3 Week Old Sleeping with Mommy

Both my boys slept on top of me until they were 3-4 months old. This just made breastfeeding easier and they seemed to sleep much better. I can honestly say that the transition to a crib was pretty easy with both boys. I just resigned myself to a couple of sleepless nights (which never panned out with my 2nd) and stuck to my guns once we decided to make the move. Both my boys (2 1/2 & 3) are wonderful sleepers now with no problems.

Savor this time. They are this little for such a short time. Keep her as close as you can because as soon as she's mobile she won't want mommy holding her all the time.

Good luck!!

P.S. A friend did the same thing with both her boys and even breastfed them to sleep beyond the 3-4 months. They are the same ages as my boys and transitioned wonderfully!!!

Welcome to the world of sleep deprived motherhood. It isn't what we usually expect. Congratulations on beginning your wonderful journey giving your baby breastmilk and all of you. Getting a baby to sleep in thier own bed requires that we help them feel secure as they do when they are next to you. This is all they know and they like to recreate that intrauterine world that kept them snug and protected. Look at Dr Harvey Karp's website www.happiestbaby.com His techniques really work well and he explains why. I teach his course at The Nestingplace in Grapevine. If you are interested I have a class this Saturday (tomorrow) morning and you bring your baby and Husband with you as we practice the techniques. You get the dvd and a white noise cd with the class so when you take it home you can review the techniques.
please feel free to call or email me privately.
K. @ The Nestingplace

As a first time mom, I got so much conflicting advice from what I read and advice I was given. In the end, I learned you have to do what you feel is right for you and your baby no matter what the books say. If your baby and you sleep good this way, don't feel bad-enjoy your sleep!

Before I had my daughter, I researched all the sleeping options - sleeping in a crib vs. a co-sleeper vs. sleeping with me. I decided that her sleeping with me for a little while was the best. She is now almost 10 months old, and night times have been great - I get plenty of sleep, and so does my daughter. My midwife also told me that her sleeping with me is the best for her - it helps with the bonding.

I believe that sleeping chices is a decision for each individual mother.

You are the Mommy, do what feels right for you and your baby! My first son slept in a bassinet next to me just fine. My second son would not sleep anywhere at night unless he was on my chest. I slept with him on top of me in our bed for the first month and a half before transitioning him to the bassinet. They all have different need… have fun… it goes fast!

E.

Both of my boys slept in bed with me until they were sleeping longer through the night. Nursing was just SO much easier when I could lie down and sleep while he nursed. I also really enjoyed my time cuddling with him. It was very easy to then transition them to their crib when they were on a more manageable schedule. I still put my little one in bed with me (he is 8 months old now) if he is sick. He sleeps better and it is easier than getting up 5 or 6 times at night. He always returns to the crib easily afterwards. Do what you have to do at this point to get as much rest as possible. Your baby feeds off of your energy, which means if you are cranky because you have had no sleep, then you can expect baby to also be cranky. Enjoy these snuggly moments with your little one - they grow up fast and then snuggling with Mom isn't in their agenda!

Are you swaddling? If you are not, I would highly recommend that you start swaddling her. Babies feel more comfortable when they are wrapped up tight, it makes them feel like they are back inside Mommy. Everything that I read says you cannot spoil a child at that age so I would not worry about her getting a custom to sleeping with you. Good luck, and maybe try swaddling. It saved my sanity and my life!!

Kathleen,

I recommend letting her sleep with you. You'll get more rest, and she can nurse at night easier. I did that with my daughter. The concern, I know, is that she won't move to her bed. I let my daughter sleep with my husband and I until I stopped nursing with her--at two years old. I remember her first night home... My husband wanted to put her in the crib when she was done nursing. At that age, of course, they are nursing every two to three hours... I said that was fine, as long as he is the one to get up and get her when she cries because she's hungry.

That didn't last more than half that night.

Believe it or not, it will be easier on you for her to sleep with you.

There are so many other benefits for the child nursing than just the health benefits of the milk. See www.askdrsears.com. Being near you is nature's way to help calm the baby and you...

Good luck,
L.

