woohoo co-sleeping!

[Nickster]

I just had to share with everybody my latest journey along the parenting highway.

For the past week or so, I have had Libby sleeping in our bed. Some nights she starts off in her portacot, which is pushed up alongside our bed, some nights she starts off in our bed.

As only our big bedroom is airconditioned, we decided long ago we would all "bunk in" together for the summer. DH is now on a mattress on the floor, which he says suits him fine - he gets a better night's sleep anyway. We figure one day we will both be back in the same bed, when our child(ren?) are a little older and can appreciate their own beds, so we're not too stressed about it.

I don't know why it took me so long to do this - I guess I just fought against it, thinking it was best that Libby had her own cot/space etc - it's amazing how your own upbringing can influence you. And I also have to admit, I love snuggling up to DH in our own bed.

But I love sleep and knowing this is easiest much more at the moment.

Since we have been co-sleeping, she only wakes about once in the night, checks I am there, somtimes wants a feed, and then goes straight back to sleep. I don't have to get up, pick her up out of her cot, sit in the rocking chair and get her back to sleep - it's just SO much easier.

I've bought a safety rail for the other side of the bed - I think that safety is so important.

So, there you go, I have been converted......hallelujah!

[Goosie22]

Well done, welcome to the not so tired

[moonblossom]

For me, co sleeping is the only way to go. Just made things SO much easier for everyone. I was the same, a bassinette by my bed when tiny, then portacot next.

Everybody gets a good nights sleep, everyone is happy and honestly I wouldnt do it any other way

[SugarBlossom]

Yay for co sleeping! I've done it since the first night in hospital! And woulden't have it any other way!

[cosmic]

yay Nickster. Good for you!

[tickle]

Good on you Nicole!
Glad you are getting a good nights rest, makes all the difference.

[Funkychicken]

I had a terrible time with DS#1 because I listened to my mothers ( and others) advice about not "making a rod for your back" and all that c#@p. He cried at night, I cried at night and in the end even DH was crying. We blunderred through, somehow. When DD arrived two years later I put her straight into bed with us. Sheer bliss! We co-slept for a long time, not exactly sure how long. Even last year, at 5 yo she would creep in between 3 am and 5 am and snuggle into my armpit.
When we found out we were expecting again, we worked on having her stay in her bed which she did. Now our beautiful Hamish (3 wks old today) sleeps with us every night and feeds as needed whilst I get much needed sleep and rest. DH generally turns around and sleeps the other way giving us all a bit more space.
Yesterday was a tough day and I started to wonder if I should look into a settling program as I was starting to doubt myself (tired, grumpy). Last night I read a post (have now forgotten who posted it and where) with a link to ABA and I once again was reinforced with the idea of co-sleeping and holding our baby as necassary. I took him to bed and snuggled extra deeply to take in the smell of him.
Having read this thread this morning, I once again feel strong about our decisions, so thank-you for your posts.

[rebeccamum]

We do co-sleeping sometimes. DD has her own hammock next to our bed but these past 2 weeks she's been a bit restless at night. She usually is a great night sleeper (a bit crappy during the day ) now she wakes up more often (3-4 times instead of the usual 2). Everytime she's unsettled I'll put her in our bed, I admit that I'm not sleeping comforably with her in our bed because she's a bed hogger! DH is a big guy and our bed is just queen size. We don't have a spare mattress so I can't sleep on the floor. Sometimes I put portacot mattress on the floor and have DD slept on it. It's not convenient to get down and feed her on the floor so I don't really enjoy this.

DH suggested using a portacot at night but I heard from some people that it's not good for babies to sleep in there exclusively. But a few people here have their babies slept in it at night so I guess it's ok?

I love co-sleeping too - it's easier, convenient, and does put my mind at ease when I know she's just by my side.

[Nickster]

Hi rebeccamum,
Don't worry too much about the "exclusive portacot sleeping" issue, especially if your baby isn't really spending the whole night there. I think the mattresses are a little thin, so I have mine lined with a lambswool throw for Libby. It's just fine and really cosy for her.

Thanks for all your support ladies - I feel like I've discovered a whole secret new world now we're co-sleeping!

[Foxymoron]

Co-sleeping is wonderful isn't it! I couldn't imagine getting up to go and sooth a crying child. They may get a bit fussy when they wake but they are soon reassured when you are right there for them and it's so nice to lay there and watch them sleep!