How to safely bed share?

EveryNameIWantIsTaken · April 2012

DD is 4.5 months old, and sleeps well for the most part. She's still up once or twice a night which is no biggie considering ds was up about 5 times a night at that age, so it's manageable. The problem is that after her second waking, if she does wake then, she will only stay asleep if she comes in bed with me. By that time of the morning dh is usually gone at work. Up until 2 weeks ago, she was sleeping in the same room as us. Now, she is in her own room but there is a door connecting our bedrooms and I sleep on the side of the door and am still only 6 feet or so from her so I don't think the distance is an issue since we keep the door open and I can see her while laying down.

What's the safest way to have her in bed. I know no pillows around her, loose blankets, etc. I mostly worry about her rolling off the bed so I find myself sort of sleeping (well, more like semi-sleeping since I worry) on my side cradling her, and I'm not sure if that is safe. I figured you ladies might be able to help me out.

Lyssapee · April 2012

I have her between me and the bedrail.

when she was smaller I always layed on my side facing her with my knees bent so she couldn't skootch down the bed.

I used a light blanket. I took the mattress pad off. I slept with a temperpedic pillow, but kept the bulk of it behind me. We have a wooden head board so I would roll some soft blankets there so she wouldn't hit her head. I also slept lower arm out so I wouldn't roll.

I know it soudns crazy but it works. She still sleeps with us and loves it.

pixieprincss · April 2012

From THE bedsharing expert, Dr. James McKenna: https://cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/

He also has a book out.https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Your-Baby-Parents-Cosleeping/dp/1930775342

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How to safely bed share?

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