Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Review and Giveaway!


Any parent expecting a child (pregnancy, surrogacy, adoption, etc) has to plan ahead for sleeping arrangements.  You have to ask yourself questions such as "what will be the easiest option" and "what will be safest for my baby?"  There are so many options out there, and each parent has to decide what is right for them and for their child.

With Miss A, we did not know about all of the options out there.  We had a traditional bassinet in the corner of our room.  Miss A had trouble falling asleep on her own and either my husband or I would end up sitting on the floor next to her bassinet popping her binky back in her mouth and turning her glow worm on repeatedly until she FINALLY fell asleep.  Many months later, after she was happily sleeping in her crib, I discovered the existence of Co-Sleepers and thought to myself "I WILL have one of those for baby number two!!!"

After I got pregnant with Baby J, I showed my husband a picture of a Co-Sleeper and he fully agreed that we should have had one with Miss A and we should get one for the next baby.  On a whim, I contacted Arm's Reach about a possible review, but never did I dream that they would be willing to do a review and giveaway too!  So please join me in thanking them for their incredible generosity.


Arm's Reach sent me the Co-Sleeper Mini in Toffee Dot as well as a pack of Leg Extensions (to raise the Co-Sleeper to the height of our bed) and a Nature Perfect Organic Sheet in natural so that I could review both the included sheet and the organic (it is also wonderful to have two sheets for when one is in the wash!).




Out of the box, I was absolutely in love with the color/print!  The toffee color is a wonderful tan/chocolate milk color that is neutral enough for any decor but also enough color to be really quite nice!  And the cream colored polka dots are large enough to give some fun and cuteness to the Co-Sleeper but small enough not to be overwhelming!  The dots are just plain cute!  But again, they are not overdone and keep the piece neutral for any space!  I wasn't sure if I would like the dots, but as soon as I pulled the Co-Sleeper out of the box, I was in love with the cute but neutral print!!  The fabric of the overall Co-Sleeper is a brushed cotton blend twill that is very soft, stain repellent, easy to clean, and seems to be very durable and long lasting!  I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled by the quality of the fabric on the Co-Sleeper!




Setup of the Co-Sleeper was EXTREMELY easy!  For anyone who has ever set up a pack n play, it is basically the same!  You just simply click and lock all of the side rails and push and lock the bottom of the bassinet, then place the mattress in, put the sheet on, and you are set!  It really is quite easy!  The first time I tried to lock all of the rails, they were a little hard to get locked (probably stiff from being in the box for a while) but after I took it down a couple times (to see if they would ease up) they now lock and unlock quite easily for ease of setup and take down!




Likewise, to convert from a drop side Co-Sleeper to a free standing bassinet is quite simple!  (this model does not convert into a play yard)  On the side that touches the bed, you need to unlock both the bottom and upper bars.  Then there are three straps with clips around the upper bar.  Simply unsnap the three clips, unlock the two side connectors, slide them up and off of the bottom connectors and lock them onto the upper connectors, and then lock both the upper and lower bars.  Sounds complicated, but it really isn't!  This is great for travel or if you need to move the bassinet away from your bed for some reason!  You can still use the Co-Sleeper as a bassinet but have that bar raised for safety!




Underneath the bassinet, in the bottom of the Co-Sleeper, there is a zipper compartment for storage.  You can put your spare sheets, clothes, diapers, whatever you need to have handy can be stored down there.  There are also pockets on the sides of the Co-Sleeper for storage.




I have always wondered how Co-Sleepers attached to the bed.  I thought it was some complicated system and would be a pain to setup.  Wow, was I wrong!  I love when things are just plain and simple and work better than some complicated system would!!  To attach the Co-Sleeper to your bed, there is a plate with straps attached that you run under your mattress.  So the square plate is on the opposite side of the bed from the Co-Sleeper hugging the mattress, the straps run under the mattress, and clip to the Co-Sleeper holding it tightly against the bed!  Easy!  I simply ran the straps across the foot of my bed and the with two tugs on each side, I was able to get the straps up and in place.  No lifting of the mattress!  I did it myself!!  We have a king size bed and you can see from the photos how much excess strap I have left, so no worries about it fitting your bed!  The only problem that I had, was that there are loops on either side of the Co-Sleeper that you are to run the straps through.  Because I had to use the leg extensions to raise my Co-Sleeper, the straps ran under where the loops were.  If I had put the straps through the loops, they would have just ripped off.  So I did not run the straps through the loops.  The Co-Sleeper is still extremely tight against the bed and cannot be tipped over or moved.






