Having a newborn is an exciting yet challenging time. As parents adjust to irregular sleep schedules and frequent night feedings, getting enough rest is crucial but difficult. This is where a bedside bassinet can make all the difference.
A bedside bassinet is a small, portable crib designed to attach securely to the side of an adult bed. This allows newborns and infants up to 5-6 months to sleep right next to the parents, keeping the baby close by for middle-of-the-night care, feeding, and bonding.
There are several types of bassinets available:
Types of Baby Bassinets
Portable bassinets – Lightweight and fold up for travel and storage. Many come with hoods, canopies, and storage compartments.
Co-sleeping bassinets – Designed to attach directly to the parent’s bed for easy access to the baby at night. Convertible bedside bassinets allow you to remove the bassinet and use it as a standalone unit once the baby outgrows the bedside sleeper.
Convertible bassinets – Feature a bassinet that detaches from the base so you can continue using it as a portable crib once the baby outgrows the bedside sleeper.
Why Choose a Bedside Bassinet?
Bedside bassinets offer several advantages:
Promotes Closeness and Bonding
Having the baby sleep within arm’s reach allows for comforting touch and bonding throughout the night. Studies show close contact helps form a strong connection between parent and child in the early months. Simply reaching over and placing a soothing hand on your baby makes those first few weeks of navigating parenthood less stressful.
Enhanced Safety
The attachment to the adult bed prevents dangerous gaps that could trap or wedge the baby. Some bedside bassinet models feature an innovative zip-down side panel that eliminates any hazardous crevices altogether. Breastfeeding mothers can also tend to their little ones without rising up from the bed into an awkward, hunched position or worrying about accidentally falling asleep in an unsafe cradling stance.
Improved Sleep for Everyone
The convenience of reaching over to soothe the baby helps everyone get more much-needed rest. Quick diaper changes and easy night feedings mean less waking for overwhelmed new parents. And by keeping the baby close, you can catch subtle whimpers before they turn into full-blown cries, which studies show improves infant sleep too. The right bedside bassinet is a win-win for the whole family getting quality shut eye.
Convenient Breastfeeding
The bedside sleeper keeps the baby right next to the mom for easier overnight breastfeeding without ever leaving the bed. No more stumbling down dark halls or fiddling with unfamiliar pumps and bottles half asleep. Roll over, latch baby on, and drift back together to dreamland. For C-section mamas or those recovering from childbirth, this convenience is even more valuable.
Reduces Risk of SIDS
Research shows bedside bassinets reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Doctors recommend room-sharing for 6-12 months as the ideal way to maintain closeness while still ensuring the baby has their own safe, separate sleep surface.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Quality Bedside Bassinet
With so many bassinet options on the market, it’s important to understand what defines a safe and functional bedside sleeper that warrants the investment.
Here are the most crucial factors to look out for in a quality bedside bassinet:
Safety
Safety is paramount, so only opt for bedside bassinets designed specifically for that purpose with co-sleeping in mind. They should meet all Consumer Product Safety Guidelines. Key features that make these sleepers safe include:
- Having 2 height adjustments to fit your mattress.
- A wide and sturdy base with no gaps between the bassinet and adult mattress.
- Locking wheels to prevent dangerous sliding.
Size and Adjustability
Look for a compact size no wider than 30 inches to fit most bedrooms easily. Multiple height adjustments ensure a snug and secure fit flush against your mattress – whether you have a twin, queen, or king-size bed. The entire bassinet should also tilt to incline the baby at different angles, which can help reduce reflux, breathing issues, and congestion.
Ease of Use
Quick, tool-free assembly in minutes makes setup a breeze in those blurry-eyed newborn days. Collapsible mesh sides help easily access your baby without awkward reaching over cumbersome walls or frames. Better yet, some models even have a side panel that folds down completely for out-of-bassinet cuddles or laying a newborn right beside you.
Comfort and Sleep Features
The bassinet mattress pad and sheets directly affect the baby’s sleep comfort, so prioritize breathable materials like cotton and mesh. Dual-sided mattresses with both a firm and plush side allow you to adjust for infant age and preference. Some high-end models even have electronically adjustable mattress tilt and rocking motions programmed with various soothing rhythms to lull little ones into dreamland. White noise, nature sounds, and gentle vibrations are also wonderful features for further promoting restful slumber.
Ease of Cleaning
Between diaper leaks, spit-up messes, and general newborn grime, ease of maintenance is crucial. Search for bassinets with waterproof mattress pads and quick wipe fabrics that can handle inevitable accidents. Machine washable components like sheets and canopies also simplify sanitizing the sleeper regularly.
Portability
If you want to maintain closeness by moving the bassinet between rooms, prioritize built-in wheels, compact folding, and carry handles. These allow smooth transport of baby’s sleep space anywhere you go while keeping them comforted by your presence. For travel ability, some options feature collapsible stands that pack away neatly like luggage.
Additional Features
Handy extras that make a bassinet more functional include:
- Full-coverage canopies that block light and noise for sounder sleep.
- Storage pockets to keep essentials nearby.
- Bluetooth apps for monitoring and lullabies.
- Even subtle nightlights allow for checking on the baby without disruption.
Toy bars and plush attachments also add a playful personality. When you’re operating on little to no rest, anything to simplify those early days is a lifesaver.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality bedside bassinet brings invaluable peace of mind while keeping the baby close. The right bedside sleeper makes those sleepless newborn nights safer and saner for the whole family.
Look for bassinets designed specifically for co-sleeping that check all the boxes when it comes to critical safety features like sturdy construction, breathability, and bed rail security with no hazardous gaps. Consider convenience factors like adjustable heights, easy portability and storage, wiping and machine washability, and even handy extras like canopies, storage pockets, rocking motions, and lullabies.
The first months caring for your newborn are cherished but exhausting. Do yourself a favor by choosing the right bedside bassinet for your needs and space to make this special time as smooth as possible. With so many smart models on the market designed to attach securely to your bedframe for that closeness new parents crave, you’re sure to find the perfect bedside haven to dream the night away with your little one.