If you are expecting a baby then one of the most important things that you have to buy for them is their crib.
Navigating the wide variety of options you have available to you can be difficult, especially if you are a first-time parent, and this can be made even harder by the myriad of old wives’ tales and stories that surround certain sleeping methods.
One type of sleep that you can do with your child is co-sleeping. This is highly debated, with some people arguing that it is beneficial for your child and others arguing that it is a dangerous choice.
Despite these debates, co-sleeping is an option that many parents choose.
There are 2 forms of co-sleeping:
1) Bed-sharing, or
2) Room sharing
Regardless of which option you choose it is important to ensure co-sleeping safety.
Now that you are all set but you still have the difficult choice of choosing the best co-sleeping crib for your baby.
But don’t worry, we’ve done all of the hard work so that you don’t have to! We’ve looked through all of the different co-sleeper beds available to give you a shortlist of the 10 best on the market.
We’ve also answered all the questions that you may have about co-sleeping to ensure that choosing your baby’s crib is as stress-free as possible. So let’s get started…
Our Top 10
OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite co-sleeper bed on the market is the Mika Mickey portable bedside crib. As its name suggests, this type of co-sleeper is designed to attach to the side of your bed so that your baby is sleeping next to you without actually sharing your bed.
This crib is easy to connect to the side of your bed as it comes with 2 fastening straps which can easily connect and disconnect it from your bed.
It also comes with 7 different height adjustment options which allow you to alter this bed’s height until it matches your bed perfectly.
Finally, it comes with 2 mesh side panels which allow you to always see your baby throughout the night, making it easily one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Comes with two fastening straps which allow you to easily connect and disconnect this crib from the side of your bed
- 7 different height adjustment options make this crib suitable for absolutely any bed so you don’t have to worry about them not being compatible
- Includes 2 mesh side panels so that your baby gets a cozy but breathable area to sleep in, and a side panel that can be easily opened when you want to co-sleep
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
EDITORS CHOICE
Another excellent choice is the MamiBaby Baby Nest Sleeper. This is an excellent option if you want to bed-share but are concerned of the potential increased risks that come with this type of sleep.
This nest-style bed is designed with 360-degree protective cotton padding which surrounds the outside of the bed to prevent your baby from rolling out of the bed or you rolling onto it.
Additionally, it is made with child-safe material which is breathable and hypoallergenic so that your child’s safety is at the center of this design.
Finally, this sleeper is available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it effortlessly one of the best options available.
Pros
- Nest style co-sleeper bed is available in a variety of color patterns so that you can choose the one which suits your decor or your preferences
- Made with child-safe material that is 100% breathable and hypoallergenic so that your baby’s safety is always the top priority
- Includes a 360-degree protective cotton padding so that you and your baby can bed-share without the risks that come with this type of co-sleeping
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
BEST VALUE
This fantastic 3-in-1 multifunction co sleeper is definitely one that should be on your short list.
This 3-in-1 is a baby bedside sleeper, baby cradle, and a standalone baby bassinet.
As a bedside sleeper the Angelbliss makes use of it unique double design legs that not only adjusts the height of the bassinet but provides additional stability. The retractable base allows the bassinet to move snuggly alongside your bed. This ensures there is no gap between your bed and bassinet.
The guardrail can be lowered with a gentle twist, to provide easy access when your little one requires comfort. Rest assured, the guardrail still prevents your baby from rolling out while lowered.
The bedside sleeper can quickly be converted to a cradle or standalone bassinet mode without the need for any tools.
The height of the bassinet, from floor to mattress, is 20" (50cm), not the 34" (86cm) as quoted which is from floor to top of bassinet. Ensure this measurement lines up with the height of your bed.
Pros
- Mattress included
- Mesh sides
- Guardrail is easy to use and quiet
- Side storage pockets
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Challenging to find sheets that fit the mattress - Tip: sheets for the Mika Mickey fit perfectly.
- Cradle mode works better on carpet than hard floors
- Wheels only move in single direction
RUNNER UP
We also love the Arm’s Reach Clear Vue Co-Sleeper. Similar to the last bed which we looked at, this co-sleeper is also highly versatile as it can be used as a bed-side co-sleeper and a free-standing bassinet depending on what you need.
It is designed with a sturdy metal base and covered with mesh material which provides a safe barricade for your baby, and also allows you to see into the crib whenever you need to, even if you are using it as a stand-alone bassinet.
