Baby Sleeps on Bed

Updated on September 12, 2008
S.C. asks from Sugar Grove, IL
9 answers

Our baby sleeps in bed with us. She is eight weeks old and if you put her in the crib she wakes up right away. Have other moms experienced this? My husband and I both work full time jobs and we both need sleep. In the beginning we would get up early a few times during the night for feedings and diaper changes. Then we just moved her onto the bed and she can sleep 4-5 hours straight. She likes to feel squeezed in between us so I think that's the problem she is having. I put this mini bed where they have velcro pillows on the sides so she doesn't move around a lot, I don't know what it's called, but I haven't tried it on her yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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K.R.

answers from Chicago on

I know it's hard, and honestly I don't have any magic answers for you. I'm also not trying to freak you out, but I noticed alot of responses about swaddling and I agree it is good and babies like it. But please be careful. Don't overheat you little one with too many blankets and don't let there be ANY ANY ANY possiblity of getting tangled or trapped. My two month old son died of SIDS and since I've done a great deal of research on the subject. Overheating with big heavy blankets can be a huge risk factor. Before you decide on anything please read up on the risk factors associated with SIDS and do what is best for your little angel. I'm really sorry if I cause any undue stress or worry, I'm only trying to help. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Chicago on

New borns like to sleep in small spaces because it's very comforting to them. My son slept swaddled in 2 or 3 blankets, then wrapped in another big blanket that went over the top of his head, in the bouncy seat on vibrate for the first 2 months. So it makes sense she doesn't like going from the comfort of your bed to her big bed. It's just too open for her. The sleep positioner is good but it's not really necessary because they can't roll at that age anyway and right now it's more important you can just get her in a way that sooths her (I bought one then returned it, never used it). It may not be in her crib but it may be the bouncy, pack 'n play or car seat. Just try a few things until you find what works and swaddling really is key.

And I completely agree with what someone else said, get her out of your bed now. Many children become attached to sleeping in your bed and won't want to do anything else and then you have a 4 or 5 year old who won't leave. I've read several books on cosleeping and although I agree with the research that's been done on it, I also want a relationship with my husband and a toddler who sleeps in their own room. Bed time with my husband are the few quiet moments we share together everyday and I'm not willing to give them up. But that's just me.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.S.

answers from Chicago on

First of all, get her out of bed now!! If you wait it will be harder! Our daughter, now 5, did not care how or where she slept, but our now 2 yr old son was different. We had to swaddle him with a hooded blanket, lay him in his car seat in the crib, and then place rolled smaller blankets on either side of him and then cover him. All you say of him was his eyes and nose. He did this for about the first 3 mos. and then he just transitioned over time. He still likes a blanket to snuggle in bed even now. She may cry at first, but give it 10 mins. Trust me she will not cry that long. If you do not have a hooded blanket, use a thinner hooded towel. By the way it is not going to hurt them to put them in their infant car seats in their cribs. Just relax the handle. This also works if they have a stuffy nose. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

We bedshare as well and love it. We found that we all get more sleep this way. Babies aren't built to be alone. Do what works for you. We never found the need for gadgets in the bed but in the beginning it made my husband feel calmer to have a baby bumper-- rolled up towel between him and baby.

I would keep diapering supplies at the foot of the bed so I never had to get up at night.

We have also found that bed-sharing made breastfeeding much easier- just roll on your side to nurse-- then everyone can fall back asleep (even while nursing!).

There are a million websites out there on safe bedsharing. Enjoy!! There is nothing more sweet then waking up to your little one's face next to your own.

By the way-- we have 2 children-- so obviously we've had no trouble finding time for just the two of us. LOL. Do not leave an infant to cry it out. It's dangerous. They are communicating their needs not manipulating. You are building trust.

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A.B.

answers from Chicago on

Do you swaddle her?
I swaddled my baby girl til 6 mo of age, and when she was really little, I swaddled her up tightly and put her in a sleep positioner slightly on her side. It worked great. Around 8 weeks I moved her from our room in her bassinette to her crib, but kept up with the swaddling and sleep positioner til she could move out of it.
Good luck!

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

I am right on board with Chanda. Imagine it from your 8 week old's point of view, new to the world (a little scary) and then placed into that cold crib alone! Of course they want to be next to their warm, cozy and secure parents! Both of mine slept in our bed (the baby still does half the night) and we were able to get much more sleep this way and our toddler is an awesome sleeper in his crib now. I say just go with it, try the crib when she is a little older and enjoy her being in bed with you, it's great bonding. You can also try The Baby Sleep Book by Dr. Sears for some suggestions.
Congratulations on your new baby!

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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter was the same way, as soon as you put her down she would wake up. It didn't matter if she was swaddled tight or in her bassinet or on our bed. She is now 5 months. She sleeps with us still but we have been transitioning her to sleep in her own bed. Once she realizes she is down and comfy, she goes back to sleep.

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L.

answers from Chicago on

I know it's very hard but so many accidents happen where the baby is accidentally suffocated sleeping with his/her parents. You are tired and that infant has no defense to a person 10x their size if you or your husband were to unknowingly and of course accidentally roll over onto her. Is that worth uninterrupted sleep?

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with another mom who said read Dr Sears' book.

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