Last Updated on August 31, 2023 by Jada Glover
New parents face many decisions with their newborn baby and sleep, so much so that many quickly find themselves overwhelmed with several questions.
Questions like, “I already have a crib; do I need a bassinet too?” swirl around your heads as you want the best thing for your newborn.
Ultimately, a new mom, especially a breastfeeding mom or one recovering from a c-section, will want to find the best baby bassinet to help keep the baby safe and nearby so she can get the rest she needs to recover from childbirth.
Let’s make bringing the baby home easier by finding a great option for sleep time. And, yes, parents of twins will even find a perfect choice to fit two babies for sleep.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if you buy something (at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure here. I only recommend products I use and love and recommend to my clients.
Safe Bed Sharing Alternative
Many breastfeeding moms decide the best way to get sleep during the early days of nursing a newborn is to opt for safe bed-sharing, also called co-sleeping, as an alternative. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against sleeping with your baby in the same bed, but having them nearby in a safe sleep environment is the safest place for a newborn to sleep.
Based on scientific research, experts advise that infants sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months on a firm mattress and flat surface. Room sharing helps to prevent SIDS and supports breastfeeding. The National Institute of Health data suggest that room sharing reduces the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% so long as the baby is sleeping in a safe place.
Many tired moms find that having their baby within arm’s reach is very convenient when breastfeeding in the middle of the night. The biggest concern for parents who choose to bed share is the soft bedding which poses a suffocation risk to infants. Another risk is the mother rolling over on the baby while she sleeps.
Co-Sleeper Bassinets
Co-sleeper bassinets allow a safe bed-sharing option. A co-sleeper is a safe sleep system designed to connect to the parent’s bed, rest on the mattress, or sit close by. The baby sleeps beside mom with no danger of mom rolling over on top of the baby throughout the night.
There are many pros for bed sharing and co-sleeping as an alternative for breastfeeding moms so long as you do so safely. The best co-sleeper should fit flush against the parent’s bed. Federal standards require no more than a half inch, or 13mm gap between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed.
Benefits of Sleeping in the Same Room with Your Baby
When the baby sleeps, mama tends to sleep more restful as well. Studies suggest that when a baby sleeps in an approved co-sleeper bassinet or a side sleeper near the mother, the benefits of breastfeeding increase because of the following:
- Sleeping near mom encourages skin-to-skin contact and promotes bonding.
- Having the baby nearby helps the breastfeeding mom’s milk come in by responding to feeding cues promptly.
- A sleeping infant nearby helps the mom rest more since she doesn’t have to get out of bed to nurse.
- Sleeping near mama helps newborns fall asleep easier.
Co-sleepers, also called side sleepers, come in various sizes and options. These bassinets usually have a side wall that folds down to keep the baby sleeping safely on their own sleep surface but still within arm’s reach of mama. The best space-saving options are those that have legs that tuck under the bed or attach to the bed frame with straps that fit under the mattress.
Choose the right size by measuring your bed and then considering how much space you have next to your bed.
Why Choose a Bassinet?
First, I want to share with you why many new moms find it a great choice to use a bassinet in the early days and talk about the best option in breastfeeding-friendly bassinets.
A bassinet is a small bed. Some call them mini cribs where a baby sleeps. Most are designed for newborns until they start rolling over. Bassinets usually fit next to your bed, making it easier to tend to your baby throughout the night. Some adjust to different heights to fit snugly against the parent’s bed, while others serve as stand-alone bassinets. Many are portable, allowing you to keep the baby nearby during the day and night.
A bassinet offers many benefits, with convenience and peace of mind topping the list.
Bassinets take up less space than cribs and help make it easy to keep your baby close during the early days. Since a bassinet is a small baby bed, it tends to fit next to the mama’s bed with plenty of room to move around it without waking the baby or tripping in the middle of the night.
Features to Consider in a Breastfeeding-Friendly Bedside Bassinet
Choosing the best bassinet depends on personal preferences. Consider these key factors when deciding on which bassinet is best for you and your baby:
- Safety – Keeping your baby safe is always the top consideration. Always ensure that whatever sleeping surface you choose for your baby fits the safe sleep guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and that you follow safe sleep habits for your baby.
- Size – How much space do you have next to your bed?
