What is better – a family bed, a side bed or a separate baby bed?
Parents want their newborn child to grow up happy, safe, and always smiling. But the first weeks and years of raising a little one are not always easy. Parents have to make various decisions and constantly observe under which conditions their baby feels best. The same applies to choosing a bed for a child. The choice is quite controversial, and it's hard to decide which option is best - a co-sleeper or a crib, or perhaps sleeping with a child in one bed?
Good Sleep Influences a Child's Development
In the first weeks and months, the baby wakes up very often. Over time, sleep becomes regulated, and the baby sleeps longer and then all night. Good sleep allows a newborn to grow healthily and feel better. It's the same for adults. If you don't get enough sleep, you feel unwell and have difficulty concentrating. In a child, sleeplessness often manifests as crying. Therefore, it is very important to provide the baby with the best sleeping conditions. Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to a comfortable bed where a little one feels safe and comfortable. Parents can opt for a baby bed for parents' bed, a family bed, or a separate bed. Each of these options has its own advantages, and the choice should definitely be carefully considered. It's also worth considering living conditions and the child's needs. Some children are more independent from the start, while others don't leave their parents' side even in the first few years.
Co-sleeper – is it worth choosing?
One of the interesting variations of a children's bed is the co-sleeper. This is a bed where parents can leave a side open and place it directly next to their own bed. This option allows parents to keep a constant eye on the child during sleep and also facilitates care. At any time, the co-sleeper can be moved away from the parents' bed, and then the newborn will sleep separately. Models with different dimensions are available. Among the most popular are co-sleepers measuring 90x40 and 100x50. In such a bed, the child can sleep for up to 6 years. When buying, parents should check whether the bed is height-adjustable. Some models have up to 4 levels, so you can easily adjust the height of the bed to the child's needs. Co-sleeper, yes or no? This decision primarily depends on the parents. However, it is a significant simplification, and it is worth considering such a solution.
Crib as a co-sleeper, co-sleeper, and crib
Many parents associate a co-sleeper with a bed that can only be an extension to the parents' bed. However, this is only one of its functions. Co-sleeper or crib are, by the way, the same. With one movement, you can raise the side rails and set up the crib separately from the parents' bed. Of course, you should choose a model that offers such an option. Furthermore, it is worth checking whether the bed's construction is stable and the whole is made of robust materials. The best solution is wood, which is strong, child-safe, natural, and retains its original appearance for many years. Such beds are usually lightweight and can therefore be easily transported. It's no problem to take them on holiday.
Sleeping with a child in one bed
Many parents long for closeness and worry about their baby. Often, young mothers do not want to let their child out of their sight and sleep in one bed. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, as long as this situation does not last too long. What does that mean? It is worth getting the child used to sleeping separately from about 6 months of age. This applies not only to children who sleep with their parents in the same bed but also to newborns who sleep in a co-sleeper. There comes a time when the child must begin to be independent. Of course, there is no specific time when this should happen. Parents should carefully observe the child. If the baby is calm, causes no problems, and falls asleep quickly, parents can move the baby to their own bed or remove the co-sleeper from the parents' bed from the 6th month onwards.
Comfortable crib
Parents face a dilemma: should they choose a co-sleeper or perhaps a separate crib? Do you need a co-sleeper? Perhaps it is better to share a bed with the parents? Each option has advantages. The main thing is that the child is safe and sleeps under conditions that are comfortable for them. The firmness of the mattress is very important. Therefore, with a family bed, one should check whether it is not too soft or too hard. Cribs with accessories have the correct mattress thickness, include pillows, and a duvet with covers that are safe for the baby's skin. Therefore, such an option is a great relief for many parents and allows them to provide the newborn with ideal sleeping conditions. Regardless of whether parents choose a co-sleeper or a crib, the main thing is to choose a bed that suits the age, weight, and needs of a little one.
Updated: 2026
About the Author
Babyhafen Expert Team
For over 13 years, Babyhafen has been dedicated to safe and practical sleeping solutions for babies. Our recommendations are based on experience, customer feedback, and current safety guidelines.
Babyhafen develops cribs and co-sleepers for parents in Germany with a focus on safety, comfort, and everyday usability.