responds by gradually adjusting the gentle motion and white noise, cycling through soothing combinations to help lull baby back to sleep. It helps create a fully immersive sleep environment for baby by offering parents plenty of soothing combinations to choose from, including gentle motions, soft vibration, multiple speeds, white noise, and calming music.

• Use with or without a swaddle to customize for your baby and your family’s needs
• Stream your own songs or sounds directly from your device with Bluetooth
• Mesh sides allow airflow for baby’s comfort and provide visibility
• Woodgrain finish
• Includes a 100% organic cotton sheet and a machine-washable mattress that features organic cotton fabrics

Assembling the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet

Graco has done a fabulous job making a video on Youtube that explains how to assemble this bassinet. Because their video is already so good, I didn’t think it was worth a video to show you how it’s assembled myself.

The hardest part of assembling the bassinet is attaching the top frame pieces. I tried to do it on my own and probably could have eventually, but instead I asked my husband to help. It’s much easier when you have another set of hands to help you hold them up.

You’ll need a screwdriver to connect the legs (4 screws) but that’s the only tool required. I had it assembled in less than 10 minutes.

One thing I noticed when attaching the cord on the underside of the bassinet is that it’s pulled VERY tight. I’m glad there aren’t dangling cords but I must admit that I’m concerned about how it could affect the wiring long-term.

It might be perfectly fine. Time will tell!

My Initial Impression of the Graco Smart Bassinet

As I stated earlier, this bassinet has a chic, modern look that will fit in with virtually any decor. It’s definitely a step in the right direction as far as aesthetics go. It looks much better than the Sense2Snooze.

However, I must admit that I was dissapointed when I discovered that the legs are actually metal legs made to look like wood, instead of actual wood. When I thought the legs were wood that was one of the things I loved about it visually the most.

Personally, I’d rather see real wood used or have the metal just look like metal in a complimentary shade. From a distance you can’t tell that they aren’t wooden legs but when you get close it’s definitely apparent.

Comparing this new Graco Smart Bassinet, the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet, to the older model, the Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet

In every way I find the new Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet to be an improvement over older model, the Graco Sense2Snooze. Yes, even though I was dissapointed in the legs not being actual wood, it’s still visually much more appealing than the Sense2Snooze.

I was very happy to see that this new bassinet doesn’t have a canopy. That was uneccesary plus loud and difficult to open if the bassinet was in motion. I never used it.

I tested out the cry detection sensor and feel like it responded to the crying sounds faster than the Sense2Snooze model did.

The rocking motion options and vibrations appear to be about the same in both models.

The Sense2Snooze (older model) did have wheels which was a nice feature that the new bassinet doesn’t have. That’s one of the things you lose when trying to make it have a modern, chic look though.

How the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet Could Be Better

The mattress that comes with this bassinet is rather thin. I was pleased to see that a sheet is included with the purchase, however replacement sheets are currently not sold. It would be nice to have the option to purchase more. It would also be nice if replacement mattresses were available to purchase.

Also, neither the sheet nor the mattress is waterproof. Babies spit up a lot. It would be nice if a waterproof mattress was included OR a waterproof mattress pad available to purchase to help protect the mattress.

Overall Review of the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet

While I did not use the Graco SmartSense Soothing Bassinet with my own children (my youngest is 2.5 so he’s a bit beyond this) I did use the older model extensively with my youngest son.

All of my boys have been very clingy (in fact, my 2-year-old still usually climbs in bed in the middle of the night to cuddle up to me) and the Graco bassinet was a lifesaver! He slept in it every single night (in combination with co-sleeping) for the first few months and I was so sad when I had to pack it away.

This newest bassinet seems very simliar in functionality to the one I used. I love that for needier babies (like my boys have been) you can turn it on so it just stays on, or you can use the cry detection technology so that it comes on as needed.

Should we be blessed with another baby in the future, I am looking forward to trying it out with a newborn. I think, just like the Sense2Snooze, that it will be a valuable asset for those first few months!

Purchase One Yourself

You can purchase one of these bassinets yourself (or add it to your registry) on Amazon and directly from Graco.

Win It!

One lucky reader is going to win one of these awesome bassinets! If you’d like a chance to win just enter using the Giveaway Tools entry form below. Good luck!