Overview
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that babies sleep in the same room but not in the same bed as their parents to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). (1)
They recommend following these safe sleep guidelines until your little one is at least six months old. (1)
However, your baby can also sleep in their own nursery if they have a safe sleeping environment, free from anything that can obstruct the airflow.
Many parents prefer putting their baby to sleep in a baby bassinet, crib, or playpen in their nursery and checking on them with a baby monitor.
Others want a bedside bassinet so they can physically check on their babies or change their diapers and feed them in the middle of the night without getting up and going to another room.
In this article, we’ll not only share our top choices for bedside bassinets, but we’ll also answer common questions we receive about co-sleeping best practices.
What’s A Bedside Bassinet (Co-Sleeper)?
A bedside bassinet, also known as a co-sleeper, is a special kind of bassinet with one open side that’s attached to your bed. It’s essentially an extension for your bed, designed for babies.
The drop-down or removable side can make breastfeeding easier for some moms because you don’t have to get up and move to your baby’s nursery in the middle of the night.
Is A Bedside Bassinet Or Co-Sleeper A Bassinet?
Many bedside bassinets have a permanently open side, so they can never be considered a real bassinet. However, some products convert from a co-sleeper to a portable bassinet.
Is A Baby Bedside Sleeper Or Bassinet Necessary?
No. While it can make your life easier, this product isn’t considered essential baby gear.
Like bassinets, bedside sleepers are only useful for the first few months of your baby’s life. Once they begin to roll over, bedside co-sleepers and regular bassinets might become unsafe.
You can save money by choosing a crib instead.
Are Bedside Bassinets Safe?
Yes. Bedside sleepers or bassinets are included in the AAP’s safe sleep recommendations as long as the products meet all existing federal safety standards. (1)
The following are the safety standards set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) for bedside sleepers: (2)
- Rigid frame assembly that should be secured to an adult bed
- Fabric or mesh for the enclosed openings to reduce entrapment and suffocation hazards
- Should be free from anything that could cause entrapment, fall, or suffocation
- Compliance with ASTM F2194 (the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles); *ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials
- Free from phthalates and the lead content, if any, should never exceed 90 ppm (parts per million) or 0.0009%
It’s also good to check for JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification is also good.
Our Top 5 Choices For The Best Bedside Sleeper Bassinets
- Delta Children Simmons Kids Room2Grow Convertible Bassinet – Bedside bassinet that grows with your baby (converts into a full bassinet for use until your baby is one year old), with adjustable height to suit different adult bed heights, waterproof and machine-washable mattress pad, lockable wheels, and meets or exceeds JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM standards
- Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet – Converts from a bedside sleeper to a freestanding bassinet, with a detachable side panel (one side only) that folds down for easy access during feeding, built-in leg extensions to adjust the height, four wheels to move it around the house, and a large attached storage basket for diapers and other baby essentials
- Dream On Me Lotus Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper – Portable 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet that folds and fits into a carry bag, with breathable mesh sides and an optional mosquito net, straps to secure the bedside bassinet to the adult bed, four height adjustments, and JPMA certified
- Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer – Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper – 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet with six-position height adjustment, breathable mesh sidewalls, removable washable cover, waterproof fitted sheet, storage pocket, attached straps that anchor to the adult bed for added security (bedside sleeper mode), and JPMA certification
- HALO Bassinest Sand Circles Twin Swivel Sleeper – Twin bedside co-sleeper rotates 360 degrees, has a mesh divider to separate your twins (still lets them interact and see each other), dual side walls that can lower with a gentle touch but return to the upright position automatically, two storage pockets for baby essentials, two polyester patterned fitted sheets, two waterproof mattress pads, two 100% cotton white fitted sheets, nightlight, two levels of vibration, and plays three lullabies and three nature and womb sounds
Continue reading to learn more about each bedside sleeper bassinet.
