The Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper is a sleep space for your newborn baby that can be placed right next to (or attached to) a parent’s bed. This can help you feel confident your baby is safe and make night feedings easier. But, does it work to help you and your baby get the best sleep? Use these 5 tips to maximize your baby’s sleep while using this bedside bassinet.
Sheets for your Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinet
The first thing you want to do is sleep on your baby’s Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper fitted sheet, so your scent is transferred, and your baby feels more comforted in the bassinet. If your baby is able to smell you while he or she is sleeping, they may sleep for longer stretches. There are plenty of great options out there. You can’t go wrong with 100% cotton sheets for your baby!
Safe Sleep Reminder
Always follow safe sleep guidelines: place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding or soft items.
Use White Noise
Some babies are noisy sleepers, even if they are actually sleeping. One issue with having your baby so near your head while you sleep is every noise your baby makes may wake you up. You may get startled awake thinking something is wrong or it may simply disturb your sleep leaving you feeling more tired than ever. Furthermore, tending to every little noise your baby makes can cause more baby sleep problems down the road.
One thing you can do to help you and your baby sleep better is to turn on white noise throughout the night. The white noise volume should be about the level of a shower running. The constant whirring of white noise tends to drown out some of the non-critical sounds of the room (like your or your partner’s snoring!) so as not to disturb the baby. You will still wake up if your baby starts crying or a smoke alarm goes off, don’t worry!
Which Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper to Choose
With the Arm’s Reach, you have several choices. We love their beautiful Cambria Co-sleeper! The nice thing is the legs adjust, so you hopefully won’t have to purchase a leg extension kit.
Of course, I don’t think you can really go wrong with any of the options – if you follow all directions as listed! All of their products are safety-tested and likely are exceptional products. The 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 can even double as a play yard if that interests you!
When Baby Won’t Sleep in the Co-Sleeper
No matter how many products we buy for our babies, there is no guarantee our babies will like them! I mean, how many gifts have you received from well-meaning friends or relatives that are sitting unopened/unused? Just like you, some babies won’t like it and will refuse to sleep in a bassinet or co-sleeper, even with white noise. As close as you are to the baby in the co-sleeper, for some babies, it is the touch of your skin or closeness of your body they truly seek. It’s hard to predict which product (if any) your baby will sleep best in!
If your baby won’t sleep in the bassinet at all, then he or she clearly doesn’t like it. This was the case for my son when I tried putting him in a borrowed bassinet. It was a super basic bassinet, and I’m not sure what it was about it that he hated. He would not sleep even one minute in it. I stopped using it. But, YOUR baby will likely accept this sleeping arrangement a little at a time, unlike my son. Try just using the co-sleeper bassinet for the first stretch of sleep at night, instead of the whole night. Then gradulally increase the time spent sleeping bedside.
Put Your Baby in the Co-Sleeper While Awake
If your baby doesn’t LOVE the co-sleeper, but sleeps some of the time there, it could be that other small changes help, such as starting to put your baby in the co-sleeper before she is fast asleep. If you are trying to put your baby in the bassinet when she is already asleep, the movement of putting her down, or the difference between how your arms/chest feel versus the mattress, may be too different.
Instead, put your baby in the bassinet awake. Slightly jiggle/rock the bassinet, pat your baby’s belly, sing to her, etc. to get her to fall asleep when she’s already in the bassinet. This way, she is falling asleep where she’ll wake up later. This way, she will more likely be able to go into another sleep cycle on her own.
Prepare for the Transition to Crib
Many people want to know the weight limit for the Arm’s Reach but the manufacturer states many of their co-sleepers can be used until your baby is 5 months old or whenever your baby can push up on hands and knees (whichever comes first). That’s a bit of a bummer in that 5 months isn’t a long time and you may not be finished co-sleeping by then and ready to transition your baby to a crib.
Safety is of utmost importance, obviously, and you cannot lower the mattress on this bassinet like you can a traditional crib. Perhaps up to 5 months of easy access to your baby is worth the cost, though! Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare for moving your baby to a new sleep space. You can gradually start the process around 4 months old for a seamless transition and maximum sleep.
Co-sleeper bassinets can be a safe option when used correctly. Experts recommend placing your baby on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding and ensuring the bassinet is securely attached with no gaps. Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) is considered the safest sleep arrangement for newborns.
Co-sleeping often refers to bed-sharing, where a baby sleeps in the same bed as a parent. A co-sleeper bassinet, on the other hand, provides a separate sleep surface attached to or placed next to the bed, allowing closeness without sharing the same sleep space.
Some babies prefer the warmth and closeness of being held and may resist sleeping in a bassinet at first. This is common. Helping your baby fall asleep directly in the bassinet, using gentle soothing, or adding white noise can improve acceptance over time.
Yes. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions and secure the co-sleeper properly to your bed. A tight, gap-free connection is essential to prevent shifting or gaps that could pose safety risks.
Most co-sleeper bassinets are designed for use until your baby reaches a certain weight or begins to roll, push up, or sit. This is typically around 4–6 months, but always follow your product’s specific guidelines.
Getting the Most Sleep with Your Co-Sleeper Bassinet
Using an Arm’s Reach co-sleeper bassinet can be a great way to keep your newborn close while still supporting safer, independent sleep. With the right setup, you can make nighttime feedings easier, respond quickly to your baby’s needs, and help everyone get more rest.
Keep in mind that every baby is different! Some will take to the co-sleeper right away, while others may need time (and a little trial and error). Focus on consistency, a safe sleep environment, and small adjustments that help your baby feel comfortable.
And remember: your goal isn’t perfection, it’s better sleep for your whole family. Even small improvements can make a big difference over time.
