FTM confused about cosleeping

RoccoStar

Can some of you more knowledgable mamas help me get clear on cosleeping? I always thought cosleeping meant your baby, in your bed, next to you - perhaps sharing a pillow. I've also read this can be dangerous for baby, and I know some are dead set against it. But then . . I went to BRU and saw the Arms Reach Cosleeper. My question is: is using this Arms Reach Cosleeper the same thing as cosleeping? Are there cons to this that I'm not realizing? This feels like a dumb question to ask but I just had to. For bonus points I'd love for someone to also just tell me flat out that the only difference between this Arms Reach Cosleeper and a bassinet is one (kinda pricey) lowered wall. Thanks so much!

ashquack

I am also a FTM and I was all confused about this but co-sleeping is just what above says: baby in bedroom either in arms reach co sleeper attached to bed or bassinet. We are going to put the pack in play in our bedroom while he co-sleeps just in the bassinet part rather than buy an actual bassinet that won't have any use after he outgrows it. Just an idea:) good question!!!!

MrsP419

I considered co-sleeping when they are next to your bed in a co-sleeper or pack and play, and bedsharing when they are in bed with you.  I co-slept with both my kids, but did not intentionally bed share (sometimes I would fall asleep with a baby next to me if side nursing in the middle of the night, so I always made sure to keep pillows and blankets away in case).  I used a used Arm's Reach co-sleeper for the first 2ish months, and switched to the basinet level of a pack and play until about six months, then we transitioned to a crib in their own rooms.  I love having them right next to me!

nunzchucks

My co-sleep definition is the same as @krptcmschfmkr128. I like our Arms Reach Co-Sleeper since it doubles as a pack and play when you no longer want to side car it to the bed.

ncbelle

Co-sleeping definitely just means baby in the same room vs. bed sharing = baby in the bed.  I have a link to safe bed sharing info in my siggy for those considering (although I'd argue everyone should know the rules because you never know!).  

lifeisbetteronthered

With DD we co-slept for the first 6 months with her in a pack&play beside my side of the bed. I kept everything I needed for a diaper change right there too, so I didn't have to get out of bed at all to nurse and change her during the night. I think it saved me nearly an hour of sleep most nights. We plan on repeating it with this baby. I would not bed share.

emandjp

I agree with pp, co-sleeping is in the room, next to your bed. With DD, we used the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper set up as a bassinet next to our bed. She slept there for 6 months and it really worked well for us! The Arm's Reach is also a space saver!

bebemac

Ok, me dumb, remember? :bz

So I would need either a co-sleeper OR a bassinet OR a pack and play. Right?

bebemac

@joules235 Good info - thanks!

Butterfly2022

I see people are mentioning pack n play, bassinet, or co sleeper for co-sleeping. What about a crib in the room? Is this not mentioned because most of you will have a crib in a separate nursery? I am planning on putting the crib in my room for the first few months. Would that be the same thing as cosleeping, with baby in her crib beside me? Sorry if it's a dumb question, but I am FTM here & confused. Thx!

wtfisup

bebemac said:

Ok, me dumb, remember? :bz

So I would need either a co-sleeper OR a bassinet OR a pack and play. Right?

----

We were originally going to do a Moses basket on a stand by the bed, but are opting for a pack n play instead. More utility for longer.

hollygb22

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

Some people differentiate, some people lump it all together. IMO: Co-sleeping = baby in room but not in bed Bed sharing = baby in bed.

This is what I viewed it as We had DD in our room up until 2.5-3 months? It was mostly because it was easier to nurse her during the night. Co sleeping is for some...it wasn't for me. I'm a light sleeper and I was up at every peep she made. I was grateful once she was in her own room. Even though I was still getting up to nurse, the stretches of sleep I had were so much better and more well rested

 

LEO2010

FWIW- Baby Bargains (which I've been reading constantly this weekend since I started my registry) does not recommend a co-sleeper like what you're describing (that actually goes right next to or attaches to the bed) because, in theory, your blankets or pillows could slip off the bed and into the co-sleeper and be harmful to baby.

I want to co-sleep with baby (meaning- in our room NOT in our bed) even though my Mom thinks I'm crazy ("you slept in your nursery from day 1 and you're fine") and originally I planned on a bassinet, but friends talked me out of it because they say its a lot of money and baby grows out of it so fast. So now I registered for a pack and play with a bassinet and baby girl will sleep in that for the first 3-6 months or so. That way its actually something I will use after she is in her nursery. At least that's the plan

chloephoebecali

I loved my arms reach mini co-sleeper. I skipped the bassinet and just did a pnp on my main floor. I liked the mini because it was easier to climb out of bed.

Mztwilson

I'm going to be a mom for the 4th time and this is the first time I've considered co sleeping. Nursing last time was a huge pain having to always her up and go somewhere to feed. Thanks for all the info ladies!

allrightmeow

I have a co-sleeper.  I like it very much.  Bed sharing happened every once in awhile but it wasn't really my thing and we ALL slept better in our own spaces.