When I first came across the Arm's Reach Cosleeper in a mail order catalog, I was so excited. I knew I wanted to cosleep with our first child, and this seemed to be the perfect setup. Baby is right there for convenient nursings and changings, without having to worry about having the baby in our own bed.

We purchased the Cosleeper unit and eagerly awaited its arrival. I was disappointed when we set it up and I discovered the sleep surface is not level with the bed -- it is actually about 4 inches lower than a standard mattress. Consequently, I had to lean down to lift our baby into our bed to nurse or change him. This was difficult in the early weeks postpartum, and we quickly moved our baby into our bed and began to use the Cosleeper to store diapers, toys, blankets, etc.

I am also disappointed with the playpen unit itself -- it is difficult to disassemble and reassemble, and its width prevents it from fitting easily through standard doorways without first collapsing it. In addition, the playpen is less sturdy than others, such as the Graco Pack N Play; it shakes easily, and it doesn't seem safe for older babies.

If you are in need of baby furniture conducive to cosleeping, try the Delta Luv Milano crib, which I have also reviewed. One side of this crib can be removed, and the crib can then sit flush against your bed, with the crib mattress and your mattress at the same level. Unlike the Arm's Reach, this setup allows a mother to actually nurse her baby as baby lies in the crib. And unlike the Arm's Reach, which has a weight limit of 18 pounds, this setup can be used through the toddler period and beyond.