Advice on Co-sleeping - Cary,IL

M., it's great that you want the best for your baby. Our family enjoyed co-sleeping and it worked for us. Here is some information that might help you with your decision:
http://www.naturalchild.org/james_mckenna/

A mother has an ingrained sense of her baby. I would have never rolled over on him...I was aware of where he was at all times, even when asleep.

The AAP only makes those reccomendations, in my opinion, to cover their butts. The only time cosleeping is dangerous is if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or if you pull up the covers too high over your baby. We always used light covers and put him on top of them.

I don't understand what you mean about your bed being too soft.

If you want more info/research, there is TONS of it out there on the internet. You have to make the decision that is best for your baby and best for you. You have to do what you as a mother feel comfortable with.

You can find arguments and research on both sides, but it was best for us. As a working, breastfeeding Mom who needed as much sleep as I could get, and a very hungry little boy, it worked great for us. Plus gave us some time together I would not have had otherwise.

An excellent site for the pro side of the argument http://www.nd.edu/%7Ejmckenn1/lab/faq.html

And remember, in general, doctors know a lot about the health of a baby, but they are not the mother, they don't know your child like you do. They should not dispense parenting advice, and if they do, take it with a grain of salt.

M.,

When we had our first child there was never a doubt about having him in bed with me and my husband. I felt the most comfortable with my son along side of me in my bed. It was cozy and convenient for night time feedings. Again, there was never a question.
We simply covered him up to his chest, arms above the blanket. Nothing heavy, just a thin sheet.

My son was a preemie also-born 4 weeks early. I believe having him in bed and nursing on demand helped him gain weight quickly. I followed the Attachment parenting approach by Dr. Sears and we were all happy. He doubled his birth weight in the first month.

If you are anxious about having your child in the bed with you, you may want to invest in a co sleeper that fits up alongside your bed.

Just do what feels comfortable to you and your husband. Best of luck.

F.

I sleep with a body pillow, and I sprawl all over it, so I was terrified I'd roll over onto the baby. My son wouldn't sleep unless we were close, however, so we eventually got a spare carrier from a thrift store and put it in the middle of the bed with us. It helped keep him in a slightly elevated position too, which seemed to help his tummy (he had lots of gas troubles). We have a king-sized bed, so there was plenty of room to do this. I also had the carrier available during the day if I needed to run to the bathroom - It was a quick, safe spot to pop the baby in so I could have my hands free. I'm using it again with my daughter, as a spot she can sit next to me when I'm at the computer, when she's not breastfeeding or just lounging in my lap.