We had a family bed with our first born, and although my husband was unsure about it at first it was the best thing we ever did. Yes, I put her in her crib to sleep, but alot of times she would not sleep unless she was touching me. As a first time mom who had also decided to quit working it was wonderful and tough at time. I slept when she slept and I let her sleep on me, next to me and whatever worked. At the same time I still continued to transfer her to her crib whenever I could and I made a point of swaddeling her and putting her to bed in crib while still awake starting when she was 2 months old. She still ended up in our bed alot, we were okay with that and that is what is important. By 4 months we tried to encourage her to sleep in her bed/crib and she did. We kept a family bed with her until we found out we were pregnant with number 2 and things had to change so that I could get more sleep while pregnant and she did fine with that transition too. I think it is awesome that you are doing it, but what is most important is that it works for you and your husband. When it stops working for both of you is when you need to talk about it. You baby is also so young right now nothing is intentional, it all about basic needs. If she needs to be next to her mama after spending 9 months incubating in comfort I say go for it! Congratulations!

YOu do what you have to do :) Ours slept next to me until about a month ago (13mos old). When he was about 10mo we put a twin mattress in our room and he transitioned to that (i could never put him in the crib bc I nurse to sleep) and then we finally put him in his room (same twin bed with rails that he is used to) and if he cries at night I just go in there and nurse him back to sleep. It has worked out really well. Hang in there. Baby is safe next to mom and its so much easier to respond to them when needed. Despite all the books and info your baby won't sleep with you forever! How many 14,15 yr olds do you know who still sleep with their moms ??

I will be thinking and praying for you!
S.

I know a lot of people successfully co-sleep, but it only takes once for something to happen. There is a family at my church who lost their baby to rolling over on her while they were sleeping. It is certainly possible to have a happy, healthy, comforted baby without co-sleeping. We never co-slept with our daughter. We used the book, Babywise, but actually did not follow their cry it out part, and our daughter was sleeping through the night in her own crib at 8 months. I hope the best for you.

I don't think it's bad to sleep with your baby at all! I actually found around 3 months too I think that my daughter just slept so much better right next to me. I'd cradle her in the crook of my arm/shoulder to make sure her head was always up and so she couldn't roll over, and always had her swaddled also so she wouldn't startle herself awake. In sleeping with her that way, I was ALWAYS well aware of her presence and would wake up regularly to check on her just out of habit. I was really nervous at first though. I don't know how to help on the habit part though...my daughter is 20 months old and still sleeps with me :) It gets more comfortable the longer you do it LOL

Three weeks is really to early to be tryng to sleep through the night. That is if you are considering through the night a 6-8 hour streatch. They still need that extra feeding. As for sleeping in the bed that will probably not cause a problem unless it interfers with you and your husbands time.

I have a 1 month old and I do it too. SO don't feel bad. Plus all the books say you can't spoil a baby under 3 months old. I figure as long as I start transitioning her to the crib by them it will be fine.

STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP!!!

I've had 2 colicy babies, nursed them both, and they both slept in bed with me! And they both transitioned to teir bed just fine before 6 mos. of age- The weaning them to a bedf is prob. harder on you then them.
The first 3-4 mos. are all about survival on your part and the "fourth" tri-mester on your babies part (watch/read 'The Happiest Baby on the BLock' by Dr. Harvy Karp)-you can NOT spoil a newborn!!!!!
In my opinion, co-sleeping is actually the natural way(it was done this way for centuries and has become tabu only with recent generations). It is a fact that rest and mother-baby skin-to-skin contact is the best way to help aid milk production. The key is to "wean" them of this before sleeping beside you becomes expectant, somewhere between 3-4 mos. of age. You will know when she has become mature enough because she will be generally more happy abou life during the day and more confident in herself and sleeping at night!
Remember that a bed is still (the womb is constant movement) and beside you she hears/feels your breathing and bodily functions (stomach noises, etc) as she did (or at least familiar) in the womb. Try to mimic the womb as much as possible if you want her to sleep without you (vibrations, swaddling, sounds, etc)(again, refer to TH HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK). It does really work, even if it is just temporary at first!

And as for the remarks about SIDS, they have proven that beds are unsafe for babies only in certain situations, the major being when parents are not around to be with the child in his/her time of need.
It has actually been proven that when a baby sleeps with a parent (and achohol and drugs are not a factor)in a bed, the risk of SIDS is actually less because the parent is in tune with the babies functions and will awake better if the child is in need. The parent sleeps lighter when a baby is in their bed (unless alchohol or drugs are in play, and even precription drugs or sleep aids count) and even during sleep, is fully aware of the baby and it's sleep situation (says verifiable research). This made me feal better about sleeping with my kids, so don't worry so much about what others say about SIDS. Yes, SIDS scares us all, but you are not putting you child in any further risk for it by sleeping with him/her! I had a major talk about SIDS with my pediatrician about co-sleeping and he backed the data I found as well as told me that the most at risk are (and he stated that they don't know why) 1-Single mothers, 2- Non-white babies (more-so Hispanics and African Americans), 3-Babies of Smokers, 4-premies, 5-other misc. He said they don't know why these seem to raise the risks, but they have been proven time and time again, and see that you are married, so that takes away one factor there!

