Newly becoming mom always wants to keep their newborn in front of their eyes (co-sleeping), but the American Association Of Pediatrics (AAP) prohibits this activity.

Why? Because it higher the risk of SIDS, which we already explain in Is Cosleeping With a Newborn Safe, guide with evidence.

But is there any way to full fill this wish? Yes, you can use co-sleeper bassinets or Side Bed Bassinet, as per your preference.

Peoples are co-sleeping with an infant from ancient times, and there is no much safer place than near the mom.

Difference Between Co Sleeper Vs Bassinet

If you read co-sleeping safe guidelines, you will understand it is unsafe when we do not do it incorrectly. So in this Co Sleeper Vs Bassinet guide, we will explain all the Pros and Cons of the Co Sleeper and Bassinet.

And also highlight what’s the actual difference between co sleeper and bassinet. So that you can find the best bassinet.

But before we move next, let’s check some basic terms to understand what these are;

What Is A Bassinet?

A bassinet is a specifically designed bed for newborns that can use from birth to 4-5 months. It is crafted with fixed legs, caster wheels, a mesh side window, and a flat surface for the infant to sleep on.

What Is Co Sleeper Bassinet?

A Co sleeper bassinet is a type of bassinet that you can place over the bed to safely do bed sharing with infants. It has a small side that protects the infant from rolling over the bed and a perfectly flat surface for safe sleep.

What Is Bedside Bassinet?

A bedside bassinet is a type of bassinet that you can place next to the adult bed or attach to it with the help of a strap to safely co-sleep with an infant without sharing the bed. You can place the bassinet next to the bed and lower its one side to easily access the baby.

Some bassinets are even designed to serve the purpose of both; bedside and co-sleeping, called Bedside Co Sleeper Bassinets.

So, how Bassinet, Co Sleeper Bassinet, and Bedside Co Sleeper Bassinet look like.

co sleeper, bed side bassinet, bedside co sleeper bassinet

Watch this video to understand the difference between co sleeper and bedside bassinet

So without wasting more time, let’s check the difference between co sleeper and bassinet.

Co Sleeper Vs Bassinet – Pros & Cons

Bassinets and co-sleepers are designed for the same purpose, but the only difference between them is their design and where you place it. For example, a co-sleeper can be put over the bed, whereas a bassinet can’t. But it has its own stand to place it wherever you want in the room.

It’s just a glim; a bunch of other things make them different from each other. So let’s check them one by one.

1.) Design, Portability & Longevity;-

To know how a co-sleeping bassinet differs from a bassinet, you need to understand its design, how long you can use it, and its portability.

So let’s start with the bassinet.

Co sleeper Bassinet

A Bassinet has a stand, wheels, metal/wood frame, etc., making it heavy in nature.

Whereas co-sleeper don’t offer wheels, a stand, or a metal frame that makes them lightweight.

So, because of its lightweight nature, you can easily move the co-sleeper in the home ( like a portable bassinet ), but it needs a flat surface to place on it.

On the other hand, bassinets come with wheels that make it easy to move from to room and can place anywhere in the room because it has a stand.

Secondly, Co-sleepers always come in small sizes, meaning less area that baby will outgrow (3-5 months) soon.

Where a bassinet is large in size, So it takes time (4-6 months), but in addition to age, the weight limit is also a factor to be considered.

All the bassinets have a weight limit defined by the manufacturer. Using it after that is risky because the bassinet can collapse. Whereas in the case of a co-sleeper, its surface touches the floor.

So weight limit is not an issue.

Bassinet

Co Sleeper Bassinet

In general, the size & weight of the regular bassinet and co-sleeper are;

Terms Bassinet Co Sleeper
Dimension 34″ x 20″ x 40″ approx.. 28″ x 17″ x 10″ approx..
Weight 20-40 lbs 5 to 15 lbs
Weight Limit 15 – 30 lbs No weight limit
Age Limit 4-6 months 3-5 months

So, in the battle of Co Sleeper Vs Bassinet in Design, Portability & Longevity, there is no doubt that bassinet wins the match.

2.) Storing, Maintenance & Ease Of Use:-

Every mom, including me, loves easy-to-maintain, pack, and store products.

So in terms of Maintenance, a co-sleeper is very straightforward to maintain; you just need to remove the fabric and though it in the washing machine, and it’s done.

cleaning a bassinet

And if you want to travel, you can fold it and pack it in its bag or in your suitcase, because of its small size, and take it wherever you want.

Assembling the co-sleeper is hassle and tool-free. However, the bassinet requires tools, time, and a large bag to carry because not all are travel bassinets.

Along with it, cleaning the bassinet is a little complex task, which means it requires more time.