- Height and weight limits
- Portability – Do you want to pick up the bassinet and move it around the house or travel with it, or do you prefer a stationary one? Do you want to lift it off the base, or do you want wheels to push it around your house?
- Co-sleeping or side-sleeper options
- Additional Features – Some smart bassinets offer technology that allows motion, sound, lights, and vibration. Some detect your baby’s sleep patterns and cries.
- Cost
Best Breastfeeding Bassinets for New Moms
Many new moms who choose to nurse their newborns feel exhausted once they bring the little one home. Babies need to nurse often, including in the middle of the night. As a woman who just went through labor and delivery, you need your sleep to recover.
Having the baby nearby for nighttime feedings is ideal. Thankfully, some bassinets make your postpartum life easier.
Some bassinets offer a side sleeper to make breastfeeding easier in the middle of the night. These side sleepers, or co-sleepers adjust to fit the height of your bed, so you never have to bend over every time you pick up the baby to nurse or put your newborn back down to sleep.
Here are the best bassinets for breastfeeding moms:
KoolaBaby 3-in-one
Use this bassinet by your bed or on the go with its built-in wheels, brakes, and travel-friendly design. Quickly convert it to a bedside sleeper by pulling down the zipper and snugging it up against your bed. Adjust it to fit your and your baby’s needs. It even has the option of an incline to prevent small infants from choking on spit-up while they sleep.
Pros
Versatile. Turns from crib to a playpen or bedside sleeper
Comfortable, safe, and easy-to-clean mattress
Space-saving design with extra toy storage
For babies 6 to 36 months
Folds up in an easy-to-carry handle bag
Cons
Requires some assembly
Wheels may lock on carpeting
It may not work well with tall mattresses
Graco Sense2Snooze
Put technology to good use with this built-in cry detection technology that detects and responds to your baby’s cries to help soothe them back to sleep. Choose white noise, music, or nature sounds. The bassinet offers airy mesh sides and a reversible canopy to block light. The mattress is washable. Enjoy extra storage for easy-to-grab items from its integrated storage pockets. Maneuver the bassinet anywhere throughout your home during the day using the two wheels.
Pros
Technology that soothes the baby based on the baby’s cries
Light blocking canopy
Breathable mesh sides
Cons
Pricier than most
The sides do not fold down for co-sleeping
Parents may find the sounds too loud for them to sleep
Dream on Me Lotus
Turn the bassinet into a side sleeper with its lightweight, four adjustable heights. It’s easy to fold into the carry bag for travel. It comes with an optional removable insect net canopy for indoor or outdoor use. Store baby gear and diapers in the retractable storage basket. Choose from four colors of blue, gray, brown, or orange.
Pros
Lightweight
Convenient zip-open mesh sides
Affordable price
Cons
Initial setup requires using bed straps that fit under the mattress
The storage basket is only accessible from the side of the bassinet opening away from the bed
Halo Bassinet Flex
This portable bassinet is perfect for newborns up to five months or 20 pounds. It offers a lightweight design that is easy to move anywhere around the house. It folds up for sleep time on the go. The bassinet features HALO’s signature lowering wall so you can access your baby without bending. It has a height-adjustable base to fit next to or over your bed.
Pros
Easy lowering wall for convenient feedings
Compact to tuck away in between uses
It fits in small spaces
Cons
Some find it hard to level since it only has two legs
It may be difficult to assemble or reassemble for travel
Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center
Baby Trend is a trusted name in infant gear. This Deluxe Nursery Center offers everything you need in travel time sleep from newborn to toddler. Not only is it a soft bassinet, but it also serves as a soothing seat, a playpen, and built-in 2-speed vibration to help soothe the baby. It also features a changing station with built-in storage for all of the baby’s essentials. While it’s probably too large for bedtime sleep, the bassinet works perfectly for naptime.
Pros
It fits babies from newborns to toddlers
Easy to set up, fold down, and transport
Cons
Too large to fit bedside for most
Pricey
Ingenuity Dream Hero
This Starlight three-in-one co-sleeping bassinet and crib is perfect for any sized baby, from newborns through 12 months. Choose one of the four height adjustments to fit safely and snugly next to your bed. Use the twinkling canopy to soothe the baby along with vibrations, music, and white noise. The sides offer breathable mesh for airflow and visibility. Move it from room to room throughout the day with the locking wheels. It comes with a machine washable sheet.