I'm NOT advocating "SLEEPING WITH YOUR CHILD IS THE BEST THING TO DO", (if there are parents out there that can get their child to sleep at birth in a bassinet or bed, WOW AND CONGRATULATIONS-wish mine would have)but just trying to say it is a fine temporary solution, as long as it is TEMPORARY!!!
Hope this eases your worries some!

Best of luck!
T.

When you are putting baby to bed take off the shirt you have been wearing all day, because it smells like you wrap the baby in the shirt and make sure it is within a distance from nose so she can still smell your scent. That is what we did for 2 of my children. Babies smell there mothers and fathers and when it goes away it makes them uncomfortable. Hope this helps

I have a 9 week old baby, and she slept next to me for the first month or so. If she was extra fussy, I'd have her sleep next to me, too. But, for the past week, she has been sleeping in her crib throughout the night. She still wakes for 1-2 feedings. I must admit, it is hard to leave her there in her crib if she isn't quite asleep, but I know she is better off for it. I wouldn't worry too much about having your baby sleep with you for now, but I would try to have her sleep on her own in a while. I have heard from so many people that it is a real challenge if you wait too long to start having her sleep on her own.

I think it is great! My babies slept with me, and now at 6 and 3 they still wonder in and out of sleeping spells with us. In the beginning it was about breast feeding and me getting enough rest. Now it is about them feeling safe and secure at night. You might want to check out some of Dr. Sears' books. Start with The Baby Book. I know Babies R Us carries it, but you might find it on line or at 1/2 price books. Good Luck and follow your heart for what is best for you and your baby.

Both of my babies have slept with me for an embarassing amount of time. :) My eldest went into her own bed at age three and my 18 month old is still in my bed and nurses through the night. We've got a cosleeper that Meara used when she was smaller and still does occasionally but for the most part stays snuggled up next to me or my husband.

Like so many of the other mommas have said: do what you feel is right for your family. And congratulations on your little blessing!

Kathleen,

With proper care in making your bed safe for your infant to sleep and ensuring she does sleep on her back at this age, you have nothing to be apologetic about.

The reading I've done on this is that there is much more to SIDS than merely sleeping with your infant--in fact, there's much hysteria around it where there need not be. I'm certainly not a doctor or expert but I encourage you to read from those who are--those who are advocates of co-sleeping.

Books or readings I would suggest are anything on Attachment parenting by Dr. Sears. There is also a great co-sleeping nursing pillow called the Peaceful Pea nursing nest. You can read about it in a breastfeeding gear review I wrote for Divinecaroline.com at http://divinecaroline.com/article/22099/31698

I have co-slept with my son since he was 8 wks old. He just turned one year last Wednesday. After a year of co-sleeping I can tell you that my son is the most relaxed, happy, comforted baby knowing he has the security of his mommy by his side all night.

Also, when I was working and pumping at work alongside five other moms, those of us who co-slept were always MUCH more rested than the moms who had to get up, walk down the hall to thier sobbing baby to nurse and then get them back to sleep in their crib. Unless my son is teething, his night waking hardly disturbed my sleep (or his) and we both woke more rested.

Google Dr. Sear's website and look up the info on co-sleeping safety--talks about side rails or something where she won't topple off, ensuring she isn't close to a squishy pillow or comforter or wedged between two twin beds or something...and you aren't medicated or obese--it will give you peace of mind to know HOW to co-sleep safely.

I also spent a year in a mommy n' me breastfeeding support group and can testify, there's is clearly a link in milk supply and co-sleeping. My son has never had formula since he left the hospital (where I regret letting them give him any). I'm probably the oldest mom on here (I gave birth at 44) so it's a wonder my milk isn't dried up and sour! :-)

If you google kangarooing you'll also find some valuable information on the link between close mommy/baby contact and milk supply and the well being of your baby.

In most parts of the world infants co-sleep with their mothers.

