Rest with Your Baby with the Best Co-Sleeper
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Lulyboo to Go Baby Lounge Snuggle Co-Sleeper -
Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Co-Sleeper -
Simmons Kids Ultra-Compact Travel Bedside Co-Sleeper -
Mamibaby Baby Lounger Baby Nest Co-Sleeper -
Buyer's Guide
If you're a parent who wants to keep your infant within arm's reach during slumber, co-sleeping may be an option worth considering. Having your baby near while you sleep is beneficial for both you and your little one. It can make those late-night feedings easier, you can keep a closer eye on your wee one, baby may sleep more peacefully, and it can create a stronger bond between parent and child. While co-sleeping can be beneficial, experts advise keeping the baby out of your bed and using a co-sleeper instead. We’ve chosen the five best co-sleepers in 2022 because their compact size allows them to be used right in your own bed, they can be folded up so you can take them with you wherever you go, and these co-sleepers also come equipped with added features to add to babies overall comfort such as night lights and extra padding.
Here are the best co-sleepers of 2022
Lulyboo to Go Baby Lounge Snuggle Co-Sleeper - Best Co-Sleeper Overall
The Lulyboo Baby Lounge Lights and Music is an excellent option for parents who on-the-go often. While excellent to use as a co-sleeper in your bed, it’s also great to use on any firm, supported surface. The breathable mesh sides are sturdy to keep baby protected should you roll over while you’re sleeping, but they also allow for proper air circulation.
This co-sleeper also features a handy nightlight, an activity bar to keep baby engaged when awake, and it plays soothing music as well. To make this lounger/co-sleeper even more convenient, it can be used as a changing station as well as a space to keep baby safely in one place. Another reason why you’ll really love this pick is because it easily folds up and can be carried as a backpack.
Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Harmony Co-Sleeper - Runner Up
The Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Surround is similar to the standard Baby Delight Snuggle Nest, but instead of having an open bottom, it’s enclosed all the way around, offering baby more comfort and added security during sleep. This co-sleeper features two sturdy, well-vented walls which will keep your baby cool while sleeping and will prevent adult bedding from making its way into the co-sleeper.
The integrated night light makes it easy to check on baby and makes nighttime feedings more convenient. The Incline Wedge is a great option for babies who prefer to sleep on an incline or who suffer from congestion or reflux. A nice extra is this sleeper plays soothing music and sounds that mimic the womb to lull your little one to rest. It comes complete with a waterproof foam mattress, fitted sheet, and quickly folds down into a small case for super convenient transportation.
Simmons Kids Ultra-Compact Travel Bedside Co-Sleeper - Honorable Mention
The Summer Infant By Your Side Sleeper is a comfortable space for your baby to enjoy a safe and restful slumber, while offering you peace-of-mind. This co-sleeper has a metal framework which provides maximum protection should you roll over during your sleep. The mesh sides on this sleeper ensure proper air circulation and allow you to keep a watchful eye on your little one while you are lying down. It comes with a firm pad that is removable and washable. When you’re on-the-go, you’ll love that it folds down into a compact package which makes this sleeper super easy to carry with you.
Mamibaby Baby Lounger Baby Nest Co-Sleeper - Consider
The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper constructed to be compact and snug (similar to moms womb) providing baby with a comfortable place to sleep their first few months of life. The sleepers Airflow design enables air to properly circulate around your little one, ensuring their comfort all night long. A removable night light makes nighttime feedings easy or to check on your little one without interrupting the sleep of either baby or your partner. This co-sleeper also comes with a mattress cover which is removable and machine washable in the event of any baby-related messes. If you’re traveling, just fold the sleeper in half and take with you thanks to a conveniently built-in carrying handle.
Buyer's Guide
If you’ve already decided to co-sleep with your baby, then you need to try a co-sleeper and have your wee one doze off right next to you. Bolstering your bond with your little one during co-sleeping is the simple (and fun) part. But the process of deciding upon a co-sleeper isn't exactly an easy one.
Our comprehensive buyer's guide will hopefully help you make sense of everything you need to know about co-sleepers and how to choose the right one!
What are the Different Types of Co-SleepersIn general, there are two main types of co-sleepers and they are:
- In-bed co-sleepers
- Bedside sleepers
Let's look at the differences between the two and assess their respective pros and cons!
In-Bed Co-Sleepers
An in-bed co-sleeper, also known as a lounger-style co-sleeper, is designed to sit in your bed. The raised sides provide a safe sleep solution by preventing the baby from rolling out of the co-sleeper. They also help ensure that the parent's pillows and blankets do not accidently cover the young one.
Most in-bed co-sleepers enhance the comfort of the baby with the excessive internal padding that they boast. The best lounger-style co-sleepers, like the ones mentioned in our article, are even foldable and portable. Your baby can thus bid farewell to sleeping in a non-familiar bed, no matter where you go. Most importantly, this style keeps the baby and mother close by. The level of proximity boosts oxygen levels, heart rate, and body temperature.
