Arms Reach co-sleeper

tiggernorton04 · March 2009

I posted on Babies 0-6 and 6-12 but I'm wondering if anybody is planning on using a co-sleeper? I am planning on keeping the baby in our room for the first few months and I like how the baby will be right there with the co-sleeper. But I've heard that the mattress is flimsy and hard and some people use a mattress pad or portable crib mattress on top. Is anybody thinking of using a co-sleeper or have you used one before? Thanks!

Moiselle · March 2009

I too, thought this would be a great solution. But upon inspecting it in peson, I decided it was too flimsy and made out of cheap materials. Not only that...it only went up to my mid thigh.

MrsBeckO · March 2009

We have an Arm's Reach mini-cosleeper and I've only heard good things about it from family and friends. The mattress (well, mat) it comes with is the same you'd see with a PNP, so I never worried about it because if we didn't have this, we'd be using the bassinet attachment of our PNP anyway.

Infants are supposed to sleep on a firm surface anyhow. ?

MrsBeckO · March 2009

Moiselle:
Not only that...it only went up to my mid thigh.

Arm's Reach makes risers for those who have taller beds. Just FYI. ?

Brittany Goldman · March 2009

I am registering for a co-sleeper. I plan to keep my baby next to me, as well. Quite honestly, it seems like a lot more work to make your baby sleep away from you then have to get up all night to check on them. I have read that some people don't like the mattress, but the baby doesn't really need something super soft and cushy, especially if you are just going to use a sleep positioner to lay them on their back, anyway. I would still say go for it, especially if you are planning on breastfeeding. I am looking forward to just being able to flop out a boob and going back to sleep!

Mama Jan · March 2009

We are going to use the mini co-sleeper and I didn't notice any problems with the mattress. I will take it out and look at it again now that you've said this.

With DS, we used a bassinet and I didn't like that. I wanted to be able to reach him easier.

To the pp who said they only go to mid-thigh -- it should be about the height of your mattress, maybe a little lower. If it's not, you need to compare your bed's height to the height listed on different arms reach co-sleepers. They also have leg extensions if you need them to go higher.

tiggernorton04 · March 2009

Well I think you still have to reach for them and all--but I do plan on nursing and I do think it will be much easier to have the baby right there. How long can you use a sleep positioner for? I was considering the snuggle nest too.

sandollar · March 2009

We are planning on using one. We looked at the original in the store and found it very big and very difficult to put the side down - DH hurt his hand trying to get the plastic side rail out of the bracket thing. The mini seems a little more manageable but doesn't work as a playpen. Not perfect, but they are the only product that attaches right to the bed so I think we will get one anyway. I don't want to lift the baby over any rails while breast feeding at night! ?

LoveEeyore · March 2009

I co slept with DD on a bed in her room and had planned to do the same (not to start a big argument over whether anyone else would do it) with this baby. But this baby is "these babies" and I am concerned about being in tune with 2 babies, so I will get the co sleeper. That's the one pedi tried to talk me into with DD so if pedi thinks that's a good one, that's what I'll go with.