I could never let my baby "cry it out" either. It goes against my mothering instincts. My son took many naps in his swing when he was small and eventually learned to nap in his crib or start out the night in his crib before coming to sleep with me.

I say, good for you and your baby! Le Leche league is a good source of local support and information as well. I know in pretty much every area there are weekly or at least monthly meetings.

L. & Ames (napping in mommy's bed right now with gaurdrails up)

It's called family bed. I have raised 4 independant daughters and never owned a crib or bassinet. All of my daughters slept with us until they were 2, then moved to a toddler bed in my room until they were 3. Then moved to their own room. I also breastfed, so if my little one woke up in the night, I rolled over, popped in my breast and we both fell quickly back to sleep. I miss those days of sleeping with my infant. I never had any problem getting them to move to their "big girl bed" in my room and into their own room later. Good luck and my only piece of advise would be trust your gut. NOONE knows your child as well as you do. DO whats best for you and your babay and you can't go wrong. No one needs to know the details of our sleeping arrangments.

There is nothing wrong with letting your child sleep with you - she is 3 months old for crissakes!! Women have been taking care of children for 100s of years and they did not consult an online service to decide whether or no letting your 3 WEEK OLD sleep with you is alright. Sometimes parents let doctors and "studies" get in the way of just straight up regular motherhood. I have a daughter and she did sleep with me. Get the facts on SIDS first

I think co-sleeping is beautiful and beneficial for all... it was our plan to do so with our daughter, unfortunatly she slept better by herself (2hr streaches alone vs 15 min with us... unless I was propped up on the couch like our naps)... except for naps which at 11 1/2 months she still takes on my chest. I cherish those moments and will miss them so much when she wants to nap by herself too. babies are little for so short a time and unless it is causing problems for you, your husband or your child I say sleep togehter as long as you can... don't miss out on this wonderful bonding experience. When she is all grown up I promise you won't say I wish I wouldn't have co-slept... you'll be grateful for all that sweet closeness.

We plan on co-sleeping with our son due in December providing it works for him. Our daughter woke every 2 hours like clockwork to nurse which is totally normal and I wish that she would have slept better next to me... it would have been so much easier for all, but every person is different... even little persons.

If you need a little more room... look into an arms reach co-sleeper that fits along side your bed.

Yep, they cry because they are used to being next to Mommy's smell and warmth in the womb. I read "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg and she teaches you how to teach your baby how to fall asleep by herself. Right now you've taught your daughter that the way to fall asleep is being next to Momma but have hope - there is a better way! Basically you'll put her in bed and when she cries, comfort her by patting her back or "shhh"ing. When she gets to a certain point where it's unbearable you'll pick her up and calm her and put her back as soon as she calms down. Also, you'll get your daughter on a predictable routine of about 2.5-3 hours where you feed her when she wakes up, play for a while, then it's naptime. Babies like to know what's going to happen next so it really helps to make them happier. It took a couple weeks to teach my daughter to calm herself but now (6 months) all we have to do is put her in bed and she puts herself to sleep. Please get this book - it's great, comforting, and sooo helpful. She does not at all advocate the "cry it out" method where you leave the room and let the baby scream. You can buy it pretty cheap on amazon or ebay.

I don't recommend this at all. For the simple fact that 3 of my friends in my SIDS mom group have found that their babies did not die of SIDS, but asphyxiation from their moms rolling on them. I ask what is worse to you? Your baby crying in her bassinet is, in my opinion, the better option. She will get used to it. And down the road, you will be glad you got her started early and it will not be so difficult to trasition her at an older age. But, then again, like me, I followed EVERY risk reduction method that they tell you and my daughter still passed away. I just firmly believe that that is a safer way to sleep, or buy a cosleeper where you can but it right up against the bed so she is still next to you, but not in your bed. I wish I could offer you a better suggestion, but Please, get her out of your bed.

I know you have had several responses, but I was shocked at the number of mom's that think it is okay! I agree with Amanda...GET THE BABY OUT OF YOUR BED! SIDS is real! I have 2 children and one of them had colic in the evening/night...but I NEVER put her in my bed. She cried and cried, it seemed like there was nothing I could do. Letting her sleep with me was just not an option. Don't even let it cross your mind! Sometime I would secure her in her swing and let her sleep there. Also try warm blankets, you can put blankets in the dryer to warm them and then swaddle her after she has eaten, maybe that will work. Please, don't put your baby at risk...I'm sure you wouldn't put her in the car without a carseat for fear of what could happen. You shouldn't put her in your bed for fear of what could happen. Go to www.sids.org, read some stories and advice maybe this will help. Good luck, I know how miserable it is being sleep deprived!:(

Swaddling her very tightly will help her feel more secure alone in bed. I also liked to have their room dark for bed time or nap time. You probably need the sleep now, but in a few weeks you are going to need to be able to get things done while she is sleeping! What fun. Good luck.

