You may have designed the most Instagram-worthy nursery replete with an heirloom crib and organic mattress, but come on, Mama. That little sleep terrorist is going to be in your room for at least the first few months of life. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping baby in the same room — on a separate sleeping surface — for up to a year. This is where the bassinet or co-sleeper comes in.
KEY FEATURES: A bassinet or co-sleeper is usually much smaller than a crib and provides a cozy space for baby, who’s used to your super-cozy womb. Most have a small enough footprint to fit in any bedroom. A bassinet is enclosed on four sides, while a co-sleeper generally has one convertible side so it can act as a semi-separate extension of your own bed. Unlike a crib, a bassinet usually comes with the mattress.
Our picks…
This portable bassinet won’t cramp your style. With multiple color options and a minimalist design, it will blend fairly seamlessly with just about any decor. Mesh panels on two sides provide extra breathability, and all the fabric is removable and machine washable. While it doesn’t fold up fully, the legs are easy to enough to remove and replace, and the whole thing fits nicely into a slim vinyl tote.
BUT… note that there are no wheels for rolling it between rooms, which is really fine since it’s super lightweight. The max baby weight is only 20 pounds, so your mileage may vary. It doesn’t come with a sheet, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
This convertible co-sleeper can be used as a traditional bassinet, or you can roll it right up to your bed and take down one side for convenient night feedings. Adjustable legs make it easy to match the height of your own mattress, while casters allow you to roll it around the house. It comes with a sheet, and the basket down below is great for storing diapers, burp cloths, or anything else you may need quick access to in the middle of the night. You can use this for up to five months, or until your little yogi can push up on both his hands and knees at once.
BUT… this is not foldable, so it’s not meant for travel. It’s also not the most attractive option out there but you’ll be so tired with a newborn chances are you won’t notice or care.
This is the Rolls Royce of bassinets. Because the basket sits atop a sturdy pedestal base (as opposed to four legs) it rotates 360º and you can shimmy it right up over your own mattress. Plus, one side lowers when you push on it, so it’s easy to reach for baby in the middle of the night. It comes with one sheet, and has all the bells and whistles you didn’t even know you needed: a nightlight, “soothing sounds,” and vibration. The “nursing timer” may sound like a bit much, but is actually a good safety feature as it reminds you (er, wakes you up after you fall asleep while nursing — which you inevitably will) to put baby back into the bassinet for safe sleeping. It’s recommended for babies up to five months old, but as soon as he starts pushing up, rolling over, or pushing down on that convertible side, it may be time to graduate to the crib.
BUT… it’s pricey, especially for something you’ll only use for maybe five months. That said, if it helps baby sleep, it’s priceless, right? (Right!)
