Recently, a first time mummy asked me what is the difference between a co sleeper, bassinet and crib. She is thinking of finding the best co sleeper for her little one but realised that there are so many different options in the market. I briefly shared with her the difference and also told her what to look out for in buying a good co sleeper.
A co sleeper is a very helpful tool for nursing mommies, especially at night. You can just breastfeed the baby on your baby without waking anyone. It also helps to build bonding and provide a sense of security for the little one, especially in the first few months.
In contrast, bassinets and cribs may put the babies with some distance from their parents. AAP recommends that parents co sleep with their little one up to 6 months( till one year if possible). For your convenience, we have compiled the following information from extensive research and reviews from reputable online mummy forums and stores.
If you are rushing for time, check out Hiccapop Day Dreamer Sleeper Baby Lounger Seat which is our editor choice for best co sleeper.
Table of Contents
| Best Co Sleepers | Why it is Best | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|
| HALO BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper 3.0 | The only Bassinet that swivels over your bed | 8.7/10 |
| AMKE 3 in 1 Baby Bassinet | All-mesh Bedside Sleeper, Baby Bassinet with Storage Basket, Easy to Assemble. Adjustable Bedside Crib, Travel Bag Included | 9.4/10 |
| Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Metro | Easy fold and Pack ,Diaper changing, Canopy for shade, Removable hanging toy bar | 8.9/10 |
| Hiccapop Day Dreamer Sleeper Baby Lounger Seat | For reflux and Gerd, lifetime warranty, pass all safety standards. easily washable | 9.5/10 |
| Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper | 2-1 function, adjustable for most beds, lightweight, easy to assemble | 8.7/10 |
| Baby Delight – Snuggle Nest | soothing sound unit, railings for safety, night light, removable incline wedge | 8.5/10 |
| DockATot Grand Dock | Special design for womb like feel, rounded sides for safety, encourage longer sleep, useful for tummy time | 9.3/10 |
As using co sleepers involves sharing the same bed as your baby, most doctors may advise not to use it. The main reason is there will be a chance the parent can cause suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.
AAP says evidence shows sleeping on a separate bed can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by as much as 50%. (Source) However, do note that some of the best co sleepers in the market do comes with safety features to lower the risk of SIDS. It is still safer to use a co sleeper rather than just hugging your newborn to sleep which is more dangerous.
A co sleeper cot is a crib that you attach to the side of your bed. This type of baby co sleeper crib attaches securely to the side of your bed so you can soothe and nurse the baby easily. You will also avoid having the baby share the same bed as you.
If you are looking for your little one to have his/her own space and protected, you like to consider the Swaddleme by your side sleeper deluxe version. It comes with safety features like a metal frame to prevent you from rolling on top of it.
If your baby is having problem sleeping and being fussy, the deluxe version comes with a detachable sound, light and vibration unit. You can play heartbeat, nature sounds and music to soothe the little one. The soft and comfortable fabric ensure your newborn will sleep with comfort.
Even more, if you need to adjust the head position of the little one, their 2-position adjustable incline (11 degrees and 30 degrees) safely elevates baby’s head for easier breathing, sleep and better digestion
The downside for this co sleeper is that it may be too large size for queen size bed. It is recommended to use on king size bed to have a more comfortable sleep for you and your spouse. Do note that the pad provided is also not waterproof. And you cannot wash the liner below if there are any spills or spits that seeps beneath the co sleeper.
Do note also that SwaddleMe by Your Side Sleeper have a cheaper original version. It have all functions as the deluxe version but does not come with the detachable sound unit.
If you looking for a multifunctional co sleeper, the Cubbycove co sleeper is probably what you are looking for. Designed with safety in mind, the cushiony yet firm bumpers help with keeping the baby in bounds if you are co sleeping.
At 36″ long and 24″ wide, the CubbyCove is larger in size compared to other co sleepers in the market. It is suitable for larger babies and also means you can use it for a longer period. This is great if you are on a tight budget and would like to stretch your purchase dollars.
Even more, you can use this to let your little one get used to sleeping in a crib. Alternatively, you can also place this directly to a mini crib or crib. The co sleeper is also easily washable as you can unzip and remove the bumpers and base for a quick machine wash.
The only downside is that the cover may be a bit rough for baby skin and not soft. Some babies may not like the feel of it.
The Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Metro is a compact and cozy co sleeper where you can use in any sleep settings. You can fold the baby bed in seconds to a backpack for travel usage. It can also act as a diaper changing mat if needed.
You also don’t have to worry anymore about spills and spits from your little one. The co sleeper features soft and stylish machine-washable fabric and a waterproof bottom.
Even more, Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go Metro comes with a removable canopy for shade in outdoor use. If your baby is restless and unable to sleep, there is an easy to install hanging toy bar and two plush toys included to keep him/her entertained.
What many users don’t like is that the bottom of the co sleeper is rather soft and may not be able to provide good support. It is recommended to use on a firm mattress for co sleeping or areas with a good cushion when using on travels. There are also reviews that mentioned about larger size babies outgrow it too quickly.
If you feel that the metro, hanging toy bar and plush toys are not necessary, you can opt for Lulyboo Bassinet To Go Classic version. It is simple, more affordable and still share most of the functions with the metro version
Is your little one having acid reflux and Gerd due to his/her sleeping position? The Hiccapop Day Dreamer Sleeper Baby Lounger Seat upright design raises your baby’s head above the stomach level to the optimal sleeping position.
This helps to relieve most of the discomfort which may cause them to have a lot of sleepless nights. Some mummies have also feedback that the upright design helps in clearing nasal congestion for their baby.
