Did you sleep with your newborn in the same bed?

Question

We have a bassinet right by our bed but I just like her sleeping right next to me better. Daddy doesn't like it but when I'm lying in bed and breastfeeding me and the baby both fall asleep and she seems to sleep better when she is next to me. What did you all do?

Answer 1

It wasnt every night but probably every other night my little girl slept next to me for the same reasons you said - easier to nurse her and she slept much better next to me. Once she was a few mths old we started putting her in her crib more often (she started sleeping in longer stretches at night) until she never slept inbetween us at all except for extremely rare times in the early morn if she didnt want to be in her crib (at around 4 or 5 mths). If you are a light sleeper like me and like most of us mothers you really dont have to worry about rolling over on her. However, I will say I had to shove my husband away twice as he was getting dangerously close to her while he was in his sleep. Her crying never woke him up (or at least he pretended not to hear her) so for those types of people getting one of the baby bassinets made for bed sharing would be appropriate. That or be on guard like I was! It's rare but it's happened that someone has smothered their baby in their sleep.

Answer 2

My daughter slept on my stomach on the couch with me for the first few weeks then we slept together in my bed for the first few months. It was convienient because I was breastfeeding. I don't think I would have done it if someone else was in the bed or if she hadn't had good control of her head early on.

I believe it's a personal choice and if all the precautions are taken (no pillows or thick bedding, make sure there is no way the baby can fall off the bed) it can be a great expereince to wake up next to each other every day.

She is nearly 2 now and has been in her own bed for over a year and has done totally fine.

Answer 3

I did the bassinet thing too and also slept with her a few times. I was always scared I would roll or lose my grip on her and she would fall. Have you thought about those wedges? They have the kind that are connected by velcro.You could put one on one side of the baby and the other on the other side. That way your baby is still next to you, but it offers some protection so he or she won't roll off the bed or you won't roll into the baby. I don't blame you for wanting to have your baby right next to you. It is comforting and expecially easier while breastfeeding. I know having an emergency csection and preemie it was hard for me to get up and down during the night for feedings.

Answer 4

I slept with all 3 of my kids. The first not that much. The second and third, my husband went to the couch. I was nursing and up every 2 hours. The second child was 6 or 8 months old when she finally slept in her own bed. The last was 6 weeks. She would sleep through the night so I let her do it in her own bed. Now my husband sleeps in my bed. The kids didn't hog the covers or roll on my side!

Answer 5

When I was breastfeeding my son, we did the same...a bassinet beside the bed, but he sleep with us alot...it was nicer for him and easier for me, I felt more rested. My husband didn't mind, nor did he mind when I kicked him out so we'd have more room lol. I did that rarely. When I stopped b-feeding (early and due to illness) my son went into his crib, he slept fine and gave me no trouble with the change. My Daughter however was giving me a hard time not being able to sleep with me, but I simpy stuck by it and let her take her tantrum, eventually she feel asleep and stopped fighting me.

They way I see it, your everything for this baby food included, if your both more comfortable with sleeping together then your hubby should suck it up and deal, no offense please...but what's more important his needs or yours and the baby's. Hehe my hubby is on my shoulder saying "that's crazy, he probably has to work and needs a goodnights sleep" okay so put a bed in the babies room lol.

Well I hope you and your man come to an understanding. I hope your little one grows up happy and healthy.

Live, Love & Laugh,
Michelle

Answer 6

I sure did. It was wonderful. I think fathers are nervous because they are afraid they will unwittingly crush the child if they roll over onto them in their sleep, but the mother is used to having the child that close - and sleeping time is a wonderful time for you to bond - let alone how easy nursing is.

I knew mothers who would get up, go to the baby's room pick the child up and fall asleep in the rocker (where the child can roll off your lap) - or worse, have to take the child to the kitchen and let him scream while she prepared a bottle. Ugh. Co-sleeping is what nature intended as far as i can see.

They will want their own space before long and once they are weened it is easier to change. Some say do it by age 2 for easiest transition results, but I think 3 is better - they are more independent then naturally.

We kept the family bed for a long time because we would have moved our oldest just as the 2nd was born and I just couldn't have her be alone while the whole rest of the family was together.

Peace!

Answer 7

I breastfed my son (now 27mo) and my new baby (9 days) and both of them slept in our bed. I think that consciously in your head you and your hubby will know the baby is there and will not roll on them. my hubby is a BED HOG let me tell ya but when the baby is in bed with us he doesn't really move much. I too have a bassinet next to the bed but when you wake up EXHAUSTED you really don't want to have to sit up to feed. I always fall asleep with my baby on my breast (of course I put a towel under us because I have enough to feed an army i swear lol). Us Mommy's need our sleep! I also like to hear my baby breathing I feel like I am up every 5 min checking on him so I feel beeter when he is in bed with me, plus HE sleeps 4 hours at a time that way.

Answer 8

I love cosleeping with my babies! I actually have two kids in bed with us currently, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know that for some, cosleeping can be a very controvercial topic, but really it is the best way to go for everyone. Cosleeping is not dangerous and can actually prevent SIDS deaths (although some experts will tell you otherwise, but look at my SIDS fact sheet below to get the real scoop). It also makes nursing so much easier, and makes for a happier, more rested mommy.

So bottom line, if it's working for you and baby, keep doing what you're doing!

Answer 9

Both of my children slept in the bed with me until they were about 5 or 6 months old. In those early days, it sure did make nursing so much easier! Half the time, I didn't even have to wake up. I got so familiar with the routine that I had to open my eyes only long enough to make sure they got a good latch, then back off to sleep for me. And yes, it seems as if they sleep better, warmly snuggled up to Mommy. Maybe you should let Daddy snuggle too...maybe he wouldn't be so against it. Yay for nursing Mommies!!!!!

Answer 10

In a year neither one of you will be sleeping better. You will pay for this in the end. You and your husband need some alone time. If you and he have a great relationship (which needs time together) then your children will be happier. Start your habits from the beginning. I have three children and one on the way. They all have wonderful sleep habits. Of course when your baby comes home from the hospital and for the first month, you will fall asleep nursing your baby. Make sure you place them back in his bed. This will become natural for the both of you. For my children, it is just the way it always has been. Besides so many babies have died from a parent rolling onto them. Your baby benefits from some alone time and so do you and your husband.