Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper {Review}

When Big Sister E was a newborn, I was a typical first-time mom in that I could barely relax when she was out of my sight. How in the world could I sit back and just leave her sleeping in the other room when something could happen to her?

Unfortunately for my nerves, the bassinet that we had (borrowed from family) was beautiful but it was large and wooden and not something that could easily be moved from the bedroom out to the living room. So instead I would hover next to the baby monitor (with the volume turned way up) and go running at even the slightest snuffle.

I won't even tell you how many times I would get up at night to check on her.

Instead, what would have made life tremendously easier was one item that would have taken the place of many. Something that would have provided safety, security and comfort for my baby while providing peace of mind and possibly a little less stress for me during both the day and night. Something just like the Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper.

With a commitment to quality products and service, Kolcraft is a family-owned company that takes pride in developing and manufacturing must-have baby products to make parents' and caregivers' lives easier. Their large collection includes everything from crib mattresses to potty seats to high chairs to strollers (we love the Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather Stroller) and that's just the start.

Having always been impressed with the quality and durability of Kolcraft's products in the past, I had no doubt that the Preferred Position Bassinet would be far from disappointing.

Before I was even done removing the pieces to this bassinet from the box, I was searching around for my screwdriver. Surely it would require at least a screwdriver, right? With all of these pieces?

Surprisingly, it didn't. In fact, in around 10 or 15 minutes, I had easily snapped together the base, assembled the bassinet, clipped the Incline Sleeper attachment, Light Vibes electronic unit and Canopy in place, and stepped back to see an amazing piece of gear that I wished was in my size.

Designed for infants up to 3 months of age or up to a weight of 15 pounds, the Carlyle color combination of off-white with brown accents is gender neutral and easily matches to nearly any decor. Hidden underneath the decorative fabric, a large storage basket is just the place to stash diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and more so that they are always on hand.

I was happy that the Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper had such durable wheels (two of them lock in place for safety) which would make it easy for moms like me to roll it from one room to the next depending on if I was eating, showering or resting... or at least attempting to rest.

However, Kolcraft took things a step further in that with the push of a button on each leg, the casters are transformed in seconds into a rocker.

What convenience! For any parent who has a baby that falls asleep easier when being rocked, being able to quickly convert their bassinet into a rocking bassinet (and back) is a huge help.

For more soothing features, the Preferred Position also includes the Light Vibes electronic unit that can be easily slipped on and off the foot end of the bassinet. Just add batteries and one button can give your baby classical music, lullabies, nature sounds, vibration with variable speed control, and even a soft-glow light so that you can check in on your infant without having to turn on a bright overhead light in the middle of the night.

However, what really sets the Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper apart from traditional bassinets that you'll find elsewhere is that when they designed it they integrated input received from medical professionals.

Knowing that parents often need options to help infants sleep soundly, particularly those that suffer from colic and congestion, this bassinet allows parents to position infants on an angle to help alleviate both conditions. Simply clip on the provided Incline Sleeper...

...and safely conceal it with a luxuriously soft cover and your baby can rest comfortably - hopefully meaning more sleep for you both. And of course Kolcraft didn't skimp on safety, including a 3-point restraint to keep your little one securely in place.

The Incline Sleeper can be removed easily if/when your child no longer needs it, leaving you to still enjoy a high quality traditional bassinet.

I would have loved this Preferred Position when Big Sister E and Little Sister B were infants! From the neutral color (perfect for purchasing with your first child so that you won't have any worries about using it with future babies) to the easy set-up to the breathable mesh sides to the cute soft toy mobile and vibrations that would have soothed Big Sister E to the Incline Sleeper that would have been wonderful with Little Sister B's reflux... Kolcraft really included it all.

Retailing for $139.99, the Kolcraft Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper is available exclusively at Babies "R" Us and comes with everything you need for a good night's sleep - including the mattress and one washable fitted sheet. More sheets are available by contacting Kolcraft's Customer Service Department.

You also won't want to miss the great articles on Kolcraft's Baby Matters Blog that will answer your questions, give you ideas, and basically inspire you throughout parenthood. Keep up with them as well on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information and fun events... and be sure to join in their celebration of 65 years of serving families!

For their 65th anniversary, Kolcraft is not only displaying their pride at being the only baby gear and crib mattress manufacturer that has been family-owned and never "changed hands," but they are holding an amazing sweepstakes where the prizes will change every six weeks! Currently you have the chance to win a Sesame Street package full of great gifts!

(Other than the Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper that I was provided by Kolcraft, I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this great product.)