Arm's Reach Co-sleeper vs. Pack n Play

corinneas · May 2010

I'm working through the big items on my registry and trying to figure out if the arm's reach co-sleeper is a neccessity?! I plan on nursing and have heard that they are wonderful for night nursing, my concern is that our bed is very high and I'd have to use the extenders...which don't look very stable? Also, I'm registering for a regular graco pack n play for sure because of the ease for travel, etc. The pack n play has a bassinet feature which has a height looks pretty similar to the co-sleeper. Does anyone else have any insight in this department? I'm afraid if a nix the co-sleeper it will be difficult to get the baby in and out of the pack n play, I know about the weigh limit differences and don't think that will be a real issue because we plan on using the crib after about eight weeks. Also are the mattresses comfortable enough for everyday use in the pack n plays? Thanks!!!

Soon_2B_MrsM · May 2010

I talked to a lady who has two children and nursed them both (not twins) and she swore by the Arms Reach Co-sleeper....I registered for one on Amazon.com. Not to mention that if you by the original one instead of the mini you can use it as a pack and play later.

rlyttle · May 2010

I'm going with the Graco Pack & Play, but I was wondering which one would be the best for an infant to sleep in as well. My LO will only be in it a few months as well, then we'll use it as a "play pen" & a travel crib. At least that is what I'm thinking.

corinneas · May 2010

Well from what I've heard the co-sleeper is not easy to travel with as a pack n play is for the play yard purpose, but I have had many people tell me that they swear by the co-sleeper. Ahh decisions! I think I'm going to try to find a good deal on a co-sleeper on craigslist, I just can't fathom spending that much money (or asking someone else to) on something that we'll only be using for a few months!

Dobie_Mama · May 2010

I don't think the Arm's Reach is essential ... you'll certainly survive without it. That being said, it made life SO much easier for us. Even with the leg extenders it is very sturdy.

Soon_2B_MrsM · May 2010

Dobie_Mama:
I don't think the Arm's Reach is essential ... you'll certainly survive without it. That being said, it made life SO much easier for us. Even with the leg extenders it is very sturdy.

I love your siggy pic of your little girl, she is precious!

Dobie_Mama · May 2010

Soon_2B_MrsM:
Dobie_Mama:
I don't think the Arm's Reach is essential ... you'll certainly survive without it. That being said, it made life SO much easier for us. Even with the leg extenders it is very sturdy.
I love your siggy pic of your little girl, she is precious!

Awww ... thank you!

pennlexie · May 2010

I don't have any experience but I registered for both. We live in the city so our bedroom is not huge and the pack and play would be too large for the side of my bed. Also, I think I will tend to keep the pack and play in the living room.

tebaa8 · May 2010

I used to pack and play for DD#1. She was in it for 2 months before we moved her to her crib. I am buying a cosleeper for this baby. DD1 always wanted to be close to us when she was really little. I couldn't put the PNP next to the bed and get out myself.

ROSCO0628 · May 2010

rlyttle:
I'm going with the Graco Pack & Play, but I was wondering which one would be the best for an infant to sleep in as well. My LO will only be in it a few months as well, then we'll use it as a "play pen" & a travel crib. At least that is what I'm thinking.

This. It just seems most practical to me!

eml569 · May 2010

We bought a PNP that worked great for us. He was in it from birth to 6 months when he moved to his crib, and now it is used to block off the stairs

I think you're good with either choice.

treala05 · May 2010

I had both with DD and if doing it again, I would skip the co-sleeper. Our bed is super high (sounds like yours is too) and so the co-sleeper was never really at the same level as the bed (even with the leg extenders). I think a Pack N Play could have easily served the same purpose and saved money.

haleybeth81 · May 2010

arm reaches are good to nurse because you just scoot them over and you can see them at all times. Most pnp have a bassinet so it's not that hard to get them out but DD#1 refused to sleep in hers until she was older (she was a high needs baby). that said you can use the arm reach as a travel bed but only until they are sitting up. You could just get the pnp and then see if your LO is a good sleeper or not. I'm using the arms reach this time only because DD#1 was so fussy and I need to sleep.

eta I have the mini. the regular one becomes a pnp so that might be your best option.

RobynandJason05/06 · May 2010

My DS loved the Arms Reach Co-sleeper. We are hoping to use it again with the new baby. As for the PNP he didnt like but each kid is different. The Co-sleeper really appeared to be much more comfortable for him and in the end we felt it was one of the best investments we made.

puterbaby · May 2010

I have a PNP that I bought for when my nephews nap at my house, but I knew I couldn't use it in my bedroom due to space. I bought a mini arm's reach with leg extenders. It will be strapped to the bed, so I'm not worried about stability at all. It really seems secure to me. I can't wait to use it!

frozenjoy213 · May 2010

I used a PNP and thought it worked just fine. AS for the the mattress, it isn't much but we had our LO sleeping on a sleep positioner while in the PNP anyways. If you're using a positioner the foam in it more than makes up for the lack of mattress in the PNP.

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Arm's Reach Co-sleeper vs. Pack n Play

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