The Leg Extensions are also quite easy to assemble!  They simply click together and click onto the bottom of the Co-Sleeper!  Our mattress is brand new and quite high with a pillow top on it.  It tops out at approximately 26 inches and we needed two sets of extensions on each of the legs!  I was concerned about the stability of my Co-Sleeper on "stilts" but it does not take away from the stability of the piece at all!  And having those two extra extensions on each of the legs puts the Co-Sleeper at the exact right height on our bed!  If you have a higher bed, I highly recommend (URGE!!) you to spend the extra money on the extensions so that your Co-Sleeper is at the same height as your bed making it so much nicer for you and baby and safer for both of you as well!






The matching included sheet is made of a soft 100% Polyester.  To the touch it almost feels like suede which is very nice, soft and comfy, for baby!  I was hesitant about this sheet because I felt that it would stain easily...NOPE!  Arm's Reach knows what they are doing!  I can safely tell you that ALL bodily fluids came out of this sheet with no problem!  My son threw up, peed, pooped...the whole kit an caboodle!!  And they all came out with no problem!!!  Even EBF poop!  This sheet also has the velcro strips on the bottom to match the velcro strips in the bassinet.  The sheet is fitted, but having these velcro strips attached means no movement of the mattress and you can get the sheet on 100% flat and tight making it as safe as possible for baby!  I have washed this sheet many times over the past 5 weeks and it shows no wear or tear!






The Nature Perfect Organic sheet that Arm's Reach sent me additionally is made of 60% Organic Cotton and 40% Rayon.  To the touch it feels like a thick jersey fabric and is extremely soft and comfy for baby!  It also has the velcro strips on the bottom to match the velcro in the bassinet just like the other sheet.  I love that it is a nice organic cotton and I love how soft the fabric is, but it is a little more prone to staining.  My son also threw up, peed and pooped on this sheet and I have to tell you that everything washed out, but the EBF poop was a little harder to get completely off of this sheet.  Part of that is the organic cotton and part of that is the fact that the sheet is a natural off white color.  EBF poop and white don't mix!  But after 2-3 washes, the stain did come completely out!  The sheet is wonderful, definitely worth the extra money to have the soft organic cotton and a spare sheet for your Co-Sleeper!  I just wish I had a darker color!  






Best of all, all of the Arm's Reach Co-Sleepers meet all ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA safety standards.  These are the three top safety standards and is a HUGE testament to the Arm's Reach products!  Additionally, sleep research expert Dr James McKenna PhD and pediatrician Dr.William Sears recommend co-sleeping to promote bonding and help both parents and children to sleep better; both endorse Arm's Reach products.


Personally, I love using this Co-Sleeper.  I love having baby right next to me.  I love being able to just reach over and sooth him or put his binky back in.  I love that I don't have to get out of bed; possibly waking my husband, or waking the baby or myself any more than I need to.  I love that when he is ready to eat, he is right there.  I love that it promotes bonding and makes breastfeeding that much easier!  I love that it is not just for breastfeeding mothers, it is perfect for any parent with any feeding choice!  I just love everything about having a Co-Sleeper!  I really think this is a must for any parent!  It is such a relief to have baby right next to you where you can see and hear him/her and can easily care for him/her without having to get out of bed!  This is also perfect for mom's who are recovering from a C-Section; they can have baby right next to them and don't have to get up to get baby.




My only complaint is that it does make getting in and out of bed a little harder.  I cannot live without my nightstand, I need my phone, drink, etc.  So I actually moved my nightstand out and put a smaller table up at the head of the bed, this causes the Co-Sleeper to be about 10 inches further down the bed than it needs to be.  But even if the Co-Sleeper was as far up the bed as it could go, it would still be a challenge to get in and out.  But definitely worth it to have baby right there!  However, for recovering C-Sections, you may need extra help or may want to use as a free standing bassinet for a while.




