2Mo Old Won't Sleep Alone

Updated on January 29, 2008
T.S. asks from Sumner, WA
44 answers

I have a 2 mo old that will not sleep in his bassinett, I can put him in there asleep and he will wake himself up and fuss until I put him in my bed with me. I understand that it is good for babies to sleep with the mother and have that closeness with them, but I am exhausted because I cannot sleep that well with him in my bed because I am terrified of smothering him or haveing him fall out of the bed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get him comfortable sleeping on his own?

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So What Happened?

Thank you moms for all of the wonderful advice!!!! This was my first post and couldn't belive all of the responses that I recieved. I have decided to allow him to sleep with me using his sleep positioner ( I hadn't thought of that!) It does allow me to get better sleep and he seems much happier for it :) While I appreciate ALL of the advice that I recieved, this is what I feel works for us. Thank you again for the help.

More Answers

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I.D.

answers from Seattle on

You can try putting a clock in the bed that makes the Tick/Tock sound. But........the baby will eventually get used to sleeping in Bassinet, if you don't pick him up everytime he fusses, you have to be consistant in your actions. I know it is hard to listen to your baby cry, I know I couldn't when I had my first baby, but I wish someone had told me that it is ok to let your baby cry.

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T.N.

answers from Portland on

Hi T.,

I am a doula, and my client's say they could not live, or sleep as the case may be without the Miracle Blanket. It has two arm flaps that wick perspiration away from the body and keep their little arms down, preventing them from getting loose and fussy. It also has lateral support that helps with colic. You can find more information at www.MiracleBlanket.com

Best of luck!
T.

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S.W.

answers from Seattle on

Just remember: "this too shall pass".

Find sleep where you can. Ask friends and family to come watch baby so you can take a nap (forget housework! do the bare minimum right now!), sleep when he sleeps during the day.

Your baby needs you right now. At two months, he's telling you that he's not able to self-sooth...that's what you're there for. I know it's rough, but you will make it through! He'll either grow out of it or after a few months, you can take steps to help him grow out of it.

*hugs*

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A.C.

answers from Portland on

I would say to keep trying to cosleep as it is so much better for him. Don't worry about smothering him. Be more worried about SIDS than of you smothering him. At 2 mos he is too little to roll off the bed. If you're that worried use a roll protector - look in Mothering Magazine for adds for different devices. Or check on Craig's List. Or, if you feel you must have your space even for part of the night, try a cosleeper, which is like a bassinet attached to your bed.
On the other hand, do as much as you can to get enough sleep otherwise. This is huge in preventing PPD or other post partum disorders. Try to nap when he naps during the day & get to bed early as each hour before midnight is worth 2 after midnight.
Oh & one other thing I remembered is you can use a rolled up towel or receiving blanket stuffed under the bottom sheet that can act like a barrier to keep him from rolling off.
Hope this helps!
A.

PS. I am adding this to my original post above. I didn't realize a bunch of people had already responded. I'm new to this site so still trying to figure it out.
Anyways, I just wanted to suggest that you please, please, please do the research for yourself regarding the "cry it out" method. It really is not in the baby's best interest. This has been scientifically proven. Please take the time to find the answers about this. www.mothering.com is a great place to start.

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K.A.

answers from Portland on

I have twin daughters (2yrs)and a 4 month old....Getting your rest is the best for you as a mom...at two months we were swaddling our twins tight, had the same bedtime routine (bath, dimed the lights, soft music). They also didn't like sleeping in thier bassinet however loved sleeping in those vibrating chairs that cradle them. So we swaddled and placed them in the vibrating seats and used one of those sound machines that have a heartbeat/womb sound. When they were three months we moved those vibrating chairs into their cribs (as well as the sound machine into their room)for a few weeks and finally moved them from the vibrating seats into thier crib. Now if only they adjusted to the crib immediately! It did not go that smoothly...we had to let them cry it out (soothing them with our words and rubbing their backs/tummy's every 5-15 minutes sometimes waiting 20 minutes) We did NOT take them out of the crib to soothe them which was sooo hard to do. It took two nights and ever since then they are great sleepers. My four month actually slept in the bassinet but was waking up every 2 to 4 hours to nurse. We just moved her to her crib...do a bedtime routine and...we had to do the cry out thing...again not easy. Two days of it and she now goes to sleep easily and amazingly stays asleep! Good luck! I hope this helps!

