Few things are more controversial for new parents than the decision whether or not to co-sleep with your little one. The good news is, there are plenty of products that are designed to make co-sleeping a safer and more comfortable option for everyone. The bad news is, even the best bassinet can’t help you convince people you made the right choice for your little one.
Controversy aside, these bassinets are all high-quality and highly safe options. We’ve picked co-sleep models that are designed to keep you and baby a little closer, instead of options that are meant to be placed further away from your bed.
Every bassinet has different features and benefits, however, so it’s up to you to discover which one is the right bassinet for you and your growing family.
We’ll go over the pros and cons of different models, and provide a short buying guide, as well as some tips to help make sure your little one is safe, so matter what bassinet you choose.
| Bargain |
|---|
 |
| SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Bassinet for Twins |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Arm’s Reach Concepts Versatile Co-Sleeper |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| Check Amazon |
Quick Comparison:
Before we get into the details about each bassinet, here is a quick comparison of the different models. If you’re looking to narrow down your list early or want to check the prices before you read the details, this is the place to do it.
| Bassinets | Style | Weight | Additional Accessories | Check the Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arm’s Reach Mini Ezee 2 in 1 Co-sleeper Bassinet | Both a bedside bassinet and free-standing | 25 lbs | Fitted sheet, mattress, carrying case | Check the Price |
| HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series Bassinet | Bedside | 30 lbs | Nightlight, mattress, | Check the Price |
| Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Bassinet for Twins | Free-standing and bedside | 29 lbs | Mattress, carry bag | Check the Price |
| SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper | Bed-sharing | Approx 5 lbs | Mattress pad and fitted sheet | Check the Price |
| Arm’s Reach Concepts Versatile Co-Sleeper | Bedside and Free-standing | 21.8 lbs | Fitted sheet and mattress | Check the Price |
| Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib | Beside and Free-Standing | 24.1 lbs | Mattress | Check the Price |
Why A Bassinet?
Bassinets are one of those options pieces of furniture that help give parents a lot of peace of mind but aren’t on every family’s wish list. Unlike a crib, car seat, and highchair, a bassinet is optional.
But, many bassinets can add a lot of peace of mind to those first few months of your child’s life, and some will last you even longer. A good bassinet will make sleeping in the same room with your child a lot easier.
Some of the best make tasks like soothing and breastfeeding your little one less disruptive, while also giving them a safe and comfortable environment like they’d get in a crib.
Bassinets can make it easier to bond with your baby, keep co-sleeping safer, and are smaller and less costly than a typical crib.
At the same time, bassinets are usually a short-term solution. They’re typically only good for the first 5-6 months of your little one’s life, at least as a bassinet. Some will turn into a good playpen, but you should only expect a short life for this piece of furniture.
While this is a short-term piece of furniture, it’s also a versatile one. Most bassinets are also fantastic nap locations. They give you a closer view of your little one, and the adjustable height makes it simpler to pick your baby up and put them down.
Those advantages can be critical in the first few months, especially if you’re having to recover from a difficult birth or C-section.
The Best Bassinets for Co-Sleeping:
Now that we’ve talked about why you might want to choose a bassinet, let’s look at some of the better options you can choose from. None of these bassinets are perfect, but each has far more advantages than disadvantages.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons, but you can also skip ahead to our buying guide and then come back if you want to do a little more research into a good bassinet first.
1. Arm’s Reach Mini Ezee 2 in 1 Co-sleeper Bassinet
Editor’s Rating: 4.8
This bassinet is a good option for families that are looking for a multi-purpose option. When your baby is too old for their bassinet, it’s easy to convert the Mini Ezee into a small playpen for your little one.
It will only work for another few months since the Mini Ezee has a small footprint, but it still gives you a little more bang for your buck.
You’ll get the bassinet mattress, and exact fit fitted sheet and a carry bag for your bassinet. That makes this a great choice for families that know that they’ll be spending a lot of time visiting grandparents, friends, and other family members.
