Nap time should be a chance for you to catch up on some much-needed rest, right? A sweet opportunity to wind down and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. But if you have a baby, chances are naptime is anything but peaceful. In fact, it can be downright stressful trying to get your little one to sleep through the night without waking up every two hours.

Not to mention the fact that many newly-baked mums are wracked with anxiety about which positions their little one is sleeping in and the potential mishaps that may arise from twisting and turning into unnatural shapes. But what if there was a way for you to create a safe and healthy sleeping environment for your baby without all the fuss? Enter the co sleeper crib.

What Are the Benefits of Co-Sleeper Cribs?

Basically, these are mini bassinets that are designed to fit snugly against your bed, allowing you and your baby to sleep peacefully side-by-side. And while there are different types of co sleeper cribs on the market, they all offer the same advantages in terms of safety, convenience, and bonding opportunities.

Easy Breastfeeding

We all know that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish your baby, but it’s not always easy to do. There’s the constant worry of whether or not you’re doing it right, the fatigue that comes with being up all night, and the general lack of sleep. Not to mention all the moving around and position shifting that’s required to get your baby latched on properly.

But with a co-sleeper crib, all of that changes. These nifty little bassinets make it easy to breastfeed your little one without having to get out of bed or even sit up. Simply roll over, pull up the side of the crib, and voila! You’re in the perfect position to feed your baby without all the hassle.

Convenient and Adjustable

Co-sleepers are also extremely convenient, especially for new parents who are still getting used to the whole sleep deprivation thing. Let’s be honest, those first few weeks (or months) are tough. You’re exhausted, your baby is crying, and you can’t seem to get anything done.

But having this kind of baby cot next to your bed means that you can easily tend to your little one throughout the night without having to get up and walk over to their crib every time they make a peep. And if you need to, you can even adjust the height and incline of the co sleeper to match your bed, making it easier to reach over and pick up your newborn without straining your back.

Stable and Portable

Unlike regular cribs, co-sleepers are designed to be stable and able to withstand a fair amount of movement without tipping over. This is important for obvious reasons, but it’s also helpful if you have an active sleeper who likes to move around a lot at night.

Additionally, most models come with built-in wheels, which makes them easy to transport from room to room. This comes in handy when you need to take your baby with you to another room as you go about your day-to-day activities. And if you’re travelling, many of them can be easily dismantled and packed away in a suitcase without taking up too much space.

Constant Snuggles

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cuddling up next to your sleeping baby – that newborn smell, the soft coos and whimpers, the little fingers clutching at your shirt. It’s a moment of pure bliss that every parent cherishes.

But if your baby is in a separate room, it can be hard to enjoy those special moments as often as you’d like. When the little one has its own space right next to your bed, you can easily reach over for a quick snuggle or kiss between feedings.

Additional Considerations

Sure, co sleepers have a wealth of benefits, but they still differ in certain areas. Some are bigger than others, some have more features than others, and some are definitely more expensive. Let’s take a look at how these factors can influence your decision.

Size

The size of the bed is inherently linked to the size of the baby, with smaller options better suited for newborns and larger models being more comfortable for older infants. But it’s also worth considering the size of your bed when making a decision.

If you have a small bed, you might want to opt for a mini co-sleeper that can be placed right next to you without taking up too much space. Or if you have a larger one, you might prefer a full-size model that gives your little one more room to move around.

Comfort Features

Some models come with extra features that can make them even more comfortable both for you and your baby. For example, some have built-in rocking functions that can help soothe your baby back to sleep, while others come with music players and night lights to create a calming atmosphere.

Cleaning and Maintenance

As with any bedding product, you’ll need to wash the sheets and blankets regularly. And since babies tend to get messy quite often, it’s important to choose a model that’s easy to clean.

Some have removable and machine-washable covers, while others come with waterproof linings that can be wiped down quickly and easily. And if you’re using cloth diapers, you might want to look for a model with a mesh panel that allows air to circulate and helps prevent diaper rash.

Cost

While we all want what’s best for our babies, not all of us have the means to splurge on the most expensive products on the market. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t sacrifice quality or safety.

To get the best value for your money, look for a model with all the features you need and that’s easy to clean and maintain. And if you’re not sure which one is right for you, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for their opinion.