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A.H.

answers from Portland on

I recommend reading the article below. Human infants need to be constantly touched in order for their brains to develop neurologically. Infants know what's best for them, it's actually painful for them to be away from touch. I suggest getting a carrier for the daytime and letting him sleep with you at night. This will make all the difference to his life-long happiness.

http://faculty.plts.edu/gpence/PS2010/html/Touch%20and%20...

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N.L.

answers from Portland on

Hi T.,

I am a mom of a 2 year old and a 3 month old. I breastfeed and find that I actually get a little more rest when she feeds in bed with me. I know that they have attachments that you can buy to add on to your bed to make cosleeping easier. This might be something that would work for you. My daughter actually sleeps about half the night in her bassinett and half and bed with me and my husband. My son (who is now 2 years old and in a toddler bed) would hardly sleep in the bassinett at all and slept with us the first 6 months and then transitioned to the crib with no problem.

Just go with your instinct whatever you do and I am sure you will be fine. If he sleeps in bed with you maybe put a rail up on the side he sleeps on, maked sure no pillows or blankets are close to his face and pretty much try to safety proof the bed. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

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L.H.

answers from Seattle on

Hi T.,
Our 3-month-old son sleeps in a bassinett next to our bed. We rock him to sleep in a rocking chair, then transfer him to the bassinett. We make sure he is swaddled well. Also, I run a white noise machine all night (a sound similar to static electricity). By using white noise, I found myself sleeping better as well since I don't hear the baby unless he is really awake. I also roll up large blankets into logs & put one on each side of him to create a more snug feeling.
I slept with my son for the 1st 2 weeks after his birth & also found myself to be exhausted even though I had a full intention of co-sleeping when pregnant. It does not work for everyone, so you have to find what fits your lifestyle. Good luck.

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S.E.

answers from Portland on

I had this same problem with mine. I want to second the comments that suggest reading "The Happiest Baby on the Block" (an absolute must for 0-3mo) and "The Baby Whisperer" (fantastic).

If he's going into the bassinet fine but then fussing, there's one other thing I haven't seen mentioned. Sounds weird, but so obvious at the same time: For liability and safety reasons, most bassinets are just a thin layer of wimpy foam over a board. As babies start to become more aware of their bodies (and heavier) a bassinet might be uncomfortable. I read this somewhere and checked and indeed, my baby was trying to sleep on a flat wooden board! I put a towel or extra blanket under the bassinet "mattress" when mine was about 2mo and it made a world of difference. I know people get really worried about putting extra stuff in a bassinet, but if you're sleeping him on his back or side, he's too young to roll onto his tummy, and there's nothing to worry about.

Also, it's really true that babies want to sleep with you at this age. That's what they're used to! But I know you really need to get sleep too. My baby slept in the bassinet about half the night, with me the other half. I gradually shortened the time with me until she slept on her own all night.

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E.W.

answers from Seattle on

We are currently going through this with our 3 month old daughter. About two weeks ago she started sleeping at least for half the night in her bassinett. What we found has really helped is swaddling her with two blankets and putting a hat on her. Also, the bassinett is right next to our bed so she can still hear our breathing and know that we're there and she's not alone.

So far it's working out pretty well. We're just consistent with putting her back in bassinett after she's woken herself up crying. We'll soothe her until she's back to sleep. If she wakes up crying we give her a few minutes to see if she can calm herself down and self soothe. If she's really upset we'll bring her back into the bed with us and try again the next day.

Good luck!

