When you’re expecting, figuring out where your baby is going to sleep is probably high on your priority list. While a crib may seem like an obvious choice, a bedside sleeper may be a good option for you to consider.
A bedside sleeper, also known as a bedside crib, is a piece of baby gear that allows your newborn to be safely closer to you in the middle of the night. You may want to check out bedside sleepers if the idea of having your baby in another room is keeping you up at night.
We’re going to take a closer look at what you need to know about bedside sleepers and check out the 7 best bedside sleepers.
Jump straight to our reviews of the best bedside sleepers.
What is a bedside sleeper?
A bedside sleeper, aka a bedside crib, is similar to a bassinet. But there is a key difference: a bedside sleeper has a retractable side closest to your bed. This allows you easy access to your baby while also giving him his own space.
Some bedside sleepers also have safety straps that secure to your bed. This is especially handy and can give you good peace of mind if you’re using the retractable wall.
Are bedside sleepers safe?
A bedside sleeper is a safer option than putting your baby in your bed. That’s a big no-no.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you sleep in the same room (not the same bed) as your baby until they are at least 6 months old, ideally until they turn one.
You can check to make sure that the bedside crib or bedside sleeper you’re considering has passed all guidelines and hasn’t been part of a recall.
You also want to check that there isn’t a large gap between the bed and the bedside sleeper.
How long can a baby sleep in a bedside sleeper?
While there’s no rule set in stone, babies can usually stay in a bedside sleeper until they reach five or six months old, at which time experts believe you can transition your baby to their own sleeping arrangements, such as finally using that nursery you so lovingly decorated.
Also it’s important to always check the weight requirements on the bedside sleeper to see if your baby surpasses the limits.
Lastly, if your baby shows signs of being able to roll over or pushing up on their hands, that’s a clear sign that it’s time to ditch the bedside sleeper and head to the crib.
Is a bedside sleeper worth the money?
Many parents like having peace of mind knowing their baby is sleeping in the same room. While your baby can’t stay in there long, many parents don’t mind spending the extra money. Ultimately, this is a personal decision that’s totally up to you.
Are co-sleepers dangerous?
Co-sleeping with your baby is dangerous when you have them in the same bed as you because it is associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This risk is lowered when babies sleep in their parent’s room, but not in the same bed.
A bedside sleeper is the better choice when compared to having your baby in your bed because it gives them their own space while sleeping.
What to Look for in a Bedside Sleeper
Safety
Safety is always priority number one in any baby gear product. When it comes to a bedside crib, you want to look for one that has a stable frame and solid walls. You also want a mattress pad that’s firm so your baby won’t sink and potentially suffocate. The sheets on the mattress should be fitted.
You should always buy bedside sleepers new. If you buy one second-hand, it can be hard to trace recalls and other safety hazards.
Adjustability
Your bedside sleeper should be able to adjust to the height of your bed. The side walls should also be adjustable so that you can easily check on your baby during the night while still being safe.
Durability
You want the bedside sleeper you choose to be made of quality materials. This means a sturdy frame and walls that won’t rip or break.
Comfort
You want your baby to be comfortable while he’s sleeping. The mattress pad should be firm and sheets should be fitted. The sheets should be washed in gentle detergent so that they’re nice and soft against your baby’s skin.
Features
Some bedside cribs come with handy features like a rocking option. This allows you to gently rock your baby to sleep while you’re relaxing too.
Easy to Clean
Babies make messes, even when they sleep. Be sure to choose a bedside sleeper that’s easy to clean.
Reviews of the 7 Best Bedside Sleepers
RONBEI Baby Bassinet
One of the big concerns some parents have about bedside sleepers is about a potential gap between the sleeper and their bed.
This model from RONBEI erases those fears because it gives you the option to position it so it rests on your bedside with the wall to still separate parent and child.
This bedside sleeper can also stand on its own and has an incline design to make things more comfortable for your baby. It has passed all safety standards too so you can rest easy at night.
There are nine different height adjustments, so you should be able to find one to work with your bed.
Breathable mesh walls make it safer for your baby at night while allowing you to see him better.
The sheets and the sidewall are all machine-washable making it very easy to keep everything clean.
If you were looking for some added features like a rocking mechanism or some fun little storage pockets, you’re not going to find them with this one. That’s something to keep in mind as you shop around. Pricewise, this one is competitive with other models.
What We Love:
- Includes nine different height adjustments
- Breathable mesh walls
- Option to have sleeper rest safely on your bedside
Things to Consider:
- No extra features included
Check out the RONBEI Baby Bassinet on Amazon.
HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
This bedside sleeper from HALO checks many of the boxes of things parents should look for when they’re shopping for the best bedside sleeper.
For starters, it has a lowering bedside wall that makes it easier for parents to take care of their babies without having to get up. This is especially helpful if mom had a C-section or is breastfeeding. Parents can always lock the walls too if they feel more comfortable.
This bedside sleeper meets all safety standards.
It also swivels 360 degrees so you can always keep your baby close by.
The four-point base is great for durability and it adjusts for bed heights anywhere from 22” to 34”. This model is also great for small spaces because the base legs can tuck under the bed and you only need 32” clearance from the wall.
