As soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital, you’ll probably want to keep them as close as possible to you, day and night. And while leading health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), do not recommend co-sleeping, what they do recommend is sharing a room with your baby.
Room sharing is keeping your baby in your room in a separate sleeping area. Rooming in recommended for the first six to 12 months of their life as a safe sleeping practice. A bedside bassinet enables parents to safely do just that and these options are the best bedside bassinets available.
Jump to:
- What is a bedside bassinet?
- What to look for in a bedside bassinet
- Best Budget Option: Dream on Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
- Best Lightweight Bassinet: Bedside Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
- Most Convenient for Parents: HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
- Easiest Setup: Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
- Most Sustainable: SnuzPod 4 – Bedside Crib 3 in 1 in Natural
- Best Throwback Bassinet: Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet
- Best Budget Option: Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
What is a Bedside Bassinet?
A bedside bassinet is a bed for the youngest of babes, typically used from birth to until they start hitting five-month milestones. Just like a typical bassinet, it is small enough to allow parents and their brand-new baby to room share even in small spaces.
What sets a bedside bassinet apart from other options like baby cribs and bassinets is the ability to “sidecar,” or attach to the parents’ bed. Some bedside bassinets even swing over your bed, meaning that you can lift your baby out of the bassinet without even leaving your own bed. Genius.
What to Look for in a Bedside Bassinet
The best bassinets tend to have a few things in common. For instance, all of the highest rated beds were adjustable, followed safety standards, and had a foolproof means of securing the bassinet to the parents’ bed.
Here’s a closer look at the features to look for in a bedside bassinet for your baby:
Adjustability
Adjustability makes it possible for the height of the bassinet to be changed to match the height of the parents’ bed. This is important for safety as it ensures that the bed can be properly secured in place, without the risk of gaps where the baby might become entrapped.
Safety standards
All products used by children should meet safety standards put in place by third party organizations. As you shop for a bedside sleeper, we suggest checking to be certain it has the Consumer Product Safety Commission ruling for safe products and is certified by the JPMA, or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Both of these organizations are concerned with making sure that set up and use doesn’t pose risks to the wellbeing of your baby. They also test for chemicals and toxins that could be dangerous for your little one. However, despite these safety certifications it is important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of bedside sleepers–according to the AAP, there just isn’t enough research to say for sure if bedside sleepers that attach directly to the bed are safe for your baby. The AAP continues to recommend that the safest place for babies to sleep is in a separate sleeping area from caregivers, but in the same room until at least six months old.
Security
A good bedside bassinet will have the option to secure it to the parents’ bed. Most use straps to accomplish this and some also have wheels with brakes to help keep the bassinet flush with the mattress of the larger bed.
The Best Bedside Bassinets
Best Lightweight Bassinet
Bedside Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
This infant bed is designed to work as both a free-standing bassinet and an attached bedside sleeper. It’s intended for babies as small as 5 pounds and can be used until they are 5 months or 20 pounds, whichever happens first. Available in pink or a few different combinations of white, grey, and black, it has breathable, mesh side panels that allow for ample airflow to your little one while they snooze. It’s adjustable, and boasts seven different height settings, so there’s a really good chance the bedside sleeper will work well with just about any bed. And the best part is it anchors to the parents’ bed and has a fold-down wall to make reaching your baby super easy.
Setting this bed up as a bedside sleeper is a breeze. Parents can unzip the side panel nearest their bed, adjust the height appropriately, and use the straps to secure it in place. If a bassinet is preferred, keep all four side panels in place. When babies begin to stir or fuss, parents can manually glide the bed back and forth to encourage them to settle.
For brand new parents, there is a lot to love about this bedside bassinet. It is small and portable, working well for travel or simply moving a napping baby to another room in the house. It may be compact, but your baby won’t be cramped.