Finally, this crib comes with bassinet wheels which allow you to move the crib around your home without needing to wake your baby up, so there’s no doubt that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Highly versatile design allows this crib to be used as a bed-side co-sleeper and as a freestanding bassinet
- Designed with mesh material to cover the sides so that you can always easily see your baby while they sleep
- The base of this crib uses castor wheels to allow you to easily move this crib around the home so you don’t have to wake up your baby when you want to move rooms
Cons
- Castor wheels mean you shouldn’t use this when your child becomes more mobile
RUNNER UP
Additionally, you should think about buying the Cloud Baby Co-Sleeping Bassinet.
This is an excellent choice if you want a bassinet that your baby will be able to use past the first few months of their life, as this bed is designed to be larger than average so that it can be used with babies up to 6 months of age.
It is also height adjustable through 9 different options which guarantee that it will match to the height of your existing bed.
Finally, this bassinet is also incredibly easy to construct and put together which guarantees that it will be a stress-free experience. So if you are looking for a co-sleeper bed, this is a great option.
Pros
- Full-size bassinet design means that this crib will be suitable for your baby until they reach 6 months of age, so it is worth the investment
- Includes 9 different height adjustment options meaning that this crib will fit to the size of lots of different beds, you do not need to change your bed to match the crib
- Comes with easy to follow instructions to set this crib up ready for use so that putting together your child’s bed will be a stress-free experience
Cons
- Bigger than average design means that standard ‘crib’ size sheets will be too small
RUNNER UP
Another wonderful option is the UniLove Bassinet and Bedside Sleeper.
This bed is excellent for parents who need versatility from their crib as it allows your baby to have their own bed when necessary, but it also allows you to easily access your baby during the night for feeding time and cuddles when they cry.
It is also designed to be safe for your baby to use, with breathable fabric on both lengths of the bassinet for excellent air circulation.
But, one of the best things about this crib is that it gives parents peace of mind as it has safety straps that allow you to secure the crib to your own bed during the night. So this is definitely one of the best co-sleepers available.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality makes this a very versatile crib allowing your baby to have their own space, but also allowing you to easily access them for night feeds and cuddles
- Breathable fabric on both lengths of the bassinet to ensure your baby gets excellent airflow throughout the night when used as a standalone crib
- Additional safety features, including safety straps that attach to the bottom of your bed when used as a co-sleeper, give you peace of mind while you and your baby sleep
Cons
- The mattress is a non-standard size which makes getting a replacement difficult
RUNNER UP
You should also consider the Abreeze Baby Lounger Portable Co-Sleeper.
This is a nest-style bed that is designed with your baby’s safety at the heart as it is built with mesh panels and hypoallergenic material to keep your baby safe at all times.
This bed is also extremely versatile, making it a great choice for parents who are regularly on the move.
But the best thing about this co-sleeper is that it is designed to imitate the experience of being in the mother’s womb which helps with newborn sleep problems, and also allows your baby to get a better night’s sleep.
So it is clear that this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- Breathable design including mesh panels and hypoallergenic material ensures your baby’s sensitive skin will be safe and they will be able to breathe easily
- The design imitates the experience your baby had in your womb allowing them to sleep easier which helps a lot with newborn sleep issues
- Extremely versatile build allows you to use this co-sleeper on a bed, as a side sleeper, for tummy time, and also as a changing station, making it a great choice for parents on the go
Cons
- The quality of materials used is equivalent to the price that you pay for this co-sleeper
RUNNER UP
Alternatively, the RONBEI Bedside Baby Bassinet is a brilliant option. This is another wonderful choice as it comes with adjustable height and adjustable feet so that you can tailor this crib to fit perfectly to your bedside.
It is built with a sturdy metal base that is covered with mesh paneling so that your child will be safe and protected while they sleep.
This bed also comes with a sound box that can play soothing music to rock your baby to sleep and a detachable toy that also aids in getting your baby to sleep.
With all of these brilliant features considered, there is no question that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Adjustable height and feet allow you to tailor this crib so that it fits perfectly beside your bed
- Comes with a sound box that plays soothing music and a detachable toy that will draw your baby’s attention and help them go to sleep
- Built with sturdy and durable material as its base and mesh paneling on both sides to ensure your child is safe and protected whenever they sleep in this bassinet
Cons
- Larger than average size means it is unsuitable for small bedrooms
RUNNER UP
You may also decide to buy the Kids Club Baby Bedside Sleeper.
