Arm's Reach Cosleeper: A Top Choice
Author Name: Heidi Holvoet, PhD
The Arm's
Reach Co-Sleeper is a top
brand
offering a wonderfully safe bedside crib, or sidecar bassinet. These cosleepers
attach
securely
to the parents' bed in a unique way and are
adjustable to different bed and mattress sizes and heights.
The conversions to a stand-alone crib - quite important for when you
move
baby to her own room later on - play pen or even a bench are a great
plus.
This helps make up for the price tag because you don't need to buy
those items separately.
Why choose an Arm's Reach Cosleeper?
The products of this company have gained themselves a strong reputation. They
are
sturdy, reliable and
safe
.
They are easy to assemble and attach safely.
(Not attaching safely is the dreadful risk of non-certified or lesser quality sidecar cribs).
Each cosleeper model
converts
to a free-standing bassinet
too, which is simply a must.
One day you will want baby to sleep independently, in your room but
away
from your bedside or in her own room. A simple conversion make this
possible, upping the value of your investment in this crib.
Most models
also
convert to a playard and/or a
changing table
and actually extends the life and value of it even more - until long
after baby
outgrows it to sleep in.
Good examples are the
Original
(pictured above right), the
Universal
and the
Mini-Convertible
.
Even the Arm's Reach Mini Co-Sleeper Bassinet (picture here) offers this conversion. And being an honorable mini , it has the added benefit of being a tad smaller and less cumbersome. That makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
Review my detailed advice for when your baby doesn't sleep well in their bassinet.
All of this, combined with it quite reasonable price tag make this
mini
my personal favorite by the
way.
The very stylish
Sleigh
Bed
models convert to a mini-bench: a "Read to Me Love
Seat". Another great way to enjoy this product well after baby outgrows
the bassinet.
The
Universal
,
Original
and
Sleigh Bed
models hold two babies quite comfortably so twin babies are not
excluded from this great sleeping option!
Another great plus is the storage compartment all models have: perfect
for diapers, wipes, a blankie, ...
Important: When choosing your model
,
measure your bed and mattress
height before ordering. The descriptions regarding height requirements
are nicely precise. You may need to order leg extensions to make sure
your preferred model comes level to your own bed.
The company offers matching mattresses and fitted sheets too, both in a classic and an
Organic Cotton version.
Is it expensive?
Yes and no.
This quality brand and type of crib require an investment for sure. But
quality
costs and in this case you get important value for money.
Not only do you get a safely attached cosleeper crib - offering both
the benefits of cosleeping and the safety and comfort of independent
sleeping - you also have a standalone crib as soon as you decide to
convert (and you can go back and forth if needed). And you can also
convert it to a
playpen, or in some models even a cute bench.
That hugely increases the value of your original investment.
So if you do have some budget for a good quality crib, an
Arm's Reach Cosleeper may just be your clever choice.
Are bedside bassinets safe?
Yes, a well-designed and correctly used sturdy bedside bassinet is a safe sleeping space for your baby. It can be a safe co-sleeping setup where your baby has their own space, and still have you very nearby.
As with every bassinet or crib, it is safe if you also apply all crib safety guidelines: a firm mattress, no loose covers, no toys in the bassinet with baby and no bassinet wedges.
Article Author: Heidi Holvoet, PhD - Founder, senior sleep consultant
Heidi Holvoet, PhD, is the founder of the Baby Sleep Advice website and movement, an award-winning author, baby & toddler sleep consultant with 15+ years experience as well as a certified lactation counselor.
Over the years, Heidi has received several awards inluding a Mom's Choice Award (MCA) and National Parenting Awards (NAPPA) for her Baby Sleep Advice website, programs and books. Also, Baby Sleep Advice was awarded "Most Trusted Infant's Sleep Solutions Company 2023" in the Benelux Enterprise Awards 2023.
Heidi continually conducts personal research and participates in continued education and in that way stays up to date with current scientific and pyschosocial infant care.
She is also a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants of which she was one of the earliest contributors. She obtained her PhD degree in physics at the University of Ghent in Belgium.
Heidi is passionate about helping babies and their parents sleep more and better, with her trademark approach that has been proven and praised time and again by parents worldwide to be effective and truly no-tears. Respect for you as a parent and your baby, is at the heart of Heidi's warm and kind support. Her approach always keeps in mind a baby's needs and abilities at any given age, is based on pediatric science and the most up to date knowledge in infant care and sleep science.
As well as the award-winning baby sleep programs, Heidi offers popular 1:1 consults and easy-access 30-minute SOS Sleep sessions.
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