Must-know details:
- JPMA Certified for use up to 5 months
- Portable
- Includes mattress and fitted sheet
- Dimensions: 5″ L x 19″ W x 31 H
- Fold-down wall converts to a bedside bassinet
- Anchors to adult bed
- Removable, washable cover
Customer review:
“I received this item two days ago and our newborn has already slept in it like a champ,
writes one Amazon reviewer. “It’s a very simple sturdy design and was extremely easy to put together which any new parent can tell you is a huge boon. It’s a very basic, no frills bed.”
Keep in mind:
The Bedside Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper has over 3,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 star rating. Parents loved that this sleeper is easy to set up, and that the mesh walls made it easy to keep a close eye on their baby. However, a few reviewers mentioned that it works best for shorter beds and only has a small pocket on the back for storage.
Most Convenient for Parents
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
This convenient and compact bedside sleeper and bassinet fits well in small spaces and adjusts to fit alongside beds that are 22 to 34 inches high. In fact, it’s a great option for small spaces, since the legs are designed to slip under beds and the bassinet itself is only 32 inches wide. The hallmark feature of the HALO is that the entire bassinet swivels 360 degrees using controls on the front. The mesh wall of the bed facing the parents’ bed lowers with a push, making it easy to access baby without getting up. The bed is outfitted with both vibration and a sound machine, providing extra soothing for your babe as they’re dozing off. A waterproof mattress and washable fitted seat are included with the bed.
Read Review
While reviewing the specs of the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper, I found myself wondering why I didn’t get one of my own a few months ago when I welcomed my new baby. From the 360 swivel to the collapsible bed wall, it kind of feels like HALO thought of just about everything when designing this bassinet.
For example, it comes equipped with a soothing center that has a sound machine with four different sounds—rain forest, heartbeat, white noise, and babbling brook—along with two different types of vibration.
In addition to calming your baby, the bassinet also brings comfort and peace of mind to parents, thanks to completely see-through mesh walls that provide plenty of breathability and visibility. This bassinet is also available as a twin option, which includes a larger basket that is separated down the middle by a mesh wall. Parents can choose to upgrade to the luxe option, which includes a storage caddy, a floor light, and the option to remove the bed from the stand.
Must-know details:
- JPMA-certified
- Attached sound machine
- Collapsible bedside wall
- Machine-washable fabric that zips right off (so smart!)
- Height adjusts from 24”-34” (Luxe series)
- For use in babies up to 20 lbs.
Customer review:
“Ok this bassinet is awesome,” writes reviewer Tara. “The swivel is helpful moving baby around to get to them or move around them to get out of bed yourself in the middle of the night. But my favorite and least favorite things are the same thing! It comes with a vibrate setting which my daughter loves and it puts her right to sleep with music every night! The only pain in the butt thing is that the batteries die so frickin fast, I’m changing them every 5-7 days and they are not too easy to change. But if they fix this feature, this will be a dream bassinet for baby.”
Keep in mind:
The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper has 265 reviews on amazing and a 4.6 star rating. Caregivers shared that it was easy to set up and swiveled smoothly. They also mentioned the additional soothing elements, the sound machine and vibration, were features that seemed to help their baby sleep.
However, it was mentioned that the batteries die quickly with regular use of the sound machine and vibration, so you might want to stock up on extra batteries if you plan on using the soothing center. Others also mentioned the co-sleeper wobbles a bit when it is swiveled.
Easiest Setup Option
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
The bestselling Mika Miky Bedside Sleeper is an affordable option for parents who want their baby within arm’s reach while they sleep at night. Similar to other bedside bassinets, it can be adjusted to different heights so that it can be safely and securely strapped to the parents’ bed. One mesh wall of the bassinet is collapsible. This allows parents easy access to their little one, whether that means a comforting hand on their stomach as they settle in for the night or pulling them close to nurse before you turn off the lights. And the claim to fame is that you don’t even need tools to set this bassinet up.