This Co-Sleeper comes with the Co-Sleeper, mattress, sheet, and travel bag.  Retail price for this item $160.
Leg Extesions. Retail $22.
Nature Perfect Organic Sheet. Retail $25.


Please visit Arm's Reach on Facebook and thank them for this amazing review and giveaway!!!





a Rafflecopter giveaway

163 comments:

  1. I like that this has leg extensions available. Our bed is kinda tall. I also love that baby can be right bedside you!

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  2. I love the sleigh bed style! Very stylish!

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  3. I love the idea of having baby so close to you but not actually having to sleep in the same bed. Great for breastfeeding mamas!

    Bethany Perala (bethanyperala(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I love that they offer a "mini" version. We don't have a ton of extra space so it's perfect!

    Bethany Perala
    bethanyperala(at)gmail(got)com

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  5. I love that it gives you easy access to your baby.

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  6. I love that it attaches to the bed.

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  7. I think the cocoon would be great to have.

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  8. We have our crib set up next to the bed with the front panel off so its basically just an extension of the bed. Its convenient, but it takes up A LOT of room. I love that this co-sleeper keeps your baby close by but doesn't take up a ton of room. Would love to try this for baby #3!

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  9. The cocoon looks awesome! It would be so convenient to have that outside while my other kids play, and have a safe, cozy spot for the baby.

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  10. I love that I would have easy access to baby. Right now she's in a newborn sleep n play cradle thing. I have to reach down to get her and usually startle her back awake trying to put her back down in it. This would make an easy transition!

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  11. I like the mini version for our small house. I also really like the cocoon. I think I need one of those in a mommy size! lol

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  12. So excited for this giveaway, we really want one of these! It would be perfect for easy access for breastfeeding at night!

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  13. My favorite item is definitely the Original Co Sleeper!

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  14. I love that it adjusts to the size of the bed, even if that mean extra pieces.
    I also love that is is good for baby to be close and safe.

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  15. Everything! I love how it attaches to the bed, the storage and how easy it is to store.
    Thanks,
    Michelle W.

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  16. The Euro mini would be nice, any of the bedside co-sleepers really

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  17. My favorite is the Mini Convertible Co Sleeper.

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  18. I love the easy access for breastfeeding and that the strap extends enough for a king sz bed.

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  19. It's easy to get to your baby when you need to breastfeed in the middle of the night.

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  20. It makes breastfeeding in the middle of the night so much easier, plus your baby is basically in the bed without running the fear that my husband will roll over on him!

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  21. i LOVE this.... http://www.armsreach.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_18_7&products_id=85

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  22. I like the safety of using it. We co-slept with my son but our bed was really low to the ground and I never worried about him rolling off (we stopped co-sleeping around 6 months). We have a new king size bed with baby #2 and there is no way I will ever feel comfortable having her in the bed!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I like the sleigh bed co sleeper in espresso!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. I would love to have it for next baby for easier access to baby we had a pack and play at the bottom of bed but I had to get in and out of bed to get baby and I was a c-section mom who breastfed was a lot of work ;-/ I think it would be great for the easier access

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  26. The cocoon looks pretty amazing lol

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  27. Favorite part of using a co-sleeper is that I would have the baby at my arm's reach if he needs anything, no time wasted on getting out of bed. love it!

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  28. Love the Original Natural Liner co-sleeper is my favorite product

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  29. I love co-sleeping, but the problem was always finding something as tall as our bed. The extensions would be great!

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  30. Great giveaway...thanks for the chance to win! Would love to win this for my new grandbaby. :)

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  31. Oh, I went and checked out the site, and I love the Cocoon! :D

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  32. Would love to try this my 4th due 1/9/13. We did cosleeping since I BF my other kids but would like to try having the baby not in bed but at arms reach.

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  33. Checked out the site and liked the curved mini :)

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  34. How easy it seems like it is to affix to the bed!

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  35. Like the organic mattress and sheets!

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  36. I love the cocoon by arm's reach!

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  37. My favorite thing about using a co-sleeper is having the baby right next to me and being able to soothe her quickly.

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  38. Aside from all the wonderfulness of co-sleeping I love that this one is easily set up and taken down!

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  39. I love the Mini and the Cocoon!