Delta Children Simmons Kids Room2Grow Convertible Bassinet
What Makes It Special
- Bedside bassinet that grows with your baby and converts into a full bassinet for use until your baby is one year old
- Adjustable height to suit different adult bed heights
- Features a waterproof, machine-washable mattress pad
- Has lockable wheels
- Meets or exceeds JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM standards
Key Features
- Material: Metal frame with fabric and mesh sides
- Product Safety: Lockable wheels
- Capacity/Limits (sleeper mode): Up to 12 months or 25 lbs
- Capacity/Limits (bassinet mode): 0-5 months or up to 15 lbs
- Height Adjustable: Yes, the base adjusts to multiple heights
- Mattress Pad: Machine washable mattress pad and sheet included
- Breathable: Yes, with 360-degree mesh panels that can promote airflow
- Waterproof: Yes, the mattress pad is waterproof
- Machine-washable: Yes, mattress pad and sheet
- Mosquito Net: None
- Storage Basket: None
- Portable: No
- Convertible: Yes, it converts to a full bassinet
- Warranty: Basic warranty not indicated; two-year extended warranty
- Sleep Trial: Not indicated
- Certifications: JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM
- Dimensions: 26.4” (height) x 24.8” (width) x 35.4” (depth)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that the sleeper is too deep and not at the same level as the adult bed
Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet
What Makes It Special
- Converts from a bedside sleeper to a freestanding bassinet
- Detachable side panel (one side only) that folds down for easy access during feeding
- Built-in, adjustable leg extensions
- Four castor wheels make this a portable bassinet (around the house)
- Large attached storage basket for diapers and other baby essentials
Key Features
- Material: Metal frame, fabric and mesh sides, and nylon straps
- Product Safety:
- Capacity/Limits: Up to around five months old or when your baby begins to push up on their hands and knees
- Height Adjustable: Yes, with built-in leg extensions
- Breathable: Yes, mesh sides
- Waterproof: Not indicated
- Machine-washable: Not indicated
- Mosquito Net: None
- Storage Basket: Yes
- Portable: Yes (around the house; the product has wheels)
- Convertible: Yes, it converts into a full bassinet
- Warranty: 180 days from date of purchase
- Sleep Trial: Not indicated
- Certifications: Not indicated
- Dimensions: 34” (length) x 20” (width) x 34.5” (height)
Product Recall
- No recall in the US, but had one in Canada
This bedside sleeper was recalled in Canada in May 2019 because the products have not been tested to Canadian requirements (under the Canadian Cribs, Cradles, and Bassinets Regulations) and may be unsafe. (3)
The recalled co-sleepers were sold in Canada from November 2017 to April 2019.
No injuries or safety hazards were reported relating to this product recall. (3)
Cons
- It had a recall in Canada.
- Some complaints that the assembly uses velcro, which can make it unstable, especially with repeated opening and closing
Dream On Me Lotus Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
What Makes It Special
- 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet
- Portable bedside bassinet that folds and fits into a carry bag
- Breathable mesh sides with an optional mosquito net
- Straps to secure the bedside bassinet to the adult bed
- Four height adjustments
- JPMA certified
Key Features
- Material: Metal frame with fabric and mesh sides
- Product Safety: Breathable sides that don’t obstruct airflow
- Capacity/Limits: Up to 25 lbs or around five months old
- Height Adjustable: yes
- Mattress Pad: Included with purchase
- Breathable: Yes, mesh sides
- Waterproof: No
- Machine-washable: No
- Mosquito Net: Yes
- Storage Basket: Retractable storage basket
- Portable: Yes, it includes a carrying case
- Convertible: Yes
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Sleep Trial: Not indicated
- Certifications: JPMA
- Dimensions: 37” (length) x 22.5” (width) x 44” (height)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that this product is rickety and unstable
Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer – Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
What Makes It Special
- 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet
- Six-position height adjustment
- Breathable mesh sidewalls
- Removable, washable cover and waterproof fitted sheet
- Side panel can open for easy access to your baby from the bed (in sleeper mode)
- Storage pocket
- Attached straps anchor to the adult bed for added security (bedside sleeper mode)
- JPMA certified
- Tool-free assembly
Key Features
- Material: Metal frame and mesh sides
- Product Safety: Breathable mesh sides that don’t obstruct airflow
- Capacity/Limits: Up to five months or 20 lbs
- Height Adjustable: Yes, six positions
- Mattress Pad: Included
- Breathable: Yes, mesh sides
- Waterproof: Yes, fitted sheets
- Machine-washable:
- Mosquito Net: Not indicated
- Storage Basket: A storage pocket for baby wipes, diapers, etc.
- Portable: No
- Convertible: Yes
- Warranty: 90-day limited manufacturer’s warranty
- Sleep Trial: Not indicated
- Certifications: JPMA
- Dimensions: 37” x 22.50” x 30.75”
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints on Walmart about the mattress or base just being made of foam and cardboard or particle board
HALO Bassinest Sand Circles Twin Swivel Sleeper
What Makes It Special
- Twin bedside co-sleeper with a mesh divider to separate your twins while still letting them interact and see each other
- Rotates 360 degrees
- Dual side walls that can lower with a gentle touch but return to the upright position automatically
- Designed for twins and moms who had a C-section to deliver the babies
- Includes two storage pockets for baby essentials, two polyester patterned fitted sheets, two waterproof mattress pads, and two 100% cotton white fitted sheets
- Includes a nightlight, two levels of vibration, and plays three lullabies and three nature and womb sounds
Key Features
- Material: Metal frame with fabric and mesh
- Product Safety: Breathable mesh fabrics
- Capacity/Limits: Twins, up to 20 lbs
- Height Adjustable: Yes