This 2-in-1 bedside bassinet allows parents to room share safely in a way that best suits their needs. The Mika Micky Bedside sleeper can function as a stand-alone bassinet, supported by stable legs and safely surrounded by mesh walls. However, if parents prefer to have their baby within reach, one wall collapses and the bassinet can be secured to the bed with attached straps.
Portability is another awesome function of this option, since the stand has wheels with brakes to secure the bassinet in place between moves. This bassinet is actually the bestseller on Amazon. It holds a 4.8 star rating from 5,200 reviews. This bedside bassinet is meant for newborns starting at five pounds and can be used for babies as heavy as 33 pounds. However, parents should discontinue use if the baby starts pulling themselves up or crawling before they reach the weight or age limit.
Must-know details:
- Dimensions: 36 x 22 x 32.7 inches
- Length is adjustable
- Side panel opens easily
- 2 side storage pockets
- Wheeled legs with built-in brakes
Customer review:
“I absolutely love this for my baby,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “It is so nice to have him close enough for me to check on him without getting out of bed. The bassinet is better quality than I expected ( never heard of the brand and was a little concerned). It looks great and was easy to assemble. It is sturdy and secure. The wheel locks are strong and it comes with additional straps to hook under the bed mattress so the bassinet will not budge. Mattress is firm and the cover is removable and washable.”
Keep in mind:
Some of the best features of this option, according to reviewers, is that it is easy to set up and easy to move around. Parents love that they can see their baby easily through the mesh walls without getting out of bed.
One downside mentioned in the reviews is that, even with seven height settings, it might not work with every bed. Be sure to measure your bed and compare it against the bassinet specs before you place your order. Others mentioned that the mattress is very firm and they were concerned about their baby’s comfort.
Most Sustainable Option
SnuzPod 4 - Bedside Crib 3 in 1 in Natural
For parents who want easy access to their baby, this 3-in-1 bassinet can be adapted by lowering one of the breathable sides and connected to the parents’ bed. The height of the SnuzPod4 can be easily adjusted to work with most beds. Lastly, the bassinet portion can be lifted off the frame to be placed on the floor or moved to other rooms. It is outfitted with a breathable, 3D mattress.
If you were going to choose a bedside bassinet on looks alone, the SnuzPod 4 – Bedside Crib 3-in-1 is the baby bed for you. Its frame is made from natural-colored wood and the bed walls are a white, breathable mesh. Of course, good looks alone isn’t all this bassinet has to offer—it also functions as a standalone crib or bassinet. In addition to being ultra stylish and adaptable, we love the little features that make this bassinet extraordinary.
For infant safety and comfort, it is equipped with the ComfortAir breathable system, which encourages air flow through the bassinet and regulates temperature. The liner of the bassinet is mesh and it is machine washable. Moms of reflux babies will love that the bassinet is built to recline using the reflux tilt option. SO cool.
Must-know details:
- Reflux tilt option
- Sustainably sourced beechwood and plywood
- Included mattress, made with OEKO-Tex 100 certified materials
- Can use for babies from newborn to 6 months old
- Washable, mesh cover
- Dimensions: 100 x 49 x 95 inches
Customer review:
“Beautiful crib, highly recommend,” writes Jason. “Was extremely easy to put together with great instructions. High quality feel throughout very happy with this for our little boy!”
Keep in mind:
The SnuzPod4 has an average star rating of 4.8 on the SnuzPod website. Parents love how it looks and how simple it is to put together.
And although the reflex tilt option is pretty cool, the AAP still recommends a completely flat sleeping surface for babies, so be sure to check with your doctor if they would suggest this option for your little one before purchasing.
Best Throwback Bassinet
Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Arm’s Reach is attributed with creating the first-ever co-sleeper bassinet in the 1990s and the Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet is an updated version of their original design. The founders set out to provide alternatives for parents who weren’t interested in bed-sharing with their baby but desired a similar proximity to their baby. Today, their bassinet has the same drop-down wall that makes it easy to access baby while lying in bed. This specific model boasts of high visibility, with mesh sides that allow for easy viewing of your sleeping babe. Safety was a primary consideration in creating this product, by allowing parents to room share while still keeping baby in their own crib or bassinet on their back.