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L.E.

answers from Eugene on

We used a co-sleeper. They are really neat. It is like a small crib that actually attaches to your bed. They are within arms reach, but out of your bed. My first two children slept with us in our beds. By the time we had our third, I needed some space. I just was not sleeping. The co-sleeper helped tremendously. If I were to ever have any more, I would do it again. You can probably google co-sleeper and get all sorts of types and places you could buy one. You might even find one on e-bay. Good Luck.
Laura

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J.G.

answers from Anchorage on

I never got to use one because they came out just before I had my last child.. but there are port a cribs that have a bassinet that can put the baby right next to you. so you can reach over and rub the baby's back to reassure him or easily get him out in the middle of the night to nurse/feed.

otherwise... I say tough it out and teach him to sleep in his own bed. When he wakes up make sure he has all his needs met.. he is still only 2 months old and babies will still want to eat frequently at this age. Feed him, change his diaper. If the baby is sleeping in the same room as you you may want to try this: When the baby cries after putting back in the crib, rub his back and talk to him softly. He may calm down a bit.. but when you take your hand away.. walk out. Shut the door and let him cry for five minutes. If he is still crying after five minutes, go back in and rub his back again, then leave for 10 minutes. Crying will not hurt him.. it actually may help wear him out to go to sleep. After 10 minutes do it one more time for 15 minutes - I used to go up to 20 minutes like this til my kids learned.. but since he is only 2 months old this may be a bit much. going back in reassures him you will come back.. but the idea is for him to fall asleep waiting. You may have to do this several times - find a good book to read or magazine to look at and don't put yourself in range of hearing him cry. After the 15 minute one if he is still crying. Change his diaper again.. even if it is not wet or soiled, nurse him or give him another bottle.... then do it all over agian. I doubt at this point you'll need to go past 10 minutes. They usually learn after a few nights of this - but you have to stick to it if you really want him to learn to be alone in his crib/bassinet. After five kids I know it is much easier to bring the baby in bed and get back to sleep quickly.. so it is really more US teaching the baby that is what is acceptable - so you can teach him differently.. it might mean a few nights of very little sleep and it may be difficult to hear him cry or know he is in there crying.. but crying will not hurt him.... he doesn't appear to have any health issues, otherwise he would KEEP crying once you brought him to bed. It is just important for you to get some good quality sleep or you can function during the day.. and you can't do that if you can't sleep comfortably with the baby with you.

I have used this method on at least 3 out of five if not all my kids at some point in their first three years when they at various times would wake up and just want me so I know it works.. but it was up to me to stick to the plan. If I ever resorted to bringing them to bed after hey learned.. I had to do it again.. but usually not as long and drawn out.

best wishes.

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G.R.

answers from Spokane on

Hello,

I am not an expert by any means. However I have four kids and I have made it through infancy with them. Out of the four kids two of them had that problem. I had to just let them cry. It was very hard but it was worth it. If you snuggle enough during the daytime they get all the bonding they need. I truly understand wanting to sleep with them. I too was a single mom with my first two kids. I hope it helps.

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A.H.

answers from Seattle on

Hello,
I'm also a single SAH mom who has struggled with sleep issues with my baby girl. Actually she's not a baby anymore she will be 3 in a month. I was the kind of mom who brought my baby in bed with me when she woke up at night, although I understand the lack of sleep thing. If you want your son to stay in his bed, the best method is the cry it out method. I know it is really hard, trust me I know I went through it. It is easier if they aren't in the same room with you. If that isn't an option, you might just need to let him cry. It can last a long time the first night, but pretty soon the time will get shorter and shorter until he learns that you aren't going to cave in and pick him up. He still knows you love him and are there for him, he just needs to learn like anything else with kids.
I hope you find something that works for you, this is what I had to do with my daughter and it worked. So be of good cheer, it won't last forever. Another thing, it is pretty common for a baby this young to only be able to sleep 6 hours at night before they need to eat again. I don't know the kind of support system you have being a single mom, but single parenting is automatically more tiering then if you have a dad there to help. But hang in there, it gets easier once they get older. I was often so tired I would nap on the floor in my daughters room while she was napping, just so that I could function properly. But it gets easier as they get older. Kudos for being a stay at home mom. I know it isn't easy.

A.

