Co-sleeper

A co-sleeper is a specialized piece of baby furniture designed to allow an infant to sleep in close proximity to their parents' bed while maintaining separate sleeping surfaces. This promotes the benefits of bed-sharing, such as easier nighttime feeding, bonding, and responsiveness to the infant's needs, while mitigating the risks associated with traditional bed-sharing like accidental smothering or entrapment. Co-sleepers typically attach securely to the parent's bed, featuring a side that can be lowered or removed for easy access to the baby, and offer a safe, enclosed space for the infant to rest. The overall aim is to foster a feeling of closeness and security for both the infant and parents during the critical early stages of development.

Co-sleeper meaning with examples

• Sarah was initially hesitant about co-sleeping, but her pediatrician recommended a co-sleeper for the first few months. The co-sleeper allowed her to easily soothe her newborn during nighttime feedings, resulting in better sleep for both her and the baby, and fostered a deeper sense of security. It proved to be a worthwhile investment for her family.
• When choosing a co-sleeper, consider the dimensions of your bed and the available space in your bedroom. Ensure the co-sleeper meets all safety standards, including breathable mesh sides and a firm, flat sleeping surface. The co-sleeper also needs to be easily adjustable to match the height of your bed. Many options are available.
• The co-sleeper provided convenience and safety, making it easier to monitor the baby throughout the night. It also provided a safe place to put the baby while you attended to other tasks, like feeding, changing diapers, or just resting. The sides of the co-sleeper gave some measure of protection from possible hazards.
• Some parents choose a co-sleeper to ease the transition from their arms to their own crib or bassinet. The close proximity helps the baby feel secure. Because the co-sleeper is easy to move, some parents will move it to different rooms so they can continue to keep their baby close by for short periods.
• While the co-sleeper worked out well for them initially, the Johnson family transitioned their baby to a crib in their own room after six months. The co-sleeper offered a convenient interim solution for the early months of infancy. The co-sleeper gave both parent and baby time to adjust to changes at a comfortable pace.