This bassinet also looks and feels more like a crib than many other models, which can help your baby make the transition when it’s time for a larger or sturdier crib.
However, it’s also shallow enough to make getting your baby in and out of the bassinet much easier, especially in the early recovery after birth. The bassinet also only weighs 25 lbs, even though it looks like a much heavier crib.
That means that this option is still light enough to move between rooms as needed, even if it isn’t quite as light as some of the more slimmed-down models.
| Pros |
|---|
| Multipurpose |
| Easily adjustable to match your bed height |
| Freestanding – does not have to be next to your bed all the time |
| Turns into a small playpen |
| Breathable and comfortable for your little one |
| Cons |
|---|
| Deeper design can make it tempting to leave your baby in this bassinet after they’ve outgrown it |
| Specs |
|---|
| 25 lbs |
| Mattress |
| Fitted sheet |
| Nylon strap |
| Carrying bag |
| 4 legs |
2. HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Premiere Series Bassinet
Editor’s Rating: 4.3
This bassinet would get a much higher rating if leveling the base wasn’t a problem.
This modern bassinet keeps your baby much closer with a 360-degree swivel feature, so you can have your little one nearby no matter what sleep position you prefer.
The added music box, integrated nightlight, lullabies, and vibration control also give you a lot of comforting options for even the pickiest little ones.
It also keeps you and your little one safer with a back to bed reminder. It’s tempting to fall asleep after breastfeeding your little one in bed.
After all, your little one has probably fallen asleep on you. But sleeping on you and in bed with you isn’t very safe for your baby so that alarm will help you remember to put them back in the bassinet before you fall back asleep yourself.
We also appreciated that the bassinet has two storage pockets, so you can keep some baby essentials close by.
However, the one-leg design, while very sturdy overall, still has us a little skeptical. We’re sure it’s safe, but it might not be the best option for families with rambunctious children or clumsy parents for that matter.
| Pros |
|---|
| Volume control music box included |
| Soothing vibration option included |
| Lets you keep your baby closer to your bed |
| 360-degree swivel makes getting out of bed easier in the morning |
| Comes with a custom-fitted sheet |
| Easy to use |
| Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t have wheels |
| Can be difficult to fully level the bassinet (Important!) |
| Specs |
|---|
| 30 pounds |
| Mattress included |
| Fitted sheet included |
| 34.5 x 18.2 x 12 inches |
| Polyester fabric |
3. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Bassinet for Twins – Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.7
If you’re looking for a bassinet for twins, it can be a struggle to find one that actually allows two babies to sleep side by side. Most bassinets are designed with a single baby in mind, but that’s a problem if you have twins (or triplets) and want to co-sleep with them a little closer than the other side of the room.
While this bassinet isn’t a solution for triplets, not on its own, it’s a fantastic choice for parents who know that they have twins on the way.
The quilted mattress pad is perfect for fussy babies, it’s firm enough to be safe while still giving them a comfortable sleep surface.
It’s also a great choice for napping since the bassinet is light enough to let you move it from place to place.
It’s also a two in one, which is even more important for parents of twins. This bassinet turns into a playpen when your little ones are too old to use it for sleep. Since twins can mean twice the expense, it’s nice to have a piece of furniture that keeps them both safe and entertained for those first critical months of life.
You’ll also get a carry bag with the bassinet, which means it’s a good option for travel and visiting with family. While you might want to get a crib set for the family members you see most often, your bassinet won’t be an option forever after all, this is a more convenient and smaller option for the first couple months.
| Pros |
|---|
| Great for families with twins |
| 2 in 1 design |
| Comes with carrying bag |
| Comfortable mattress included |
| Plenty of space in the playpen |
| Cons |
|---|
| Bassinet and playpen use the same floor |
| Fitted sheets can be difficult to use |
| Heavier and harder to move between rooms |
| Specs |
|---|
| Mattress included |
| Comes with a fitted sheet, carry bag |
| Double bassinet design (cannot be used separately) |
| 29 pounds |
| Airy mesh sides |
4. SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper – Best Bargain
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
This option is a little different from your typical bassinet. But, it’s also far and away the most portable option. The By Your Side sleeper is designed to sit on your bed with you, preferably in the middle and far from any edges.