However, it is important to note that in-bed co-sleepers may not be suitable for your baby if it is old enough to roll or climb out of it.
Bedside Sleepers
Bedside sleepers are also called sidecar-style bassinets. This co-sleeper type sits next to your bed, either free-standing or attached to the side. It is thus considered to be safer because you can't accidentally roll onto your baby.
Most bedside sleepers offer storage shelves at the bottom along with wheels for mobility. The best sidecar-style bassinets have a side that can be rolled down and then back up again. You will thus have easy access to your youngling while simultaneously being in a separate bed.
However, bedside co-sleepers are not always small enough to fit through doorways. You'll need to go for smaller sized bassinets if you’re bent on bringing it into the living room or playroom during the daytime.
What to Look for When Buying a Co-Sleeper?
Now that you know all about the two types of co-sleepers, you might be wondering how we shortlisted our top picks. Well, we looked at five factors when we compiled this comprehensive list.
Safety
The most crucial element to look for when buying anything for your little one is safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and every other organization concerned with, uh... sleeping kids lays down certain requirements that all cradles, cots, and bassinets must fulfill.
One of the most important requirements is that the mattress needs to be thin and firm without any soft bedding to reduce the risk of accidental suffocation. Thus, it is important that the co-sleeper you ultimately decide to purchase has a thin and firm mattress. This might not seem comfy or plushy, but it is crucial for your little one who is still not able to move around to avoid sinking into the bed.
The AAP also forbids surfaces that have an incline of more than 10-degrees. Thus, you should never opt for “inclined sleepers". In fact, most major retailers, like Amazon, have banned the sale of co-sleepers that are advertised as such.
Finally, we recommend going for co-sleepers with a stable and sturdy base that makes them nearly impossible to tip over, trip over, or move unintentionally, no matter how clumsily you find yourself stumbling in the middle of the night.
Size and Convenience
The design of a co-sleeper should be such that transferring your little one to and from the sleeper to the bed does not seem like a chore. This is why we recommend co-sleepers that keep babies safely contained while they’re sleeping.
Not to mention, it is of paramount importance that the co-sleeper is able to accommodate your growing baby. Opt for sleepers that are relatively larger in size. Thus, you can just stop attaching them to your bedside and use them as regular cribs when your child grows, and you decide to stop co-sleeping.
Material
We want your little loved one to enjoy a bedding worthy of a king that keeps it snug, comfy and ever-smiling. Mesh net sides will not only stimulate good air circulation, but also make it easier for you to see your baby through it. It is also important that the material is durable enough to last a while and does not contain any smell.
Tips for Choosing the Right Co-Sleeper
We had a look at dozens of co-sleepers and found that there are a couple of tips that would really help you make the right decision when buying one for your baby. Here they are!
Ease of Cleaning
Trust me: you'll thank me for considering this factor! We recommend going for co-sleepers with a removable cover like the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest. This will make them easy to clean when your baby experiences diaper explosions, reflux or spit-ups.
Aesthetics
No one likes a co-sleeper that sticks out as an eyesore in their bedroom. While the appearance element was our last priority, we did prefer models that were at least visually neutral when compiling this list. When choosing a co-sleeper, make sure you’re going with one that matches your room’s theme or at least one that doesn’t destroy it.
How Much Do Co-Sleepers Really Cost? Are They Worth it?
While in-bed co-sleepers are usually cheap, bedside sleepers can cost you upwards of $150. If you ask us, this investment is worth it since co-sleepers can be a lifesaver by making late-night feedings easier and helping the baby sleep better while keeping it under your vigilance.
Best Co-Sleeper FAQ
What is the best co-sleeper?
The best co-sleeper is one that delivers the best price to features ratio. We believe the Lulyboo Baby Lounge Lights and Music does just that! Due to its portability, it is an excellent choice for parents who oftentimes find themselves on the road.
The mesh sides promote good airflow. If that's not all, the co-sleeper may even be used as a changing station or as a space to keep your young one safe and contained.
The activity bar will keep the baby engaged while soothing music plays through it. There is even a nightlight to help the baby fall asleep
Which style of co-sleeper should I get?
We recommend opting for a bedside sleeper if you prefer peace of mind. If you want to keep your little one close and bond with it while sleeping, go for the in-bed co-sleeper. Do remember that babies do have a preference so ultimately it comes down to whatever sails your little one's little boat!
How do I choose a co-sleeper?
It is important that you look at the safety, size, convenience, material, and cleanliness aspect of the co-sleeper that you are looking to buy. The best co-sleepers are one that follow the AAP guidelines for safety and are washable.