There's a DVD called THe Happiest Baby On The Block. We rented it and it talked about swaddling and demonstrated how to do it. We're still swaddling my DD and she's 3 months. She sleeps so much better that way. She still wakes up a couple times a night to eat for a few minutes, but most babies do.

My DD does fuss in the morning and usually quiets right down if I snuggle her in bed next to me for the last couple of hours. I'm fine with that. They grow up so fast I want to enjoy it!

Both of my boys have slept with us. My older one finally went into the crib at 4 months but when he woke in the middle of the night we brought him into bed with us. We weaned him of this recently (he was 2 1/2) because we were having baby boy #2. My 2 1/2 year old went from sleeping in a crib 1/2 the night and with us the other half straight into sleeping in a big boy bed (bunk bed) in his new big boy room with NO problems at all. If a sense of security is instilled and they know you are close by if they need you, they sleep better. The baby (now 4 months) starts out in his crib like my older son did and ends up in our bed. It's too hard to wake up in the wee hours of the night to try and get them back to sleep. If baby sleeps better in your bed next to you then you sleep better too. As far as my husband and I are concerned, it's a win, win situation. As long as you are careful I believe it is very beneficial to your baby's sense of security to be so close to his momma. My husband and I actually like sleeping next to our babies, especially when they start cuddling - there is nothing like it. We figure they will not want to sleep with us when they are 15 so why not relish in the closesness for now. My advice to you is to do what makes both you and baby the happiest and most comfortable regardless of what anyone else tells you to do.

Hang tough Kathleen. You are so right - Children are the most precious gift from God! I have been blessed with three (ages 3, 5 and 15). Trust your instincts as a mother - and rarely will you be wrong. Children who have the love, comfort and positive support of their parents grow to be healthy, independent and confident. Everyone has an opinion - but in the end it is you who will have to decide what is right for your family. All three of my girls slept next to me through the better part of their infancy - and believe it or not...they do eventually make it to being able to sleep by themselves. My three year old still gets up and wants to "snuggle" sometimes in the middle of the night - but before you know it these precious times of dependency will pass - and you will relish in the fact that you nurtured your child to be the best and strongest person she can be. Best of Luck to you and your family.

Hello Kathleen,

I love the name Kathleen! About your question: If you WANT the baby to sleep with you it is perfectly alright, if your husband doesn't mind; I would take his feelings about this into consideration.

If you do NOT want the baby to sleep with you, then put her into the basinett or crib for naps and bedtime when it is time to sleep; it is really VERY simple, really! She is 3 weeks old and you know what is best for her and for your family....she does NOT know what is best for her. I promise if you will just be strong and lay her down, she will put herself to sleep. Pacifiers are a great invention, but, so is thumb or finger sucking; the baby will always be able to find her thumb or fingers and it will make things so much easier for everyone. You are a strong, smart woman and you can do this if you set your mind to it and know the end will justify the means.

The response from Lyndsey S. was the BEST answer in my humble opinion. I had my own liscensed daycare home for over 9 years, raised my own children and have 7 grandchildren with another coming in February. I was a Professional Nanny for about 14 years; the last family was for two Doctors, with the Mom being a fantastic Pediatrician, (she takes care of all of my grandchildren). She followed the exact routine that Lyndsey S. mentioned in her response: sleep, wake, nurse, diaper change, play time, diaper change, bedtime then begin all over again. The Pediatrician's children were the easiest children I've ever taken care of! The children are now ages 10 years, 7 years, 5 years and 2 years; all were raised with the same basic routine. These are happy children that were healthy & happy infants also. These kids are just as loving and cuddly and secure and trusting as any infant that was sleeping with it's parents. I can see many "potential" problems with co-sleeping, especially the safety factor; but, having the infant/child sleeping safely in their own bed, knowing how to comfort and put themselves to sleep from birth is in my opinion the only 100% safe and "best" way to have an "easy" happy and healthy infant/child. With so many hours in the day when your infant is awake and aware of your presence and your attention, there is plenty of time for cuddlying and snuggling, hugging and kissing.