It’s a thin mattress pad that provides additional structure for your little one, along with a mesh and metal edge that keeps your little one safe, while also keeping them from rolling over on to the main bed.
This design is fantastic for taking with you to other rooms of the house, or for traveling to visit friends and family. The design is fully collapsible, which means that it fits in even the smallest cars, while still providing the safety your child needs.
However, at the same time, this sleeper takes up valuable bed space. If you share your bed with a partner, it also means putting more distance between you and your partner. It’s not a good option for parents that roll and move quite a bit in their sleep, since the sleeper may be both uncomfortable, and can be pushed and moved around in your sleep.
| Pros |
|---|
| Affordable |
| Can be used on most flat stable surfaces |
| Portable folding design |
| Mattress and fitted sheet included |
| Good for small spaces and families on the go |
| Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t have its own support |
| Difficult to secure to any surface |
| Specs |
|---|
| 29.5 x 13.5 inches interior |
| Approximately 5 lbs |
| Soft cloth |
| Mesh walls |
| Folding metal frame |
5. Arm’s Reach Concepts Versatile Co-Sleeper – Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9
This is another Arm’s Reach option, but one that gets you a little closer to your baby. The bassinet combines some of the best features of new and old designs. It has two legs but is supremely well balanced and designed so that you can get the bassinet extremely close over your bed.
The mesh sides are perfect for ventilation and make sure your baby has plenty of access to the oxygen they need.
It also comes with a small mobile, which can help light sleepers stay distracted and peaceful overnight, even if they wake several times. The adjustable height of the bassinet also makes it easier for you to set it up for breastfeeding.
The music box also provides a range of soothing options, including ocean sounds, a womb-mimicking track, and several music options. The combination of auditory and visual stimulation can make it much easier for your little one to stay confident and comfortable asleep.
It’s also a lightweight option, weighing only 18 lbs. However, that does mean that your little one may outgrow this bassinet sooner, depending on how fast they grow compared to how quickly they reach important movement milestones.
| Pros |
|---|
| Lightweight design |
| Mesh walls |
| Comes with a mobile |
| Music box with a variety of comforting sounds |
| Choice of several different positions next to your bed |
| Cons |
|---|
| Slightly more expensive than some alternatives |
| Requires batteries |
| Specs |
|---|
| 26 pounds |
| Comes with a mattress and fitted sheet |
| Mesh sides |
| Mobile |
| Music box included |
| 2 AA batteries required, not included |
6. Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Easy Folding Portable Crib
Editor’s Rating: 4.6
This last middle of the road is a slightly different design from what we’ve seen before. It’s a crib-like design, but with a folding side that makes it easier to get to your baby while still laying in bed.
There are seven different height positions so that you can match the height of the bassinet closely with the height of your bed. The mattress is comfortable and firm enough to be safe for your little one, even at their youngest.
The bassinet also comes with two fastening straps that make it easy to secure the whole bassinet to your bed, keeping it safer overnight.
The wheeled legs also provide a high degree of stability and mobility, making this a good choice for moms who want to bring their bassinet with them through several rooms in the house.
However, this bassinet doesn’t collapse very easily, so it’s not a good option for parents looking for a mobile early crib alternative.
| Pros |
|---|
| Comfortable for your little one |
| Easy access for breastfeeding overnight |
| Mesh sides for added breathability |
| Adjusts to fit most bed heights, regardless of your bed type |
| Portable through the house |
| Cons |
|---|
| Not a good option for travel |
| Folding down the sides needs to be done carefully to keep your little one safe |
| Specs |
|---|
| Mattress |
| Fitted sheet |
| Mesh sides |
| Wheeled legs |
| 7 height settings |
| Works up to 5 months, or 33 lbs, whichever comes first. |
Tips for Using Your Bassinet:
Set them On Their Back:
Your baby is always safest if you encourage them to sleep on their back. Setting your baby on their back will help keep them safe, and lowers the risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, no matter where they’re sleeping.
