For the ease of shopping, these are all my favorite amazon finds. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Similar to breastfeeding, cosleeping comes with minimal costs! Yay! Believe it or not, when my second child arrived, I skipped setting up a traditional nursery altogether. No crib, no bassinet, no swaddles, no extra sound machine—the list goes on...
So, what did I opt for to begin bed sharing, and what factors should you consider if you're thinking of doing the same?
#1 A firm mattress
Certainly, here's a revised version:
Check the firmness of your mattress; you shouldn't sink into it. Remove any mattress toppers or foam additions. A firm mattress is the safest option. Based on a selection of Amazon reviews, here are some top firm mattresses that are budget-friendly!
Firm Mattress Recommendation: BedStory Full Mattress 12 Inch, Deep Sleep Firm Mattress Extra Lumbar Support CHECK OUT HERE: (https://amzn.to/4bius0I)
EGOHOME 14 inch Firm King Mattress, Memory Foam Mattress with Cooling Cover, CHECK OUT HERE:https://amzn.to/4bOwPs8
koorlian King Size Mattress, 12 Inch King Mattress in a Box, CHECK OUT HERE: https://amzn.to/4bN0mlX
#2 Mattress protector
When searching for a mattress protector, I aimed for one that was easy to remove (not full coverage/zipper), washable, soft, and not crunchy/noisy.The one linked here is fantastic because it's stretchy, soft, and produces no sound when moving in and out of bed. It creates a barrier between your mattress and any accidents!
Waterproof Mattress Protector, CHECK OUT HERE : https://amzn.to/3WMepE7
#3 Sleep sack / wearable blanket
Wearable blankets are a much safer choice compared to traditional blankets that could potentially cover a baby's face at night. With these, babies stay covered and warm without the risk of their face being obstructed. I suggest having 4-5 on hand in case of accidents during the night. They also make wonderful baby shower gifts and come in a wide variety of colors!
KYTE BABY Unisex Rayon Sleeping Bag for Babies and Toddlers, CHECKOUT HERE : https://amzn.to/3Kd38VS
#4: Sound machine
This sound machine easily connects to your phone for effortless adjustments! It's my personal favorite and has lasted us for years. The ocean setting, in particular, is fantastic. Remember to keep it at a safe distance and not too loud; we prefer it at 20% volume on the ocean setting, placed on the counter of our shared bathroom.
Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, Night Light, CHECK OUT HERE:
#5 Night light
A soft night light can make a significant difference when tending to your baby in the middle of the night. I advise against plug-in lights that a child could easily unplug from the outlet while crawling out of bed. Instead, opt for a rechargeable night light or one connected to an outlet that's out of reach.
WYZE Rechargeable Night Lights with Dusk to Dawn & Motion Sensors, CHECK OUT HERE:
#6 Baby monitor
Having options is a real plus, whether it's watching the monitor through the app or directly on the monitor screen. The ability of the camera to move is a feature I particularly adore! It allows me to keep an eye on both kids and adjust the camera if they've shifted from their original positions. The switching on and off process is quick, and the camera quality is absolutely top-notch!
Our favorite monitor is the Vtech Upgraded Smart Wifi Baby Monitor (https://amzn.to/3WOxKo3)
#7 Gap filler
Depending on the type of trim in your room and the bed frame you have, there might be a gap between your mattress and the wall. It's important to fill these gaps, whether with rolled-up towels or a pool noodle. Personally, I prefer using one of these wedges under the sheet to create a deterrent from the edge of the mattress.
Wedge Pillow for Headboard Upgraded Bed Gap Filler, CHECK OUT HERE:
#8 Floor bed frame
Opting for a floor bed frame is the safest choice, given the potential risks involved. Additionally, it's important to cover any sharp edges with a corner pad, which I'll also link here for your convenience!
4 Inch Bed Frame King Size Low Profile, CHECK OUT HERE: https://amzn.to/3Vbttdl
Furniture Edge and Corner Guards | 20.4ft Protective Foam Cushion, CHECK OUT HERE: https://amzn.to/3yyqmmU
#9 Child proofing for outlets, bathrooms
Considering a toddler's ability to crawl out of bed, it's crucial to childproof the entire room. Ensure outlets are covered and cords are kept up and away! Here are some outlet covers that provided peace of mind in our cosleeping environment.
Safety Innovations Twin Door Baby Safety Outlet Cover Box for Babyproofing Outlets, CHECK OUT HERE: https://amzn.to/4bK7mjt
#10 Soft Floor Pad
Here's a crucial addition to our cosleeping setup: a thick floor pad. Why is it needed, you might wonder? It serves as a safety net in case your toddler moves out of bed unexpectedly. While I recommend this specific floor bed, you can cover it with a cute washable accent rug! When not in use for sleeping, you can easily slide it back under the bed. You have the option to choose a waterproof version or a foldable twin mattress. Personally, I prefer the foldable twin mattress because it's versatile; great for vacations, building forts in the living room, and can serve as a mattress when transitioning them into their own room.
Dynarex Bedside Bi-Fold Foam Floor Mat - Waterproof Safety Floor Mat, CHECK OUT HERE: https://amzn.to/3UUkkEA
Lazyzizi Folding Mattress, 4 Inch Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress, CHECK OUT HERE:
Cosleeping CAN be safe if done with careful planning, preparation, and proper setup of the space. The key is to minimize the sleeping area, childproof the space thoroughly, transition to a low-profile bed or mattress, and provide extra padding on the nearby floor. Always remember to remove any excess pillows and blankets too.
I hope these tips help! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I'm here to assist you with any concerns or queries you may have!
XOXO Kerry
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