After bringing the baby home from the hospital, they need a lot of sleep and so does the mommy. The crib was one of your biggest buys, but for those first couple weeks and even months you may find it hard to get to it multiple times per night. A bassinet in the corner of the room may also be too far away for some moms, especially if you have had a c-section. In such a case, your best bet is to get a co-sleeper. It allows you to keep the baby close to you while keeping them safe. They also make night feedings a lot easier so you can get as much sleep as possible.Â
Of course, you have tons of questions about these, and we are prepared to answer your questions and help you choose the best co sleeper. So let’s get straight into it!
Are Co Sleepers Worth It?
To answer this question we take advice from a couple of new moms:Â
We purchased a co-sleeper that we only use for nighttime sleep. We love it for nighttime feedings and for keeping those awake times brief. ~SylviaÂ
We purchased an arms-reach co-sleeper for nighttime sleeping. During the day we allow the baby to sleep in a crib. I love the fact that the co-sleeper allows me to feed the baby and not have to get out of bed. ~Annakaye
I recommend a co-sleeper to anyone. Night time feedings and changing sessions are so much smoother. I can roll over and tend to the baby before they start crying and get really upset, this means getting them back to sleep is done faster and with little to no effort most times. ~Joy-laine
My co-sleeper is one of my best buys for a baby. I have a detachable co-sleeper, so we started out with the baby attached to the bed and as he got older we moved the co-sleeper further away from the bed gradually. This helped us to transition him into sleeping on his own quite easily. ~Helen
Our co-sleeper was expensive, but after using it for a couple nights I was entirely sold and believe that it is worth every last penny. I had bought a bassinet as well and really and truly, I could’ve gone without it. ~Kathrine
What Kind Of Bedding Can I Use?
To ensure that your baby is safe, you want to limit the amount of bedding you add to any type of sleeper you choose to use. When it comes to a co-sleeper you really just need a fitted sheet. Whatever you choose to ensure it stays below shoulder height and is tucked in firmly. You can use a baby sleeping bag if you need blankets or sheets. In this case, ensure you get the right size for the baby, so they can’t slip inside. Â
What Is Better A Bassinet Or Co Sleeper?
When it comes down to it, the choice is personal. Those who can afford, both, will purchase both but if you are on a limited budget then you must choose one. You want to consider what it is that will meet your needs. If you are looking for something that will last the baby beyond the first year and are limited by the budget you may want to forego them both. It would be better to save up more money and get a Crib and not have to purchase any more sleep furniture until your child is three years old.Â
Consider your space, do you have dedicated space for a sleep solution or do you need a sleeper that can be moved from place to place? In this case a bassinet would be a better option. You could opt for a bassinet with storage so that the diaper changing items can be right on hand too.Â
You also want to consider your method of feeding. If you are breastfeeding you may want your baby right next to your bed. A bassinet can come right next to your bed, but if you want the ability to stay in bed, a co-sleeper would be the better option. Proximity to mom is essential for breastfed babies.Â
The bells and whistles can be tempting. You will find sleepers with soothing lights, vibrations and sounds. Consider if you need these features and how they will affect your sleep if you opt for a co-sleeper.
How Long Can I Use A Co Sleeper?
Your co-sleeper is useful until your baby gets to 5 months old or starts to push up on their hands and knees. Whichever comes first, it marks the time for you to move the baby into the crib.Â
Our Top 7 CoSleepers
1. Arms Reach Concepts, Co-Sleeper Bassinet, Clear-Vue
This unit can be used as a co-sleeper or as a bassinet. It is built with breathable sides so your baby can get adequate airflow and so you can easily see into the unit and check if the baby is doing okay. It is built with wheels, so it is a great option if you need a unit that is mobile. It is ideal for moms who breastfeed and want to get night feedings done with as little disturbances as possible.Â
Your purchase of this unit includes a mattress and one fitted sheet. It features a storage basket so you can keep all your diapering essentials on hand no matter where you are in the house. It also comes with a carrying case so you can move it beyond your home and has leg extensions so it can be fitted with taller beds.
