The Best Bassinets (Co-Sleepers & Bedside) of the Year

Newborns sleep—a lot—so you want to find the perfect place for your little one to rest her head. We’ve outlined the most important considerations to make when purchasing a bassinet to take the guesswork out of finding the one that’s right for you and your baby.

Keeping your baby in your room for at least six months is the safest way for him or her to sleep. It’s also known as a form of co-sleeping, which is essentially sleeping in close proximity to your baby. At the same time, the AAP recommends that babies sleep on their own sleep surfaces. For these reasons, the safest bassinet is one that will enable you to room share for as long as possible. Consider your space. Is a compact bassinet the best option, or can you fit something larger? Also think about how you’ll take care of your baby during the night. If you think you’ll prefer nursing in bed, you might want a co-sleeper bassinet to easily transfer baby after feeding and not risk falling asleep with baby in your bed.

All new bassinets must comply with safety regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which outline standards around size, stability and mattress flatness, among others. To be on the safe side, you’ll probably want to purchase a new bassinet rather than finding on second-hand. Also make sure to choose an actual bassinet designed for sleep. Some newborn “holders” or seats do not meet the standards for safe sleep. When in doubt, remember that babies should sleep in a stable structure on a firm, flat surface.

Bassinets are typically less expensive than cribs. That said, you’ll probably also use your bassinet for less time than you will your crib. Look for a bassinet that’s well-made but won’t break the bank, considering you’ll likely use it for about five months. Bassinets made from solid wood tend to be more expensive than those made from plastic, but they’re also more durable. You also tend to pay more for special features. Bassinets that play white noise or have built-in vibration will cost more than basic models. If these features help keep your baby asleep, though, you may decide the extra cost is more than worth it.

The ideal design for your bassinet depends entirely on how you plan to use it. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Co-sleeper Capability: While you can technically pull a standard bassinet right next to your bed, a co-sleeper is essentially an extension of your bed. Most have an open side that lines up with your bed or a side that can be lowered to achieve the same result. This can be a great option for mothers who want to nurse in bed or anyone who wants to bed share, but doesn’t want the risk. Your baby can be right next to you while sleeping in his or her own space. If you’re a very light sleeper and will wake up every time your baby takes a deep breath, then a standalone bassinet at the foot of your bed might suit you better.
• Portability: Your baby may sleep in your room at night for the first few months, but that doesn’t mean he or she needs to nap in there. Many parents appreciate a bassinet that’s portable because they can move it around the house to keep baby close during naps. Look for a lightweight bassinet if you think you’ll want to move it around. Some even fold up for easy transport. Just remember never to move your bassinet while your baby is in it.
• Versatility and Adaptability: If you don’t like the idea of putting your bassinet in storage after your baby outgrows it, you might consider one that doubles as a play yard, or portable crib. You’ll be able to use it as a play area or for travel long after your baby is finished with the bassinet element. Also pay attention to the weight limits on bassinets. While you should stop using any bassinet once your child can push up onto all fours, some have higher weight limits than others, which could enable you to use the bassinet for longer.

Some bassinets come with add-ons that might make your life easier:

• Nightlight: A built-in nightlight can be helpful when you’re tending to your baby in the middle of the night. A diaper change in the pitch black is nearly impossible, but turning on an overhead light will also probably ensure your baby doesn’t go back to sleep easily.
• Sound: Many newborns sleep better with white noise because it reminds them of being in utero. Instead of purchasing a separate white noise machine, consider choosing a bassinet that is capable of playing white noise. Some will also play lullabies to help lull your baby to sleep.
• Vibration: While babies are in the womb, they get used to constant vibration, so many find it very soothing once they’re out in the world. A bassinet with a vibration feature can help your baby fall asleep and can also help babies go back to sleep when they wake during the night.
• Storage: The last thing you want to do in the middle of the night is wander through the house looking for pacifiers, extra diapers or burp rags. A bassinet with built-in storage can help you keep everything within arm’s reach.

Many parents choose to have their babies sleep in a bassinet from day one. Bassinets are small and compact and serve as the perfect bed for tiny newborns. How long your baby stays in your bassinet depends on a variety of factors.

Most bassinets come with height and/or weight limits. The time to transition out of a bassinet depends more on birth weight and growth than on age. You’ll also want to pay attention to your baby’s movements. Depending on the construction of your bassinet, you may need to move your child out of his bassinet when he can roll or push up on all fours.

Many parents decide to move their babies out of their bassinets when it’s time to transition to sleeping in their own room. While the AAP recommends room-sharing for six months, some families opt to make a change earlier for a variety of reasons. The four-month sleep regression sometimes causes families to end room-sharing in hopes everyone will get more sleep. Related, some parents decide to start sleep training around four months, which can be difficult to do if you’re sharing a room. Finally, babies can be noisy sleepers, and some parents can’t sleep with their baby right next to them.

Safe sleep practices don’t just apply to cribs. It’s important to familiarize yourself with safe sleep guidelines when it comes to your baby’s bassinet:

• Use as intended: One main safety concern when it comes to bassinets is parents using something as a bassinet that isn’t intended for sleep. Baskets with plush cushions, newborn loungers and seats aren’t safe places for babies to sleep. Your bassinet should indicate that it’s designed for sleep.
• Opt for firm, flat surface: Bassinet mattresses can seem too thin or firm, but they’re designed with safety in mind. Firm, flat surfaces keep babies from rolling and reduce the risk of SIDS and/or suffocation that comes with plush materials. And because babies are so small, this type of surface feels completely comfortable to them.
• Know when to transition: Pay attention to your height and weight limits on your bassinet and transition your baby out once she’s too big or can push up to all fours.
• Avoid bed-sharing: Bed-sharing is a version of co-sleeping in which your baby sleeps in your bed with you. The AAP recommends that babies sleep in their own beds, so try to remember to move your baby back into his bassinet after tending to him during the night.