What are good ways to transfer from co sleeping to their own bed?
My son is almost 7 months old and within the next few months we'd like to begin to try to persuade him to sleep in his own crib, which is in our room. Not because I don't enjoy co sleeping but because it's getting mighty uncomfortable for all of us and with the weather getting hotter, the baby getting bigger it seems that our full size bed isn't very full at all, in fact it's tight and cramped and really really hot for all of us. We use the AC, we use fans in the room and very little bedding however it's just not working and none of us are getting much rest because of this. What are some good ways to transfer him in a nurturing, loving manner to his own crib (it will be right next to our bed at night). I'm not willing to let him CIO so please don't suggest that. Thanks in advance.
2009-03-29T21:02:21Z
Gellar: You my dear are very misinformed, there are plenty of reasons why co sleeping is safe if practiced correctly and how it can actually reduce the risk of SIDS. http://www.babyreference.com/sleepingandSIDS.htm
2009-03-29T21:16:26Z
Shirley: Good ideas and I do feel awful putting him in his own bed, but right now we can't afford a king size bed... unfortunately, I really wish we could!
☺ Jaker Maker ☺2009-03-29T21:09:57Z
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Hi hon! I think the trick is to use the crib. That's it.
Just kidding!
Cuddle Caleb to sleep in a chair, or in your bed as usual. Once he's out (really out, not fake out like they like to do), move him into his crib. One of the things I do is I tuck my housecoat into his crib or cover him with it so he still has my scent (nice scent, not smelly).
Next step? Listen well to his cries. If he cries to eat, feed him. If he cries for a quick snuggle, give him one. If he just moans and groans leave him, and if he has that wimpy, sleepy cry, give him a wiggle while he's still lying down (you can also try a quiet, soft nighttime musical toy for him - we use one and it's great!). Every time he wakes up, handle it. If it happens 10 times - and it will some nights, just meet his needs, and then put him into the crib.
It may take 2 days, it may take 2 weeks, but he will get used to it. BUT - here's the hard part. Once you're committed to making this move, don't bring him back into your bed with you to actually sleep. What that will do is teach him that it's attainable. So, for the next while, it's not attainable for him. And it's imperative that there is consistency with it. Now, this is tricky, because it's sooo much easier to nurse him in bed right? You still can, just put him back in his crib once you're done. Good luck not falling asleep!
Or, you can buy a king-sized bed (always good to have options, eh?!)
I put a link in to the little nighttime toy we use for Jakers - I have to say, it is amazing and much, much better than the Glo-Worm. Our little guy will actually turn it on himself at night now; it is so cute!
I hope this helps hon! Cheers to sleeping more than 4 hours at a time without baby feet in your side (be prepared...you're gonna miss him and want him cuddled up with you...uh oh!).
*Edit Shirley? Who's Shirley? She sounds like a sexy genius! Hardy har!
You know, it's really not bad once you get used to the maternal guilt and missing him. Youch! Really, though, you still snuggle, you nurse, there's still tonnes of love, he's just in his crib for the heavy parts of his sleep. Besides, that way you can wake up to see his bouncing and smiles at the side of the crib - your heart will just melt!
And, once he has it down pat and he's a little older, you can get those little naps with him again!
If you want to put your baby to sleep in 20 seconds you must get the "Instant Baby Sleep" MP3 sound track. Here is their official web-site: http://www.instantbabysleep.net
The sound track gently produces energy over the full human hearing spectrum with an embedded pulse that gently eases the brain to the Alpha state well known for drowsiness and sleep induction.
If you don't already use the crib for naps I would start with that. Once the crib is comfortable for naps you can start to use it at night as well. My son had no problem switching over at all. He sleeps both places just fine although was still waking frequently so I chose to move him back to our bed. I just moved him again to a pack and play in our room at 12 months and still no issues even this late, he has been there for about a month now.
You might try doing it in stages. So move him to an Arms Reach Co-Sleeper if you can (he may be too big for that already, you'll have to check the height and weight limit). Then try moving him to a crib in your room. Then, when your family is ready, move the crib into whatever room is "his" (if you have one).
If he's too big for the Co-Sleeper, just move him directly into a crib in your room. He might not be thrilled right away but you'll be able to help him through it.
Or do what we did and have an unwitting babysitter do it for you! HA! Our friend was taking care of our baby and we came home, looked in the Co-Sleeper, and cried "where's baby??". Our friend looked at us blankly and said "Um, she's in her crib."
And she's been sleeping in her crib ever since.
(But don't ask me how to get her to sleep in a toddler bed! LOL!)
You could try letting him fall asleep in your bed and then moving him into his crib once he is already asleep.
Let him get so tired that when you lay him in his bed he "might" fall right to sleep.
Set a bedtime routine which you probably have already and after shower, massage, and feed read him a bedtime story while he is in his crib. After the story is over give him kisses and get into your bed. See what he does. Good Luck