A 4.7 star rating from parent reviewers caught my eye while I was putting together this list. Parents who have used this bassinet before love how easy it is to care for your baby in the middle of the night with them literally within arm’s reach.
I also noticed that more than one review made mention of how well this works for moms who have had a C-section or need extra recovery time. With pockets on each side of the bassinet and a large basket underneath, parents can keep everything they need handy so they can care for their newborn without leaving their bed.
Must-know details:
- Bedside sleeper or freestanding bassinet
- Storage basket
- Includes mattress and fitted sheet
- 4 wheels
- Detachable, fold-down side panel
- Dimensions: 34 x 20 x 35 inches
- Max weight: 18 lbs.
Customer review:
“This made night-time feedings so easy,” writes Mel S. “Why oh why didn’t I have this for the first two children? Our baby outgrew it by 7 months, and I was very sad for him to move into his crib. It was perfect to have him within arm’s reach and made nursing easier even in the beginning, when he ate 4 times at night. I want all breastfeeding moms to have this!!”
Keep in mind:
Some reviews mentioned that that although this bassinet may be one of the original designs that inspired its ancestors, it’s also not one of the sturdiest designs around, so it may be best thought of as a temporary solution instead of a long-term sleeper for your baby.
Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
Simplicity is the name of the game with the Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper. Similarly, to the other options on this list, it can be used as a stand-alone bassinet or a co-sleeper. For use as a bedside sleeper, wheels can be unlocked to slide the base under the bed. Then, parents can secure the bassinet to their bed with attached straps and unzip the collapsible bedside wall for easy access to their little one. The Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet is available in six different colors, including mint, black, pink, and purple.
There aren’t many bells and whistles to this bedside sleeper, but it does check off the most important considerations while fitting well within most budgets for baby. It’s safe and meets JPMA certification requirements as well as standards set in place by the CPSC. Plus, parents will love knowing they’re buying from a family owned business that has a longstanding reputation for prioritizing safety and quality.
A removable cover and mattress pad make for easy cleaning of the Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet Bedside Sleeper. It’s also adjustable and portable. The wheels can be unlocked and your sleeping baby can easily be moved to another room and you can adjust it to fit to your bed.
Must-know details:
- 5 position adjustable height
- Lockable wheels
- Removable, washable mesh cover
- Adjustable
- JMPA-certified
- Dimensions: 34.5 x 20.5 x 1 inches
- Recommended for babies up to 25 lbs. or 6 months of age
Customer review:
“This bassinet is amazing,” writes reviewer Rebecca. My daughter immediately falls asleep in this because she can look up to me and see my face while she’s falling asleep. It’s easy to quickly reach over while still being in bed. She has slept through the night since we got it and is so comfortable. We don’t have any issues with it being secured next to our bed, it doesn’t wobble and sits perfectly leveled so that hasn’t been an issue for us when pairing it to our bed.”
Keep in mind:
The Dream On Me Skylar Bassinet Bedside Sleeper has 942 reviews and a 4.7 star rating on Amazon. Caregivers who have used this bedside bassinet love how easy it is to reach over and sooth their baby from their own bed. They also report that this is a very stable option, even with the lightweight base, when set up properly.
However, some reviewers complained it wasn’t easy to set up, but that seems to be one of the only downsides of this budget-friendly bassinet.
Other Products to Consider
If you’re in the market for a safe place for your baby to sleep, you might also want to check out our other product guides on:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bedside bassinet?
The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper has some of the best features of all of the bedside bassinets available right now. It’s easy to set up, has a 360-degree swivel, vibrates, and has an attached sound machine.
How long can a baby stay in a bassinet?
Babies can sleep in a bassinet as soon as they are home from the hospital. They should be moved into a crib once they reach 5 months, exceed the bassinet’s weight limits, or start rolling over and pushing up to their hands and knees.
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