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T.H.

answers from Medford on

Try putting a shirt that you've worn all day inside out and stretched across the bassinet pad. It "smells" like you and can trick the baby into thinking you're still holding him. My 6 week old is "bassinet training" too. She stays in there longer if she's tightly swaddled.

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K.O.

answers from Portland on

There are many good suggest so far so I won't bother repeating the same advice. But the one thing I did want to point out is that it is not a good idea to let babies 3 months and younger "cry it out". At this age they need consistent reassurance. If they are crying it is because they need something and it is your job to provide that, what ever it may be. When you consistently come and attend to them when they cry you are sending the message that they can trust you, this helps build their esteem and in the long run will pay off. I know it is a difficult and exhausting time, but as others have said try to get a friend or family member to help and remember that this stage will pass.

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B.P.

answers from Eugene on

He has to cry himself to sleep, sounds mean, I know! But it has to be done so that you get the rest you need to take care of him during the day. He has to sleep in his own room, he has to learn how to make himself comfortable, or he wont know how.

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B.M.

answers from Portland on

Good luck with this - it is possible to live through it (I've had 2 like this!) With my 3rd baby, we finally got a glider from Fisher Price. It looks like a bassinet and bouncy chair combined. The baby actually is slightly reclined. It was the only way I got my youngest to sleep without being held. He slept in it until he was 7 months old. My 2 neighbors borrowed it and had similar success. Good luck!

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T.M.

answers from Eugene on

This may sound mean or cruel, but just put them in the crib and let them fuss/cry. At two months they can most likely make it a solid 6 hours at least without needing to be fed. Also, try to get them on a pradicatble schedule. For my son, we would eat, play, and then nap (the order is important) at the same time each day. Then, I would do a routine of pajamas, story, and song at bedtime. I sing the same song, just so that he knows it's bedtime. Then, put him down and sometimes let him cry until he sleeps. Don't worry, it won't hurt him to cry (even if it's for an hour). Give it a try....you'll have to do it consistantly before it will work.

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S.S.

answers from Portland on

T., My husband and I have two children 2 yrs and 8 months. Our now two year old slept well alone from the get go and we were convinced that it was our fabulous parenting and our commitment to raising a self soother. She has always been a great sleeper. Then our son came along, and we realized all babies are different. He slept in our bed almost every night for six months until he was simply to big for our bed. He still likes to join us around 5am, but all in all he's a great sleeper too now. Every baby is different and you really can't spoil them too much for the first 5 months. That said, you need sleep too. My recommendation is to make sure that you are swaddling him very tightly. That will give him the feeling of being snuggled close to you. I sometimes let Zach fall asleep next to me and then transferred him to the bassinett. Over time, he got used to sleeping on his own.

Good Luck!

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S.W.

answers from Seattle on

try the miracle blanket

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C.R.

answers from Seattle on

roll up those little baby blankets or towels and wedge the baby in between the rolls, to create that feeling of closeness to you. Some people say you can spray a little bit of your perfume or you sleep on those blankets a night and your scense will be on it and the baby will sleep. I did that for a long time with mine too. It helps to make them sleep on their side too! It works, try it and let us know how it goes.

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E.T.

answers from Seattle on

* Are you swaddling? Swaddling helps many babies feel more secure and sleep longer. I loved the Miracle Blanket (you can buy it online). I've known others who liked the looser swaddling blankets you can get a places like Babys R Us, but my DD had to be wrapped up tighter than a sausage.

* Get a cosleeper so you can cosleep without terror! An Arm's Reach Cosleeper is a bassinet that attaches to your bed, so your baby can sleep there in the bassinet right by you, but outside the bed. See one here: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401896

A Snuggle Nest-style cosleeper (see one here: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2266116) is cheaper and more portable, and provides a protected space for your baby right next to you. And it's cheaper.

* White noise. Babies like white noise. A humidifer, fan, white noise machine, radio set to static, or even running a vacuum cleaner might help him get to sleep.

* Happiest Baby on the Block is great (Swaddling and white noise are 2 of its tips, the most practical for nighttime use IMO).

