The Tot Guide to Smart Co-sleepers
Baby & Toddler Sleep expert, Lauren Olson talks about the ins and outs of the latest co-sleeping products
‘What is a Smart Co-Sleeper’ you ask? Also commonly referred to as a bassinet, a Co-Sleeper is a safe, separate sleeping area for your infant that assists in helping them to fall asleep by using a variety of techniques usually only offered by a parent. Some of these features include gentle rocking or vibrations and playing soft music.
While many parents opt to use a crib from the start, Co-sleepers offer certain benefits that some parents may prefer including:
- Enabling your baby to sleep close to you while reducing the risks of bed sharing
- Their small footprint means that they’re easily placed next to your bed
- Late night feeding sessions are easier because baby is right next to you
- If you have limited mobility or are recovering from a c-section, they make reaching for baby more convenient due to features like retractable walls and 360 degree swivel
Infant sleep cycles + How Co-sleepers work
The above diagram is an example of an Infant Sleep cycle. The idea behind these smart bassinets is to vibrate, sing, or rock your baby completely to sleep at put-down, or in between sleep cycles when a child has a partial awakening. A partial awakening is a brief arousal period where an infant may briefly open their eyes, stir slightly, or snuggle into a more comfortable position, similar to how an adult would roll over at night. However, when these brief wakings happen, a newborn baby often needs a little help falling back to sleep. Co-sleepers not only help your baby fall asleep, but also continue to soothe them using clever features like vibrations that help to connect sleep cycles leading to longer and more restful naps. Here are some of the recommended Co-sleepers from The Tot.
Tot Tested Co-sleeper picks
Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Luxe
The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Luxe is a household favorite, especially for mothers who have had a cesarean delivery and aren’t able to twist or bend after childbirth. Features include 360 degree swivel mode, a retractable wall for easy reaching, a feeding timer, vibration mode, sleep sounds and music, a tiny nightlight for late night feeds, and a mesh side to easily see baby at night. It also features two handy storage pockets for baby’s essentials. It’s no wonder the Halo Luxe tops our list for smart co-sleepers. It also has a small footprint making it great for small spaces!
Expecting twins? No problem! The Bassinest TWIN sleeper is a must. It also rotates 360-degrees for maximum convenience making it ideal for c-section recovery. The Twin features a mesh divider wall which provides maximum breathability, allowing little ones to see and comfort each other. It includes a small nightlight, sleep sounds, music and two levels of vibration. This model is height adjustable and its space saving design allows you to simply tuck it under your bed when not in use.
If the bells and whistles aren’t for you, another favorite is the eco-friendly BabyBay Bedside sleeper. Made of solid beechwood which features antibacterial properties, the Babybay is height adjustable and converts into a piece of elegant playroom furniture (kids desk or table!) once your child has grown out of it. Available in three colors – natural, white or charcoal — you’ll find one to suit any nursery décor theme!
When to stop using Co-sleepers
Your baby will be ready to transition out of the co-sleeper at around 3-4 months depending on their growth and development. If you’re nervous to make the transition (all sleep changes disrupt even the perfect sleeper!), or have a baby that still takes short naps or has trouble sleeping at night, get in touch with a local Sleep Consultant to discuss your concerns.