The soft and breathable cover also prevent heat from building up to allow long stretches of comfy sleep for your little one. If you are worried about the safety of this product, the Day Dreamer passes all FEDERAL test standards for sleep products as well as the FEDERAL CPSIA laws of 2008.
The manufacturer is so confident of the quality of this product that they are offering a lifetime warranty. Even more, the seating area is waterproof against spits and spills while the cover is fully washable for better hygiene. It is also portable where you can use it on every part of your house.
What we don’t like that is that you must place it on the floor due to its large and bulky size. You have to get off your bed to check on the baby during night time. It may not be an ideal co sleeper for parents that want the baby to sleep by their side on the bed.
The Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper is one of the uniquely designed 2 in 1 co sleeper in the market. It can perform like a bassinet and convert into a co sleeper when you simply unzip the side panel closest to your bed and snug up to your side.
The attached straps will safely secure the Bedside Sleeper to your adult bed, If you are worried of having a high bed frame and mattress, do note that it has 6 adjustable positions to allow height adjustment to adapt the sleeper height to most adult beds.
The lightweight co sleeper also allows you to shift easily to different rooms. You can change it back to bassinet if you feel like letting the baby sleep independently. This is the best of both worlds for the price of 1. Although some assembly is required, most users have feedback that it is very easy to piece the sleeper together for use in less than 10 minutes.
One thing to take note is that the free mattress provided may be a bit thin and lack of support for a newborn. Even though it is adjustable height, some users have feedback that the height at it’s highest still don’t reach their desired mattress height.
If you are needing to feed in the middle of the night, it’s certainly better to have one then complete darkness in the room. The Baby Delight – Snuggle Nest comes with night unit for easy feeding and keeps your baby in a somewhat drowsy state.
For safety, while placed on your bed, it contains two rigid, vented railings that serve as a barrier between you and baby. This will prevent any rolling over accident from you or your spouse. When faced with a fussy baby, a soothing sound unit is also included to help you lull your baby to sleep.
The co sleeper is also lightweight and easily foldable if you need to use it as a travel bed. Another useful function is the removable 1.5″ incline wedge can help you adjust the upright position for your little one. This is great in relieving digestion issues and nasal congestion for more restful sleep
The downside of this co sleeper is that it may tilt if not used on a firm mattress. The size may not be suitable for a queen size bed. You may need to use it on a king size bed.
If you are looking for a co sleeper that can last for longer usage and suitable for larger sized babies, you may like to consider the DockATot Grand Dock.
DockATot has been designed to offer a snug and soothing environment in order to provide the womb-like experience that your newborn gotten used to while in your tummy, With rounded sides, the co sleeper creates a barrier between parents and baby to ensure safety and give them their own cozy space.
The OEKO-TEX certified fabrics do not harbor heat which encourages comfortable sleep. Some users have shared that their baby have longer stretch of sleeping time when using the DockATot Deluxe+ Dock .
Even more, when your baby is awake and ready to play, the rounded sides can be used to prop up the baby. You can use it for tummy time which develops neck strength and motor skills.
The only downside for this product that their safety instructions advised using this only for supervised sleep and not to use it in cribs. This may hinder the bed to crib transition.
If you would like to consider a cheaper alternative for newborns, you may like to consider the DockATot Deluxe+ version. It is a smaller version with a similar function for smaller sized babies. However, some mummies prefer to choose the DockATot Grand Dock from start for longer usage.
When we review and recommend the best baby co sleeper, it must possess some or all of the features mentioned below.
This is the top priority when it comes to a baby co sleeper. The main reason is that you will place most co sleeper on your bed with you and your spouse. Without safety features like railings or rounded sides, there is a higher risk of causing suffocation if you roll over the newborn accidentally. If you are extra cautious, go for co sleeper that passes all FEDERAL test standards for sleep products.
If you are a nursing mummy, you will want to avoid having to wake up and get out of the bed everytime the little one is hungry and fussy. The most convenient co sleeper should allow you to tend to your little one without climbing out of the bed every time.
This is important as you will want your baby to sleep with comfort for longer stretches of sleep. Quality co sleeper will trap less heat allowing better sleep for your little one
Another important consideration so that you can use the product for a longer period of time. You will also feel safe to place the newborn in there. Read reviews from other users who have bought it to have a feel of the quality of the co sleeper
Even though most of the time you will use a co sleeper at night, it will be great that you can also use it in the day. A lightweight portable co sleeper can allow you to use it anywhere in the house or even outside the house. Some co sleeper can be packed into a backpack within seconds while some provide travel bags.
Many newborns have nasal congestions or reflux issues which can be improved with a slightly incline position for their head. This is optional but will be a great features which your babies have these problems
Sound unit or detachable toy bar provides entertainment to the little one when you are busy with other chores. It will also help to soothe the baby to sleep. Not compulsory but good to have feature
Even though this is not compulsory, having a night light feature on the co sleeper can help you find and nurse your baby quickly in the dark. As it is not too bright, it also allows your little one to be in drowsy mode instead of being wide awake. Some co sleeper may also come with 2 in 1 function where you can convert into a bassinet. This may be useful if you decide that letting the baby sleep independently is better and you only pay the price of one
For the best Co sleeper in the market, we recommend the Hiccapop Day Dreamer Sleeper Baby Lounger Seat which is comfortable, designed for reflux and GERD baby and also comes with lifetime warranty.
I hope this article will allow you to have a better picture of what is the best baby co sleeper out there in the market. Always ensure that safety is the top priority for any co sleeper bought for your little one.
You may also like to check out the best bassinet or crib in the market for comparison. You may also like to check out how to make newborn sleep fast and what is the best baby formula for colicky baby.
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