Figuring out where your baby will sleep is a much bigger decision than most people think. When you are sleep deprived and continuously busy caring for this new life, getting an extra few minutes of sleep can quickly become a top priority.
There are a few options for new parents. We will focus on in-bed and bedside sleeping, two terms that are interchangeable with co-sleeping. Both will have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right bassinet for you and your baby will depend on your lifestyle, priorities, and comfort level. But above all, you want your baby to have a safe, comfortable sleep.
First, we will cover sleeping arrangements and then help you decide what kind of bassinet is best for you.
In-Bed Sleeping
Some parents choose In-Bed Sleeping with their baby. It can make breastfeeding easier because your baby is in such proximity. Having a parent's presence all night long is also very comforting and nurturing. For many families, this translates to better sleep for everyone.
However, there are some concerns about the risks associated with in-bed sleeping. The loose bedding and sheets can present a risk of suffocation to a young infant, so parents must set up the bed according to safety standards. Every parent wants a safe sleep for their infant, and these risks are imperative to consider before choosing in-bed sleeping.
There are various methods to help minimize the risk of bed-sharing. These include; not sharing a bed with an infant under four months, placing the baby on their back to go to sleep, ensuring that your mattress is firm and fit snugly to the bed frame, and not using loose items. There are additional risks to consider, so it is vital to consult an expert before considering this option.
However, a safer option than sleeping with your baby on your mattress is a bassinet. A co-sleeping bassinet can provide a safe alternative to this sleep arrangement, and we will consider the best options in this article.
Bedside Sleeping
Another alternative to consider is bedside sleeping. It allows families to be close to one another while providing some space. This sleeping method reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in babies under the age of one because parents can keep an eye on the baby, an excellent option for new parents and their little ones.
Whether families choose to co-sleep, a safe co-sleeping arrangement is every parent's top priority.
If your baby is going to sleep in the family bed or on their own, they'll need their own little baby-proof space with plenty of ventilation, breathable fabrics, and safe materials.
This guide will help you choose the best co-sleeping bassinet to suit your needs, depending on your sleeping arrangement.
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Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
Best Bassinet For In-Bed Sleeping: | |
Best Bassinet For Bedside Sleeping: | |
Best Bassinet For In-Bed Sleeping
Winner: SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper
This product is made specifically for co-sleeping. It goes in bed with mom and dad, but gives your baby their own space for sleeping. It will help minimize the risks associated with in-bed sleeping while still having the benefits this arrangement provides.
In our opinion, the SwaddleMe By Your Bed Sleeper is one of the best bassinets for bed-sharing.
Pros
This sleeper has sides made of metal and mesh material, which create a safety barrier between parents and baby without allowing the baby to get overheated.
The bottom is a solid mattress rather than a soft surface, making it slightly safer according to modern, safe sleep standards.
It is lightweight, and it comes with a very reasonable price tag.
Other cool features include glowing, vibrating, and collapsible sides.Customer reviews for the SwaddleMe have been positive as well. Parents love the versatility it provides, allowing them to place the infant between them as they sleep comfortably. This co-sleeping bassinet is also lightweight and highly portable, great for setting anywhere around the house, and makes a great travel bassinet.
This portable bassinet will keep up with your busy lifestyle while allowing your infant to get the safe sleep that they require.
Cons
Although this product is one of my favorites, you can only use it until your baby is about three months old or until they can roll over on their own. This bassinet also cannot transform into a space for tummy time or a space for play.
There have also been concerns raised in customer reviews that the SwaddleMe is perhaps too big and roomy. Consequently, it might be challenging to fit between two adults as they try to get a good night's sleep. Of course, this will depend on your personal preferences and your bed's size, so be sure to take some measurements before purchasing.
Runner-Up: Mamibaby Baby Lounger
Mamibaby Baby Lounger is excellent for co-sleeping. This portable crib/bassinet is made to fit into the bed right next to mom while still giving your baby a little bit of their own space.
Adopting the bionic concept to mimic the mother's womb, the thick and sturdy detachable bumper is designed to buffer the baby and parent at bedtime.
Pros
Mamibaby Baby Lounger's best features include a safe and breathable 360-degree design with raised guardrail sides made with knitted surface fabric. This lounger is perfect in size and provides spine support with a 1.6-inch pad.
It is about 31.5 x 19.6 inches and weighs only 3.5lbs, making it convenient for travel.
The baby nest has a 100% hypoallergenic cotton material cover that is air-permeable, meaning that it keeps the baby from overheating. It also can be dissembled to machine wash when needed.
Mamibaby Baby Lounger's design also has adjustable ties to give your baby more space as they grow. There are convenient handles for easy portability too.
Cons
Mamibaby Baby Lounger is a little bit pricey. Some new moms are unhappy with the material and had difficulty with the zipper after washing.
There is also a risk of the baby getting caught under blankets or pillows at night. Even though there is a buffer between the baby and the rest of the bed space, it isn't a foolproof system, so the parents must exercise caution when placing them in bed.
If you decide to use Mamibaby Baby Lounger for co-sleeping, be sure to read and follow their safe sleep guidelines.
