The Best Of (Part 1 of 10)

Over the years I have seen many many lists for "the best of baby" stuff; usually they come in the form of a Top 10. And more times than not, I read the list and scratch my head and think "really, who needs that?".  I swear none of those lists are complete without mentioning The Boppy.  Personally I just don't get it?  Really who needs a pillow shaped like a C for their baby?  Yet, I have many friends, nursing or not, that swear by it.  After two kids and 7+ years of parenting I still don't get the love affair many have with The Boppy.

Anyhow, I digress, after talking with my cousin this weekend I decided to come up with my own Top 10 Best Of Baby Items.  (That's a mouthful isn't it?)  As of right now I only have two items on my top ten list, so this may take a while to complete, stay tuned.

Now without further hesitation....drum roll please.....

In my opinion the #1 Baby Item is:

The Arms-Reach Mini Co-Sleeper.

I've mentioned this item before, calling it "amazing"; and it truly is.  My friend M, who lent me all of her cloth diapers, also lent this item to us.

I will admit when she first showed it to me, I was a little skeptical, after all I didn't need something as fancy as this when I had Turkey and we nursed at night just fine (granted he started and stayed sleeping through the night around 6 weeks of age).

When Husband came home and saw what M brought over he was nearly giddy with excitement and insisted on setting it up and checking it out right away.  I will admit M and Husband were onto something; this thing has proven to be a sleep saver.

It's a great alternative to those who don't want to bed-share, yet want to be able to reach baby in an instant.  I love being able to roll over and pick up Turkey, or place his pacifier in his mouth.  It makes the transition from nursing in my bed to putting him back to sleep that much easier.  I can nurse him as much as him and I want in a night, and never once have to get out of bed.

Granted my forearm has, what seems to be, a permanent bruise from putting Turkey in the co-sleeper, but that's my own doing; and frankly the bruising is worth the extra minutes of sleep I get from using this item.  Not to mention the peace of mind that comes from having Turkey so close and so safe.

If you are going to have baby sleeping in the same room as you, for any period of time; I would highly recommend the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper (mini or full size if you prefer).

Rave, rave, rave... I can't say enough good things about the co-sleeper.  Many many thanks to M for turning me on to it.



Do you have an "I can't live without" baby item?  I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.