The Best Bassinets and Baby Co-Sleepers to Keep Your Newborn Close
They're lightweight, portable, and safe.
If a crib is the most important piece of nursery gear you can buy for your newborn, a baby sleeper, bassinet, or baby co-sleeper is a close second. Bassinets are specifically designed for newborns up to roughly 25 pounds (whenever they can push up on their hands) and, thanks to their size, are easy to move from one room to another. Co-sleepers either live right next to or attach to your bed, to simplify midnight feedings and diaper changes.
- With either of these, essentially, you’re shopping for a miniature crib, so make sure it has a flat surface. Some bassinets rock or glide. Others don’t. That’s up to you. But a flat surface is absolutely non-negotiable, because it’s unsafe for babies to sleep in an elevated position, per the American Academy of Pediatrics. Choose one with a sturdy bottom and a wide, stable base, for extra safety. If you want to take the bassinet from room to room, get one that’s portable and lightweight.
- When choosing a co-sleeper, if possible opt for one that attaches to a bed; that lets you be close by for feedings, but eliminates any concerns about you rolling over in your sleep. You want the co-sleeper to last more than one day, so get one that accommodates bigger babies, and if you’re going to be visiting family, portability is a plus.
- The mattress needs to be thin, firm, and flat. Mesh walls let you see your baby, so that’s a bonus. And of course, you want something that’s easy to clean because, well, babies.
Bear in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface, covered with a tight fitted sheet. The organization urges room-sharing for at least the first 6 months your baby is home. Bed-sharing, however, is a no-no, regardless of the insert you see that promises it’s safe. And shop smart: While some sleepers claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, there’s absolutely no proof that they actually do so.
The Best Bassinets and Bedside Cribs
The Best Bedside Bassinets and Baby Co-Sleepers
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