what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

Now I never intended to have DS in bed with us, but I've found (in his 5 short days, lol) that he will sleep longer in bed with us as opposed to his bassinet. If I put him in the bassinet he will only sleep for about an hour, maybe two. If he's in bed with us, he'll sleep for a solid 3 hours minimum.
So what do you ladies think about having babies in bed? Obviusly I don't want to start a bad habit, but it's so much easier having him in bed. Not only do I get to sleep longer, but it makes breastfeeding easier too.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

My personal feelings on it. I love it, we sometimes do it when we have no other option - like on vacation....BUT as much as I love it - I know we will both get addicted to it if we start it full time so Talia has never spent a night in our bed (maybe some naps). My only advice to you is be careful - it's harder to get them to sleep soundly as they get older - they get louder, and more demanding so if you do co-sleep - try to break the habit sooner than later.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

My personal feelings are that it can be very dangerous and unsafe for a baby. I also feel FOR ME PERSONALLY, that it is just not healthy for my marriage to have my child in my bed every night.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

Before I had my DD I would have said NEVER but now she is here - 9mths next week and as she has been EBF since birth and is still feeding during the night co sleeping has saved my sanity!!

She sleeps so much better in bed with us and although I get kicked and sat on several times a night, I havent slept on a pillow since she arrived, I dont really sleep all night but at least I am not making a trail in and out to her room several times a night to feed her and comfort her back to sleep.

Its a habit I could do without as it would be nice to just have DH to cuddle to but for now its working.

I have to say though there is nothing better in the word than looking at your sleeping baby right next to you in the middle of the night

xxxxxxx

Message edited 2/9/2007 5:23:33 PM.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

I am a fan

We have been co-sleeping for 3 years.

It is not for everyone but it works for us

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

First of all congratulations on the birth of your son. With regard to co-sleeping, while it is very easy to get used to for the exact reasons you stated, it can be a very difficult habit to break. If this is something you are pretty committed to and believe in than its fine. For me personally, I believe that babies must be trained to sleep and as they get to be older sleep better in their own crib/room. I have seen friends have an incredibly difficult time getting their older babies/toddlers out of their beds and any sleep they gained while their babies were small went out the window later on.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

It's not for us. I just can't fall alseep and this Saturday was the first time we did in 6.5 months and needless to say Luka slept 3 hours and I slept none. I am to nervous that someone will roll on him and I think it is important that he learns how to soothe himself to sleep. Its a personal decision like every other parenting issue and for some families it works and for others it doesnt.

Re: what are you feelings on co-sleeping?

it's too dangerous and makes for bad habits!