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  40. I love that your child is right there within arm's reach of the bed :-)

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  41. I really like The Euro Mini: Natural-Euro Mini

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  42. I love that it's travel-friendly!

    huntermb3 at gmail dot com

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  43. I like the organic mattress!

    huntermb3 at gmail dot com

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  44. I love all the storage built into it- no more cluttering up the nightstand with things you (or baby) need in the middle of the night!

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  45. Oh my goodness! I went to their site and saw the cocoon... it's so perfect! Any baby I ever met could be rocked to sleep with a little patience. I love that you could just set it up anywhere and play with baby until they zonked out for a nap!

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  46. I love how it attaches snuggle to the bed and all the other great safety feature of it!

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  47. I love The Sleigh Bed. Beautiful!

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  48. I had a c/s with my first and your point that it would make getting the baby easier while recovering is so true! This would have been nice to have for then. I'm hoping to VBAC this time but it would still help to have the baby close.

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  49. Other than the co-sleeper, the cocoon looks really neat!

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  50. That my baby will be right next to me but will still be safe.

    ziggy28028 at yahoo dot com

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  51. I like the Nature Perfect™ and Organics: Organic Mattress.

    ziggy28028 at yahoo dot com

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  52. I like how it attaches to the bed - like you I was wondering how these work :)

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  53. Not having to physically stand up in the middle of the night to tend baby. Much easier to get back to sleep!

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  54. The cocoon- such a great-looking swing!

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  55. I love that it lets baby sleep close to you while still letting you have your own space. :)

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  56. I like that the baby can still sleep close to you but gives you space at the same time. I also think it would be good for traveling.

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  57. I love the Pet Bunk Bed. How cool is that!

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  58. I love the idea of having easy access.

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  59. I love the fold-down side, so baby can be "in" the bed with us

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  60. My favorite Arm's Reach product is the co-sleeper

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  61. Based on this review? I like the idea of the velcro on the sheets.

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  62. Love the sleigh bed, since it converts to a love seat!

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  63. Love the open side so seeing and picking up baby is easy

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  64. Love the original in cocoa/natural. I have twins and this they could both sleep in

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  65. I love that it is travel friendly
    beth.rees333 at gmail dot com

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  66. My favorite product is the Sleigh Bed.
    beth.rees333 at gmail dot com

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  67. I love the idea that baby is right next to you, but not in the bed! Especially if the older kids want to come in the bed at night, there's no need to worry about trying to make room and safety.

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  68. I've never seen anything like the cocoon! How neat is that thing?!



    smirick88 at gmail dot com

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  69. I really like the cocoon, this would have been wonderful for my little girl who had horrible reflux.

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  70. My favorite aspect is that you do not have to get out of bed to fetch the baby, it would save me disturbing hubby and the dog who always sleeps on my side of the bed

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  71. I like that the baby is within reach & I can get to him/her without having to fully wake myself by getting out of bed.

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  72. My favorite product is the Cocoon.

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  73. I love the storage space in the bottom!!

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  74. I like that it is 60% Organic Cotton and 40% Rayon. We co-sleep with our toddler... the arm's reach would be great for when baby arrives.

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  75. I love that it puts baby right next to the bed- safe, secure and within easy reach! Baby #2 is on the way and I am planning on breastfeeding, so this would be perfect!

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  76. My favorite product is the Organic Mattress!

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  77. I love that baby is right there next to you - no having to get up and get him/her in the middle of the night plus you don't have to worry about anyone rolling over on your baby accidentally! :-)
    tvpg at aol dot com

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  78. I love the Cocoon in the Natural / cocoa trim.
    tvpg at aol dot com

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  79. I love the idea of having the baby right there and not having to get up in the middle of the night.

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  80. I love the wooden sleigh looking co-sleeper. I also like that it can be used for quite a few months

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  81. when baby is ready to eat he's right there

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  82. fav is the mini co-sleeper in mocha

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  83. Baby is within easy reach at night!

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  84. I love the Harmony Co-sleeper as well as the mini convertible in neutral!

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  85. I love that the cosleeper is collapsible

    cmcosman at yahoo dot com

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  86. My favorite is the original cosleeper in Natural Liner

    cmcosman at yahoo dot com

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  87. I'd love to keep my baby close, but not in the same bed with us, for safety purposes.

