What is a baby co-sleeper? Wondering what exactly it does, whether you need it and which one to pick? Well, a baby co-sleeper attaches to bed sides so babies can be close to their parents. Ideally you want one that’s safe, sturdy, and durable. The Cloud Baby Bassinet fits that description. Read on to find out more.
In the past, when parents brought their new baby home they had two options; to let him sleep in his own crib or on the bed close to them.The first option means you have to get up at least five times during the night for feeding. The second option means risking SIDS. I’m here to discuss a third and safer alternative. Let’s call it a middle ground. And that’s buying a co-sleeper.
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Cloud Baby Bassinet
- Best Value – Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
- Budget Pick – RONBEI Bedside Sleeper
- Best Compact –Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper
- Best for Travel – Baby Delight Dreamer Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
Why Buy A Baby Co-Sleeper to Attach to Your Bed
Baby product manufacturers are always on a quest to devise improved and safer products to make parenting easier. A co-sleeper is one such product. New parents might feel a little skeptical about whether or not they need it. Are you one of them? If yes, then I’ve put together this buyer’s guide to answer any questions you may have on the topic.
I’ll discuss in detail what baby co-sleepers are, how to safely co-sleep with your little one and give you pros and cons associated with this kind of sleeping arrangement. I’ll also include a checklist of the factors you must keep your eye on when choosing a co-sleeper. And I’ll conclude with a mini question and answer section to address burning questions on the matter. Ultimately I want you to make an informed decision.
What Are Baby Co-Sleepers?
The name of the product probably says it all. As mentioned, baby co-sleepers are cribs and bassinets designed to attach to your bed. They allow you to sleep close to your baby. I’ll quickly point out the concept of co-sleeping is sometimes used interchangeably with bed-sharing or room sharing. Although for the purposes of this article, I’d like to make a clear differentiation of these terms so you get a better understanding of the topic.
When bed-sharing, you’re literally sharing the same bed with your newborn. And when you’re room sharing, you’re sleeping in the same room with your child but NOT on the same bed. Your child has her own crib.
Then we have co-sleeping, which is our topic of interest today. Your baby sleeps in her own crib but it’s attached right next to your bed and is in close proximity to you. In a nutshell, your little one is within arms reach.
What You Need to Know About Safe Co-Sleeping With Your Baby
So, is co-sleeping safer than bed sharing you might wonder? One thing is for certain: whether you’re referring to co-sleeping or bed-sharing, it’s safe to say this is a very controversial topic. There are strong mixed feelings regarding the matter with safety concerns being the topical issue.
On one hand, parents who co-sleep with their little ones believe they are bonding and awarding their new babies the same comfort they enjoyed while in mommy’s womb. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s believed co-sleeping negatively impacts your child’s future sleeping habits.
If you decide to co-sleep with your baby, aside from buying a co-sleeper you must keep the following safety guidelines in minds:
- Remove all big blankets from your bed to avoid the risk of suffocating your child
- There should be absolutely NO GAP between the mattress and your baby’s crib
- Make sure your baby lies flat on her back as it’s considered a safe sleeping position for newborns
- Don’t drink alcohol or take medication that can negatively impact your sleep
- Be sure to use tight fitted sheets because loose ones may become a safety hazard
But if you absolutely feel the need to sleep with your baby on the same bed at least follow the recommendations outlined in this video or read my other article on this topic.
Baby Co-Sleeping Arrangement: The Pros and Cons
Baby co-sleeping comes with both advantages and disadvantages. I’ll list both below so you can decide which route you want to take.
Pros
- You feel closer to your child while creating stronger bonding moments.
- Co-sleeping comforts and nurtures your little one making her feel safe and protected.
- You don’t have to leave your bed to feed or soothe your child when she’s in distress. You also won’t have to worry about reaching down into a crib or bassinet to access her.
- You enjoy better sleeping making you feel more rested.
- Helps you monitor your baby closely without getting out of bed especially when your child has underlying health conditions or during those sick days.
Cons
- Disrupts future sleep patterns. Co-sleeping doesn’t promote independent sleeping for your child. Your child might associate falling asleep with you. As a result, it might prove to be difficult for your little one to fall asleep on her own when the time comes.
