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Bloom Alma Crib vs. Arm's Reach Cosleeper for 2nd baby??

nylalanynylalany member
in Nurseries and Baby Gear

I used the Argington Bam bassinet for our first child, but the bassinet converted into the ends of the Argington Bam crib, which he is still using (he is under 2). Ideally, we'd like him to stay in the crib for another year, and thus I'm looking for a solution for my 2nd baby, who is due in a few wks. 

Someone is selling the Bloom Alma Mini Crib on craigslist, including the organic mattress, sheets, mattress pad, and breathable bumper, for $300. It is narrow enough for me to put by my bedside and still be able to get around it to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and basically the same length as the Arm's Cosleeper, in terms of the baby's growth potential. The mattress looks more sturdy than the cosleeper and the crib offers bassinet level and regular level for when the baby gets bigger/more mobile. it is also much prettier than the cosleeper :).  I'm wondering if anyone has used the Bloom Alma crib for their baby and if so, how long it lasted for them, and if they were happy with the crib. Did it feel too narrow for the baby as he got bigger?

A friend lent me her Arm's Reach Cosleeper original. Besides not really matching my decor, with it next to my bed, I can't even get out of bed or get around it. I'd probably want to buy the $120 organic mattress to go in it (as I'm paranoid like that - has anyone tried the organic mattress?).  The cosleeper seems a lot like a pack 'n play - not super sturdy like a crib. I'm wondering if anyone used the Cosleeper as a crib after you were done cosleeping (I don't want to have the baby in our room past 5 months b/c it makes it harder to sleep train). Can it be used as a crib? I can't decide if it is worth the extra $ to buy the Bloom Alma or not...

Thanks a ton! 

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Re: Bloom Alma Crib vs. Arm's Reach Cosleeper for 2nd baby??

  • salbert79salbert79
    I used to work in a baby boutique and we sold the Bloom Alma. Supposedly, the mini-crib was supposed to sleep a baby until they were about 2 years old. I think that's really pushing it, but it would last quite a while. I think for you, it would depend on how long you are going to use it next to your bed. If you want to use it for a few months, maybe just do the co-sleeper. However, if you have family in town, you could pass the Alma to them and they could keep it folded in a closet. I don't think you could go wrong with either, as long as the Alma doesn't break your budget. :)
    BabyFruit Ticker
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  • GirlWithTheMostCakeGirlWithTheMostCake member
    I have the Alma and love it. We kept it in our room int he beginning and the crib was in the baby's room. Since the mattress isn't waterproof, I'd just beware of using a used one. You have no idea if that mattress was ever wet and if mold could be on the inside. You just don't know if the previous owner always had the pad on it. That would be my only concern.
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  • nylalanynylalany member

    Ideally, we'd like the baby in there for a year. Probably next to our bed for the first 5 months, then probably sharing a room with our toddler (or maybe in the hallway if they keep each other up). 

    I wasn't sure if you can use the Arm's Reach Cosleeper as a crib, rather than a cosleeper, separate from the bed safely?

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  • nylalanynylalany member
    Oh yuck. I didn't think of that. I thought it was naturally mold resistent? That was part of the appeal - the organic mattress she is selling with it (along with the mattress pad). I guess there is no way to check?
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  • nylalanynylalany member
    Girlwiththemostcake, How long did you use the Alma for your baby?
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  • JellyBeensJellyBeens
    We have the Bloom mini crib and LO still uses it at 13 mos. I think it's a great value and love the look of it, we did not get the Arm's Reach because it didn't look comfy or cute haha.
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  • nylalanynylalany member
    JellyBeens - 13 months? That is great to hear! Do you think I should be worried about the previously owned mattress potentially having mold?
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  • JellyBeensJellyBeens
    I would visually inspect it and go from there. Honestly my kid has never had a blowout or anything in her crib... but I might be in the minority. Who knows. We also have crib mattress protector/ cover thingy plus sheet saver in case she has an accident at night... so I would probably believe the owners when they say no stains, etc. I guess I wouldn't be too concerned about it because I think if there was mold or anything, you would see it, right? Good luck!
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