For those that choose to co-sleep, I pray for your child's safety; and I pray for you and your husband's personaly relationship and rest. One of the most important things you can do for your children is give them a happy mommy and daddy that have an amazing love relationship with each other.
================================================================

Here is what Lyndsey S. wrote:
From: Lindsay S Date: Sat. Sep. 01, 2007
Yep, they cry because they are used to being next to Mommy's smell and warmth in the womb. I read "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg and she teaches you how to teach your baby how to fall asleep by herself. Right now you've taught your daughter that the way to fall asleep is being next to Momma but have hope - there is a better way! Basically you'll put her in bed and when she cries, comfort her by patting her back or "shhh"ing. When she gets to a certain point where it's unbearable you'll pick her up and calm her and put her back as soon as she calms down. Also, you'll get your daughter on a predictable routine of about 2.5-3 hours where you feed her when she wakes up, play for a while, then it's naptime. Babies like to know what's going to happen next so it really helps to make them happier. It took a couple weeks to teach my daughter to calm herself but now (6 months) all we have to do is put her in bed and she puts herself to sleep. Please get this book - it's great, comforting, and sooo helpful. She does not at all advocate the "cry it out" method where you leave the room and let the baby scream. You can buy it pretty cheap on amazon or ebay.

O.K. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND! Do yourself a favor and get a Miracle Blanket. IT has saved my husband and I from sleepless nights. www.miracleblanket.com It is the best thing our there for swaddling and I swear it works. It might seem mean to wrap them up tight but it actually soothes them and they are sooo much happier. I wish I had heard about it sooner. The Happiest Baby on the Block is a great book that explains the "WHY" behind swaddling and shows techniques with regular blankets, that's how we started and then I found the Miracle Blanket, It will be the best $30.00 you ever spend!
Take Care,
J.

Do what feels right, as long as your child is safe and healthy! My youngest did not like to sleep by herself at 3 weeks. We swaddled her and made her feel snug, then put her in the wedge that keeps them from rolling over. This seemed to help her feel like someone was holding her more than just the swaddling. I can remember countless nights of her sleeping in her car seat while I laid on the couch rocking it. As soon as I would doze off she would cry because the rocking stopped. It seems neverending, and I know you're exhausted, but it will pass!

I'm pretty much echoing what other mommies are saying. We have co-slept with both of ours and have enjoyed it. Sometimes you just need to do what works for you and your family. I too am a huge Dr. Sears fan-I own 4 of his books :). Enjoy your little one!

I didn't read but a few responses so I'm not sure if I'm saying the same as everyone else. But when I was working - I did the same thing. I needed sleep!! So my oldest slept with us forever. Then when my second son was born - I didn't want to move the oldest on the other side of the house with the baby in my room so it was all 4 of us in the bed! ha ha!! Despite what all the books say the transition to their beds was easy for me. I lay the baby down in my bed with me (or hold him) until he falls asleep (5 minutes) Then lay him in his crib. My oldest same thing but in his bed. Sometimes he asked for Mama's room but same thing....Cuddles and Kisses and in a matter of minutes sleep. There's a lot of family beds out there! So do what's right for your family. It the best advise out there!! Get your sleep and cuddles now! :-)

My baby did not use her crib or bassinet at all. She sleep with me since we got home from the hospital. She is now 6 months old and I start her in the crib then if she wakes up I put her in bed with me to nurse and we go back to sleep. I worried about sids to much to let her sleep by herself, plus with nursing it is to easy to feed lying down. Dr. Sears web site talks about the importants of having your baby close. www.askdrsears.com

Kathleen,

You have gotten some great advice about co-sleeping. Let me just say that I have been through exactly what you are going through. When my daughter was born and came home from the hospital she would not sleep in her basinette. After nursing I laid her down in her basinette and as soon as she hit the mattress she woke up and began to cry. She would only sleep in my arms or on the sofa curled up next to me or in my bed. After several nights of me not getting any sleep at all I brought her to bed with me and nursed her in bed on my side. We both fell asleep after nursing and both slept until the next feeding time and then through the night. It was summer so we only slept with a sheet and although my husband and I were scared of rolling over on her we never did. We did this every night and during the day until she was about 6 weeks. After that time I started her on half breast milk and half Good Start. Since I was going back to work I wanted to wean her from the breast...also because my milk production was not what it should be. After that she slept in a crib without crying. She never did sleep in the basinette...that was a waste of money.