- Babies generally prefer calling it a day early. When your son is used to falling asleep next to you, it can be a challenge when you aren’t there. You may have to adopt the same bed time routine which can be frustrating for everyone involved.
- If you leave a gap between your bed and the baby’s crib, there’s a risk your child can roll and get stuck in the gap or in worst case scenarios fall. This is especially true when your baby is older and his movements can actually move the co-sleeper.
- It may be difficult to get off the bed in the middle of the night when you need to.
What to Look For When Picking the Best Baby Co-Sleeper for Your Bed
Have you made up your mind to buy a baby co-sleeper? Here are some factors you must keep your eyes on to make the right purchase:
- Safety: Obviously safety is the most important issue here.You want a crib with a firm and preferable wide mattress that won’t leave a gap between your bed and the crib. The Cloud Baby Bassinet has a wide base for a wide mattress.
- Comfort: Look for a crib with ventilated sides to keep your baby’s space cool and increase visibility. All the products listed here have mesh sides.
- Weight: Pick a crib portable enough to travel with when you want to to take your baby on vacation. Also, a lightweight crib such as the Baby Delight Dreamer Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper and Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper are easy to move out of the way when you need to get up. One that’s difficult to move is likely to frustrate you very quickly.
- Materials: The materials that make up the frame will determine the unit’s stability and durability, The Cloud Baby Bassinet and Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper have a strong aluminum frame.
- Adjustable sides: Opt for a crib with adjustable sides so you can adjust to your preferred height accordingly. The Cloud Baby Bassinet, Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper and RONBEI Bedside Sleeper have a 9 setting height adjustment while the Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper has 7 and the Baby Delight Dreamer Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper has 6.
- Set-up: Look for a crib that’s easy to set up. All the products on my list are simple to set up and you don’t need tools to do so.
- Maintenance: Babies not only need a safe but clean sleep environment. Opt for a low maintenance crib that’s easy to clean. The Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper comes with a removable and washable mattress cover.
- Cost: Ideally your child shouldn’t sleep in a co-sleeper for a long time unless it can be converted into a standalone unit. As such it doesn’t make sense to splurge on one. Look for an affordable product as long as it’s stable, sturdy and durable.
- Extras: Some co-sleepers come with extra features that may raise the price but are worth every penny. A music box or detachable toys are quite handy for those times when your child is napping in the afternoon and wakes up before you attend to her. The Cloud Baby Bassinet and Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper come with both a music box and overhead toys.Wheels for easy movability are worth considering. The Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper is the only model with wheels, the rest don’t.
Best Overall – Cloud Baby Bassinet
I’ll start with this strong and sturdy bassinet featuring an aluminum frame. It’s designed to meet the necessary safety regulations and is certified to prove it. You’ll like the detachable sides that allow you to reach your baby with ease when it’s time for night feeds.
Who it’s For
Recommended for newborns until they are six months old.
Why You Should Consider It
You’ll appreciate how quick and easy it’s to set up this unit. Simply make use of the instructions included. Thanks to the wide base, you can fit a large mattress for your baby’s comfort.
The sides are made of mesh for adequate ventilation and visibility. Best of all, it comes with a music box and overhead detachable toys which will keep your baby entertained.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 36 x 21.1 x 6.5”
- Weight: 19.8lb
- Height Adjustment Positions: 9
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Very sturdy
- Wide base
Cons
- Some might find the mattress too thin
Best Value – Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
Next, I have this super portable co-sleeper that also comes in the color gray. The crib is super easy to attach to your bed when necessary. And it comes with seven height adjustable positions to suit different parents’ beds.
Who it’s For
Designed for newborns until they are five months or reach a weight capacity of 33lb.
Why You Should Consider It
Aside from the neutral cool color, you’ll like that it has mesh sides for breathability. The base is stable and comes with a comfortable mattress.