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  88. love the mini version- it's a great space saver and makes it easier having baby right there!

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  89. I love that you don't have to get up especially since I have to have mine via c-section

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  90. The Cocoon: Natural / Cocoa Trim is my favorite

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  91. I love how it snaps to stay close to the bed securely

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  92. I love the closeness, without the fear!

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  93. I've been debating a bassinet for Baby #2, so I think the The Mini Convertible™ would be pretty cool as well.

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  94. I like that the co-sleeper keeps my baby close by, but still in his own space.

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  95. I like The Original, but the cocoon is pretty neat too.

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  96. We only have a queen bed and just had our 2nd. I would love the extra space to keep baby safe but still right next to me.

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  97. My favorite feature is getting a few more minutes of sleep because I don't have to go to the other room :)

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  98. The Clear-Vue Natural is amaizing! Not only is my little one close but I can see everything!

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  99. We co-sleep, and now that he is bigger 4 months, 18 lbs!) he takes up a lot more room...it would be great for him to have his own space, but be right there. Love that this will still fit on a king size bed!!

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  100. Love their Mini Convertible in Cocoa!!

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  101. I like that it is easy to set up, like a pack and play@
    -Rafflecopter - Heather S

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  102. I also like the CO-SLEEPER® brand Duplex PET BUNK™ bed (Regular Size) in Grey. I have five dogs and they all try sleeping in my bed! Brilliant!
    -Heather S

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  103. Best thing would be ease of access when breast feeding.

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  104. My favorite product would be the Cocoon, how neat is that.

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  105. I love that it attaches to the bed. So I can have my baby close, but not in my bed, where I worry about safety.

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  106. My favorite product is the cocoon! It looks very cool.

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  107. It's seems so much safer than having the baby in bed with you.

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  108. That it attatches to the bed, man would I use this too, and my inlaws would love it when we visited overnight!

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  109. My favorite product they carry? The co-sleeper, this thing is awesome, prefer the full size to the mini and wouldnt mind organic sheets! :)

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  110. Havingthe baby close but safe.

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  111. I like that the cosleeper keeps baby right within reach but also protects the baby from many of the hazards of bedsharing.

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  112. I think the sleigh style cosleeper is beautiful!

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  113. I love having my baby right next to me!

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  114. I like the pet cosleeper :-P

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  115. I love that the straps run under the mattress, and clip to the Co-Sleeper holding it tightly against the bed. I love the idea that my baby is close and safe! sonyadmorris@gmail.com

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  116. The Cocoon is really neat! sonyadmorris@gmail.com

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  117. Easy access since he is sleeping in our bed right now.

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  118. My favorite product is the cocoon, since my son loves his swing.

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  119. cocoon would be helpful for sleeping

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  120. I love that it keeps your kiddo nearby!

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  121. I love keeping baby safe and close by!

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  122. I love that it has feet extenders so you can customize it for YOUR bed. :)

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  123. I love that they have co-sleepers for doggies too!

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  124. I love being able to see baby easily - just a quick glance over to make sure they are okay.

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  125. Since the baby's room is on the second floor, I'm going to be co-sleeping since that will be SOO much easier. I think the cosleeper is going to help out big time with that.

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  126. My favorite thing is the Euro mini!

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  127. I love that my baby will be nearby and easy to pick up during feeding time.

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  128. I like The Curved Mini: Cocoa Hibiscus best.

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  129. I think it's great to have baby so close when they are tiny. It makes midnight feedings much less exhausting!

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  130. I like The Original: Black / Toffee Liner

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  131. I like that it is really easy to travel with

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  132. I love The idea of having my newborn right beside me where I can touch him, see him, hear him... but rest easy knowing that my husband won't roll over onto the baby.

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  133. Love that baby is right beside me so I can check on him all night:)

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  134. I love the sleigh bed - although that cacoon looks pretty cool too!

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  135. My lo is ebf so it would be nice if she where so close but safe and I'd still get some sleep.

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  136. Hi I found your site by mistake when i was searching yahoo for this acne issue, I must say your site is really helpful I also love the design, its amazing!. I don’t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site.
    what is the best mattress type

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