The mesh walls are great because they allow air to flow freely while making it easier for you to see your baby. A waterproof mattress and one fitted sheet are included. One great bonus is the storage pocket on the side that lets you put some of the baby’s necessities.
This one is going to cost you a few more dollars than some of the others, but it also has more features.
What We Love:
- 360-degree swivel design
- Lowering bedside wall
- Great for small spaces
- Bonus storage bag
Things to Consider:
- Costs more than some others
Check out the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper on Amazon.
Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
It also has many features that parents look for when shopping for the best bedside crib. For starters, it has six different height positions so it should accommodate most beds. It’s also lightweight so you can move it easily from room to room if you wanted it somewhere else during the day.
The retractable wall that we’ve been talking about is a big plus here too, as well as the fact that you can securely anchor it to your bed without any gaps.
It also comes with a mattress and soft fitted sheet that is machine washable making it perfect for nighttime messes. This bedside sleeper also meets all safety standards.
You can see through the walls easily so you can always keep an eye on your little one without wondering what they’re up to.
It’s important to note that this bedside sleeper doesn’t include or swivel and have any bonus features.
What We Love:
- Six different height positions
- Retractable wall for easy access to your baby at night
- Lightweight and easy to move from room to room
Things to Consider:
- No added features included
- One of the more expensive bedside cribs on the list
Dream On Me Lotus Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
This bedside sleeper from Dream on Me has four adjustable heights so you can fit it to your bed. As with many other models, it can stand alone or you can pull one of the sides down safely to have your baby closer to you. No matter which style you choose, you can see your baby easily with the mesh walls.
This one is lightweight and easy to move from room to room. There’s also a carry bag so you can fold the bassinet and go. One cool bonus feature is the net canopy that you can use outdoors to keep the bugs out. There’s also a retractable storage basket.
You’ll notice that this one also costs less than some others on the list and still has some great features.
What We Love:
- Lightweight
- Includes a carry bag for travel
- Canopy for outdoors
- Retractable storage basket
Things to Consider:
- There are only four height adjustments – you’ll want to measure to make sure it will work with your bed.
View the Dream on Me Lotus Bassinet on Amazon.
Papablic 2-in-1 Bonni Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
The soft mesh panels are great for breathability and for seeing your baby easily at night – we all know how important that is!
The mattress pad and 100% cotton fitted sheet are made to keep your baby comfy at night.
A four-wheel design makes it easy to roll from room to room during the day. It’s also lightweight so you won’t be pushing anything heavy.
As with the other bedside cribs, this one meets all safety standards.
There are some bonus features here which are worth talking about. The two side pockets are handy for things like diapers and burp cloths. It also comes with a travel carry bag if you plan to take this one on the road.
What We Love:
- Updated design
- Easy to roll from room to room
- Mesh sidewalls
- Side pockets
- Travel carry bag
Things to Consider:
- Only has five different height adjustments
- One of the more expensive bedside cribs on the list
Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
When it comes to safety, this bedside sleeper from Mika Micky includes two fastening straps that make it easy to attach to the parent’s bed. There are seven different height adjustments aimed to fit many different style beds. The sidewall lowers so you can have access to your baby without even getting up.
The built-in wheels with brakes are a great safety feature, especially if you plan on moving this bedside crib from room to room. The two-sided breathable mesh lets air flow freely while letting mom and dad see their baby 24/7. There are also two handy side pockets where you stash diapers and other baby essentials.
To make sure your baby is getting the safest sleeping environment possible, be sure to only use Mika Micky fitted sheets as recommended. This will assure they fit properly with no bulkiness that could pose a hazard.
What We Love:
- Built-in wheels with brakes
- Two side pockets for storage
- Seven different height adjustments
Things to Consider:
- One of the more expensive models
- You can only use Mika Micky brand fitted sheets
View the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper on Amazon
Cloud Baby Bassinet
The Cloud Baby Bassinet rounds out our list of the seven best bedside sleepers. This one has 9 different height adjustments, similar to the RONBEI Baby Bassinet, which is the most height adjustment we’ve seen offered. It slides into place easily alongside your bed and latches securely and meets all safety standards.
There’s a strong, sturdy aluminum frame and a wide base so you can feel confident that your baby is well supported. The side also has a detachable wall which allows you safe and easy access to your baby in the middle of the night.
Since there is also double mesh siding, you can feel good knowing that air can flow easily while your baby is sleeping.
It not only comes with a washable mattress but also a bonus music box to play music to help your baby sleep as well as two detachable toys. This is the only bedside sleeper on the list to offer these features. That’s probably why this is one of the more expensive on the market. If you think the added features will come in handy, it may be worth the extra money.
What We Love:
- Includes nine height adjustments
- Sturdy aluminum frame
- Bonus music box
- Includes detachable toys
Things to Consider:
- One of the most expensive bedside cribs on the list
View the Cloud Baby Bassinet on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
As you shop for the best bedside sleeper, you need to decide what other factors are most important to you besides safety.
Based on features and options, the Cloud Baby Bassinet would be our top pick. It’s not only safe, but has nine height adjustments, a washable mattress, and a detachable wall, not to mention the bonus music box and toys.
While we know this one does cost a few more dollars, having these little extras may be well worth it. We all know how important it is for babies and parents to get a good night’s sleep!