This bed is designed with a strong aluminum frame which ensures it will last for years to come, this frame is covered with comfortable fabric which is skin-friendly and allows your baby to sleep peacefully.
It is designed to be versatile allowing you to use it as a bedside sleeper or as a standalone crib and is also incredibly easy to build with no tools required for its assembly.
With all of this considered, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- High-strength aluminum frame is covered with comfortable skin-friendly fabric so that your baby can sleep comfortably and peacefully
- Easy to put together with no tools needed, ensuring a stress-free process of putting your child’s crib together
- Can be used as a stand-alone bassinet or as a bedside sleeper depending on your situation making it perfect for daytime naps
Cons
- Doesn’t include storage pockets like some beds of this style do
RUNNER UP
Finally, we would recommend the BabyDelight Snuggle Nest. This is unique to the other co-sleepers we have looked at as it comes with walls that make it more like a basket rather than a bed.
This unique design makes this type of co-sleeper even safer as these walls are guaranteed to ensure you do not roll onto your child’s bed and they don’t roll out of it.
Additionally, this co-sleeper comes with a waterproof mattress, a nightlight, and a sound unit which ensure that getting your baby to sleep will be made easier by this bed.
So it’s absolutely clear that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- All of the “walls” are made of mesh which is easily breathable and perfectly safe for your baby to sleep in
- Tall walls separate you from your baby which reduces some of the risks of bed-sharing
- A waterproof mattress, a nightlight, and a sound unit make this nest a one-stop-shop for usability and getting your baby to sleep easier
Cons
- The mattress padding of this bed is hard and can wake the baby up when you lay them down
Buyer’s Guide
How to Select a Bedside Bassinet or Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper
Choosing between a bedside bassinet and an arm’s reach co-sleeper can be a difficult task.
The beds we have looked at above are some of the best available on the market, this is the criteria we judged them on.
Design
One of the most important things that you need to consider when choosing a bedside bassinet or co-sleeper for your baby is the design.
For your baby to be able to sleep in the bed it will have to be comfortable, and the main features for the comfort come from the design of the crib.
When you are looking for comfort, one of the most common mistakes is people choosing a soft mattress and bedding as this suggests it will be comfortable.
But in reality, it actually tends to be firmer mattresses that provide more comfort than softer ones.
You want your baby to sleep during the time they are in their crib or bed, so it is very important that the crib that you buy has a tranquil design that will encourage your baby to sleep.
This includes the colors and patterns of the material used in the design of the bed, and also the materials that are used. It is best to choose low-key colors which are more neutral in tone than eye-catching as this will encourage your baby to sleep.
If you choose a patterned crib, it is best to choose a pattern that your baby will associate with sleep rather than something they may find exciting, such as stars or clouds.
A final thing that is key when considering the design of the crib is how easy it is to use. Throughout the time that your child is a newborn, they will use the crib a lot, so ease of use is very important for a stress-free experience.
Safety
Another vitally important thing that you need to consider when choosing between a bedside bassinet and arm’s reach co-sleeper, is the safety of the one you are considering buying.
As we have said, your child will spend a lot of time in their crib, so it is very important that you buy one which will keep them safe while they are in there.
Safety is vitally important whether you are considering a bedside bassinet or a co-sleeper, one is not considered more dangerous than the other simply because your baby will be sleeping on your bed with you.
The majority of cribs are designed with safety in mind, but any crib or bassinet can become dangerous if you do not use it in the way that you are supposed to.
You may not intentionally break the advised ways of using these cribs, but as you will be sleeping alongside your baby, there is always the risk that you could unintentionally put them in harm's way.
There is only one way to see if either type of bed is safe for your sleeping pattern, and that is to test them. It is best to do this while you are still pregnant, especially if you are considering a sleeper that stays on your bed during the night.
Before you have the baby, trial sleeping with the sleeper on your bed to see whether you roll onto it during the night and if this action wakes you up.
This will give you a better idea of whether or not this is a safe option for you and help you decide which type of bed will be the best for when your baby arrives.
Multi-Function
Something else that you might want to consider before you choose a co-sleeper bed for your baby is the multiple different functions that the bed offers.
The primary job of the bassinet or co-sleeper is for your baby to sleep in it, so it is very important that any additional functions do not interfere with this ability.
But there are some additional functions that some co-sleepers and bassinets offer to aid this which can help your baby go to sleep easier.
These functions often include an additional night light which can be very helpful for nighttime feeds as it is much less harsh than your bedroom light on the eyes.
