We were using a relative’s Baby Bjorn crib, but we had to give it back. We almost bought one for ourselves until we discovered the Guava Family Lotus, and we’re so happy we did! After having used both, here’s why…
Size/Weight: At the time, the Baby Bjorn seemed to be the smallest size (when packed) that we could find. However, the Lotus is much smaller, and we really like that it can be carried like a backpack. There are some straps on the back of the bag that are hidden in a pocket, and you can take them out and clip them to the bag to turn it into a backpack. I would say that the Lotus is about ½ the size of the Bjorn when it’s in its bag (although it does weight about the same as the Bjorn). Also, we found out the hard way that the Baby Bjorn doesn’t work as a carryon (we ended up having to pay baggage fees for it because we had already checked the carseat and stroller). But, the Lotus is allowed as a carryon which is a huge plus.
Using it: This is where the Lotus really shines. When the Lotus is setup, they are pretty much the same size. The mattress on the Lotus seems a tiny bit thinner than the BabyBjorn, but its still very comfortable, and our daughter sleeps great in it, right from the very start, so we’re very happy.
The main difference is the Lotus has the side door, which is amazing. She thinks it’s her play area and loves crawling in and out. Any crib that can actually make my daughter giggle and want to be in it is a huge winner in my book. And, we can lay in it with her to play or help her to sleep too. Ingenious. Also, the zipper door has a little clip to lock it from the outside so she can’t undo the zipper herself, which is a nice feature. This door really makes the Lotus a fantastic product.
Setup: The thing I always loved about the BabyBjorn is how quickly and easily it sets up. It beats the Lotus for setup time. But the Lotus is only a matter of an extra step that takes a second or two (opening the legs). The Lotus has some Velcro tabs that hold the mattress down that also takes more time because the Baby Bjorn doesn’t have these. But, we have the sheet for the Lotus also, and these tabs go through the sheet to hold it onto the mattress which we like. It makes it all seem very sturdy and secure.
Overall, they are both great products. These have come a long way since the pack n play (what a pain!). But, the side door, and the backpack make the Lotus so much more useful. It’s by far our favorite baby purchase.
| Manufacturer | Guava Family |
|---|---|
| UPC | 854682002117 782357666510 |
| Product Dimensions | 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Maximum weight recommendation | 15 Pounds |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Material Composition | polyester |
| Number Of Items | 1 |
| Batteries required | No |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Is portable | No |
| Item Weight | 15 pounds |
