Is there a co-sleeper that has fold-down sides?

[erthe_mama]

I have been looking for a co-sleeper for in our bed, but haven't been able to find one with sides that fold down and up (for breastfeeding so I don't have to lift baby in and out). Does such a thing exist that you know of? I'd just co-sleep without one, but DP is afraid that she'll roll over onto the baby without it (she's a heavy sleeper). Also our bed won't fit against the wall, and she's the primary breastfeeder, so I can't sleep with baby that way either.

Suggestions?

[COgirl19]

We are going to use the Arm's Reach this time but I am not sure if the sides fold up or not since I don't care either way. I will let you know when it arrives.

[XanaduMama]

The Arm's Reach does have a little wall/lip between the adult bed and the baby's bed--really stupid, IMO, since you still have to put the baby down after BFing (which, in ds's case, was impossible).

I really recommend sidecarring a regular crib--taking the side off (ours is the kind that converts to a toddler bed, so it's designed for that) and attaching it to the adult bed. So much more room, no stupid barrier, and everyone gets more rest.

[XanaduMama]

Oh, oops, just clicked your link and I see you're talking about something different--a snuggle nest/sleep positioner thing. Feel free to disregard my response...

[rparker]

I used the co-sleeper you linked to for the first few months of my daughter's life until she outgrew it (length) and I just let her sleep in the bed with me. I was a pretty sound sleeper pre-baby but that changed once I was breastfeeding.

It wasn't an issue for me to lift her out of it (the sides are only a few inches) but I didn't master nursing while lying down until she was a toddler ...so I was sitting up in bed every time she wanted to bf anyway. The sides are actually low enough on that one that it would probably be possible to just lean over the baby to bf. (I think I'm due a few weeks before your DP so I can update you in October if you'd like.)

I really like the co-sleeper in your link. If your DP is going to be the primary breastfeeder I'd probably just go with that one and let her do most of the night nursing if it's difficult for you to lift the baby? Or an alternative would be a sidecar co-sleeper arrangement (again having your DP do most of the night feeds) on your DP's side of the bed. I know neither of those are really ideal, I hope someone else has a brilliant solution. Maybe try cross-posting in breastfeeding or nighttime parenting?