They also often include storage pockets or drawers below the bed so that you can keep baby essentials at arm’s reach whenever you need them.
A final feature that some beds also include is a 3-in-1 ability which allows you to use the crib as a bedside sleeper and also as a stand-alone bed so you can alter it to fit your needs.
Washable
Finally, something that is very important to look for in a co-sleeping bed is whether or not the bedding can be washed.
Babies often have accidents and this can cause a mess on the bedding, so washability is something that is very important.
Before you purchase a co-sleeper, you should check out how easy it is to wash it as this is a deciding factor on whether or not this is a good choice for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I use a co-sleeper?
The majority of co-sleeping beds, including bedside bassinet and arm’s reach co-sleeping beds, are designed for babies to use up until the age of 5 months.
By the time your child reaches 5 months or begins to push up on their hands and knees, they will have outgrown their co-sleeping bed and should move into a crib that is better suited to their developmental needs.
If my baby co-sleeps will they ever be willing to go to their room?
Yes, even if your child has started out their life using a co-sleeping bed, they will eventually be able to move into their own bedroom.
It is incredibly common for people to have their children co-sleep with them during the early stages of infancy, but all children will eventually move onto their own room.
It is recommended that you move your child into their own room between the ages of 4-6 months, which coincides with the age at which they most commonly outgrow their co-sleeper bed.
Do bedside bassinets or in-bed sleepers increase risk of SIDS?
There are a lot of parents who still have concerns about co-sleeping due to reports that it has been linked to a greater risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
Every bed that you could buy your child will come with the risk of SIDS, but bed-sharing does increase the risk of this.
However, having your child sleep in the same room as you in their crib or bassinet beside your bed is perfectly safe, and does not increase the risk of SIDS.
I am a light sleeper, should I co-sleep?
A lot of parents question whether or not co-sleeping is a good choice for them based on their existing sleeping patterns.
Some people are naturally light sleepers, others are naturally heavy sleepers, but does this impact whether or not co-sleeping is a good idea?
If you are a light sleeper, there is nothing preventing you from co-sleeping with your child.
Most of the time, your child will wake you up during the night regardless of whether or not you are a light sleeper, so you should not allow this to put you off of co-sleeping.
I am a heavy sleeper, can I bed-share?
Bed-sharing is not advised as it has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, due to babies becoming overheated or obstructed by the various items on your bed.
If you are a heavy sleeper this is even worse as it means you may not be awoken by your child’s cries if they end up in a dangerous position.
So we would advise against bed-sharing, especially if you are a heavy sleeper. But room sharing is a perfectly safe option, even if you are a heavy sleeper.
What is the safest thing for a newborn baby to sleep in?
For the first 6 months of their life, the safest place for your newborn baby to sleep is in the same room as you.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your child should bed-share, it simply means that they should stay in your bedroom with you so that you will be able to hear their cries easier.
Bed-sharing should be avoided if your baby was born prematurely, had a low birth weight, or if you or your partner smoke regularly (even if you do not smoke in bed) as these factors can increase the risk of SIDS.
Is a foam or coil mattress better for baby?
When you are choosing your baby’s mattress, you have 2 options: foam or coil, but which one is the best? Both types of mattresses are great, and because of this it is difficult to place a label on which is the best, it all depends on what you are looking for.
If you want to buy a mattress for your child’s cot that will last for years to come then a coil mattress is the better choice.
It all depends on your personal wants and needs.
What are the negative effects of co-sleeping?
While there are some clear benefits of co-sleeping, there are some negative effects that this activity could have on both you and your baby.
These include your child developing a sleep crutch and becoming unable to sleep without you, an increase in anxious behaviors displayed by your child, and the fact that not everyone has the same bedtime.
This can impact the quality of sleep, and also potentially your relationship with your partner if they struggle to sleep.
Finally, there is also the fact that some types of co-sleeping (bed-sharing) increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation when your child is a newborn, so you really need to consider if co-sleeping is worth the drawbacks before you choose to do it.
What is the difference between an in-bed sleeper and a bassinet?
There are two main types of co-sleeper beds, they are in-bed co-sleepers and bed-side bassinets.
In-bed co-sleepers are beds that stay on your bed during the night, providing a safe option for parents who want to bed-share but are worried about the negative effects of this.
Whereas, bassinets are a bed-side option for co-sleeping, as they allow you to keep your child close to you without having to physically share a bed with them. Neither is necessarily better, it just depends on the experience that you want to have with your baby.
