Okay I know there's a post in here about co-sleeping, but the problem im having is a little too complex for me to post in there and I dont want to steal the thread...so...
My little one is 14 weeks old. From birth to a few weeks old she slept in bassinet (in the hospital and at home). Then I started alternating her between the bassinet and the baby hammock (for those of you who don't know what these are, this is the one I have www.babyhammock.co.nz), as the baby hammock was downstairs in the kitchen and I could get some work done, while the bassinet was in my room.
Then I made the very bad and now regrettable decision to move the hammock into my bedroom as well. I did this because she was sleeping so much better in it that she was in her bassinet (she has reflux, and at this time it was particularly bad, so the hammock soothed her). I did tilt the bassinet but it wasn't the same for her, so I ended up putting her into the hammock more often than not, until the point where I had totally phased out the bassinet (not on purpose, I had no idea this would happen). It was about this time we began co-sleeping at night.
So now I have a 14 week old who needs the feeling of being held to get to sleep. She sleeps great with me in bed, and okay in the hammock...here's my problem. She has outgrown her hammock. Shes way too long for it, her little feet stick out the end...what do I do??? I have a cot (crib) for her, but she won't go to sleep in it because there's no tight feeling around her that she is used to in a hammock, or in my arms. I'm happy with her continuing to co-sleep at night, but what do I do with her during the day? She can sleep in my arms sometimes, but I am getting nothing done at all! She's too nosy to sleep in a sling or a carrypack type thing, she just looks around the whole time and won't sleep.
Someone please help me! I'm sorry this has been such a long post but I really need help, all the doctors and nurses I have asked have told me I should let her CIO but there's NO WAY I'll be doing that, its not an option.
Thanks :)
Will swaddling her work? She seems a little old for that, but it might help her feel like she's wrapped up in your arms.
Maybe you could try one of those baby slings. I know they make them for bigger babies now and you could probably just put her in there and pack her around with you if you wanted. She could sleep in the sling, be close to you, and you would still be able to have your hands free. I dunno how you feel about packing her everywhere, but it was a thought.
My 4 1/2 month old is still swaddled...loves it, I guess it gives him a secure feeling. I didnt start until he was about 2 months, becuase he also had this thing about only sleeping when held. It works well, aslong as i rock him to sleep first......
One thing my LC suggested was putting a mattress on the floor, and lyling with him until he fell asleep...then getting up and moving when he was asleep.
O and about the reflux...does she still have it?? like is it ok to lie her down flat on her back now?
http://www.girl-mom.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11259&highlight=hammock
Check out this previous thread. Maybe you could move up to the amby which can be used through toddlerhood.
I also recommend swaddling. Swaddling can be helpful for up to 6-9 months, when the startle reflex diminishes in most babies. Most parents say "but my baby HATES to be swaddled! She wants her arms free!"
Lemme tell you though, if you persist, you baby will appreciate it. You can leave their legs free and just wrap their arms, which is what really makes the difference. Many babies will fuss as you wrap them up but will soon calm down and enjoy the secure feeling of being snuggled. I promise!
Oh, I forgot to mention..I do swaddle her, she wont sleep at all otherwise. And she wont sleep in a sling, shes too nosy. I dont really mind that she likes to be with me, but she barely sleeps during the day because of it, and Im really worried about her development!
You are worried about her development because she doesn't sleep during the day?
Lilith rarely naps during the day but when she does I just lay with her until she falls asleep and then leave the room once she's down.
You could try putting a warm wheat pack/hot water bottle next to her to make it seem like you are still there and a pillow or whatever just to give her that feeling of being snuggled.
Hey. I had the same problem yet i was trying to get my son to go from the bassinet to the cot. It took a week but this worked yet im just gonna share my story because i feel its convenient. Ok so my son would never sleep when i put him stright into his cot yet hed fall stright to sleep in the bassinet so lucky for me i had a detachable bassinet and i decided id put the bassinet in the cot and id slowly transition him into the cot. I placed him in the bassinet which was placed into the cot for 2 days/nights and then i slowly took things away and then last of all he was left sleeping in the cot and not getting upset. Maybe you could try subsitute something and put your little one in something and slowly transition her into the cot. I no i had alot more luck when my son when straight into a bed at 9 months old.
Oh i forgot to add that i also rock my son to sleep so much quicker doing it that way. My son is going to be 2. I spose if you dont like it you will find an alternitive but i seriously dont mind it. Gives me a work out :D
i co-slept with twins untill i quit breastfeeding at around 13 1/2 months. they had cribs but i would fall asleep with them in my bed and move them later in the night. they would usually wake up and come back to bed with me.
even now at 3 they sometimes come sleep with me in the middle of the night.
i dont see it as a big problem. i love sleeping with my kids. it was probably the only way i got to sleep. i also think of it as a bonding experience. babies just want to be close to their mommies as a comfort thing.
if it is a problem for you, i would suggest letting her fall asleep with you then moving her when she is already asleep. do it slowly and work your way up to her falling asleep on her own. she is still way young