Chicco Next To Me vs. Joie Roomie – Which Is Better?
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When it comes to newborns, every single moment you spend with them is precious, as is every single minute of sleep, hence why we have side-sleeping cribs today. You can keep your baby next to you without the dangers of co-sleeping on the same bed, but with so many side-sleeping cribs on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. Chicco Next 2 Me vs Joie Roomie – two well-known options but which one is better?
Overall, Chicco Next 2 Me is better than Joie Roomie because it’s easy to assemble and sturdy, with a great rocking mechanism and other features. The Joie Roomie is lighter, easier to use, and much more comfortable for babies. However, the Chicco Next 2 Me can last a bit longer than the Joie Roomie.
In this article, I’ll get into the specific features of these two side sleeping cribs, the advantages and disadvantages of both, and why you might find one better than the other. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of which of these cribs will meet your needs.
What Is a Joie Roomie?
The Joie Roomie is a side sleeping or bedside crib designed to allow new mothers to have their babies within arms reach in the first 6 months. Like other side-sleeping cribs, the Joie Roomie is attached to the cot with straps.
It also has 11 height adjustments to ensure that the crib is securely fastened and snug against your mattress.
The side panel facing you can be easily raised and lowered with one hand. This one-handed operation makes the feeding and settling of your baby a seamless process. Plush woven fabrics and double mesh allow for fantastic breathability and comfort for your baby. These fabrics are easily wipeable and washable for maximum convenience.
What Is a Chicco Next 2 Me?
The Chicco Next 2 Me or ‘Chicco Next To Me’ is the original side-sleeping or bedside crib, designed to be multi-purpose so that new mothers could use it as a bassinet as well as a side-sleeping crib.
Of the 3 sides, one side is zipped up, which you can lower at your convenience. There’s a separation to prevent your baby from rolling onto your bed (and you from rolling onto theirs). But the lowered side helps with feeding time and lets you keep an easier eye on your child.
This crib is also larger than your average Moses basket and even some of the other side sleeping cribs on the market. The crib also easily converts to a bassinet or travel crib. This versatility means you can use it for a while longer than 6 months, depending on your baby’s growth.
What Is the Difference Between a Joie Roomie & a Chicco Next 2 Me?
Both Joie Roomie and Chicco Next 2 Me are side sleeping or bedside cribs that can be easily attached to your mattress. They both allow you to keep your baby close without co-sleeping on the same bed.
While these two cribs perform essentially the same function and are approximately the same size, depending on the model, there are some differences. The features are where you can make comparisons and choose the crib that suits your needs.
The Joie Roomie is strong but incredibly lightweight, making movement easy on its rubber-padded wheels. On the other hand, the Chicco Next 2 Me crib has wheels like the Joie Roomie but is overall heavier.
Chicco Next 2 Me can be easily assembled and disassembled, making it portable, but it weighs more than the Joie Roomie. Since the Joie Roomie is lightweight, converting it from a side-sleeping crib to a regular standing bassinet is also easier than Chicco Next 2 Me.
Despite being heavier than the Joie Roomie, Chicco Next 2 Me’s weight makes the crib sturdier and more durable, meaning you can use it for a bit longer than the first 6 months.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Joie Roomie?
Joie Roomie stands out in the crowd thanks to how lightweight it is, making it travel-friendly. The product is of a good size, easily adjustable to fit your mattress, and made of comfortable materials. Plus, it looks good in the bedroom.
Since the Joie Roomie’s materials are comfortable, your baby will sleep peacefully, without any irritants. The fabrics are plush, and the mattress is just the right degree of firmness to support your baby without being too hard on them.
The rubber padded wheels of the Joie Roomie allow you to move the crib between rooms quietly. Between this and the nearly soundless one-handed operation of the side panel, the Joie Roomie is a perfect companion to sleeping babies and tired mothers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Joie Roomie?
The Joie Roomie will need to be assembled before you bring your baby home because the assembly does take a little bit of maneuvering, even with the instructions. In terms of length of use, the Joie Roomie should only be used within 6 months, no longer, for safety reasons.
This is because the wear and tear on the Joie Roomie will weaken the structure over time, making it unsafe beyond the recommended time frame.
There’s no rocking function on the Joie Roomie, meaning you don’t have the convenience of soothing your restless baby to sleep.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Chicco Next 2 Me?
Chicco Next 2 Me is durable thanks to its slightly heavier weight than the Joie Roomie, making it usable beyond the first 6 months of your baby’s life. Portability also makes the product stand out, thanks to its wheels. Plus, it’s easy to disassemble or assemble.
Since the crib can be easily transformed into a bassinet or a travel crib, you can use it for various purposes in the first crucial months of your baby’s life.
When comparing Chicco Next 2 Me to Joie Roomie, the Chicco crib has the most features, such as:
- height adjustments,
- crib elevation/tilting to ease congestion,
- and a removable side flap.
In addition, it offers a rocking feature in a sturdier package.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Chicco Next 2 Me?
The Chicco Next 2 Me is one of the heavier cribs on the market today, making it somewhat disadvantageous compared to lighter cribs. While it does have wheels and can be easily assembled or disassembled, this crib isn’t easy to carry around and move from one place to another.
The crib’s fabrics are certainly washable, but they aren’t the most comfortable. Plus, the mattress that comes with the Chicco Next 2 Me crib is harder than those offered by other cribs. Your baby might not like the mattress.
Additionally, the removable side panel is a zipper, which is convenient but not easy to use one-handed — not the quietest option, either.
Joie Roomie vs. Chicco Next 2 Me – Which Is Better?
When considering the Joie Roomie and the Chicco Next 2 Me, think about your needs and your baby’s needs.
Joie Roomie is a great option for moms who had a difficult birth, have little help at home, and struggle with sleep.
Everything about the Joie Roomie is designed to be silent, including the rubber padded wheels on the crib’s structure. It’s also extremely comfortable, down to the mattress and the fabrics used for the entire crib.
The Joie Roomie is sturdy despite its lightness, and the most important feature — the side panel — can be operated one-handed. It’s the best crib for you if you’re concerned about usability.
Overall, though, the Chicco Next 2 Me is better than the Joie Roomie — it offers all the features that the Joie Roomie does, is easier to assemble, and lasts longer, making it more value for money. The additional rocking feature is a fantastic option to soothe your baby back to sleep without ever leaving your bed.
The minor disadvantages of the Chicco Next 2 Me crib — the weight and the mattress — are easily mitigated. The crib is easy to break down and has its own convenient travel bag, and the mattress can be supported with cozy materials or replaced altogether.
In the end, both cribs have their advantages and disadvantages. Which crib you choose boils down to your needs and what you value most. Everyone’s situation is different, so pick the crib that suits you best.
If you struggle with sleep and value portability, the Joie Roomie is better for you. However, the Chicco Next 2 Me is indeed better than the Joie Room if you’re looking for a crib that’s easy to assemble and disassemble, lasts longer, and has a great rocking feature.