Pros
You get a lot for the initial cost since it converts to a crib for older babies
Sturdy design
Go from a nursing baby side sleeper to a closed-side bassinet or lowered crib
Cons
Replacement sheets may be hard to find
Some find it difficult to assemble
SNOO Smart Sleeper
Let your baby sleep in luxury in the first and only medical device bassinet to receive De Novo Approval from the FDA for its ability to keep sleeping babies safely on their backs. Parents claim that the SNOO Smart Sleeper adds one to two hours of sleep every night with constant calming womb-like motion and sound. The bassinet automatically responds to your baby’s fussing, even if you sleep through it.
Pros
Breathable mesh walls allow healthy airflow
Soothes baby back to sleep
Quiet motor
Unlimited access to sleep consultants 7 days a week
Control remotely via cell phone app
Customize settings
Cons
Expensive
No drop-down sides for easy bedside co-sleeping
With the hands-free soothing features, some parents fear they will sleep through a feeding
Simmons Kids By The Bed City Sleeper Bassinet
From the trusted name in mattresses company, Simmons brings you a side sleeper bassinet for your newborn. They even offer a similar version for twins. Adjust the height to one of five positions to fit snuggly against your mattress. This sleeper bassinet offers an airflow mesh and tweed side. The fabric is easy to clean with washable fitted sheets. The two legs slide under your bedside and have wheels so you can move the bassinet around the house during the day. Store baby supplies in the large storage pockets.
Pros
Gain a clear view of your baby
Ample storage pocket
5 adjustable heights for a snug fit against your bed
Cons
Some say the bassinet has a slight tilt
Unsturdy
Difficult to set up
Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper Bedside Bassinet
The Arm’s Reach co-sleeper bassinet is endorsed by pediatricians, OB/GYNs, and childcare experts. Put your baby to sleep within your arm’s reach. This bedside bassinet features clear mesh panels with a fold-down side. Underneath, you will find a large storage basket. Adjust the height to fit your mattress, and move the bassinet around the house throughout the day with the four wheels. Use it as a co-sleeper or as a freestanding bassinet.
Pros
Good safety reviews
Easy to adjust for a snug fit against your bed
Large storage basket
Locking wheels
Good size
The easy view makes it easy to see the baby (helpful for new moms that are worried about their newborn).
Cons
Some moms feel the bassinet is positioned too low
Hard mattress
Best Bassinets for C Section
If you had a c-section, you are now not only adjusting to caring for a newborn but also need to recover from surgery. After a c-section, your doctor will give you specific instructions to care for your incision and tell you to avoid lifting heavy objects. Usually, you are told not to lift anything heavier than your newborn. The height and position of a bassinet will make them helpful for moms who have gone through a c-section.
Many moms who have had a c-section find that a bassinet provides a comfortable place for the baby to sleep within arm’s reach. If you use a bassinet post-c-section, look for one with an adjustable height so you don’t have to bend so much.
Your doctor will most likely restrict you from lifting anything more than 8 to 10 pounds until four to six weeks postpartum. The c-section incision makes it difficult and painful to pick up your baby and bend to put them into a crib.
Also, look for a bassinet that has breathable mesh fabric on the sides so you can see your baby and make bonding easier.
Here are some of the best bassinets for moms recovering from a c-section:
HALO Bassinest 3.0 Swivel
The Halo bassinet swivel sleeper offers a lightweight option with breathable mesh sides. It comes with an easy-to-clean waterproof mattress. What makes this bassinet unique is its ability to swing easily and swivel 360 degrees. Swiveling the bassinet out of the way comes in very handy for a mom recovering from surgery. It comes with a nightlight and a built-in sound machine.
This bassinet rotates 360 degrees making it easy to quickly reach your baby. It also offers a gentle vibration feature to help soothe your newborn to sleep. The bassinet has a 20-pound baby weight limit and a 5-month age limit.
HALO offers a few options in swivel bassinets, so choose one with the right dimensions or features that meet your needs. The swivel bassinet easily moves out of the way for you to get in and out of bed comfortably. The retractable sides reduce strain and promote your recovery after birth, especially great for c-section recovery. Use it as either a bedside sleeper or a main bassinet. Offers a safe way to co-sleep by swinging the bassinet over your bed and pulling down the side wall.
