Review: BabyPlanet Eden Convertible Bassinet

My darling sister (who is getting closer and closer to letting us find out "the old-fashioned way" if she is having a boy or a girl) was lucky enough to review the BabyPlanet Eden Convertible Bassinet. On her behalf, I am sharing the following review:

Space is at a premium in our household so I was a bit reluctant to consider another baby accessory. When I learned that the item was the BabyPlanet Eden Convertible Bassinet, I was intrigued. After some quick research, I learned that the bassinet is suitable from birth to 3 months and then converts to a child seat that can be used from 3 months to 2 years! Wow – what a concept. The best part is that once you are through with this product they have a recycling program. So not only does this product last longer than most “traditional” bassinets – you can rest assured that this socially-responsible company will make sure that discarded parts stay out of a landfill.

Assembly is incredibly easy. The only tool needed is a Philips screwdriver. To run the electronic part (music/vibration) you will need 4 “AA” batteries. From start to finish assembly took no more than 30 minutes; the directions were straightforward and easy to understand.

My husband and I were thrilled that the design is gender neutral (we don’t know the sex of our baby yet) and this bassinet/child seat should go with most any modern nursery theme. The bedding material is very soft and comes with a washable liner which is easily removed for laundering. The hand grips on the bassinet have an easy release trigger. Squeeze to release the bassinet from its locked position on the base and you are then able to move the bassinet from room to room. To re-secure the bassinet into the base, simply lower the bassinet until the mounting feet attach into the base locks. The bassinet will make a “click” noise and the base locks will turn green alerting you that the bassinet is securely in place. To lull your child to sleep this bassinet comes with soothing music (volume control is included) and has a dual speed adjusting vibration. Below the bassinet is a very easy to reach and good size storage basket – for all of your baby essentials! When your baby has graduated from the bassinet to the child seat you merely do a bit of reassembly which takes about 15 minutes and requires the use of a Philips screwdriver. When assembly is done you have a child seat with an adjustable recline and harness.

OVERALL RATINGS (OUT OF 4 STARS):

Functionality: ****
This product does all it claims.

As a bassinet (up to 3 months) it takes up very little space and comes loaded with features:
• Soft, comfortable sleeping area with washable liner
• A very easy release to remove and attach the bed into and out of its base
• 3 song options and dual vibration to lull your little one to sleep
• Large storage for baby essentials

As a child seat (3 months to 2 years) it too takes up little space and allows your child to sit up comfortably and securely and participate in activity.

Cost: ****
Bassinets tend to be pricy with a baby outgrowing one in a matter of months. Because the product is dual purpose (bassinet and child seat) the price is right. The Eden Convertible Bassinet comes in at $150.00. You can rest easy knowing that you will be able to use this product until your child is 2.

Style: ***
The Eden Convertible Bassinet has a modern look with very clean lines. There is only one design scheme – called Aqua Oval. While I like the color combo I think that others with specific themed nursery colors will not consider this product until there are more color options.

Overall Rating: *** 1/2
A superb product that grows with your child – from a bassinet to a child seat. When your child outgrows the product, it can then be returned to the company as the Eden takes part in BabyPlanet’s industry leading Recycling Program.