Good luck! It's SO HARD in those first couple months, but just hold in there and it will get better. :)

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A.H.

answers from Portland on

I had the same issue with my daughter when she was that age -- she's now 6 months old. I had stopped swaddling her, don't know why but did. Once I started swaddling her again it helped tremendously in getting her to sleep in her bassinet again. Hope this helps.

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T.M.

answers from Eugene on

2 months is pretty young to make him sleep on his own. Give yourself some grace and give him some time. If you don't mind him sleeping with you, sometimes it's the way to go, at least for awhile. Check out www.askdrsears.com for some great alternative sleep ideas. We put our 16 month old down in our bed, then move her to her own bed but she always winds up back in bed with us by 5 am. And that's ok with us. Find what works for your family and go with it! Remember, you've never met a teenager who still sleeps with his parents. Eventually they do sleep in their own bed!

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S.K.

answers from Portland on

my kids would never sleep in their bassinett's either-they could however sleep very well in their car seats swaddled up. some moms don't like the idea, but all three of my kids have spent their first three or so months in the car seat and seem to be fine and healthy. good luck!

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J.W.

answers from Eugene on

Hi T.

I had the same issue with my daughter, who is now 8mn old and sleeps in her own crib. The 1st 3mn she wanted nothing to do with her bassinet or crib. I was given the advice to let her sleep in her car seat. She liked sleeping upright and it kind of puts them in the womb position. I put it next to my bed and bundled her up. They don't like to sleep on their backs at first. She eventually got over it although she still pushes herself up into the corner of the crib in a ball to sleep. Good luck and I hope you get some sleep.

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R.B.

answers from Spokane on

Does your bassinett fit next to your bed? My daughter slept in her bassinett right next to my bed and i could have my hand in it to comfort her and rub her tummy and she could hear me next to her. eventually she slept there without any touch, then i moved it further and further away until it was where i wanted the crib -
and you dont realy need to use a special blanket to swaddle him - just lay a blanket out like a diamond; place him with his head in the top point of the diamond and his feet near the bottom; fold in the bottom point towards his belly; fold left side in over his arm and snug under his back on the other side; take the right point and fit it over his arm and snug under him; he is now "wrapped like a burrito"

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C.G.

answers from Portland on

try reading only the first (possibly the second) of the baby wise books I know many people who hasve used the basic idea as a guide line to sleeping less fussy babies it works well with my two little ones. They both slept with me once in awhile still to often but it was ans now is only when I fall asleep nursing them. If no time to read the basic idea is know your child. Don't feed them everytime the fuss or put them on a ridged scheduale either. Feed atleast 2hrs apart make it a full feeding and then let them play for a while until tired (30 minutes at first) and then put them down for a nap. letting them fuss to sleep. the 2hr interval is now 3-41/2hrs for my 5 month old and he's awake for about 2 hours and sleeps after that with 1 or 2 naps being 1 to 2 hours or more and nights having four to 8 hrs in cradle alone.

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M.D.

answers from Portland on

Have you tried swaddling him before laying him down to sleep? Try to take a blanket that has a bit of your "scent" on it and wrap him up in it like a burrito. Some babies take comfort in being wrapped up...and the smell of you right there will likely help as well. I know people who have kids that would only sleep in their car seat because it made them feel like they were inside of mom again...each child is so different. You might also try creating a little sleep routine with him now...dim the lights, put some soft music on, rock with him a bit before putting him down. This will help him transition to a solid sleep routine once he gets a little older.

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M.S.

answers from Portland on

Try putting him on his side with a blanket rolled up behind him and on infront of him [but low so he won't smother] and wrap him tight. Worked for me sometimes also putting him to sleep on his tummy,then S L O W L Y moving him to the propt up position. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! ;]

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S.M.

answers from Seattle on

if you still have him in the bassinett maybe he needs to be in a crib now, sometimes they need more room, and also they have those bears now that make a heart beat sound like mommy which you could put in the crib with him and that could comfort him. I wish you the best and many blessings with you and your son. may God bless you all

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L.O.

answers from Portland on

My son was the same way. I slept a lot of nights on the couch in a sitting up position. At night, take off the shirt you wore for the day (smells like you) and put it with him the bassinet. Maybe lay him on top of it. That worked for me sometimes. Some people say the baby is so used to hearing your heartbeat while it is inside you, that it becomes a comfort thing. It seems to me I heard a long time ago, there was some device out there that simulated a heart beat. You might check into that as well. But don't worry, eventually he will sleep in his own space with no fuss.