Pros
Retractable sides
Adjustable height
Swivel rotation
Side storage pocket
Cons
Less portable
With the large base, the bassinet is not the most portable option.
The locking mechanism designed to keep the baby safe is sometimes difficult to operate. It sometimes feels stiff or hard to move
Papablic 4-in-1 Bassinets
The brand Papablic was created by a dad. This bassinet was made with c-section moms in mind. This four-in-one bassinet serves as a portable bassinet, co-sleeper, cradle, and playard extension. It has breathable sides for ventilation and to easily keep an eye on the baby. It’s made from an aluminum alloy frame, so it’s lightweight yet sturdy. Unzip the bottom for an extra storage basket when using it for a newborn.
Pros
Easy to set up
The side opens for a side sleeper
Perfect for c-section recovery baby care
Cons
Pricier than some
Best Bassinets for Twins
It’s challenging enough to learn to breastfeed two babies at the same time. Throw in sleepless nights of mom getting up out of bed to pick up each newborn, and she’ll never get any rest. While some moms choose to put both babies in one crib, if you want them each to have their own sleeping space, a dual bassinet is the way to go.
One of the benefits of using a bassinet for twins is that they are smaller than a crib, so they nicely fit next to your bed. However, when you’re caring for two babies at once, suddenly everything seems to double. Baby gear can quickly overwhelm your space.
Ihoming Bassinet
This bedside sleeper for two allows both babies to enjoy their own sleeping space. For Mom, the bassinet allows her to keep the twins nearby at night. The Ihoming twin bassinet serves as a bedside sleeper for two babies. With its 37.5” x 35.5” design, the bassinet saves space from other twin bassinet options.
Pros
Safe and stable design
Adjustable height fits most beds
Adjusts to a 10-degree tilt angle to prevent choking
Cons
The mesh divider is not removable
Some find it difficult to adjust or disassemble for storage
Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center
This portable playpen has two removable rock-a-bye bassinets with canopies and carry handles on top. Each carrier bassinet comes with two toys to keep your little one entertained. Also, parents enjoy the deluxe organizer that holds wipes and diapers for easy access. The set also comes with electronic music and a night light. Each removable rock-a-bye bassinet converts to a stand-alone rocker.
Pros
Easy to assemble
Easy to move around the house during the day
Offers a play yard for the growing babies
Cons
Takes up a lot of space
Is not a co-sleeper
Cannot remove the bottom of the bassinet for cleaning
Of course, the best bedside bassinet top pick ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
Some prefer one that sits on top of your bed. While others find they invade the mom’s sleeping space. Some prefer a stand-alone bassinet, while others like the convenience of bed sharing without the risks of a bedside co-sleeper.
FAQs
How Long Can I Use a Co-Sleeper?
As long as your baby is below the recommended weight, allow your baby to sleep in the co-sleeper until the baby starts to roll over. Once your baby rolls over on their own, stop using the co-sleeper. If you use a convertible bassinet, however, continue to use it with the sides up until your baby starts sitting up at around four or five months.
How is a Bassinet Different Than a Crib?
Bassinets are smaller and more convenient for newborns than a crib. Usually, cribs are too large to place beside the mother’s bed, whereas a bassinet or co-sleeper is close by with space to move around it.
Can I put a blanket under the baby or add a bumper pad in a bassinet?
No, it’s not ideal to put any loose blankets or pillows in the bassinet with your baby until they are at least 12 months old. A tight-fitted bassinet sheet should be under them.
If you’re worried about them being cold at first, you can warm up the bassinet with a bottle of warm water or a heating pad prior to laying them in it. Just double-check the temperature before you place them in.
Also, avoid adding bumper pads to the bassinet. Not only do they increase suffocation risk they keep you from enjoying the see-through features of the mesh sides.
Does Co-Sleeping Help Breastfeeding?
Yes, many studies show that when a baby sleeps near the mother, it helps to promote bonding. This closeness also allows the mother to rest more and helps her milk to get established.
Are Bedside Bassinets Safe?
Yes. Bedside bassinets are safe for babies to sleep in during the early days. Use the bassinet as directed, always following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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