If you bring up the subject of co-sleeping with your baby, you will get tossed into a myriad of opinions that are sure to both confuse and frustrate you on the subject. This is a long standing, controversial topic that is sure to spur many serious conversations, but we want to assure you that if you are considering co-sleeping- there is most definitely a safe way to do so.
We’ve compiled information about the subject below, and also offer many options that provide you various ways to keep your child close while napping and through the night. If you need information about safely co-sleeping with your baby, check out these various suggestions.
Baby Sleep and Logistics
Babies sleep, a lot. And, on average, log between 14 and 16 hours of sleep through a day until they are about 6 months old- when sleep patterns begin to develop. Even then, you may expect to see your child napping once or twice a day well until they reach toddlerhood. This is incredibly important to their overall development.
That means you can expect to be awake when your baby is, and try to catch as much sleep as possible while they are as well. Infants, especially, wake due to hunger, and it can be difficult to try and feed a sleepy child while you are also finding yourself drifting off. In fact, experts suggest it is better to feed while in bed if there is any indication you may fall asleep in a chair or on a sofa to avoid dropping your child, but you do need to move your baby to a safer position once they have finished feeding.
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Sleeping near your child actually has a lot of benefits to consider. You simply need to think about the location of your baby while you do so. Obviously, if you are a breastfeeding mother, co-sleeping is a much more convenient practice for those late night and middle of the night feedings. It also helps strengthen your bond- especially if you are a working mother.
You also are most attuned to your child’s nighttime movements and sounds, and most likely can get a better sleep knowing your child is close by and safe. You also won’t have to depend on monitors that may create unnatural lighting, and pick up every little sound that is magnified into your own sleep space.
Children also will feel more safe and secure knowing their parent’s are near, and will often sleep deeper and longer. Once a baby begins to develop their open sleep schedule, it is much easier to begin to transition them into their own sleep space and their own room.
Concerns Surrounding Co-Sleeping
Sleeping directly next to your child on the same bed is what generally creates the biggest argument when it comes to the topic of co-sleeping. There are serious concerns surrounding this practice that need to be considered, such as rolling over on your baby, or sheets and blankets which can cover a baby’s face and restrict breathing.
You also don’t want your child to develop a sleep codependency in which they are unable to fall asleep on their own. As they grow, it is best to make sure you begin to transition them into their own space to allow them to gain some independence as well as foster self-soothing techniques.
Also, having a child in your space could create poor sleep quality for the adults present. Sometimes the small sounds and movement of your baby make a parent nervous. It also can disrupt adult time.
Ideas for Safely Co-Sleeping With Your Baby
The following co-sleeping products and ideas are designed to allow you to be within close proximity of your child without being directly in their personal space- and vise versa. This creates a safe environment for your both, and many options allow you to easily begin to transition your child away from your side and into their own ‘bed’ before moving into their own room.
1. Lightweight Baby Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper
Designed for babies up to 6 months old, this is a bedside sleeper made with a sturdy aluminum frame and a bedside bassinet that is safe and dependable. It offers 9 height settings you can adjust to for any size bed, and it is easy to move from room to room. It slides and latches securely into place. The double mesh siding is strong, but provides excellent airflow to avoid overheating, and a detachable side is perfect for when you need to reach for baby to feed or change.
2. Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet
Easy to assemble, you can have this up in less than 5 minutes, and the lightweight aluminum frame is not only sturdy, but makes it easy to move from one place to another as well. Easy to place directly next to a bed, it has a 6 position height adjustment and removable side for convenience. The firm, comfortable mattress helps hold baby securely and it comes with a soft, machine washable sheet.
3. Dream On Me, Skylar Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper
Available in 6 colors, this is a full bassinet style sleeper that has inward folding legs to get it as close as possible to a bedside. The mesh sides provide not only airflow, but also allow you to keep baby in view at all times. You can easily unzip the mesh side to reach in to your child when laying on your bed for feeding and nighttime changes. It offers 5 adjustable heights also, and can be secured to our bed frame.
4. HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper
Excellent for small spaces, the HALO BassiNest provides a 360 degree swivel to allow you to get as close as possible to your baby each night in a safe manner. Easy to adjust for bedside use, the four-point base is study and dependable, and helps you maneuver it without issue. The lowering bedside wall is ideal for caring for the child while resting in bed as well, and a convenient pocket is excellent for storage and keeping necessities nearby.
5. RONBEI Bedside Sleeper
Perfect for a newborn to six month old, this side sleeping co-sleeper bassinet securely places your child within reach at all times. Adjustable to just about any mattress size, the adjustable feet also retract to bring baby right to eye level. It also works well with sofas! A music box and detachable toy is included to provide soothing music and sound. Plus, the air mesh sides are breathable and cooling.