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J.P.

answers from Portland on

I would suggest a snuggle nest. It allows the baby to sleep in the bed with you but protects the child from being smothered or rolling out of bed. I use one still with my five month old.

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A.D.

answers from Portland on

Hi T. s,find a wind up clock with a not to loud tick,place it in his bassinett under the blanket before he goes to sleep, the ticking will sound like your heart beat and he should stay asleep,i had to do this when my son was a baby.it worked like a charm,my doctor suggested it,good luck,hope it works for you two,A.

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A.T.

answers from Portland on

Yes, of course he wants to sleep with you. Please don't be afraid of smothering him. As a mom you will have an instinct & you will wake up instead of rolling over on him. Rest his head on your outstretched arm near your armpit & face him. This way he will not roll over onto his face & it will give you a better awareness even while you sleep of where he is. Also you will help to regulate his breathing this way with your breath. Make sure to have a infant barrier attached to the side of your bed so he doesn't roll out & make sure there are no spaces between the bed and a wall or anything else he could be stuck between. You can get a used side barrier for cheap on craigslist or at the resale baby store on se. Division & 25th. Believe it or not you sill sleep better once you realize he is not in danger & he will let you get more sleep. It's so important for them. If you need, get a co-sleeper to use in bed that prevents them from rolling over onto their stomachs & you from rolling over onto them. Some rules to go by for co-sleeping: don't overheat him & never sleep next to him if you've taken sleeping pills, other medications, or have drank alcohol. Good luck, I know that it's worrisome, I still check my 5 month olds' breathing while we sleep next to each other but we've developed an understanding even in our sleep & I am always aware of him (I used to be the deepest sleeper you've ever known!). I guess it's good to be overprotective but at 2 months, he's telling you he needs to be near you.

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A.K.

answers from Portland on

My first daughter wouldn't sleep in her bassinet either- what a waste of money! She immediately slept in her crib in her room alone. Until she was 18 months then she refused her crib and slept on a mattress on the floor. What we learned is that she didn't like to be confined in small places. The bassinet felt too small to her, when she was bigger the crib was too confining. Anyway, we also rolled up a soft blanket and snuggled it up against her side or around the top of her head (like the car seat head holder). That way she felt like there was someone holding her. You can also sleep with one of his blankets for a night or two then give it to him. It holds your smell and comforts the baby at night when you aren't around. Hope it helps. Its not easy. I have 3 daughters now and the other two used the bassinet, but have always slept in their cribs in their own room at night. Just to have their own space and mine.

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K.F.

answers from Seattle on

once I began to swaddle my son he had no problems sleeping on his own, he was warm and cozy didn't seem to notice he wasnt right next to me. Good Luck

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S.B.

answers from Seattle on

Hey, have you looked into a bedside crib??? You can get them, or if you know someone handy they can build an open crib the same size of your bed. You can find them online (they can get ready expensive, so it is worth looking around for)... but you can get the dimensions and make them the same height as your bed/matrice, and the purchase a foam pad to put inside of it; and it prevents them from rolling off the bed, because they are protected. I have one, and this way; he can sleep with me; and he has more room for his own; and be at an arms length away. I have had both of my two kids using it; and basically sleeping with me; and I have never smothered them. But, a bed side crib is open on one side; closed on three... and a wonderful compromise! They are also knows as co-sleepers. But, if you have anyone handy-- buy the wood, and have them build it. Then later, you can use it as a bench for the child, or a place to store toys. Just an idea. Take care & I hope you can get more sleep :)
http://www.mysimon.com/9000-11027_8-0.html?sdcq=dnatrs-co...