The typical assembly time on this one, according to the manufacturer, is two hours and that can be downright frustrating, especially for women going it on their own. Reviewers noted they were able to put it together within just 20 minutes, though.Â
2. Chicco 2019 Side Sleeping Crib Next2Me Dream" Navy", Baby Side Sleeping Crib
This co-sleeper is ideal for a baby from birth. Your purchase includes a soft mattress which has a lining that is removable and washable. The height of the sleeper can be adjusted between 35 and 50 cm. The unit is made with 4 wheels which have breaks for safety. This makes it great for moving around in the house and keeping the baby within eyes and hand’s reach. The co-sleeper has fastening straps which you use to attach the item to your bed.Â
This co-sleeper is easy to use, easy to transport and easy to assemble. There is an included storage bag and this unit should take you up to 9 months before you have to move the baby into some other type of sleeping arrangement.
3. Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper Bedside Crib Easy Folding Portable Crib
This co-sleeper is the ideal bedside sleeper, it features wheels so it can be moved around so you can get it out of the way when he’s awake or so you can move from room to room. It is adjustable to 7 different height positions between 18 and 24 inches. It features a mesh side that zips down to provide you with easy access. This can be locked in place so the sleeper can be used as a bassinet.Â
Its white and gray color scheme makes it ideal for any gender and so it will not contrast too much with your adult bedroom furniture and decor. The unit features two side policies that can be used to hold bottles, burp rags, pacifiers or other small items. The unit is on the smaller side when it comes to the sleeping area so it will work until your baby is around 33 pounds or until they are 5 month old, whichever comes first.
4. Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
This co-sleeper is a safe and comfortable choice that will have your baby sleeping soundly. It is designed to be lightweight for mobility so you can easily move it from room to room. It is adjustable with 6 height positions so your sleeper can adapt to your bed.Â
It allows mom to easily lean over to check on the baby or to nurse during the night. It can be quickly assembled and requires no tools for this. There are also straps that help to affix it in place so you don’t have to worry about its security. Included with your purchase is a fiber fill mattress and a waterproof fitted sheet. This co-sleeper is good up to 5 months old or up to 20lbs. The co-sleeper is JPM certified.
5. The First Years - Close and Secure Baby Sleeper
This co-sleeper is an ideal option for all those mothers that like to keep an eye on their babies at night. It can be placed in your bed so you can share your bed safely while giving your baby their own little sleeping space. It comes with a nightlight so you can illuminate them a little bit for those nighttime feedings and changings.Â
The fitted sheet and overall cover is machine washable and made from a comfortable polyester and cotton blend. There is not too much support for rollovers, so this is only for younger babies who are not yet moving around. Expect this to be something that your baby will outgrow quickly.Â
6. SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper, Deluxe
This is the best budget co-sleeper and it is a high quality one too. It is built with a metal frame to make it sturdy enough to protect your baby but still allows the bed to be folded so it can be used when traveling. The materials used to make the co-sleeper are all flame retardant and chemical free.Â
The sides are lined with mesh fabric, ensuring good airflow and circulation as well as to give you the peace of mind to see the baby for a quick check. The sides of the sleeper are compressible so you can easily reach in and get your little one.Â
Being 32 inches long, this sleeper allows for growth. As a matter of fact, due to the size of this sleeper a number of moms indicate it is too large to have in bed with them.
7. Baby Bassinets – Adjustable and Easy to Assemble Bassinet for Baby, Lightweight Baby Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper for Safe Co-Sleeping with Detachable Side Panel
This bedside sleeper is ideal for babies up to 6 months old. Its frame is made from sturdy aluminum and it features a wide base. It is easy to assemble and is designed according to Consumer Product Safety Regulations and is ASTM and CPSC certified.Â
It features 9 different adjustment levels and will slide into place and latch securely for your baby’s safety and for your peace of mind. The double mesh siding makes it easy for the baby to breathe and for you to access or check on the baby easily.Â
Set up of this sleeper is easy with the included instructions Included with your purchase is a mattress which washable and a music box as well as two detachable toys for the baby.
Conclusion
If you are looking to purchase a co-sleeper and choose one of the above, you won’t be disappointed. If you are on a budget you may want to go for the SwaddleMe By Your Side sleeper. This will give you the best bang for buck. But price should not be your only determining factor. Remember to consider your needs, the space of the apartment and how often you travel with the baby. Bear in mind that co-sleepers are not permanent sleeping solutions and will only be useful up to around 5 months old for the most part so you really want to consider that when purchasing one.
Cris
