My 3 month old baby boy cries usually early morning 1 to 5 am, if I put him on my chest, he calms down and falls asleep - then I can sleep too. I'm only worried I might fall in deep sleep and forget that the baby is on top of me. Any ideas how we can both sleep longer together?
2007-02-03 19:48:59 · 8 answers · asked by joann_xvi 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Before we were parents (back when we knew EVERYTHING about parenting) we swore our son would never sleep with us. Then the reality of needing a little sleep so would could function hit us and we too held baby. A lot of people do it. It is possible to drop baby, so I slept upright in bed on pillows and padded the side hubby wasn't on for safety. For the record, we never dropped our son or rolled over on him. They sell a little nest product that you can put in the middle between you for baby to sleep protected in. They also make a type of crib that attaches to your bed so your baby can be close by but still in his own space.
Although you are exhausted, you'll be surprised by how lightly you will sleep and easily you will awaken when sleeping with your baby. I am not one for letting him "cry it out" - I think it is inhumane to take a baby who has been inches from your beating heart, rocked by your every step, nestled safe and warm in your belly his entire young life and expect him to immediately adjust to everything at once (breathing, eating, sleeping, pooping). No, it won't hurt him to cry, but it will KILL you, and I speak from experience. We tried to do what the "experts" said and it didn't work for us. My son NEVER cried it out as an infant. I held and comforted him whenever he needed it. Did I get a lot of house work done? Hell no. But my son was only and infant for a minute and I cherished and enjoyed as much of it as I could. The other stuff can wait. He is now one and just recently moved to his crib. It took a couple of nights of crying (sometime both of us) as I sat close by and reassured him (but not picking him up). At that age, I felt he was old enough to understand he was not being abandoned and could see I was nearby - an infant can't figure that out. Guess what, in less than a week, my son learned to put himself to sleep at night in his own crib. He is very happy and well-adjusted and not rotten or insecure. I don't think you can love your kids too much and they are infants for such a short period!
This is just my experience - everyone will have their own opinion. Consider all the advice and in the end do what you think is best - go with your instincts as only you know what is best for your family. Just know, you will not spoil or ruin your infant by loving him too much! Good luck and keep up the good work - I promise he will learn to sleep!
2007-02-03 20:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by MI Mommy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well as it is not recomended that your baby sleep on top of you. I know my son did and with new mothers or pros. We all find ways to get sleep. I was the same way with my son and it resulted into a very bad habit. My son is almost 3 and I'm just now getting him out of my bed. I would say the best thing for him is to get a Mother Bear. I worked with my daughter. They are absolutly great. Make sure he eats plenty before you put him into bed. I started my son and daughter on solid foods at 2 months. Not many people say that is a good thing but I had hungry babies. It helped them sleep better and longer at night. Good luck and I really hope this helped.
2007-02-03 19:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by p0pad0t 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I recently read a story in the paper about a mother who rolled over and accidentally suffocated her child who she had allowed to sleep on her chest.
Also, my daughter in law has been letting her 5 month old sleep w her and she rolled over in a deep sleep and he fell off the bed.
Look for a mothers heartbeat teddy bear or a mothers touch bouncer if you want a safer way to soothe your child. It may not be nearly as satisfying as snuggling your child but is ultimately safer.
2007-02-03 20:14:38 · answer #3 · answered by Polly 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe it is good for a baby to sleep on chest. be careful though
2007-02-03 20:29:07 · answer #4 · answered by monica your new bff 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hey, i did it all the time.. they actually said for me to do it in hospital so we could bond lol, your instincts should stop you from rolling etc even subconsciously, but be aware that baby could get too attached lol my 17month still has to sleep with me now coz i let him sleep with me as a baby coz it was easier!! have fun with lil baby :)
2007-02-03 20:01:56 · answer #5 · answered by jarellsmom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I did that also the sound of your heartbeat and warmth and breathing give them better sleep. I worried too but nothing harmful ever happened.
2007-02-03 19:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by JAMI E 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Place large fluffy pillows to both sides of your body. That way you won't be able to turn over and crush the baby. Simple solution.
2007-02-03 19:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by ladybugewa 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Ya
2007-02-03 20:12:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