Co-sleeping kind of does exactly what it says on the tin. In many ways, it is easy, natural and straightforward. A lot of people find themselves co-sleeping because it is the best way to get decent sleep for the whole family. It can also make breastfeeding a lot easier as the baby is always close to you. Regardless of your reason for getting there, it is important that cosleeping is as comfortable and safe as possible for you and your child. 

• A good quality baby video monitor. If you are co-sleeping your child may start the night in their own bed or cot but for many parents the baby or child does not settle anywhere other than in the parent’s bed. If you need to leave the bed to stick on a wash or eat some dinner you’ll want to have the peace of mind that a video monitor gives you. Your bed may not offer the same safety that a cot would for example. You’ll be able to keep an eye on the baby’s position in the bed to ensure that they are safe and happy.
• A bed rail. When your baby is mobile a bed rail is extremely important even when you are in the bed with them. It is extremely dangerous for your baby to roll or crawl off the bed. You can pick these up for €15/20 and they offer great reassurance.
• Good quality flat sheets. As part of the safe co-sleeping guidelines, it is important that your bed has flat fitted sheets rather than sheets that can come loose and become a hazard for a small baby.
• A good black-out blind. When your baby or child is sleeping in the bed with you they have a constant reason to fully wake up and start the day when they see your face. A black-out blind will give you the best chance of them nodding off again as the dark room suggests that it is very much still sleeping time.
• Bed mats for under your fitted sheets. These have been designed to be placed in your child’s cot or bed in case they have an accident or their nappy leaks. They protect the mattress and make the clean up a whole lot easier. Cleaning a large double mattress is a lot more difficult than a children’s one so we recommend popping one of these down on the side of the bed that your child tends to sleep. You may never need it but if you do you will thank yourself for this one.
• A baby sleeping bag. These have become really popular and we can see why. Coming in a variety of different tog options they are the perfect solution for a baby who kicks their blankets away throughout the night. Using one of these means you will feel reassured that your baby is warm enough without over-heating. As part of the safe co-sleeping recommendations, it is important to never put your own duvet on the baby.
• Glow in the dark soothers. If your baby is a soother-user you’ll want to make as little fuss and noise as possible when they look for it throughout the night. A glow in the dark one is a really practical option and they are readily available these days.