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R.B.

answers from Spokane on

At 2 months old it's a little young for them to "cry it out". Everything that I have read says that you need to wait until they are almost 5 months old to try this method. The book I HIGHLY recommend is the "No Cry Sleep Solution" by Elizabeth Pantley. I tried the cry it out method and I have also tried this method. The no cry sleep solution requires a little more work at first, however, I found it to be a much better solution in the end. The advice about a shirt that smells like you is great advice. The other thing you can do is get a pillowcase that you have been using and slide it over the bassinette mattress like a sheet. That way your baby will smell you. It's just a spin on the t-shirt advice. Car seats work well too.
At this age, your baby will not be sleeping alot. Just do whatever is necessary to get some sleep. Get a sleeping pillow for the baby. It bumpers him so you don't roll on him or he won't roll out. Onestepahead.com sells all sorts of things like that.
Good luck to you.
R.
Mommy to 2

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J.D.

answers from Seattle on

T.,

Infants and sleep are a challenge at times; sometimes it feels like all the time. We have coslept with both of our children (2 and 5). Our 5 year old transitioned to his bed at 2 and our youngest is in the process. Which means he spends about half the night in our bed still.

Being a single mom is a definite challenge in sleeping. Some things we did in order to make cosleeping more comfortable were, putting our bed on the floor, getting a snuggle nest (you could even make one) and sometimes we slept with our oldest on our chest. One thing you might think of doing is asking a friend to come over and watch the baby while you nap for a few hours. It is important that your goal be to get more than 4 hours of sleep for yourself. This is when you start to restore yourself in sleep.

Some things you could do to the bassinet are to put a shirt that smells like you in there with your little one. You could pull the bassinet right next to your bed, like a cosleeper. Then you could put your hand on him in the night.

We were committed to making the cosleeping work in our family (no judgement, just telling you where we were coming from). It made nursing a lot easier for me because I didn't have to get out of bed to nurse them. I don't know if you have looked into any books about sleep but there are some good ones out there to coach you either way.

Good Luck
J.

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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

I haven't read the other posts so this may already have been mentioned....but I would highly recommend the book or DVD "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Karp (and for that matter the toddler book that follows). I found that it worked like some kind of miracle...Swaddle, Swing, Shush, Suck were a mantra around here. My baby girl (now 20 months) would wake up nearly instantly without being swaddled, and having white noise....and you will be shocked at how loud that white noise needs to be for maximum effect! And when the first two failed, pacifier and into the swing were all it took for her to conk out, even once she was diagnosed with GERD....

K.

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C.W.

answers from Seattle on

The best gift you can give your son is a rested and happy Mom. That being said...

I agree that a comfort smell is great. Rubbing a blanket or their sleeper on your neck or even (I know it sounds gross but it works...) your armpits will work. Or you can get some organic lavender spray (just water and essential oil) and spray their bed...very relaxing. I did this with all three of my kids and it was great...made it easy to travel too because pretty much anywhere I spray lavender smells like "home" and makes them sleepy and happy.

Good luck.

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K.M.

answers from Portland on

Go out and buy yourself a copy of "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg. It was a life saver for us and the section on sleeping is really great. She talks a lot about your baby needing to put himself to sleep and it's important that he is awake when you put him in his bassinet. If he falls asleep on you or in your bed and then you move him, he will be confused and disoriented and not know where he is if he wakes during the night. If you put him down awake, if he does wake (before he really needs something) he will put himself back to sleep. We did this for both our son and our daughter. The first night we did it for our son he cried about 2 minutes and fell fast asleep and slept for 5 hours! Our daughter was harder - she had acid reflux so sleeping was a complicated issue for her, but once we got things settled on the reflux part, she cried for almost 2 hours the first night we did it but by the third night she was a much better sleeper and she started napping during the day which was new for her! It's not the Ferber method which is too hardcore for me - especially when they are so little. Read the book and try it, you'll be glad you did. I've also seen some things lately about making sure that baby's room isn't too warm - evidently there may be a link to SIDS in rooms that are too warm (with space heaters, etc). Dress your baby warmly but keep the room on the cool side. Supposedly they sleep better. Good Luck!

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