- Breathable: Yes, mesh sides
- Waterproof: Yes, mattress pads
- Machine-washable: Yes, fitted sheets
- Mosquito Net: None
- Storage Basket: Two storage pockets for baby essentials
- Portable: The bed can disconnect from the base so you can easily move it around
- Convertible: No
- Warranty: One year
- Sleep Trial: Not indicated
- Certifications: JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM
- Dimensions: 45” x 45” (base) x 10.5” (height)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- It’s the priciest bedside bassinet on our list
- Some complaints that this product is unstable and not level
Summary & Recommendations: The Best Bassinets For Safe Co-Sleeping
Choose Delta ChildrenSimmons Kids Room2Grow Convertible Bassinet if:
- You prefer a bedside bassinet that grows with your baby (converts into a full bassinet for use until your little one is one year old)
- You want one with adjustable height to suit different adult bed heights
- You need a waterproof, machine-washable mattress pad
- You prefer one with lockable wheels
- You’re looking for a co-sleeper that meets or exceeds JPMA, CPSC, and ASTM standards
Choose Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bassinet if:
- You’re looking for a bedside sleeper that converts to a freestanding bassinet
- You prefer one with built-in, adjustable leg extensions
- You want a portable bassinet with wheels to move it around your house
- You like that it has a large, attached storage basket for diapers and other baby essentials
Choose Dream On Me Lotus Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper if:
- You prefer a 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet
- You want a portable bedside bassinet that folds and fits into a carry bag
- You need a co-sleeper with breathable mesh sides and an optional mosquito net
- You prefer one with straps to secure the bedside bassinet to the adult bed
- You like that it has four height adjustments
- You’re looking for one with JPMA certification
Choose Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper if:
- You want a 2-in-1 bedside sleeper and bassinet with a six-position height adjustment
- You prefer breathable mesh sidewalls
- You need a removable, washable cover and waterproof fitted sheet
- You like that it has a storage pocket
- You prefer having attached straps that anchor to the adult bed for added security (bedside sleeper mode)
- You like that it’s JPMA certified
Choose HALO Bassinest Sand Circles TwinSwivel Sleeper if:
- You need a twin bedside co-sleeper
- You want one that rotates 360 degrees
- You prefer having dual side walls that can lower with a gentle touch but return to the upright position automatically
- You like that it has two storage pockets for baby essentials
- You prefer having two polyester fitted sheets, two waterproof mattress pads, and two 100% cotton white fitted sheets
- You want one with a nightlight, two levels of vibration, and plays three lullabies and three nature and womb sounds
How To Choose The Right Bedside Bassinet
Safety (Complies With The CPSC Safety Standards)
- Rigid frame assembly
- Secured to an adult bed
- Fabric or mesh for the enclosed openings (reduces entrapment and suffocation hazards)
- Free from anything that could cause entrapment, fall, or suffocation
- Compliance with ASTM standards
- Free from phthalates
- Lead content below 90 ppm or 0.0009%
Special Features
Depending on your needs, these special features might be useful:
- Portable
- Built-in player for lullabies and white noise
- Nightlight
- Diaper changer attachment
- Versatility (can convert to a full bassinet)
FAQs
How Long Can My Baby Be In A Bedside Bassinet?
Babies can sleep in their bedside bassinet overnight and stay for as long as they need. However, they should stop using this product once they’re older or heavier than the manufacturer’s limit or if they start to roll over and try to get up on their elbows.
How Long Can My Baby Use A Bedside Sleeper?
Most bedside sleepers are only recommended for babies up to around five months old or when they start to roll over and get up.
What Are The Risks Of Bed-Sharing?
- Suffocation
- Accidentally crushing your baby while you sleep
- Baby falls off the bed
- Insufficient sleep
Is Co-Sleeping Also Bed-Sharing?
No. Your baby sleeps in an attached but separate bed from the adult bed.
What’s The Best Bassinet To Prevent SIDS?
Bassinets that provide a safe sleep environment are the best choice for your little one to reduce SIDS risks.
Examples of these bassinets or portable cribs:
- Dove Gray Tweed Bassinest Luxe Series Vibrating Bassinet
- SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet
- Fisher-Price Luminate Bassinet
- Graco Baby Pack ‘n Play Day2Dream Deluxe Playard
- Evenflo Loft Portable Travel Bassinet
SAFETY WARNING: Never put your baby to sleep in a car seat, stroller, inclined sleeper, baby lounger, or changing table. It’s safer to place them in a newborn bassinet or a baby crib with a fitted sheet.
Bedside Sleepers Vs. Bassinets
Advantages Of Bassinets Vs. Bedside Sleepers
- Full sides to keep the baby safe from rolling over
- Usually slimmer
Disadvantage Of Bassinets
- No drop-down side for co-sleeping (except convertible options)
Disadvantages Of Bedside Bassinets
- Missing one wall, which can get your baby crushed by an adult or older sibling who might roll to their side
- Bedside bassinets are often wider than bassinets (a factor if there’s limited space in your bedroom)
- Can add to sleeping problems (if baby or parents are restless or noisy sleepers)
Who Might Need Or Choose A Bassinet
- Those with limited space in their bedroom and have a nursery
- Those who want to train their babies to self-soothe
Who Might Need Or Choose A Bedside Bassinet
- Moms who’ve had a C-section
- Those practicing attachment parenting
- Families without a nursery or separate bedroom for their baby
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-safe-sleep-recommendations-back-is-best/
(2) https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Bedside-Sleepers
(3) https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/arm-s-reach-cribs-and-bassinets-recalled-due-not-meeting-canadian-requirements
