Our 10 Highest Rated Baby Co-Sleepers for 2023

Choosing the correct products for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming at best. We’ll walk you through your options so you can make the right decision for your family.

A common myth about the term “co-sleeping” is that it refers to a baby sharing a bed with parents, however, technically, it only means sharing a room with parents to sleep. There are various types of co-sleeping arrangements and finding what works may take some time and trial and error.

While it’s not something we recommend due to safety concerns, many parents opt to co-sleep with their tyke in the same bed. If you decide this is for you, there are many types of small bassinets or “loungers” you can use to create a space for your munchkin in your bed. Alternatively, you can get a bassinet to sit alongside your bed as well.

Co-sleeping (putting your kiddo to bed in the same room as parents) is not the same as bed sharing, which according to the American Pediatrics Association is not recommended due to safety cautions, due to the risk of SIDS.

However, some parents still find that bed sharing is the best option for them. Some munchkins may have a particularly challenging time sleeping without being near their parents, and it might be the only way for the family to get sleep. It’s critical to take precaution like using a bassinet or lounger that can provide your baby their own space in the bed.

Your infant can begin sleeping in a co-sleeper from the day they are born. Experts recommend to room-share until your child is one year old, or at least until six months, if possible.

Whether you decide to use a crib from the beginning, a bedside bassinet, or an in-bed bassinet or lounger, it’s critical to follow safety precautions to provide your tyke adequate health conditions.

With the abundance of options when it comes to co-sleeping, it can grow confusing easily. We’ll break down your choices in plain terms.

A bedside co-sleeper is an excellent option which we recommend, as opposed to in-bed co-sleepers. These types are considerably safer and encouraged by experts as well. These bedside cribs provide easy accessibility for parents, particularly when breastfeeding in the middle of the night. They also considerably reduce the risk of SIDS, which in-bed co-sleeping brings.

Many products offer many advantages. Some models offer built in sound machines to sing lullabies to your munchkin as they drift off, mobiles with plush toys hanging above, and even models which hang over your bed while still creating a safe barrier, giving you plenty of options.

If you decide that co-sleeping is the way to go for your family, we understand, and it’s critical to remember that every child is different and will present unique challenges. In-bed products can still create a reasonably safe environment for your infant, especially with technological advancements in recent years.

Plenty of options are available for parents who choose to let their tot snooze next to them. Many offer stiff sides to prevent rollover, and can even mimic a warm hug or feelings of being snuggled inside Mother’s womb, creating a cozy and comfortable environment for your new baby.

A few factors to consider when picking the right co-sleeper are safety, comfort, and proximity. Being nearby may be most important to you to keep a close eye on your child, but safety is critical.

Size is something to consider if you are looking to be cost-effective in buying products for your tot or looking for something that will grow with your child to avoid the inconvenience of looking for something new. Many bassinets offer growth options, while in-bed loungers typically do not.

When considering a mattress, most people love to curl up in a soft, fluffy bed. However, infants need a hard surface for safety. While this may sound uncomfortable, most do just fine and can even prefer it. However, it’s essential your munchkin feels cozy, so consider ventilation and the materials used when purchasing your choice.

Safety is critical to the healthy progression of your tot, and choosing an option that is reviewed extensively by experts is wise. Most experts advise buying a crib or bassinet with a mattress that is thin and firm to reduce the risk of SIDS.

A mattress that is too soft can present a risk of the child sinking into the surface or rolling over. If they’re young, they likely won’t be able to roll over to push themselves up to breathe.

With the variety of cribs, bassinets, and co-sleepers available, there are many options to add to a co-sleeper’s versatility, which can make life easier. Extras like mobiles, sounds, nightlights, and storage can make a world of difference when trying to get a newborn to sleep in the middle of the night.

Keeping your munchkin’s rest space clean and tidy is critical to the quality of their shut-eye, and inadvertently, yours. A crib or bassinet with a removable mattress cover (or multiple covers) that can be tossed in a washing machine can save you a lot of time and headaches in the future.

If your family travels often or has particular needs that should be considered when choosing a crib, there is a wide variety of products, many of which can accommodate your needs. Frequent travelers might prefer something that can easily fold up or be disassembled and reassembled with ease. Additionally, some might prefer a sleeker or fancier design to suit their home.

Getting a munchkin back to bed after a midnight feeding can be a challenge at the best of times, however, additional features like a soft nightlight can come in handy. Turning on a bright overhead light can wind up waking you both up even more, and simple additions like lights and soothing sounds can make nights a bit more relaxing.

Deciding what’s right for you could depend on a few factors. If you’re a light sleeper and would like to be as close as possible to your munchkin, bed-sharing could work out for your family, however, we don’t recommend it due to the risk of SIDS.

If you’re a heavy sleeper, bed-sharing might not be a great option due to the risk of adult rollover, so a bedside bassinet could be a good alternative. This would offer similar proximity and accessibility while keeping a safe barrier between you and your munchkin.

As stated earlier in the article, the AAP recommends your tyke sleep in the same room as parents ideally until they are one year old, or at least until they are six months. However, there has been new research done by the AAP, indicating that early independent sleepers who snooze in their own rooms from the age of four months have better sleep habits.

Research has shown that these kids stay in dreamland for longer periods of time, letting parents get better shut-eye as well.

With conflicting evidence, both from reputable sources, knowing what to do can feel overwhelming. Ultimately, deciding what will work best for your family will be a personal decision.

Either coil or foam can be excellent choices for crib mattresses, however, safety will always be the first priority. A coil mattress for your munchkin can be a bit more expensive, as the foam options will usually be cheaper. Coil mattresses are typically more comfortable, but as long as the mattress is firm (not memory foam) it should suit just fine.

Choosing which option can feel like a headache, but remember, your little one likely won’t know the difference. If they do, you can always switch to something they find more comfortable. Each baby is different and will offer their own individual needs.

Room sharing has been known to cut the risk of SIDS by around half, however, bed-sharing drastically increases the risk. This is due to the fact that babies can easily be smothered by blankets or pillows, and even overheat when surrounded by soft bedding, causing negative consequences.

An excellent alternative is a bedside bassinet with stiff walls to create a barrier between your babe and you. This can offer safety while still allowing parents the convenience of proximity and accessibility, letting parents easily breastfeed and conveniently check on their sleeping angels.

While letting your munchkin dream nearby reduces the risks of SIDS during their young months, one of the drawbacks of having your child snooze in the same room with you, is this arrangement often results in less sleep for parents. Knowing your child is nearby might make you feel better in terms of safety, however, it’s difficult to resist checking on your baby more often when they’re closeby.

There is conflicting advice regarding which arrangement is most beneficial for families in regards to slumber, however it’s wise to stick to the advice of experts when it comes to child sleep safety.