"co-sleeping?"

When people say "co-sleeping" are they referring to the baby sleeping in the bed with the parents, without any barriers or specialty baby equipment? I know they sell "co-sleeping" things where you put the baby between you in bed, but it then has it's own little mattress and these barriers, and there are also "co-sleepers" which actually look like a bassinet that is attached to the bed with one side down. Are all three considered" co-sleepers"? I'm just confused b/c it seems like a lot of things are referred to as co-sleepers/co-sleeping. I know there is controversy about "co-sleeping" but I want to clarify whether that is just when the baby sleeps in the bed without any barriers. Is there any controversy/safety concerns with those bassinet type of co-sleepers that attach under the mattress or the ones that have barriers inside the bed? Sorry if this is a stupid questions, just trying to figure it out. I had a c-section the first time and DD was in a bassinet and it was very difficult for me to reach over the bassinet to nurse her every few hours so I am thinking of alternatives for # 2!

Re: "co-sleeping?"

I believe that "co-sleeping" does entail having DC in bed with you.
However, they do sell "co-sleepers" which allow you to sleep as close to DC as possible without risk of harm.

HTH

By the way...I have a bassinette and wish I would have at least put a co-sleeper on our registry because there are times where I just want DS next to me and I can't risk it.

Re: "co-sleeping?"

Cosleeping is just sleeping next to the baby whether the baby in the bed with you, on a nest on the bed, or in a cosleeper beside the bed. I highly recommend doing cosleeping in any of those ways. I too had a c-section and it was a lifesaver having DS beside me.

We cosleep until he was about 2. :D

Message edited 2/9/2012 11:06:31 PM.

Re: "co-sleeping?"

Re: "co-sleeping?"

I have never heard that about changing diapers.

I know about the 2 hour for feeding rule but not for diapering.

With diapering, just change as needed. I don't remember having to get up in the middle of the night to change diapers for my baby (unless it's a poopy diaper) and I would remember if I had to 'cus I absolutely hate having my sleep interrupting - hence the cosleeping. With cosleeping my job is just to roll over and BF the baby when he wakes up hungry.

If your baby pees alot at night, just slap a larger diaper on him and you're good until morning.

Re: "co-sleeping?"

That was my thought- I had to get up to change the baby anyway so just having him in the room or beside me didn't really make a difference. I BF DS and had him in the nursery from like day 4. I think it helped because it helped me stay awake during the feeding and I would change him before swtiching sides so that he would wake up a bit and take a full feeding, and therefore sleep a longer stretch.

Some moms just bring the baby in bed to BF them but I would fall right asleep doing that and be worried of hurting the baby.

I did however co-nap with DS. I layed him on my chest and wrapped him tight in a blanket which was tucked under my sides. This helps promote milk production. I only did it at night in the very beginning and then he was in his crib.

Re: "co-sleeping?"

we c-slept with DS #1 and I loved it I had a c-section and it was very difficult that was one of the reasons we even did it (plus I had a blood clot in my left leg and was so painful ~ hard for me to walk at times) I will do the same with #2 most likely since I am having a repeat C-section and I will probably get one of those co-sleepers this time.

something like this: (not sure which one yet)
http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Secure-Sleeper-Colors/dp/B00012CHFI