Don’t Add Toys or Blankets:
A clear sleep area is important for your little one. Even seemingly harmless items, like stuffed animals and blankets, should not be included in your child’s sleep area. Your baby needs as few obstructions as possible so that they can breathe more easily.
Swaddling:
While your baby is young enough to use a bassinet safely, they’re also probably young enough to be swaddled and take comfort from it.
The pressure of the swaddling helps remind your baby of the warmth and comfort they felt in the womb. It also helps prevent squirming before your child’s muscles are ready for different sleep positions.
Keep a Regular Routine:
The last tip for using your bassinet is to keep a bedtime routine for your little one. It’s less important when you’re laying them down for nap time. But when it’s time to go to sleep overnight, sticking to the same routine will help tell your baby that it’s time for a longer rest, and will give them the comfort of repetition at the same time.
Buying Guide:
Multi-Functional:
This isn’t a requirement of your bassinet, but if you’re looking to get a little more for your money, consider a bassinet that serves multiple purposes.
Typically, bassinets will turn into small playpens for your baby. They’re only big enough to be good for a little while, once your baby is a toddler, they might start wanting more space. But, in the meantime, you’ll get at least another couple of months using it.
Some bassinets also act as storage, although that can be a rarer feature. Generally, bassinets will be single-purpose, so expect to spend a little more if you decide you want a multi-functional model.
Stability:
Stability is one of the single most important features of your bassinet. While there are some single-leg models that are very stable (some of them are on our list), you might want to consider looking for a bassinet with at least two legs.
Cribs need to be heavier and more stable than a bassinet because they’re designed for older, heavier, and far more active children. But your bassinet should still have plenty of stability since your baby will probably start to squirm and move on their mattress, long before it’s time to retire your bassinet.
Folding Side:
If you’re looking for a good co-sleeper, a folding or slide downside can make it easier to reach your baby while laying down in bed.
You don’t necessarily want a bassinet that has a completely collapsing side, especially if your baby is starting to squirm and move around. But, a collapsing side can make it easier to get those late-night breastfeedings and comfort sessions in, without having to get up and mess up your sleep cycle.
As a note of caution, folding sides have been shown to be a health hazard to babies in cribs. Because the additional moving parts can pinch your baby, and potentially even hurt circulation if they’re caught in the folding side for too long.
It’s less of a risk with bassinets since your little one will be less mobile and less likely to move the sides so long as you only use it when they’re young enough to be in a bassinet. However, it’s still a very personal decision, and one you should give some thought.
Weight:
Bassinets tend to be on the lighter side so that you can move the bassinet from room to room. However, a bassinet that’s too light is more likely to get overbalanced.
The lighter your bassinet is, the more stable it needs to be. A light bassinet should have multiple legs and a wider base for support.
However, as your bassinet gets heavier, it becomes harder to move, reducing its use as a portable nap location for your little one.
Breathability:
Some bassinets have higher walls than others. That’s a good thing because it adds to the safety of the bassinet and can sometimes mean that your little one is safe in the bassinet for longer. However, solid walls can be a problem since your little one won’t have the same kind of airflow.
Mesh sides are best for breathability in a bassinet. Just like the slatted sides of a crib, mesh gives you plenty of airflow to make sure your little one is getting enough oxygen as you sleep.
Conclusion:
In this article, we’ve covered some of the most important features of a bassinet. We’ve talked through some of the pros and cons of the best and most popular models for a bassinet, and even given you a few tips to help keep your bassinet safer for your little one.
Hopefully, you’ll feel a little more confident in picking the right bassinet for you and your growing family.