6. HALO BassiNest Glide Sleeper
The lowering bedside wall of this BassiNest glide sleeper made by HALO is perfect for co-sleeping. With the ability to lock into an upright position, you can easily move this option just about anywhere you need it, plus, it adjusts from 24 to 34 inches to fit most beds. It also only requires a 32 inch clearance from a well- making it a great space saver. Included is a waterproof mattress, fitted sheet, and a storage pocket.
7. BABY JOY Bedside Bassinet
Equipped with wheels, the BABY JOY bedside bassinet is easy to move just about anywhere you need it, and comes in various colors for your decor. The 7 height positions makes it ideal for any space, and it also can be tilted to help with reflux. The two-side mesh is breathable and a detachable sidebar allows you to reach to your baby with ease. A large storage basket is located underneath for all your necessities. The side frame is triangular in design as well for unparalleled stability.
8. Baby Delight Snuggle Nest
Created for in bed sleeping, this co-sleeper provides tall walls inserted with a comfort mesh so you can always lay eyes on your child. Available in different colors, it is a portable choice as well that offers a place to lay on the floor, or take with you when travelling. Irt also serves as a comfortable changing station, and the sides are soft enough for you to reach in for contact at all times if you prefer.
9. Brandream Nautical Anchor Baby Nest Bed
This is a great option that can grow with your child and provides an in bed ‘nest’ for co-sleeping, as well as lounging and relaxing in as your child grows. 100% cotton, it offers bolster siding to keep your child secure, and even allows for tilting to adjust for reflux.
10. Portable Co-Sleeping Baby Nest
Made for infants to 1 year old children, this baby best is adjustable, soft, and provides a perfect in bed co-sleep solution for everyone’s safety. Easy to wash, it also rolls for convenient carrying and sleeping arrangements when travelling or on the go. The bolster sides are sturdy and soft for security, and you can even adjust for reflex with the included pillow.
11. Kidsclub Baby Bedside Sleeper
Made for babies that are too young to pull themselves into a sitting position, the sturdy aluminum frame and c-shape allows you to place it right next to you on the bed for easy access and all night eye contact when needed. The side can also be left upright, and provides a zipper opening for access to breastfeed or change. Easy to assemble, it can be in place in less than 3 minutes after opening, and adjusts to 9 heights for any sleep surface you choose.
12. Mika Micky Bedside Sleeper
Easy to attach to a bedframe, this bedside sleeper offers a sturdy t-leg frame with wheels for easy maneuverability. It also has a easy open side panel for bedside mode, or can be used as a bassinet wherever you need it. A sturdy sleep board and comfortable mattress is supportive to your child, and the 7 height adjustment is perfect for your choice of sleep surface.
13. Cosy Nation Baby Lounger Baby Nest
The babynest baby lounger by Cosy Nation is a great way to safely co-sleep with your child in bed without having to spend too much money. Durable side bolsters are breathable and rigid, but stay soft and offer all night comfort to infants- all while keeping them secure. It also can be adjusted to make more room for growing babies.
14. Portable Breathable Snuggle Bed
This in bed snuggle nest is adjustable, reversailbe, and can be washed. It also has side handles for easy portability, and durable side bolsters to help keep your baby secure all night. Available In different colors, you can pick and choose your favorite. Multi-functional in nature, it is a great lounger as well, and can be used for travel.
15. Baby Bedside Sleeper Bassinet Bed: 3-in-1 Portable Crib
This 3 in 1 portable crib design is great for a child. It is versatile and allows you to take advantage of it as a bedside bassinet, crib, and playpen, all while being able to easily collapse it for easy portability. Easy to convert, it has versatile height adjustability, and is designed to be placed just at, or below the height of your own mattress. Durable and dependable, this is a design you’ll be glad you invested in.
16. 3 in 1 Baby Bassinet, Bedside Sleeper, & Playpen
This is another 3 in 1 design that provides a co-sleeper, bedside sleeper, bassinet, and playpen choices that is easy to collapse down to take anywhere you want! Great to use as a portable crib, or adjust to create an even surface from your bed to baby’s, all you need to do is unzip the mesh side for easy accessibility. The sturdy frame also has wheels with brakes, making it easier to move around when in use.
You may be interested in: The Pros and Cons of Co-Sleeping
Conclusion
If you wanted to co-sleep, but had reservations, these options are perfect for you to take advantage of as they offer safe ways to stay close to your child and help with the convenience of nighttime feedings, or even to avoid moving too much after a c-section.
Photo credit: Nina Buday/Ekaterina Pokrovsky