We just had our first baby on April 16 and it's been amazing, but she only seems to be able to sleep directly on me or my husband. Every time we move her to her basinet, she becomes inconsolable. I've heard this can be a really bad habit and was wondering how we should break this smoothly!?
You can try swaddling so it gives her the sensation of being held. Also the rock n play worked wonders. It's almost like a hammock so again they feel cradled and are not laying flat on their backs where they are more vulnerable.
You could try warming the bassinet with a heating pad for about 10mins and remove it before laying her down. It will be nice and warm like mommy and daddy
Our rock 'n play gives us hours of extra sleep a night (our girl was born the same day as yours). We swaddle her, hold her until she's on the verge of sleep, then slip her into the rocker. She wakes up once a night, sometimes she sleeps for 6 hours straight. We have been putting her in her crib during nap times, so that she's not completely dependent on the rocker. Might also help to fill a sock with uncooked rice, throw it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm enough, then lay it next to baby to give him/her the feeling of lying with mom & dad. Good luck!
Mine slept on me for the first week as he would wake as soon as he was put down. Then on day 8 I made sure he was well fed, had him on my chest and rocked for about 10-15min then put him in his bassinet on his side (he prefers to sleep this way) and he stayed sleeping for 5 hours. I was so excited. He sleeps a bit longer when in bed with me but I don't sleep as well. Just gotta find what works for your baby
Thanks so much for all the answers! It sounds like baiting with the body and switching to the bassinet is the way to go. Love warming the bassinet with a heating pad.
We will try everything and hopefully make the transition!
Please be careful when heating a crib. It is easy for baby to over heat. You shouldn't leave anything in the crib that is radiating heat. Having it a little warm for LO to make transition is enough.
When baby is lying on you, even though it feels cozy and toasty, the two bodies are constantly responding to each other to regulate temperature.
Perfectly safe has a "crib warmer" that is similar to an emergency blanket, and reflects your own body heat back at you (it doesn't actually warm the crib). Haven't used it, but it seems safer than heating crib.
Thank you for posting this question. Same issue here. Our little boy was born 4/17. Loves our arms. Hates bassinet. I will try warming it a bit tonight, like the other moms mentioned, as well as a swaddle.
Answers
When baby is lying on you, even though it feels cozy and toasty, the two bodies are constantly responding to each other to regulate temperature.
Perfectly safe has a "crib warmer" that is similar to an emergency blanket, and reflects your own body heat back at you (it doesn't actually warm the crib). Haven't used it, but it seems safer than heating crib.