Best Bassinet For Bedside Sleeping
Winner: Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
The Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper is made for room sharing. It has some great features that allow you to keep your baby very close all night long.
Pros
This bedside bassinet is a top seller because it acts as a standalone sleeper and keeps the baby out of their parents' bed. It also meets or exceeds all of Health Canada's safety standards, allowing you a great sleep knowing that your infant is safe.
It has seven adjustable height positions, allowing you to keep your baby at eye level. The easy open-side panel can be lowered, which will enable you to attend to the baby without leaving the bed. There are also two breathable mesh sides so that you can easily keep an eye on your baby at all times, allowing you to sleep with peace of mind.
The Mika Micky is also designed for function and safety. It is a standalone bassinet with easy to attach or remove fastening straps from parents' bed. It has a comfortable mattress and stable, supported bottom sleeping board. There are also built-in wheels with brakes so you can safely and quickly move the bassinet. It also comes with a fitted sheet, which is imperative for a baby's safe sleep.
The bassinet also comes with two side pockets that are ideal for storing baby essentials within easy reach. The Mika Micky can be used from birth until they reach 33 pounds or until your baby can roll over or sit up by themselves.
Cons
The Mika Micky can become very expensive, especially if you want one with all of the bells and whistles. It is considered a premium bassinet, but keep in mind that this comes at a premium price and may be outside your price range.
The Mika Micky has had a few reviews by new parents that find the bassinet tends to lean. Some find this a safety issue.
Runner-Up: Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper
The Kidsclub Baby Bassinet is a co-sleeper made of high-strength aluminum bassinet with nine height adjustments. It used to standalone or to sit next to the bed with 25cm retractable feet. The adjustable height accommodation of 17.52" - 25.39" allows you to bring your infant to eye level next to your bed or sofa.
Pros
The multi-purpose baby sleeper has a baby cot that provides good air circulation with double mesh sides - you a view your baby from any angle. Use the smooth zipper detachable side to get easy access to the baby when you need to feed or change him.
The Kidsclub bassinet is CPSC and ASTM certified and is perfect for sleeping, feeding, and changing your baby. Weighing twenty-three pounds, it is easy to move around the house and easy to clean when needed. The sleeping nest measures 37.4" * 22.83" * 13.98". It comes with padded mattress with two washable sheets. The detachable side fabric can likewise be detached for washings.
The bassinet also comes with reinforcement safety straps to anchor the sleeper to the adult bed and a 3-8 micro-angle incline mode feature to help with feedings. A bonus music box and toy included.
The Kidsclub bassinet is suitable for infants 0-6 months of age or until baby can pull themselves into an upright position. The Kidsclub bassinet bedside sleeper is additionally simple to assemble in three simple steps with no special tools required.
Cons
Some parents did not like the Kidsclub bassinet’s adjustable height. It did not work well next to their bed. You should double check measurements before purchasing.
The sides are not spring-loaded. Only one side detachable.
Some new mothers found the bassinet unstable compared to other bassinets. Other mothers have mentioned the mattress was too hard and uncomfortable for their baby.
Alternate: Baby Delight Bedside Me Dreamer Bassinet
Baby Delight Bedside Me Dreamer is another option for room sharing. It is made specifically for the baby to sleep right next to the parent's bed without taking up any of their sleeping space. You can use up to twenty pounds or five months.
Pros
Like the Halo, this sleeper is height adjustable with six height positions. It also has legs that will slide under the bed so that the bassinet can be placed very close to mom or dad. It has attached straps that safely secure it in place. You also have the option to use it as a standalone bassinet too.
It has a quick, tool-free convenient setup so that you can take it anywhere free of hassle. The twenty-pound lightweight frame makes it easy to move it from room to room.
The breathable mesh bassinet also has an easy conversion by unzipping the side panel wall to access your baby for feedings and diaper changes. This bassinet also gently glides side to side, making it easy for parents to soothe their babies to sleep.
Like some other options, this bedside sleeper comes with a waterproof fitted sheet and fiberfill mattress. The Beside Me Dreamer bassinet has modern lines and is made with luxe grey fabric that makes it stand out.
Cons
Some users have expressed design issues such as the thin stiff padding being uncomfortable for their baby. The bassinet mattress is also not machine washable. These are a few issues that may make cleaning the sleeper more challenging than its competitors.
The bedside sleeper also does not lay flat for some users, which can concern new parents.
Conclusion
Regardless of the type of sleeping method you decide, your family can benefit from the peace of mind that these safe sleepers provide. There are many great options for co-sleeping and room sharing, and this article contained a few of our favorites.
It is important to remember that the type of bassinet you choose depends on your situation and the type of sleeping arrangement you prefer. You surely want a safe, comfortable sleep for your infant while also being able to get a good night's sleep yourself. Consider the type of sleeping arrangement you think is best for you, and then consider what kind of bassinet can help you best meet these needs.
You will be happy you did this prep work because a good night's sleep for you and your infant is one of the most important things you can do in the early stages of a baby's life.