You can easily convert it into a standalone bassinet for those times when you want your baby to sleep independently. And the manufacturer also included two side pockets for storing your baby’s essentials. It’s the only model on my list with wheels that allow you to easily move the crib when necessary.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 36.5 x 24.3 x 6.3”
- Weight: 24.1lb
- Height Adjustment Positions:7
Pros
- Firm mattress
- Easy to assemble
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Difficult to detach making it difficult to travel with
Budget Pick – RONBEI Bedside Sleeper
If you’re working on a budget but still want an affordable but sturdy co-sleeper, consider this product. Despite being the cheapest on my list, it doesn’t disappoint where construction is concerned. You’ll like it’s made using skin-friendly fabric to protect your baby’s delicate skin.
The sleeper comes with nine adjustable height positions so you can adjust it to your preferred height. The retractable feet are a thoughtful feature if you own a bed which doesn’t have much space underneath.
Who it’s For
Designed for newborns up to six months old.
Why You Should Consider It
The sleeper has breathable mesh side walls to take care of your baby’s comfort. The manufacturer included removable and washable sheets for your convenience. Setting up the unit is also hassle free. No tools are needed and the process will take a few minutes.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 36 x 21 x 7”
- Weight: 25.6lb
- Height Adjustment Positions: 9
Pros
- Dark gray color which doesn’t readily show dirt
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to take apart
Cons
- Mattress doesn’t have enough padding
- Might tilt to one side when baby is inside
- Features a bar that separates you from your baby
Best Compact – Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper
This baby co-sleeper impresses where construction and durability are concerned. Made with a sturdy aluminum steel frame, you’re guaranteed a long lasting product on your hands. Despite being strong, the unit is relatively lightweight making it easy to move when necessary.
Who it’s For
Suitable for newborns up to five and half months old.
Why You Should Consider It
The mesh sides allow for adequate ventilation to keep your little one comfortable. The detachable side allows you to convert the unit into a standalone crib to encourage independent sleeping. You’ll find it easy to install. No tools are required for the task. Approximately three minutes is all you need.
The crib comes with a total of nine height position adjustments to suit different beds. You can adjust it to your preferred height as your baby grows older. The manufacturer was kind enough to include two washable sheets, detachable toys and music box.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 37.2 x 22.7 x 7.5”
- Weight: 26.9lb
- Height Adjustment Positions: 9
Pros
- Fast to set up
- Sturdy construction
- Compact space saver
Cons
- Music box too loud and no volume control
- Mattress to hard
Best for Travel – Baby Delight Dreamer Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
If you want a co-sleeper you can pack up for those family vacations, consider this product. It’s super lightweight making it easy to move from one place to another and from one room to the next. For your baby’s safety, the crib attaches securely to your bed using the straps provided.
Who it’s For
Suitable for newborns until they’re five months old or weigh 20lbs.
Why You Should Consider It
This crib was designed to meet the necessary safety standards when manufacturing co-sleepers. It comes with six adjustable height positions so it can fit almost any adult bed. The mesh sides not only allow for adequate ventilation but high visibility. You can see your child clearly from afar when you’re not sleeping next to her.
And you’ll also appreciate the waterproof fitted sheet that comes with the mattress.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 37 x 22.5 x 30. 75”
- Weight: 23.8lb
- Height Adjustment Positions: 6
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight
Cons
- No storage pockets
- Sheets not durable
FAQs
Is co-sleeping with my baby safe?
Co-sleeping with your baby is considerably safe IF you place your little one in a baby co-sleeper and not directly onto your bed.
When should I stop co-sleeping with my baby?
Co-sleeping makes you feel closer to your baby which is priceless. But it’s highly recommended you stop co-sleeping when your baby is at least six months. The reason being when your child is older, she might be big enough to move the crib and create a gap between her sleeper and your bed. Attachment issues may surface should you try to transition your baby at a much older age to their own room for sleeping.
Final Thoughts
It’s understandable why there are mixed opinions surrounding co-sleeping. But ultimately whether you decide to co-sleep with your child or not should be up to you. Sleeping with your baby on the same bed is not advisable.
Buying a baby co-sleeper that attaches to your bed is your next best option. Make sure it’s made of a sturdy construction, durable and comfortable for your little one. I’d advise you to go with the Cloud Baby Bassinet which in my opinion is an excellent choice. It meets the mentioned requirements plus it’s easy to install and clean. What are your thoughts?
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
