We bought one with DD. I had imagined that it would be a way for her to be in her own space (I was concerned about co-sleeping safely at that point) and that I could roll over and nurse her, cuddle her, etc... It didn't work for us at all. DD screamed if we put her in it at all. But also, the height made it impossible for me to even put my arm in very comfortably. It meant waking up and moving her on the few times she settled in there at all. It wasn't like an extension of our bed the way I expected. We ended up essentially using it as a crib rail so I would feel safe with DD sleeping on the outside. Also used it to store all the things that used to be on the nightstand but weren't anymore as the co-sleeper took over the space of the nightstand (which makes me insane!)
We were in an extreme position with sleep though... DD would only sleep with my nipple in her mouth (yes, literally) or on DH's chest in a Moby wrap. The crib was useless, the swing was useless, the bassinet was useless, the co-sleeper was useless. Fortunately, most of these were hand-me-downs or gifts so we weren't out a fortune. Unfortunately, I was really afraid of cosleeping at first (had her first ped graphically describe a kid who died from SIDS and attributed it to cosleeping, among other things). As I relaxed, I found that all the gear was a waste...
Best thing we did? Buy a king size bed! That said, we're planning to set up the crib in what will be the kids' room once I break the news/persuade DD and the co-sleeper in our room. I like the idea of having as many options as possible and since we have the gear, why not? Maybe we'll even have a kid that doesn't startle awake every time someone moves.... :)
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