Nursery tips ...Co sleeper cribs

[prosncons]

Hello,
This is my 1st baby and am so confused on what to buy and not to buy. I live in an apt so the baby will be with us for a while. I am trying to buy multi functional furniture that will last the baby till he is a toddler. Has anyone turned their cribs into a a co sleeper( i want the baby close to me at least for the 1st 6 months) . I don't want to buy a traditional co sleeper since they only are good for 6 months and then i would have to get something else. So any tips on what to buy for a small space and that will grow with the baby.

[prosncons]

Thank You all for the responses. I think we are just going to go with a convertible crib and have seen online how some people just take the side that comes of the crib and just put is right nxt to our bed this will work for the 1st few months when the baby doesn't roll and help me get use to everything and breastfeeding. This way the crib can just grow with the baby. I swear i just want to throw everything away in my apt dont know how I am going to fit all the baby stuff.

[KeyD]

Also the carseat that attaches to the stroller is wonderful....just try to get one that has the curved handle on the carseat...it's easier to carry cause you don't have to turn your arm. and make sure the strap adjuster is in the front of the carseat (it was rough having to put the baby in the carseat then lean the seat foward to tighten the straps.)

[KeyD]

I used the pack-n-play with bassinet in my room and the crib in DD room. I was able to put the pack n play right next to the bed but had to lean up to be able to see her. I would like the co sleeper that attaches to the bed next time so that I can see my baby easier. However I know the pack n play bassinet can only be used for a few months because there's only like 8 inch "rails" on the sides so they can't be used once baby starts to move himself. i imagine the co slepper is the same way. If space is an issue then you could use the pack n play without the bassinet attatchment once baby is bigger. The matress from a crib can then be used for a toddler bed.--my DD never used the toddler bed though, she preferred the twin matress on the floor.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I also really like 30something13's idea of the playpen with the bassinett attachment.  That may be more convenient for you depending on how much space you have.  During the day you can collapse the playpen and get it out of the way.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

If you live an apartment I think it would be wise to skip the traditional cosleeper/bassinette and just buy a crib.  With my oldest and this last one I just put the crib in my room for awhile.  Baby wasn't more than 6-8 feet from me.  Since i was breastfeeding this last one he did sleep in our bed several nights.  But that's a personal choice.  

I'm considering buying a 5 n 1 bassinette this time.  Simply becuase we live in a much larger house now and it will give my toddler a few more months to transition to a toddler bed before giving up his crib.  With a large house it will be more convenient for me to be able to roll the bassinette/co sleeper whereever I need to be if necessary.  But I'm still undecided as to whether I want to do that or just get another convertible crib.  Or buy bunk beds for my toddler and his 5 yo brother becuase they will be sharing a room.  

[30something13]

Well babies and toddlars can stay in a crib till age two or beyond. I have found that many do not want to leave theri cribs at age two. But of course of they climb and climb out of the crib by then you want to get another bed. A crib that breaks down to a day bed is probable your best option as far a price goes. I put mine in a toddlar bed then to a twin. The co sleeper can not be used for a baby that can roll during the day and naps unless somone is there with them so it is not a good option for long term. The only other option is to use a play pen that has a bassinet for when the baby is little then you can take it off and use it till however long they need a baby bed. But of course past age two will not work unless they are very small weight wise. Hope this helps ya