A safer, cozier place for baby to sleep than the car seat

Editor’s Note: The Nap Nanny and Chill have been recalled by the CPSC. You should discontinue use immediately and return it to your retailer.

The last 8 1/2 months have not been easy. That’s how long ago our second child was born. And that was the last time I got a full night’s sleep. One place our baby always seems to fall fast asleep is the car seat, which I’m not a big fan of since it’s not exactly the most ergonomically-correct place to snooze. So I was thrilled to discover a cushier alternative that promises to lull babies fast to sleep in comfort.

When I came across the Nap Nanny at a trade show, it was about a month before I gave birth to my son. Nap Nanny Chill,
a high-density foam recliner that’s the perfect combo of soft and firm,
was designed by a sleep-deprived mom looking for some relief. (Sound familiar?)

My first
born was–and still is–a champion sleeper. But after six months of all-nighters with the next one, I was
excited when the Nap Nanny arrived at my doorstep. I tore open the box and prayed
for a miracle.

I loved how comfy this thing was. My
three-year-old did, too–he immediately took to relaxing on it in front
of the TV. In fact, the Nap Nanny Chill is made to grow with your family
and can be used by older kids as a chair. As for my younger guy, he did
like hanging out in it, but he never actually fell asleep in it. I
think we received the Nap Nanny a bit too late to really reap the
benefits for him–he was already sitting up.

If I were to do it over again, I would have gotten the
Nap Nanny as soon as the baby was born. I think it serves as a great
alternative to a bouncy chair (many of which never really strike me as that
comfortable) as well as a swing, since I didn’t always want my baby to
be lulled to sleep by motion. The biggest drawback is the price–at $129.99 it is definitely not for everyone.

Now, our Nap Nanny has become a shower nanny. It’s the perfect place to put the baby while mama gets to spend a whole 30 seconds to wash up. If I’m lucky. -Melissa

You can find the Nap Nanny Chill at NapNanny.com and at Buy Buy Baby.

Tags: automotive, bedroom

4 Comments

kate on January 12, 2012 at 12:50 pm

We had one too and loved it. Only when we were using ours Nap Nanny had a recall, so be sure that if you happen to find a used one it’s not one of the recall ones. They reportedly fixed what they needed to so all the new ones should be a-OK.

—

Thanks so much Kate, indeed there was a recall in 2010 and the problem has been fixed. Even so, never put one in a crib or on a table or elevated surface, and make sure you don’t leave your baby unattended! -Eds

MG on January 12, 2012 at 3:32 pm

Here is the info on the recalled one:

https://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/07/26/nap-nanny-infant-recliner-recall/

I would never use this product because the risk isn’t worth it. Find a safer way to park your baby so you can take a shower.

Cool Mom Picks on January 12, 2012 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for your feedback MG. It seems clear that the one manufacturing issue was fixed, but that the majority of issues came from misuse of the product. It doesn’t belong in a crib (nor do crib bumpers these days). And it doesn’t belong on a table.

Of course you have to do what makes you comfortable.

Cameron on January 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm

Love, love our Nap Nanny. We have the second-generation one (post-recall, pre-Chill) and have used it for about 15 of our daughter’s 24 months. She’s medically fragile and needs both feedings and oral medicine even in the middle of the night. Since we don’t have to pick her up and/or move her, everyone gets back to sleep more quickly.

I recommend it for any infant with frequent ear infections, congestion, etc.