The thing I like about co-sleeper is that it does not occupy a large space when you fold it. So storing it after use is not an issue.

If the bassinet is not foldable, it becomes challenging to store it, especially if you live in a small apartment.

In short, Co-sleeper is easy to Maintain, Use and more portable than a bassinet

Terms Bassinet Co Sleeper
Maintenance  Little Time Consuming Easy
Easy Of Use Easy Very Easy
Storage Some bassinet are foldable Most of them foldable
Travel friendly  Some bassinet Most of the Co Sleeper

So in the battle between co sleeper vs bassinet, Co-sleeper WIN the match. So which one you prefer bassinet or co sleeper?

3.) Which One is More Comfortable:-

At this point, we don’t compare the value of the Co Sleeper and Bassinet.

This is because some products overlap the features of both, Like Halo Halo Bassinet, Ronbei bedside sleeper, Chicco Close to you, etc.

How To Safely Incline a Bassinet not more than 10 degree

So in terms of comfort, Co sleeper bassinet is much more comfortable than a bassinet for an infant and you.

Some bassinets offer diaper changers, but a co-sleeper can always use them as changers if you want.

Place it on the bed or on the table, and you can do the chore, as well as the breastfeeding while the infant lying in it.

The bassinet offers a mesh side wall to easily watch the baby at night, whereas in a co-sleeper, you can always keep an eye on the baby.

On the downside, Co-sleeper can’t offer you rocking motion, as you will get in a rocking bassinet.

You can’t use it outside, like in the garden, beach, etc., if the surface is not flat.

Terms Bassinet Co Sleeper
Vibration Yes Yes
Nightlight Yes Yes
Sound Yes Yes
Rocking Yes No
Canopy Some Model Some Model
Mesh Side Yes Depends on model

So, term of comfort in the bassinet vs co sleeper, Co sleeper get again win the match.

Word of Advice!

I hope you have enough knowledge that helps you make a wise decision.

Choose Co Sleeper Or Bassinet according to what you and your baby need. If you need help to make a more valuable decision, read this, how to choose a bassinet?

If you want me, I would like to go with a co-sleeper; there is nothing more beautiful than seeing your piece of heart just right next to you.

And the best thing, it helps you to develop a strong bond between you and your infant. This time and movement will not come again. But in the end, the choice is yours.

Here are some other helpful guides that help you to compare the products 

Some FAQ

————

Q1. Are Co Sleeper Bassinets Safe?

Yes, the co-sleeper bassinet is safe for infants to sleep in because it is designed for that purpose. Its side wall ( hard frame inside it) provides protection so that you do not roll over him or he doesn’t go into an adult bed. And the mesh side provides breathability to lower SIDS risk.

Ensure you follow the safe sleep guidelines to lower all the possible cases that can lead to SIDS.

Q2. When Should You Stop Using Co-Sleeper Bassinet?

There is no fixed number for that, but follow the thumb rule; if your infant starts rolling in the bassinet, Or crosses the age limit defined by the manufacturer, then stop using it. And always make sure your infant sleep on a flat surface as per the AAP.

Q3. Can You Put A Co Sleeper In A Bassinet?

Yes, you can put your co-sleeper in the bassinet as well as in the crib, and it is safe. Just make sure your bassinet is big enough to properly place the co-sleeper in it and your infant feels comfortable too.

Q4. Is A Co-Sleeper Bassinet Necessary?

No, the Co Sleeper bassinet is not necessary. Your infant can sleep in a bassinet, crib, or even in pack-n-play as per your need and preference.

The only benefits of having co sleeper bassinet are;

  1. You can share the bed with your infant,
  2. Can easily access the baby to do baby chors
  3. Help to make a strong bond with the infant
  4. Baby feels not fuzzy and sleeps longer near mom.

I hope you like our co sleeper vs bassinet guide and found it helpful. Now it’s your turn. let me know which one you will buy and why to help other moms.

And don’t forget to share this guide because sharing is caring.

Dr. Sakshi Patel

Dr. Sakshi Patel

Senior Content Writer

Dr. Sakshi Patel, an expert in Human Development and Family Studies, combines her academic knowledge with personal experience as a mother to twins. She provides comprehensive articles and meticulous reviews on baby essentials, offering accurate and up-to-date information to help parents make informed decisions. Read more.

Getforbaby editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful, updated & trustworthy parenting information. When creating or updating the existing content, we rely on credible sources, respected health organizations, to support the facts within our articles. Learn more about how we write Getforbaby content.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing.

  1. Wikipedia.org:- bassinet, bedside sleeper, co-sleeping
  2. American association of paediatrics: safe sleep with newborn
  3. University of Notre Dame; – safe co-sleeping guidelines
  4. Kids health origination:- bed sharing